Written by Nancy Mears, Sussex County Extension Agent – Health & Well-being, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Chronic diseases dominate US healthcare costs, especially in Delaware, where the aging population and high obesity rates exacerbate the issue.
- Nationally, 1 in 5 people live in a rural community, where there are more significant health disparities as compared to those living in urban areas.
- Poor health places a strain on the nation’s resources. Higher healthcare costs, lost workforce productivity and increased attrition rates in the military are all effects of poor health.
- Delaware’s 65+ population is projected to grow by 65% from 2015 to 2050.
- From 2016-2023, chronic diseases cost the State of Delaware $135 billion.
According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS), over 71% of Delaware adults fall into the “obese” and “overweight” categories of the Body Mass Index. In addition, Delaware adults reported several chronic disease risk factors including high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, and depression.
Less than a quarter of Delaware adults report participation in enough aerobic and muscle strengthening exercise to meet the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Investing in community health
Health promotion and disease prevention initiatives aren’t free, but they are less expensive than chronic disease treatments.
UD Cooperative Extension in UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is making healthy behavior changes possible to Delawareans by participating in a nationwide network of colleges and universities providing evidence-based programs to improve health and well-being.
The Healthy Hunger Free Kid’s Act of 2010 expanded the scope of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP-Ed)—the main funder of UD Cooperative Extension’s adult physical activity initiative—beyond nutrition to include physical activity and obesity prevention efforts.
The SNAP-Ed expansion is a move toward a more comprehensive public health approach to health promotion and disease prevention.
Locally, staff members at UD Cooperative Extension collaborate with volunteers, healthcare systems, local health coalitions, local, state and federal agencies, and other UD colleges to engage funders and community partners to address chronic disease.
Mini grants from the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention (PANO) Advancing Healthy Lifestyles initiative and the Sussex County Health Coalition’s Let’s Get Healthy Sussex initiative have been instrumental in patching the financial gaps to make physical activity opportunities affordable and accessible statewide.
In-kind donations from parks and recreation departments and Delaware libraries provide advertising, parking and space to conduct programming.
UD Cooperative Extension expands outreach by working closely with volunteers and UD students.
Master Wellness Volunteers (MWVs) are dedicated community members who have successfully completed training to lead community health programs. Many MWVs volunteer to lead walk clubs as part of their commitment to personal health goals, while also contributing to the well-being of their local communities.
Valerie Simmet, a graduate student in the UD College of Health Sciences master of Health Promotion and Health Coaching program, is interning with UD Cooperative Extension this spring.
“What has stood out the most is seeing firsthand how much of a difference this work can make in people’s lives,” said Simmet. “It’s been incredibly fulfilling to know I’m helping make behavior change more achievable and realistic across the community, and this experience has reinforced that community health efforts are most impactful when they start by understanding and supporting the individuals they aim to serve. That’s where the real change begins.”
Creating personal health accountability
Studies have shown that being physically active is vital at every stage of life for promoting health or managing disease and is linked to improved mental health, stress resilience and overall well-being.
Creating and maintaining an active lifestyle provides a multitude of health benefits, many of which become noticeable shortly after beginning a routine.
For adults, at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous or activity—working hard enough to be “breathless”—is recommended. That should include two to three days of muscle strengthening exercise—walking, running, strength training, swimming, gardening, yoga, pickleball or other enjoyable sports or activities. For those 60 years old and over, activities that focus on balance should also be incorporated.
“Before joining the University of Delaware Walk With Ease Program, I was leading a very sedentary lifestyle,” said Seaford resident Speight. “Rarely did I do any exercise except for going to the store. Since joining the program, it has inspired me to be more active and [move] around my house. I’m more conscious that I must have an active lifestyle to maintain good health.”
Transitioning to an active lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some ideas you can use to start moving more today:
- Take a few laps around the store or parking lot before starting your shopping.
- If you have an hour-long lunch break, use 30 minutes to walk or participate in a free online fitness class.
- Need extra accountability that is fun and free? Join a UD Cooperative Extension walk club!
For more information, please visit Cooperative Extension’s Physical Activity page or contact Nancy Mears at mears@udel.edu or 302-831-3284.
Always consult your healthcare team before starting a physical activity program.
UD Cooperative Extension in UD’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources helps fulfill the University’s land grant mission.