The Bridge to Better Health

Abstract

Nutrition education is important for all individuals but most people do not have this knowledge. The lack of nutritional knowledge is a growing problem that contributes to the growth of obesity in Dekalb county. In Dekalb county, approximately 30% of adults and 13% of high school students are obese. Even more people in Dekalb county (73.4% of adults and 79% of youth) do not consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables per day(CDC, 2013). Objectives: Increasing knowledge of healthy foods Increasing understanding of nutritional value Ability to participate in healthier eating habits Increasing community support for a healthier well-being Identifying barriers to healthy eating Methods: Mercer University College of Health Professions, Department of Public Health, and the professional program in Physician Assistant Studies program partnered with the Bridge at Austin Community Center's leaders, Dr. Stephanie May and Ms. Bernita Reese. Interactive and educational sessions are held online using Zoom. They are open to both males and females of all ages in Dekalb county. Participants filled out a registration form which included information on their name, children�s names, phone number, address, email, race/ethnicity, ages of household members, and what they are looking to learn from the sessions. This intervention is still currently in progress. The goal of the intervention was to help improve health and wellness for participants.