Community Assessment Project: Battling Obesity in Kendall - Essay Example

Battling Obesity in Kendall Affiliation Introduction Kendall is a community situated in Miami-Dade County, Florida. According to the 2010 U.S. census data, the overall population of the region was 75,371. The U.S. Census Bureau has labeled the community’s boundaries as Kendall. However, the local people in the region incorporate western communities including Kendall West, Country Walk, Three Lakes, The Hammocks, Kendall Lakes, The Crossings, and Kendall’s subdivisions. According to the census data, Kendall, as well as its neighboring societies, approximately 11,000 Colombian Americans reside in the region. These considered the leading populations in the U.S. In addition, Kendall region occupies an estimated total area of 42.3 square kilometers. Its water occupies 1.35 percent of the region while the rest of the region is dry land (Government Recovery, 2014). This paper will undertake a community assessment for Kendall, which will help devise strategies for combating the prevalence of obesity in the region. Discussion Community Demographics Considerations Research reveals that in 2010, approximately 31,899 households were prevalent in Kendall community. Of these, 8.7 percent were uninhabited. In 2000, children below 18 years inhabited around 33.4 percent of the households in Kendall. Around 51 percent of the households comprised of married couples who lived together, while 13.8 percent comprised of an unmarried female (CDC, 2014). Moreover, about 31 percent were not family members. Individuals inhabited about 24.4 percent of the homes whereas 7.3 percent had individuals older than 65 years living alone. The average size of a home was 2.61 while the approximate size of a family was 3.14 (Government Recovery, 2014). The historical population growth for Kendall based on census year is as follows: 1970 (35,497), 1980 (73,758), 1990 (87,271), 2000 (75,226), and 2010 (75,371). In this case, it is true that since 1990, the population for Kendall declined and then remained static between 2000 and 2010 (Frorida Demographics, 2014). In this case, it is true that prevalence of obesity in the region could be one of the contributing factors for deteriorating population growth, as it is one of the major cause of death and disability. In 2000, the inhabitants of Kendall were widely spread out. Individuals aged between 18 and 24 years accounted for 23.3 percent, 24 and 44 years (31.8 percent), 44 and 64 years (24.9 percent, and 61 years and above (11.5 percent). The median age in the community was 37 years. Moreover, for about 100 females, the number of males was 88.5. Furthermore, in the case of 100 females aged 18 years and above, the number of males was 83.4. In the same year, the median income that a household earned annually was approximately $51,330 while that of a family was around $61,241. The median income for males was around $42,875 and for females was about $31,416 (Frorida Demographics, 2014). In addition, the per capita income in the region was approximately $27,914. Furthermore, around 8.6 percent of the population and 5.7 percent of households lived below poverty level. 10.9 percent of these individuals were older than 65 years while 8 percent were below 18 years (CDC, 2014). In 2000, 52.46 percent of the residents spoke Spanish while 40.38 percent spoke English. Those who spoke Portuguese accounted for 1.49 percent while those speaking French were 1.12 percent. The rest 0.95 percent of the population spoke French Creole. In addition, about 21 percent of U.S. Cuban populaces resided in Kendall while Colombian populaces accounted for 25 percent of U.S. residents (CDC, 2014). Moreover, the city has an enormous French society. As such, Kendall holds the Miami French American School, which is the only school meant for Americans and the French in southern U.S. (Cook & Kohl, 2013). Identification of Obesity as a High-Priority Issue based on Data Analysis The surrounding environment in which individuals reside affects both their physical activity and health. Workplaces, homes, and communities can all affect the health of an individual. Based on this influence, it is vital to create societies that can help individuals to participate in physical activities effectively and eat healthy diets. In Kendall, a community situated in Miami-Dade County, the residents experience the benefit of a warm weather throughout the year (Cook & Kohl, 2013). This has a positive influence on health, but the heat witnessed in fall months and summer interferes with a broad range of outside activities. In addition, research reveals that walkable communities are capable of boosting the health of an individual since they offer aesthetic, shady, and safe transportation modes. Data for Kendall community residents reveals that a number of health issues prevail, especially in the case of physical activity and weight (Healthy People, 2014). Obesity and overweight reveal weight ranges are regarded as greater compared to what is considered as healthy based on the weight of an individual. These ranges of weight also increase chances for acquiring certain health problems and illnesses. In Kendall, the members of the community are working together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help address the issue of obesity in the region (Healthy People, 2014). This is because it is regarded as one of the major cause of death as well as disability in the community. Kendall community, which is home to around 75,000 residents, is committed to addressing the prevalence of obesity in the entire region. Research shows that the prevalence of obesity as well as overweight adult individuals accounts for about 67.4 percent. Out of the 13 percent of high school students who are obese, only 12 percent of them attend physical education on a daily basis. This rate is lower compared to the set community rate of 44 percent. In addition, physical inactivity and poor diet makes a significant contribution to the prevalence of obesity in Kendall. Furthermore, approximately 22.1 percent of Kendal residents observe the guidelines set by the Federal government for consuming vegetables and fruits (CDC, 2014). In the case of Kendall community, the rate of obesity is generalized in the Miami-Dade County, Florida data. For instance, table 1 below shows the percentage of individuals who are obese and overweight in Miami-Dade Country and Florida State in 2007. The results from the county are somewhat higher in all classifications. Table 2 analyzes the nutrition and physical activity of the community. The level of activity in the county is higher compared to one of the state. As such, it is true that the level of activity in Kendall community is also high. For instance, approximately 29.9 percent of the county’s population attaints the recommended level of activity. These two conditions have negative influence on the health of the residents. Table 1 Overweight and Obesity 2007 County State Obese adults 26.0 percent 24.1 percent Overweight adults 38.9 percent 38.0 percent Obese or overweight adults 64.9 percent 62.1 percent Soure: (Miami Dade Government, 2009) Figure 1 Source: Author From table 1, it is true that the rate of obesity is high in Kendall since it is one of the constituent communities of Miami-Dade County. As such, it is crucial to address this prevalence rate. as it has significant impact on the health wellbeing of the members of the community, and the county in general. Table 2 Physical Activity and Nutrition in 2007 County State Inactive at work adults 67.3 percent 34.5 percent Sedentary adults 35.4 percent 25.4 percent Adults consuming five of more fruits and vegetable servings daily 23.1 percent 26.2 percent Adults consuming three or more vegetable servings daily 24.3 percent 29.1 percent Adults consuming two or more fruit servings daily 37.9 percent 36.2 percent Adults meeting moderate recommendations for physical activity 29.2 percent 34.6 percent Adults meeting vigorous physical activity recommendations 23.7 percent 26.0 percent Source: (Miami-Dade Government, 2009) Figure 2 Source: Author From table 2, it is true that most of the adults are inactive constituting to high prevalence of obesity and overweight in Kendall, which is a constituent community of Miami-Dade County. As such, it is true that various intervention strategies should be imposed to encourage adults to participate in physical activity and eat proper diets to help address the issue of obesity in the community. Project Development It is not possible for individuals to live healthy lives in the absence of healthy food options. With the support of CPPW (Communities Putting Prevention to Work), which has been facilitated by the Miami-Dade County government, Kendall has managed to implement various changes in the community to improve the health of its residents (Healthy People, 2014). To bring down the prevalence of obesity in Kendall, staff members have been trained to operate in various childcare centers. The purpose of this initiative is to offer physical activity, nutrition, and screening programs. Childcare centers have been encouraged to revise food menus to provide healthier options. Moreover, the government has introduced bicycle tracks in the entire region and supported parks and recreation facilities in major streets. These initiatives are aimed at providing a safe environment for all users including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders (Cook & Kohl, 2013). Furthermore, additional public elementary schools have been introduced to facilitate in sports, play, and other recreation activities. In this case, it is true that the government is showing significant effort towards eradicating the prevalence of diabetes in Kendall and its surrounding communities. However, most residents in the region are not utilizing these services appropriately leading to widespread prevalence of diabetes in Kendall. As such, a project should be developed to help address the prevalence of obesity in Kendall effectively (Government Recovery, 2014). In this case, the project will dwell on Healthy People 2020 initiative to help address the issue of Obesity. It will target physical activity, nutrition, and obesity in all aspects of life, including children and adults (Healthy People, 2014). Goal One: Strengthen a Consortium in Kendall for healthier leadership. In this case, community leaders will be increased to help support policies based on evidence to help increase physical activity and healthy eating in Kendall community through establishment of team leadership. The elected leaders will oversee strategic measures and enact policies that will increase physical activity and healthy eating in Kendall (Cook & Kohl, 2013). Goal Two: Use of mass media campaigns to raise awareness about need of increasing physical activity and eating healthy food to promote consumption of healthy drinks and food choices. In this case, the mass media campaign will be based on principles of social marketing, which promote physical activity and healthy foods and drinks among residents of Kendall. The social and mass media marketing campaign will help to minimize obesity and subjective beliefs, norms, and self-efficacy. This initiative will also help boost control of unhealthy choices among residents of Kendall. By March 2015, about 40 percent of the individuals exposed to the messages will manage to choose healthier foods that are reasonably prices and adopt healthier lifestyles by participating in various forms of physical activities (Cook & Kohl, 2013). Goal Three: Increase access to as well as promote healthy foods and beverages consumption and minimize availability of calorie dense and nutrient poor foods among children aged between two and five years. Physical activity will also be encouraged through policy adoption in childcare centers across Kendall community. In this case, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) will license childcare centers and family programs that follow policies related to nutrition. These policies will have been introduced by March 2015to enact nutrition standards that childcare centers should follow in Kendall. In this case, low or fat free milk for children above two years and whole vegetables and fruits will be provided five days a week during breakfast and snack time (Government Recovery, 2014). Goal Four: Increase access and knowledge to nutritious and healthy beverage and food choices. Here, the needed resources will be invested to improve access and availability of nutritious meals in public schools. It will target Pre K-12th grade students to represent public schools in Kendall. In this case, SWAC (School Wellness Advisory Committee) will require schools to revise their wellness policy pertaining to nutrition standards for beverages and foods, in accordance with IOM requirements (Government Recovery, 2014). Goal Five: Increase as well as encourage diverse opportunities to participate in physical activities by adopting environment, policy and system changes in Kendall public schools. This initiative will help increase the number of high school students who participate in physical activities by utilizing policies based on existing evidence. This will help to increase knowledge about physical education among students when the elective physical education course is approved by March 2015 (Healthy People, 2014). Goal Six: Improve the ways in which the residents of Kendall community gain access to healthy foods, particularly in those areas that are underserved and among high-risk individuals. Efforts will be promoted to facilitate in the provision of vegetables and fruits via farmer’s markets. This practice will help enhance as well as improve availability and accessibility to healthy foods via farmer’s markets, direct marketing initiatives, and community gardens (CDC, 2014). By March 2015, more than two sites will be identified based on high-risk population and impact towards individuals. National Legislation Affecting Obesity The public health law has significant influence on the way in which obesity should be prevented and controlled. According to this law, public health practitioners and policymakers should understand the best practices to implement when dealing with obesity cases. They should also be competent while using laws as well as legal authorities that can reverse prevalence of obesity (Cook & Kohl, 2013). In the case of Kendall community, it should implement regulations and statutes in the local, state, and federal government levels to help encourage individuals to participate in physical activities, access nutritious foods, as well as educate clients on various ways in which they can adopt healthy lifestyles. References CDC. (2014). Community Profile: Miami-Dade County, Florida. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dch/programs/CommunitiesPuttingPreventiontoWork/communities/profiles/obesity-fl_miami-dade-county.htm Cook, H. D., & Kohl, H. W. (2013). Educating the Student Body:: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School. Washington D.C.: National Academies Press. Frorida Demographics. (2014). The Most Current, Easy-To-Consume Kendall Demographics. Retrieved from http://www.florida-demographics.com/kendall-demographics Government Recovery. (2014). Communities Putting Prevention to Work . Retrieved from http://www.miamidadematters.org/javascript/htmleditor/uploads/CAP_Summary.pdf Healthy People. (2014). Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Across the Life Stages. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/leading-health-indicators/2020-lhi-topics/Nutrition-Physical-Activity-and-Obesity/determinants Miami-Dade Government. (2009). Health. Retrieved from http://www.miamidade.gov/greenprint/planning/library/milestone_one/health.pdf Read More