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Volume 1:
No. 2, April 2004
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
ORIGINAL RESEARCH: FEATURED
ABSTRACT FROM THE 18TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CHRONIC DISEASE
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Policy and Environmental
Change Strategies to Reduce Obesity: Action Packets
L Kaley, D Wigand, K Whalen, A Root
Suggested citation for this article: Kaley L,
Wigand D, Whalen K, Root A. Policy and environmental change strategies to
reduce obesity: action packets [abstract]. Prev Chronic Dis [serial online]
2004 Apr [date cited]. Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2004/
apr/03_0034k.htm.
PEER REVIEWED
Action packets were developed to help communities, schools, and work
sites in Maine develop policies and produce changes in the environment that would lead to
improved nutrition and increased physical activity.
The Maine Cardiovascular Health Program and the Maine Nutrition Network
collaborated to develop policy and environmental change strategies with a
focus on increasing physical activity and improving nutrition.
Evidence-based findings and the social/ecological model were used in
determining strategies. Strategies were presented to state- and
community-level stakeholders. Action packets are being used to implement
strategies.
A concept and framework development team, action packet workgroups, and
potential users collaborated to produce action packets. Two action packets
are Promote Trail Development and Use of Safe Community Routes for Walking
and Biking and Develop Policies that Support Healthy Eating at Group
Events. Two additional action packets in production are Enhance Access to
Places for Physical Activity and Develop Policies that Support Health
Options in Vending Machines. Action packets include case studies,
action steps (including outcome evaluation), advocacy materials, Web
resources, and references.
Regional action packet educational sessions were provided. An educational
session evaluation
report indicated that a majority of participants would incorporate
strategies into their action plans. Hard copies of action packets have been
distributed and are also available on-line. Ongoing process
evaluation is being completed.
Policy and environmental change initiatives consume resources. Providing
groups in multiple settings with needed resources in the form of action
packets supports implementation of initiatives that address risk factors for
obesity and other chronic diseases.
Corresponding Author: Lori Kaley, MS, MSB, RD, LD, Coordinator, Community
Health Initiatives, University of Southern Maine, Edmund S. Muskie School of
Public Service, Institute for Public Sector Innovation, 295 Water St,
Augusta, ME 04330. Telephone: 207-626-5258. E-mail: lori.kaley@maine.gov.
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