Obesity Prevention, Physical Activity, and Nutrition and the related result, Jackson County Residents are at a Healthy Weight, are aligned with the following Healthy NC 2020 Focus Areas/ Objectives. 

• Physical Activity and Nutrition
  • Increase the percentage of high school students who are neither overweight nor obese
  • Increase the percentage of adults meeting the CDC Aerobic Recommendations
  • Increase the percentage of adults consuming fruits one or more times per day
  • Increase the percentage of adults consuming vegetables one or more times per day
• Chronic Disease
  • Decrease the percentage of adults with diabetes
• Cross-Cutting
  • Increase the percentage of adults who are neither overweight nor obese

How would we experience Jackson County Residents at a Healthy Weight?

According to the Healthy for Life Action Team, if this were true then we would see people being active in the community and walking their dogs, and parks would be full.  We would hear healthier discussion amongst people, encouragement between one another, laughter, and the noise of shoes and bikes on pavement.  We would also see healthier menu options in the community and people would be healthier (sick less often, less chronic disease).  Community members would feel less stressed, more motivated and happy, and have more fun. 

What information led to the selection of this health issue and related result?

Healthy eating and physical activity originally emerged as health priorities during the 2011 Community Health Assessment. While much community effort has occurred to combat these issues, there is still much to be done. Jackson County has continued to have high numbers of residents who are practicing unhealthy eating habits and living sedentary lifestyles. In addition, overweight/obesity rates are climbing. During the 2018 Community Health Assessment prioritization process, many community members voted for the following identified health issues:

• Obesity
• Physical activity
• Childhood obesity, ages 5-11

Obesity prevention is important to our community because it greatly effects our community members lives by leading to chronic disease and the overall burden it places on your lifestyle.  We envision a Jackson County where community members are able to feel their very best. 

In addition to our CHIP strategies, the following progress was made in 2019:

• Planning for a community-wide wellness program
• Physical Activity event planning
• Progress made on breastfeeding-friendly project
• Wrapped up the successful 2019 Diabetes Prevention Program
• Kicked-off the Wild Child Crew youth nature club
• Hosted a successful Healthy Living Festival
• Hosted a successful Healthy Snack Masters Competition
• Promoted the Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less Holiday Challenge and saw increase in numbers