The "Story Behind the Curve" helps to explain why the numbers for obesity are high within our community. When we understand the root causes of our community problems, we have a better chance of finding the right solutions, together.

What's Helping? These are the positive forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• Local food stands
• Chatuge Dam paved walking/ bicycling path
• Quanassee Path for walking/ bicycling
• Sidewalks throughout the town of Hayesville
• County Transportation
• Jack Rabbit trails for mountain bicycling and hiking along with other hiking trails.
• Clay County Recreation Center with reduced prices
• Meals on wheels
• Food pantry
• WIC Program with nutritional education
• Health Fairs
• Recreational sports for kids

What's Hurting? These are the negative forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• Fast food
• Food insecurity
• Poverty
• Tobacco and Alcohol use
• Economy
• Time management
• Rec center gym closes too early
• Lack of structured exercise classes or programs in our community
• Lack of any public Pool within the county, an enclosed/heated community pool would provide exercise for people of all ages during all months of the year.
• Lack of an indoor walking track that could also provide exercise opportunities for people all month.
• No registered dietician is available for consultation within the area
• Cultural background
• Lack of education regarding exercise and nutrition as it relates to unhealthy weights
• Grocery store quality
• Limited access to healthcare options

Partners in our Community Health Improvement Process: 

• Clay County Public Health
• Clay County Senior Center
• Community Paramedic
• Clay County Public Schools
• Clay County Transportation
• Community for Students
• WNC Healthy Impact

Partners with a Role in Helping Our Community Do Better on This Issue:

• Clay County Public Health
• Clay County Senior Center
• Community Paramedic
• Clay County Public Schools
• Clay County Transportation
• Community for Students
• WNC Healthy Impact

Process for Selecting Priority Program/ Strategies

The following actions have been identified by our CHIP team and community members as ideas for what can work for our community to make a difference with nutrition, physical activity, and obesity as it relates to chronic disease.

Actions and Approaches Identified by Our Partners These are actions and approaches that our partners think can make a difference with nutrition, physical activity, and obesity as it relates to chronic disease.

• Education to all individuals
• Worksite Wellness
• Media campaigns
• Conduct a health fair for the community
• Better hours for the Gym
• Offer more exercise classes
• Offer healthy cooking classes
• Offer classes on how to shop healthier

What is Currently Working in Our Community These are actions and approaches that are currently in place in our community to make a difference with nutrition, physical activity, and obesity as it relates to chronic disease.

• Healthy Carolinians Partnership
• WIC Program
• Health Department Primary Care Clinic
• Clay County Parks & Recreation Department
• Local food stands

Evidence-Based Strategies These are actions and approaches that have been shown to make a difference with nutrition, physical activity, and obesity as it relates to chronic disease.

What Community Members Most Affected by Chronic Disease Say These are the actions and approaches recommended by members of our community who are most affected by Chronic Diseases.

• More physical activity classes offered at a convenient time.
• Education on healthier ways to cook
• Accessibility to specialty providers