The "Story Behind the Curve" helps us understand why the data on overweight and obesity is the way that it is in our community. When we understand the root causes of our community problems, we have a better chance of finding the right solutions, together. We asked community stakeholders and a planning group of representatives from local gyms, library, hospital, and others to help us understand the story behind overweight and obesity in Macon County. 

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

• Social opportunities in groups and acitivities where an individual(s) can meet like people and develop friendships.
• Encouragement in the community to live a healthy lifestyle; this can also establish an accountability support. 
• Programs around healthy eating and physical acitivty already exist in the community- a few examples are: the Master Gardner Program through NC Cooperative Extension, Diabetes Prevention Program at the health department, and the Silver Striders program at the Senior Center,
• Free activity opportunities such as the greenways, athletic parks, dog park, and hiking trails.
• Groups in the community like the Nantahala Hiking Club and the community garden.
• There is a want for change because individuals are aware that overweight and obesity is a problem.

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

• Everyday routines often negate healthy habits which result in sedentary lifestyles and convenient/ unhealthy food choices.
• Individuals struggle with finding resources with information they need to begin their lifestyle change.
• Individuals have a desire for instant gratifcation and "quick fix" programs.
• There is a cultural association with food in this region- i.e. food is love, a reward, or a thank you.
• Perceptions that healthy choices are expensive, difficult, and unavailable.
• An overwhelming feeling of change in addition to lack of self- confidence often prohibits individuals from making healthy lifestyle choices; starting is the hardest part.
• There is a lack of understanding of the consequences of poor health. 
• Employers do not have a worksite wellness programs.
• Food insecurity; affordability and transportation are some factors. 

Partners in our Community Health Improvement Process: 

• Angel Medical Center
• Franklin Health and Fitness
• Legacy Fitness/ U Turn America
• Macon County Public Health
• Macon County Public Library
• MountainWise
• Nantahala Hiking Club
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension
• WNC Healthy Impact

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

• Businesses
• CareNet
• Child Care Centers
• Churches
• Community Leagues
• Elected Officials and County Leaders
• Farmer's Markets
• Food Banks
• FROGS
• Grocery Stores
• Gyms
• Macon Program for Progress
• Manna Food Bank
• Parks and Recreation
• Primary Care Providers
• Rotary Club
• Schools 
• Senior Center
• Shoe Stores

The following actions have been identified by our task force and community members as ideas for what can work for our community to make a difference on overweight and obesity.

Actions and Approaches Identified by Our Partners These are actions and approaches that our partners think can make a difference on overweight and obesity.

• Build and improve worksite wellness programs throughout the community. 
• Conduct a communty- wide event to promote health. 
• Connect individuals with programs; get the word out.
• Reach individuals on a personal level. 

What is Currently Working in Our Community These are actions and approaches that are currently in place in our community to make a difference on overweight and obesity.

• Diabetes Prevention Program at Macon County Public Health. 
• Angel Medical Center has a Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program to help individuals decrease their risk for heart disease. 
• There are physical activity activities or groups that individuals can join- hiking club, yoga.
• Different types of classes are, like canning 101 and Meds Instead of Meds, are offered through Macon County's NC Cooperative Extension.
• Macon County Public Library offers free resources (activities, books, movies) related to health. 
• There are businesses interested in or that have a worksite wellness program.

Evidence-Based Strategies These are actions and approaches that have been shown to make a difference on overweight and obesity.

What Community Members Most Affected by Overweight and Obesity Say These are the actions and approaches recommended by members of our community who are most affected by overweight and obesity.

• Create opportunities for movement beyond athletics. 
• Offer beginner level activities and groups.
• Have a hub for health information, activities, and events, etc. 

Process for Selecting Priority Strategies

Strategies were selected by considering the feasibility of implementation based on resources availalble and community will. Community needs, such as a starting place, were also weighed in conversations around feasibility. The task force identified that it was important for our strategies to relate to individuals- beginning with building a sense of community. The leverage and impact in which the strategies and actions would have on individuals and families was another consideration. The task force agreed that the goal is to have a significant impact on the community, ideally, with moderate efforts.