1
Improving the quality of life for elderly
African Americans and other minorities.
2

• Builds on NCBAs Health Disparities efforts.

3
Purpose of the Project

• Awareness of overweight and obesity problem
• Emphasizes increased physical activity and
  healthy behavior choices
• Correlation with chronic diseases diabetes,
  cardiovascular disease (CVD), and kidney disease

4
Reflects NCBAs Belief

• Sustainable change comes from community-based
  empowerment and local control

5
Faith-based Program

• Mind-body-spirit connection is fundamental to
  the programs appeal and ultimate success

6
Project Outcomes

• Increased knowledge of self-care techniques
• Increased understanding of risks involved in
  overweight and obesity
• Seniors adopt healthy behavior changes

7
1st Year Accomplishments

• Approximately 55 HZ Coalitions members
• Approximately 42 Senior Health Advocates trained
• 10 Healing Circles conducted
• 15 Churches participating
• Approximately 100 seniors actively involved in
  Healing Circles

8
Project Components

• National Partners
• Healing Zone Coalitions
• Participating Churches

• Healing Circles
• Senior Health Advocates
• Seniors

9
National Partners

• GROUP Ministries Baltimore, Inc.
• GROUP Ministries, Inc. Buffalo
• Central MS PDD/AAA

• Detroit Area Agency on Aging
• The Bowie State Univ. Maryland Center Prince
  Georges County
• Senior Connections/
• The Capital Area Agency on Aging - Richmond

10
Current Project Sites

• Baltimore, MD
• Buffalo, NY
• Detroit, MI
• Hinds County, MS
• Prince Georges County, MD
• Richmond, VA

11
Healing Circles
Definition

• A group of like-minded individuals who pray
  together to give or receive healing and comfort
  at a specific time each day
• An ancient form of prayer and connection that
  uses the power and energy of a circle

12
Circle Topic Examples

• Exercise
• Stretching
• Light Yoga
• Tai chi
• Cooking demonstration

• Journaling
• Recipe planning
• Reading labels

13
Lessons Learned

• Understand the seriousness of the overweight and
  obesity problem in our communities.
• Recognize the risks of chronic diseases.
• Gained experience interacting with churches
  around a health-related problem.
• Aware of effective ways to talk with seniors
  about obesity.

14
Improving the quality of life for elderly
African Americans and other minorities.