PROJECT OVERVIEW & PURPOSE: The Fort Sill Apache Tribe Special Diabetes Program is designated to promote health and wellness education in the prevention of diabetes and to empower clients with diabetes to cope with the complications of the disease while providing support of healthy lifestyle choices. The program focuses on nutritional, diabetic self care and physical fitness services geared for awareness, education, prevention and promotion of self-management behaviors to decrease the risks of diabetes and associated complications. The Special Diabetes Program transports clients to and from the Lawton, Anadarko and Carnegie Indian Health Facilities or any other hospital with a referral from the Indian Health Service contract health office. These services are provided for American Indian/Alaskan Natives within the service area. The Fort Sill Apache Diabetes Program collaborates with the Oklahoma Inter-Tribal Diabetes Coalition, Diabetes Prevention Program - Lawton Service Unit, Diabetes Western Tribes of Oklahoma, and other Community Health Representative Programs in the area with educational classes regarding diabetes prevention.
DEMOGRAPHICS & TARGET POPULATION: According to the Oklahoma Health Improvement Plan (OHIP), Oklahoma's Adult Obesity rate at 32.5% puts Oklahoma at the 7th highest adult obesity rate in the nation. National findings real that significant geographic, income, racial and ethnic disparities persist with similar disparities found in Oklahoma. The factors leading to obesity are complex. Policy, environmental initiatives and having community based events and activities that create incentives to make healthy nutrition choices and physical activity opportunities available will prove most effective in combating obesity. This also pertains to children. Making health a priority for children and adolescents ensures the health of future generations.
OUTCOMES: The need for Nutrition Education is vital to the prevention of obesity both nationally and locally with the Fort Sill Apache Tribe's Community, the education provided will help reduce the risks of developing obesity and its' complications. The education gained in these events and activities will also optimize health and wellness for all persons.