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Active Living Program News

Greater Detroit Area Health Council

Hoping to reverse the trend of physical inactivity and obesity that has put Detroit on the list of the 10 fattest cities in the United States, Detroit leaders are helping people find ways to be more active. The Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC) serves as a medium for bringing together business leaders, health care providers, government agencies, and individuals to tackle pressing health care issues. They are part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-funded Active for Life grant that uses Active Living Every Day with older adults. And they are seeing great progress toward their goal of improving health in Detroit.

Karen Calhoun, program director for the Active for Life program and vice president of community health for GDAHC, credits the user-friendliness of the material and opportunities for sharing in group discussions as keys to the success of Active Living Every Day. The program “...uses a commonsense approach to teach behavior practices that work. Individuals come to terms with their poor health behaviors and denial that they need to change, and they realize the importance of accepting responsibility for their health and wellness.”

GDAHC partners with New Calvary Baptist Church, Virginia Park Citizens Service Corporation, Cass Community Social Services, and the Northwest Neighborhood Health Empowerment Center to offer Active Living Every Day classes. Participants are residents of the city of Detroit, ages 50 or older, who live within economically disadvantaged communities. Many do not have much support outside community-based providers, where they receive meals, recreation, and health services.

Karen says that the opportunity for fellowship is instrumental in helping people change their behaviors. Participants build relationships and find support from other people in their classes, and they form strong bonds with their facilitators. Knowing that they will meet each week to discuss progress and challenges creates accountability and a commitment to attend every week and increase their physical activity as much as they are able.

Karen shared some success stories with us about the changes some of their participants have seen after taking the Active Living Every Day class in Detroit.

• Mrs. Warren, 70 years old, has reduced her medications for high blood pressure and has set a goal of taking no medication within one year. Now that she’s active, she reports that her arthritis pain has disappeared. Mrs. Warren says the benefits of active living for her include increased confidence and self-esteem and a new way of life.
• Mrs. Moore, 66 years old, had a stroke and used a wheelchair before joining the Active Living Every Day class. By increasing her level of physical activity, she progressed to a walker and then a four-prong cane. She no longer has a need for rehabilitation services. She appreciated the camaraderie and support she received from fellow participants in the class, and she found the group to be very effective for her.

By continuing to work with community and business partners, the Greater Detroit Area Health Council is well positioned to provide Active Living Every Day and other successful health initiatives in coming years. Karen says, “The national stature of the Active for Life project is respected among our membership, and participating in this clinical trial has afforded us a unique opportunity to encourage community-wide implementation among community partners.” For more information about GDAHC programs, visit the Community Health area of their Web site at www.gdahc.org or call 313-963-4990.