Building State Capacity to Deliver Evidence-Based Programs
Submission Date: December 2009
State/Territory Submitted on the Behalf of: New Mexico
States/Territories Involved: New Mexico
Public Health Issue:- Osteoporosis causes bones to become porous and increases the likelihood of a costly and disabling fracture.
- By the year 2020 half of Americans over fifty will have weak bones unless they make changes in diet and lifestyle.
- Getting weight-bearing physical activity and an adequate amount of important nutrients such as calcium and Vitamin D are positive factors for preventing and managing osteoporosis.
- Under a contract agreement between the New Mexico Department of Health and New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Office made possible by the State General Fund, twenty-four instructors were trained to deliver the StrongWomen program.
- Training was also provided to four community members who will partner with trained Extension staff.
- StrongWomen applies research on the benefits of strength training for midlife and older women to a community-based program using a supportive approach to help women make lifestyle changes in exercise and eating habits.
- The StrongWomen program uses trained instructors to help women strengthen muscles, increase bone density, and improve balance and incorporates education on the importance of eating bone-building foods.
- Eighty-seven women registered for three courses in Roswell and Los Alamos now have the opportunity to learn the important steps for prevening osteoporosis and disabling fractures.
- Program expansion will increase the number of counties with active programs to ten throughout the state.
Healthy Communities (general)
State Contact Information:
NM
David Vigil
New Mexico Department of Health
505-841-5836
David.Vigil1@state.nm.us