1. Extension Wellness Ambassador3
Helping others live healthier

2. Today’s Topics Health in Arkansas
Arkansas Extension Wellness Ambassador Program

3. State Health Rankings
Most Arkansans know we don’t fare well when it comes to health. Compared to other states, Arkansas is usually near the top of lists we’d rather not be on, like obesity rates. We rank low on lists we’d rather be higher on, like physical activity. You may have heard on the news this week that Arkansas has the highest teen birth rate in the nation, even with a 16% decrease since (51 per 1,000 now compared to 60 per 1,000 in 2007).
As a state, we seem to suffer from low self-esteem concerning our ability to make changes to improve these rankings and improve our health. We make comments like, “Thank God for Mississippi” to help us feel better. To some degree, I think we may in a state of learned helplessness. We don’t take action to improve our health, despite being aware of the benefits. We act as if we are helpless to make changes, like we don’t have any control over the situation. In the past year, I’ve travelled the state to speak about health programs and issues. I’ve met many motivated and optimistic people. But I’ve also met those with a sense of fatalism, the feeling that no matter what they do, their health won’t improve and if they die an early death. I’ve even heard people blame the will of a higher power for premature deaths. I don’t know about you, but the result of my lack of motivation to exercise or eat enough fruits and vegetables, and indulgence in sugary desserts is probably not due to destiny. And neither would be the outcome. The reality is that we CAN have an impact on health in our state and community if we work together. To do that, we need a clear picture of the issues. So let’s take a look at Arkansas’ health compared to other states.

4. Adult Obesity by State, 2014
According to data released in September 2015, Arkansas has the highest rate of adult obesity in the nation (35.9%) followed by WV (35.7%) and MS (35.5).
In 1990, no state had a rate above 20%. Today, no state has an adult obesity rate below 21%.

5. 2014 State Adult Obesity Rankings
Colorado 37
Delaware 2
Hawaii 38
Wisconsin 3
Massachusetts 39
Kansas 4
California 40
Kentucky 5
Vermont 41
South Carolina 6
Utah 42
North Dakota 7
Florida 43
Ohio 8 44
Indiana 9
Connecticut 45
Oklahoma 10
Montana 46
Alabama 11
New Jersey 47
Louisiana 12
New York 48
West Virginia 13
Washington 49
Mississippi 14
Minnesota 50
Arkansas
Note: You might ask the audience what the lower-ranked states have in common (most are southern states).
Pink – under 25%
Yellow – 33% or more adults

6. Pop Quiz! Name the State…
Let’s see how Arkansas compares with other states on some specific health issues, like obesity and diabetes. We may rank better than you think. The next few slides will show questions, and we’ll guess which state is the correct answer.
Name the State…

7. Which U.S. state has the highest obesity rate?
Arkansas 35.9%
West Virginia 35.7%
Mississippi 35.5%
76.3% of Arkansans are overweight or obese
Arkansas ranks 1st . In 2013, we ranked 3rd . Each of these states increased in obesity rates from 2013.

8. Which state has the highest diabetes rate?
West Virginia – 14.1%
Arkansas ranks 5th highest – 12.7%
Arkansas has the 5th highest diabetes rate in the nation. Our rate is just 1.4% less than West Virginia, the state with the highest rate.
In 2013, we were 10th highest, at 11.3%. Our % went up, but we fell lower in the rankings. Utah has the lowest rate, at 7.1%.
Top Diabetes rates:
West Virginia – 14.1%
Tennessee 13%
Mississippi – 13%
Alabama – 12.9%
Arkansas – 12.7%

9. Which state has the lowest levels of physical activity?
Mississippi – 31.6% inactive
In 2015, we ranked 2nd – 30.7% inactive
Inactivity levels are based upon Percentage of adults who self-report doing no physical activity or exercise other than their regular job in the last 30 days.
In past years, Mississippi has been the most sedentary state (in 2015, 31.6% of Mississippians were sedentary).
In 2012, Arkansas ranked 7th most inactive. In 2015, we were #2.
The most active state is Colorado – their rate is 16.4%.
Top 5 most inactive states:
1. Mississippi 31.6%
Arkansas 30.7%
Louisiana – 29.5%
West Virginia – 28.7%
Oklahoma – 28.5%

10. Which state has the highest levels of hypertension?
West Virginia – 41%
Arkansas ranks 7th – 38.7%
Hypertension and stroke are a big cause for concern in Arkansas.
We have the 7th highest hypertension rates. More than 1/3 of Arkansans have high blood pressure.
Note: Arkansas rose from 8th to 7th in rankings but increased from 35.8% to 38.7%. All of the states in the top 7 increased.
West Virginia rose from 37% in 2013 to 41% in 2015.
Utah is lowest with 24.2%.
Levels are based on percentage of adults who self-report being told by a health professional that they have high blood pressure
Top 8 states with hypertension:
Alabama – 40.1%
Mississippi – 39.3%
Tennessee – 38.7%
Louisiana – 38.4%
Kentucky – 38%
West Virginia – 37%
South Carolina – 36.4%
Arkansas %

11. 5 leading causes of death in Arkansas
Heart Disease
Cancer
Chronic Lung Disease
Stroke
Accidents
As you can see from the top 5 causes of death in Arkansas, many lives end prematurely because of health problems related to lifestyle or health behaviors. Risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and many types of cancer involve diet, exercise, and weight. Chronic lower respiratory disease is often caused by smoking. And even accidents are related to health – we know that seat belts can save lives, but some do not buckle up. That’s a health behavior Wellness Ambassadors will learn more about through the program.

12. Craighead County 3

13. Craighead County Health Statistics
Craighead County ranks 17th in state for overall health
Population: 104,354 estimated 2015
24.9% below 18 years of age
13.0% 65 years and older

14. Craighead County Health Issues
10% Diabetes Prevalence
24% Adult smoking
36% Adult obesity
34% Physical inactivity
59% Access to exercise opportunities
20% Food insecurity
10% Limited Access to Healthy Food

15. Profile of Craighead Students
Youth Obesity in Jonesboro Schools
Jonesboro Schools (Overweight & Obese)
Kindergarten 24.9% Elementary 37.2 – 45% Jr. High 48% Sr. High 38.5%
Nettleton Schools (Overweight & Obese)
Elementary 27.2 – 51% Jr. High 35.9% Sr. High 37.5%
Valley View Schools (Overweight & Obese)
Elementary 37.2% Jr. High 32.2% Sr. High 36.2%
Westside Schools (Overweight & Obese)
Elementary 32.1% Jr. High 54.1% Sr. High 41%

16. Extension Wellness Ambassador Program – Tier 23
Helping others live healthier

17. Extension Wellness Ambassador – Tier 2 Program Goals
Improve the health of Arkansas youth & their families
Provide learning opportunities for volunteers interested in helping others live healthier
Increase awareness of Extension programs used to deliver health education and outreach programs
Increase access to health education programs and exercise opportunities in communities
Read Slide

18. What is the program like?
32 hours of Basic Training
8 hours nutrition education
8 hours physical activity education
8 hours approved electives
8 hours credit for approved service learning

19. Service Learning Requirement
Participants will work together in groups (coalitions) to plan a project.

20. Certification To receive Extension Wellness Ambassador Certification:
Complete basic training
Take a knowledge survey
Present service learning project
Participants will take a written assessment after the final sessions.
Trainees will be give two opportunities to pass the written assessment. If they do not pass after two attempts, they may volunteer in support of Extension programs but will not be certified Extension Wellness Ambassadors.
They will also complete a practical assessment, which includes demonstrating basic exercises, such as the biceps curl and overhead press.
Advanced training opportunities may be offered by county faculty.

21. Service Learning Project
Service learning project must be approved by the county Extension agent.
Each coalition will be asked to present a brief
report at the closing recognition event.
Service learning project must be approved by the county Extension agent.
Each coalition will be asked to present a brief
report at the closing recognition event.
A Gift to the Community

22. Extension Wellness Ambassador Program3
Helping others live healthier