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Volume 1: No. 2, April 2004

SPECIAL TOPICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
ORIGINAL RESEARCH: FEATURED ABSTRACT FROM THE 18TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Policy and Environmental Change Strategies to Reduce Obesity: Action Packets


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L Kaley, D Wigand, K Whalen, A Root

Suggested citation for this article: Kaley L, Wigand D, Whalen K, Root A. Policy and environmental change strategies to reduce obesity: action packets [abstract]. Prev Chronic Dis [serial online] 2004 Apr [date cited]. Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2004/
apr/03_0034k.htm
.

PEER REVIEWED

Action packets were developed to help communities, schools, and work sites in Maine develop policies and produce changes in the environment that would lead to improved nutrition and increased physical activity.

The Maine Cardiovascular Health Program and the Maine Nutrition Network collaborated to develop policy and environmental change strategies with a focus on increasing physical activity and improving nutrition. Evidence-based findings and the social/ecological model were used in determining strategies. Strategies were presented to state- and community-level stakeholders. Action packets are being used to implement strategies.

A concept and framework development team, action packet workgroups, and potential users collaborated to produce action packets. Two action packets are Promote Trail Development and Use of Safe Community Routes for Walking and Biking and Develop Policies that Support Healthy Eating at Group Events. Two additional action packets in production are Enhance Access to Places for Physical Activity and Develop Policies that Support Health Options in Vending Machines. Action packets include case studies, action steps (including outcome evaluation), advocacy materials, Web resources, and references.

Regional action packet educational sessions were provided. An educational session evaluation report indicated that a majority of participants would incorporate strategies into their action plans. Hard copies of action packets have been distributed and are also available on-line. Ongoing process evaluation is being completed.

Policy and environmental change initiatives consume resources. Providing groups in multiple settings with needed resources in the form of action packets supports implementation of initiatives that address risk factors for obesity and other chronic diseases.

Corresponding Author: Lori Kaley, MS, MSB, RD, LD, Coordinator, Community Health Initiatives, University of Southern Maine, Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service, Institute for Public Sector Innovation, 295 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330. Telephone: 207-626-5258. E-mail: lori.kaley@maine.gov.

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The opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors’ affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.


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