Reflections: Weeks: 9 and 10

The past two weeks were to jammed packed and to stressfull....
Week 9:
This week we were introduced to THOMAS. We also learned about advocacy and that let into our next assignment with bills of a topic that we chose. We also got into different groups to understand different topics of advocacy which I thought was pretty cool. I was in the group that talked about what is advocacy and we did a skit on showing the difference between advocacy and service.
week 10:
This week we watched a film called "Unnatural Causes". This was a film about people trying to make it and if and why there location and lifestyle makes them sick. I thought it was a good film to watch because it really opens up your eyes to the different lives people have to live and how priorities change through different phases people have to go through. I also liked the film because I could relate to it. Growing up when I was younger my family wasnt well off at all and I grew up in rough neighboorhood. But as time past my parents made it better financially so we got to fix up our house a little bit so now were a little better off even though I still live in the same neighboorhood I know what its like to live at the bottom and middle class stages and from first hand experience there is a definite change between the two.

I hope everyone has a good weekend and see ya Monday!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 7 : My SMART Goal

Hey!!!!!

Welcome back to another week of Eco-Chic!

Smart Goal:

My smart was to walk to school every single day whether or not it rains or shines, and I have to say the weather was really nice this week! I achieved my goal and it has became a habit so its pretty easy to do now.

Challenges/Successes

As far as challenges go...I had ZERO! I enjoy walking to school and it has been a big help getting my energy up in the morning.

Feelings?

I felt pretty happy everyday...Walking to school made me feel pretty good and more energized so I hope that continues.

What did I learn?

I learned that I should start picking up my walking pace because I know I am slow walker, but I realized this last week that im EXTREMELY slow when it comes to walking and I kinda just mosey along. So will try to to pick up the pace when I walk to school from now on.

Future plan?

I will be modifying my Eco-Chic lifestyle change a little bit...I have been having some personal issues so I am also adding that I am quitting drinking and staying sober until Dec 31st. Also I will be eating one salad for a meal once a day as well as keeping my old goal of walking to school every day.

Until next time have a good one everyone!

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/THOMAS

My Healthy People 2010 goal of interest
- My focus for my advocacy project is going to be focused on: Improve health, fitness, and quality of life through daily physical activity.

- Objective: Reduce the proportion of adults who engage in no leisure-time physical activity. Target: 20 percent. Baseline: 40 percent of adults aged 18 years and older engaged in no leisure-time physical activity in 1997 (age adjusted to the year 2000 standard population).

Progress Quotient Chart
According to the progress quotient chart the no leisure time/no physical activity for 18+ is moving towards its goal by 15%, and regular physical (moderate or vigorous) is also moving towards its goal by 6%. Moderate physical activity by kids in grades 9th-12th is moving away from target by 25%. Vigorous activity for grades 9th-12th has also moved away from its goal by 10%. And participation in daily physical activity in grades school 9th-12th has also moved away from its goal by 5%. The most recent data collection was in 2003 so this data is about 6-7 years old.

Opportunities and Challenges
One the biggest challenges is that people have changed their lifestyle. Back in the 20th century daily life involved a lot of activities such as yard work (mowing lawn etc). Until a time came where chronic diseases and other bad health ailements supposedly arose from this type of lifestyle. Opportunities for professional development have increased within the field. The challenges are the lack of evidence for selected populations for physically active programs for them.

Disparities
According to the table White non-hispanic has the best rate for no leisure time and physical activity within people of 18+ years. American Indian have the worse and are at a percent of 50-99% of non active. The second group with the lowest physical activity rate is Hispanic/Latino group with a percent rate of no activity of 10-49 percent. The scale is basically the same or not specific enough also for all categories.

Emerging issues
The biggest emerging issue that still exists is if physical activity is the “pillar” to stop and prevent chronic disease and also to help stop/aid in mental illnesses.

SF2039 East Phillips cultural and community center cultural fitness and wellness center grant appropriation.
Title: Appropriating money to the East Phillips cultural and community center topredesign, design, construct, furnish and equip a culturally specific fitnessand wellness center.
Sponsor: S.F. No. 2039,Mary Murphy (DFL) as introduced - 86th Legislative Session (2009-2010)
Latest Major Action: 4-1-2009 was referred to chair Cultural and Outdoor Resources and Finance Division.
Recommendation: Vote yes for SF2039 East Phillips cultural and community center cultural fitness and wellness center grant appropriation.
My political Representative: Keith Ellison.