KANAB, UT – The Healthy Kane County
Coalition (HKCC) was formed in September of 2015 following the success of the
Kanab Healthy Living Challenge. The HKCC
is a group of community partners from both the public and private sectors. Our mission is to increase opportunities for
achieving a healthy lifestyle in the greater Kanab area by providing education
and support, developing infrastructure, and enhancing skills.
Last November, the HKCC distributed a survey to area
residents to find out what needs the community has regarding healthy
lifestyle. We had 303 survey respondents
and highlights of the results include:
1.
An overwhelming majority of respondents are either interested or very
interested in improving their overall health.
2.
When asked to “select the 3 activities that you are interested in”, the
#1 response is safe walking and biking paths, #2 is hiking, and #3 is fitness
classes.
3.
When asked to “select the 3 educational classes that you are most
interested in”, the #1 response is healthy recipe classes, #2 is nutrition
classes, and #3 is cooking classes.
4.
People are most interested in attending classes on a monthly basis
(versus more or less frequently).
5.
Time, lack of motivation, and lack of infrastructure are the top 3
barriers listed that prevent area residents from being physically active.
6.
Time, cost, and lack of planning are the 3 top barriers listed that
prevent area residents from eating nutritious meals.
We are grateful to everyone who filled out the surveys. As the HKCC moves forward, we plan to use
this information and work with the community to achieve our vision, which is "To become a community that knows how
to live a healthy lifestyle”. If you
are interested in joining the Healthy Kane County Coalition, please call the Southwest
Utah Public Health Department at 644-2537.
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