Through a new program called the Urban Health Project, People to People Ministries Inc. is telling people about major chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cancer. The Urban Health Project (UHP) is a joint effort of community and health personnel to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Project director Carl Parker believes that we should treasure health as one of God's greatest gifts. "Our aim is to take the health message to the community instead of waiting for them to come to us."
UHP launched its efforts May 4–6 with a health fair at the Community Learning Center in Portland. Health educator Jack Macintosh presented simple interventions for overcoming metabolic syndrome, a cluster of four conditions—hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity—that affect many Americans.
Adventist Medical Center's Wellness Department and Jim Moor of their Coronary Health Department conducted health screenings while medical professionals were available for consultation. Chef Jon Lofgren of Mission College provided cooking demonstrations, showing that healthful food can be easy to prepare and taste good too!
UHP's exciting new program is the RENEW Lifestyle Program, designed to give people education and tools for restoring their health and preventing serious health conditions. In 10 sessions, participants learn about nutrition, weight management, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and managing diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The first session opened with Clarence Ing, NEWSTART medical director, on Sunday, Sept. 30.
If you would like to join us at upcoming events, please call the Community Learning Center at (503) 281-8596.
