Community-based Healthy Lifestyle Promotion

The increased incidence of diabetes in the Arab community, as well as the 60% higher rate of cardiovascular mortality in Arab women led us to the development of an intensive community-based intervention program, focused on cardiovascular wellness and diabetes prevention. Based on The Diabetes Prevention Program of the American Center for Disease Control, the Pollin Center version was culturally adapted and expanded to fit the needs of the women in East Jerusalem.   We have now completed our fifth program.a

The Pollin Center Health Promotion Intervention is a 22-session program.  Each three hour meeting includes a didactic component conducted by a physician, nutritionist, mental health professional or specialist in physical activity; one hour of physical activity; and a session to enhance personal empowerment, leadership development and commitment to community promotion.a

Evaluation measures were conducted at the beginning and at the end of the program. Results at the end of the six month program period showed improvements in modifiable diabetes and CVD risk factors including:a

Weight loss – An average weight loss of two kilogram

    Increased physical activity – Increased average daily steps by 34% (4720 to 6330)a

Improved eating habits – Increased consumption of vegetables, fruits and legumes; reduced consumption of candy, sweetened drinks and fatty foods

 We believe that this empowerment will help each woman maintain her personal progress, and will enable her to transmit her knowledge to others. We continue to accompany these women, and guide them as they seek to promote health in their families and their neighborhood.a