A Community Intervention on Obesity

Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

2009 to 2011

Elizabeth Yznaga, CNM, MSN, sDNP

Mira and Camina

Obesity is a national health issue

Mira y Camina

Watch and Walk Off Weight

Funded by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Lay advisors, Promotoras, help create Avatars in Second Life.

Mira y Camina

A community clinic based intervention to decrease Hispanic women’s weight.

Sponsored walks for Mother Walking Groups.

Join a walking group

Weight loss

Decreased need for insulin

Access to health information at Mira y Camina Island.

Our goals for our clients

With the help of staff advisors, women learn to create and activate Avatars.

Mira y Camina IslandIn Second Life

These Avatars shop for virtual foods

Avatars plan menus and prepare recipes

Calculate calorie counts

And nutritional value

Avatars can dance, exercise, eat,and gain or lose weight.

Women can morph their Avatars to be morbidly obese or normal weight.

At Mira y Camina IslandSee the Future

Women can see the medical problems in their future, if they remain obese.

Mira y Camina Island Electronic Record in Second Life

The women use the Avatars to access their electronic chart.

With their Avatars the women can also visit other health education locations.

They can track walking stats, weight loss, blood pressure, and medication.

Indicator Measure of Indicator

Results

Community Acceptance

Number of walkers Walkers increasing,

Member Lifestyle Change

Weight lost per walker Ave. 2 lbs/mo, see chart below

Diabetes Improvement

Decreased need for insulin

Five women went to lower amounts

Healthcare Education Continued Avatar activity

Over 100 Avatars at the Island

Indicators of Progress

An average of 53 women a week walked in one of the 11 groups.

Mothers in Walking Groups

The average weight lost over a year was 25 lbs. with an average of 3 group walks a week.

Walking and Weight Loss

A weight loss of 40 lbs was typically enough weight loss to lower insulin needs.

Making a Difference Decreasing the Need for Insulin

For some, oral diabetic medications could be used instead of injectables.

For others, they needed less insulin.

“ We have a group feeling that we are together and we can help each other”.

Meet Maria

“Last month I gave my big, big clothes to Elena. We are sharing clothes, advice, recipes, and watching out for each other’s kids”.

“The walking saved my life. I lost 40 lbs. I want to see my children grown”.

Mira Stations 2009 to 2010

Chavez Elementary

Adelita Elementary

Westside Community Clinic

Central Library

Westview Library

Toro Elementary San Pedro Community

Clinic

School Age Mothers Program

Calexico County Hospital Diabetes Program

New Mira Stations 2010 to 2011

Come take a walk with us.

Walking to Live Better

Mira y Camina StaffThank You, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation