Kentucky Public Health To Launch Strength Training Program For Women

Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 12 Oct 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Six organizations in Kentucky will be trained to offer the StrongWomen Program, which promotes strength training and nutrition as part of a long-term health plan for women 50 and older, the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced today. DPH and the Barren River District Health Department have partnered to launch the initiative, which will be offered at sites throughout Kentucky.

"We want all Kentuckians to live healthy, active lives and believe that strength training is important in making that happen," said William D. Hacker, M.D., DPH commissioner. "This kind of exercise improves bone density while reducing falls, improves arthritis symptoms and increases flexibility. This is particularly important for the commonwealth where bone diseases like osteoporosis and conditions like arthritis are a significant problem for our residents, especially women."

Developed by Tufts University, the StrongWomen program was is based on years of research into the role of strength training and nutrition in improving the health of women. Participants will be able to register for the 12-week program in early October and will meet for classes twice a week.

"This program is specifically designed for women who are 50 and older, and enables them to participate in strength training in a safe and effective way. Plus, it is a lot of fun!" said Angela Deokar, of DPH's Health Promotions Branch. "Strength training is wonderful exercise with numerous benefits, especially for women because it helps prevent osteoporosis."

Participating organizations were chosen for the program based on their ability to show strong capacity for implementation and recruitment, successful partnerships and roles of partners, and a commitment to sustaining and evaluating the program. The six sites chosen to pilot the program are:

- Montgomery County Health Department
- Buffalo Trace District Health Department
- Medical Center Health and Wellness Center (Bowling Green)
- Owensboro Medical Health System HealthPark (Owensboro)
- Cardinal Hill Healthcare System (Lexington)
- Barren River District Health Department

For more information about Strong Women, contact Deokar at (502) 564-9358. To learn more about osteoporosis and arthritis prevention, visit DPH's Web site at http://www.chfs.ky.gov/dph/ach/cd/.

Commonwealth of Kentucky