Physical Activity That Heals (PATH) Program

The goal of the program is to increase levels of physical activity and exercise, preventing the health risks associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Physical activity and exercise have been shown to moderate increases in self-concept and self-esteem, and to moderate decreases in depression. The PATH Program is unique because it provides health assessments, rendered by licensed health professionals, and fun and interactive exercise programming, free of charge to program participants. It also provides education, teaching youth how to incorporate elements of health and wellness into everyday living and family life. The PATH Program will utilize the following objectives to accomplish goals by providing a free venue to participate in health and wellness programs; providing free access to health screenings/assessments performed by health professionals; encouraging participation in PATH programming; providing general and preventative education on biological, nutritional, social, and environmental factors that positively and negatively affect one's health; providing free access to health professionals to assist program participants in setting healthy and appropriate personal goals; and celebrating personal goal achievements of program participants. The PATH Program will also utilize the following tools to evaluate its success by pre/post-test medical assessments (participant medical charts); self-report surveys; and questionnaires. NCA/NCF