About EPICC

The Body and Soul program is a combination of the best pieces from the Black Churches United for Better Health and Eat for Life programs. The program components include church-wide nutrition activities such as: a kick-off event, forming a project committee, conducting at least three nutrition events, plus one additional event involving the pastor, and making at least one policy change (e.g., establishing guidelines for the types of foods served at church functions or changing snacks served at youth camps). Additional church-wide activities include hosting guest speakers and cooking demonstrations and taste tests, and providing self-help materials such as a cookbook, video, and educational pamphlets. A Peer Counseling Training DVD product is available, however, it was not included as part of the original study. Lay church volunteers conduct at least two motivational counseling calls to members as well.

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The goal of this program is to reduce children being overweight or obese. This program works to improve healthy eating habits of children and families by working with the person who buys and prepares the family meals and snacks. Children are not included in the 6 sessions but are included in the family “TALK” with talking about possible ideas to improve healthy eating and the things the family group might be willing to try. Food and healthy eating information are included in the 6 sessions along with a 5 minute video, a weekly goal setting sheet, information handouts and recipes. The group facilitator also has an outline for the session. A recipe is provided for each session for the end of each session for the group to make and taste.

The “evidence” from the research showed this program decreased body mass index (or BMI). ( Information on how to figure out BMIs for adults, children, and teens is found in the Additional Information section.)

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FAITH is a church-wide program focused on fun activities to increase physical activity and healthy eating. The program includes increased physical activity, encouraging people to eat more fruits and vegetables, making changes in church practices to be more health friendly, and sending health related messages in the usual church ways – such as the bulletin, sermons, etc. FAITH was developed in partnership with Black churches in South Carolina and the National Institutes of Health (who provided the money to develop the program).

The ”evidence” showed increases in physical activities as well as more fruit and vegetables eaten by church congregants. Current funding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lets this program be offered at no cost to churches for the leader training. Evaluation forms for the program are required to keep funding available.

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The manual is designed for organizations and individuals who are interested in starting a walking group in their community. Walk Your Heart to Health is a group walking program that emphasizes social support and groups. The program identifies common challenges and solutions to walk¬ing in urban areas. It is focused on building community strengths (e.g., community-based organizations). It is especially designed for people who live in areas with fewer resources for recreation, where the environment is more challenging for physical activity, or those who simply prefer walking with others in a group. The program meets the mini¬mum recommendations for physical activity, and can be adapted for those who wish to walk at differing paces or distances.

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Weight-Wise is a behavioral weight management program that was adapted from two very effective research-tested interventions. It is geared to fit the needs of lower income midlife women. The program focuses on changing lifestyle behaviors to help with weight loss and prevent diabetes. It has also been helpful for keeping blood pressure numbers down. Weight-Wise build on theories of behavior change that emphasize setting achievable goals, building self-efficacy or confidence, and providing opportunities for problem-solving and group social support.

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