Implementation of the HEAL Program to Reduce Obesity among the non-Hispanic Black Population in Louisiana

Abstract
This is a summary of a program manager’s interview with a delegate from the non-Hispanic black community on how he intends to roll out the program given the fact that obesity continues to loom despite intense awareness on the issue. Interventions have been implemented in Mississippi for example, but still the prevalence of obesity, among the non-Hispanic black adults, is alarming. As a result, this program targets this population using a unique approach to community involvement to enhance sustainability, which is lacking. Apparently, the programs developed do not devise strategies of dealing with emerging hurdles. Literature indicates that the best way of ensuring that this sustainability if achieved is through community involvement. Healthy food choices and engagement in physical activity will be the main domains that will lead the program, which will target social, cultural, and environmental factors to create a healthy food environment, and a safe environment that encourages involvement in physical activity.

Introduction
Maintaining a normal body weight through a healthy lifestyle is essential. Otherwise, one is predisposed to adverse health effects that reduce one’s quality of life. Overweight and obese are serious preceding factors to more serious and debilitating health problems, for example, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), 78.6 mill…