Northeast OKC - Get Fit Stay Healthy Walk

To support National Women’s Health Week, the Department of Health and Human Services coordinated a nationwide initiative to empower women to make health a top priority and to take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life. IMCI created The Get Fit, Stay Healthy Walk which was held in 2 gymnasiums at Douglass High School, 900 N Klein, Oklahoma City, OK 73117 on May 15th from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon under cloudy skies and drizzly rain. Over 500 people from the community came to participate in a one-mile walk around Douglass High School, learn about the health of African American women in the State of Oklahoma, receive free health screenings and tips, eat free healthy food, and participate in other fun exercises to easily move the body like Zumba,Tai Chi, and line dancing.

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Over 30 health-related exhibitors provided health screenings, literature, tips, health food, information, nutrition resources and more. Harold Hamm Oklahoma Diabetes Center broke a county record with the most participants ever! Over one-half completed a pre-walk survey. Most (93%) were aware that the leading causes of death among African American women in Oklahoma are heart disease, cancer, stroke and obesity, with the second leading cause, diabetes. Participants were asked if they currently exercise at least 2 times per week. One-half indicated lack of exercise. Only one-half participants felt they currently have a healthy lifestyle.

We all want to extend our thanks to you as well as your staff, volunteers and all those that helped us on Saturday. We had 42 individuals participate in our research study, a record for Oklahoma County! Hopefully we helped some individuals realize what they can do to minimize their risks for developing diabetes.
- Oklahoma Diabetes Center

WOW!!! What a wonderful community event, and all the partners you put together to help support this event. I loved the evaluation comments as well, especially the lessons learned. Thank you for the support for the African American community and women/girls in Oklahoma!
- Charlotte Gish CNM, MSN, HHS Region VI OWH Coordinator

The post-walk survey revealed an increase in awareness! Ninety-four percent (94%) indicated that they learned new simple ways to move their body and exercise more. About 91% learned a new healthy tip that day.

Those who completed the post-walk survey signed this pledge! “I pledge to move my body more each week, eat more fruits and vegetables and get the regular, recommended check-ups.”

Thanks to you all we made a healthy impact in northeast Oklahoma City!