October 30, 2006 - The OASIS Active Start program has been chosen to receive one of only nine national Innovation in Prevention Awards from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for businesses and organizations that are leading efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles in their communities. HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt presented the awards Oct. 26 in Washington, DC.
The awards are part of President Bush's ongoing HealthierUS initiative and HHS' continuing focus on highlighting preventive health, recognizing organizations in seven key categories that implemented innovative and creative approaches to address chronic diseases and promote healthier lifestyles.
Active Start, a program of the OASIS Institute of St. Louis, received the only non-profit award in the Innovation in Prevention program. The Active Start program is increasing physical activity levels among sedentary older adults through neighborhood senior centers. OASIS began the program in Los Angeles in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging, with a grant from the U. S. Administration on Aging. It has since expanded to St. Louis and Indianapolis with support from BJC HealthCare, Missouri Foundation for Health and Anthem Foundation.
"Active Start is an example of how health education tailored to seniors can be interesting, sustainable and effective at creating lasting behavior change," said Leavitt. "A program focusing on a citizen's comfort as well as health is truly innovative."
Marcia Kerz, president of The OASIS Institute, works to make sure Active Start succeeds in its goal of improving physical activity levels among sedentary older adults by offering classes in neighborhood senior centers and community organizations. The program trains senior center staff and older adult volunteers to run the classes at the centers. This provides a setting where the participants have the support of their peers while they engage in the exercises. Active Start participants have increased their weekly minutes of physical activity and shown overall improvements in mental and physical wellness.
Irene Lira, a peer leader for Active Start classes at the International Institute in Los Angeles, says she has seen a transformation in many of the people in her class.
"They had all sorts of reasons why they couldn't do this or that," she recalls. "Some have had strokes or arthritis or just hadn't moved in awhile. We modify things so they can do it. Some do the workout standing, others sitting. I try to be positive and upbeat. In the beginning, some of the people came in dragging their feet," she recalls. "Now they march right in!"
"We know Active Start works," says Kerz. "We are providing people with information and tools to live longer, more active lives - and feel comfortable while doing it."
The Innovation in Prevention Awards Luncheon was held Oct. 2006, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
OASIS is a national education organization that strengthens communities by providing lifelong learning and service opportunities that inspire mature adults to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives.
See the HHS Innovation in Prevention Video about Active Start
More about Active Start in Los Angeles
For more information:Janice Branham
(314) 862-2933 ext. 229
jbranham @ oasisnet . org