GAGE COUNTY BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTOR SURVEY
 
Data gathered via a Behavioral Risk Factor Survey in 1991 have prompted the coalition's interest in promotion and development of many projects and programs. During this survey, 400 Gage County residents were surveyed by telephone regarding their lifestyle behaviors. The survey information was tabulated and helped formulate the Gage County PATCH team's goals and objectives through the year 2010. Interventions and future plans in PATCH will be designed around these formal objectives. Coordination with existing projects and groups will be the overall goal.
 
Survey results indicate:
 
  • Gage County residents are too sedentary.
  • Many Gage County people are still unaware of their cholesterol and overall eating habits.
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  • In Gage County, the number of young smokers is on the rise and the harmful effect of second-hand smoke is a concern.
  • In Gage County, the use of seat belts is only 50%.
  • In Gage County, drinking and driving is still a problem and a health risk.

However, the PATCH Team found there is support for change in Gage County, as well as active leadership and resources available to begin making those changes.

In coordination with the national health objectives, Gage County PATCH has targeted five objectives as guidelines in planning toward the year 2010:

  1. Improve nutrition by increasing school and work site nutrition education;

  2. Reduce unintentional injuries through seat belt/car seat usage, safety awareness;

  3. Improve physical activity and fitness by increasing the number of persons involved in regular physical activity;

  4. Reduce use of and exposure to tobacco at schools, work sites, and community;

  5. Decrease alcohol and drug problems.

 
 

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