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We determined the profile of participants in the multi-level annual marathons held in Alabama Black Belt counties in terms of lifestyle characteristics and considered how these characteristics relate to a family history of cancer. Data on socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle characteristics of respondents were collected during the Annual Healthy Lifestyle Marathons of 2013-2019. These events were five miles in length and allowed participants to walk, bike, or run. Characteristics of respondents were compared using frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabulations. Most of the respondents with a family history of cancer were within the 18 to 24-year age category; had an annual income in the range of under U.S. $10,000; had received some college training; reported their overall health as good; and were African American. Although low consumption of fruits and vegetables has a demonstrated association with being diagnosed with cancer, in 2019 only 43% of respondents reported frequent intake of fruits and vegetables. Community-based health programs are critically needed to improve health in rural Black Belt communities.

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OBJECTIVES: African-Americans consume a diet high in fat, salt and sugar; such dietary habits increase the risks of cancer and other chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to engage rural communities in a nutrition and physical activity behavior modification program to promote cancer awareness and risk reduction. METHODS: Focus group discussions were conducted to generate information for the development of a nutrition and physical activity program. African Americans (N=62) from two rural counties (Bullock and Macon) in Alabama participated in a year-long intervention program in 2012 and 2013. Weight loss and blood pressure were evaluated to measure the impact of the intervention. RESULTS: Themes emerged for the focus group discussions were: nutrition, health, family, environment, and resource access. In Macon County participants lost weight irrespective of the exercise regimen, with those involved in floor exercise losing the most weight (-22.4 lbs, or-11.18 % change), while in Bullock county walking was most effective in weight loss (6.1 lbs or -3.40 % change) p<0.05. Systolic and diastolic pressure decreased from 5.3 to 10.5 mm Hg; -2.0 to -6.4 mmHg, respectively, for Bullock county, except for the walking group,). In Macon County, both systolic and diastolic pressure % change ranged from -8.94 to 12.66 and -5.34 to 12.66 mmHg respectively, irrespective of physical activity respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, changes in weight lost and blood pressure were observed among individuals engaged in a nutrition education and physical activity program.

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BACKGROUND: The consumption of green leafy vegetables (GLVs) has been demonstrated to reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular and other diseases. However, no literature exists that examines the influence of traditional and novel GLVs on the liver fatty acid profile of an animal model genetically predisposed to developing hypertension. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of diets containing 4% collard greens, purslane or sweet potato greens on the liver fatty acid profiles of four-week old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs, N = 44). Following four weeks consumption of the diets, liver fatty acid profiles were determined by gas-liquid chromatography of transesterified fatty acid methyl esters. RESULTS: SHRs consuming the control diet had greater percentages of liver saturated fatty acid and less omega-3 fatty acid percentages. SHRs consuming the diets containing vegetables had significantly greater liver concentrations of γ- linolenic, docosahexaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, as well as lower levels of lauric, palmitic and arachidonic acids. SHRs consuming the control diet had significantly greater percentages (p < 0.05) of oleic; significantly less γ-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acids. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the ability of GLVs to modulate liver fatty acid composition, thus providing protection against elevations in atherogenic fatty acids, which may be involved in CVD pathogenesis. Consequently, dietary recommendations for the prevention of CVD should consider the possible cardioprotective benefits and the subsequent alterations in fatty acid profiles afforded by diets containing collard greens, purslane and sweet potato greens.

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Healthy Lifestyle engages the community in the development of a health behavior modification program to reduce cancer risk among African Americans. The objectives are 1) to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that affect cancer risk through focus group discussions; and 2) to identify community members to implement programs and practices that facilitate healthy behavior routines. Thirty-four African American focus group participants completed surveys regarding health knowledge and behavioral practices. Results from the focus groups identified three themes: 1) Health and Nutrition; 2) Environment; and 3) Family. The majority of focus group participants (94%) indicated that annual physical exams were important. However, of that group, 47% had not had a physical within the last 12 months and only 44% had scheduled appointments. Of the 79% who indicated they could commit to a two-year study, only 64% felt they could be leaders.

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