Choctaw Nation's Diabetes Prevention Program

The 5th Grade Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Education Day

The Choctaw Nation is located in southeastern Okalahoma and is composed of ten and half counties. The Choctaws are one the “Five Civilized Tribes,” so named for the advanced systems of government and education. The Choctaw were relocated in 1820 from Alabama and Mississippi to Okalahoma. The territory was deeded to the Five Civilized Tribes as national domains rather then as reservations.

The Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority serves the Indian communities within the ten and half counties. Located in Talihina , Oklahoma the Diabetes Wellness Center (a component of The Choctaw Nation Health Services) provides diabetes education, nutrition planning and exercise programs. The Choctaw Nation's Diabetes Wellness Center has begun a unique, fun and interactive program for 5 th graders in its service area. The tribe also sponsors a wellness program for third graders and a puppet show for preschoolers in Head Start classes.

The 5 th grade program called the “Salad Sister” is two hours. The education program features the “Salad Sisters” who illustrate the role of diet and exercise during the diabetes screening and education program. The program is broken up into three sections; what is diabetes, nutrition education and the importance of physical fitness. The program visits the public schools in the ten and a half counties during the fall session. A behavioral survey is used to evaluate the program.

The program begins with a finger stick for blood sugars to see if there are any children at high risk. Last year it tested 998 children. If they find children at high risk they are referred to the clinic or to their own private physician if they are non-Indian. A behavioral survey is then given to evaluate the programs. The educational aspects of the program are designed to teach students about normal metabolism and introduce them to the metabolism that occurs in diabetes. From there students are told who is at risk and what the risk factors are. The session is supported visually by bright posters designed by the staff.

The next session of the program focuses on nutrition. A dietitian teaches the students the basics of good nutrition. Good nutrition includes food groups and serving sizes. During this session student participate in making healthy snacks and trying new fruits and vegetables. Afterwards the children are able to enjoy their healthy snack.

The final session involves physical fitness. Students are encouraged to be physically fit through games and exercises. The program incorporates a large parachute for games. Games that require walking, running and upper body exercise are encouraged.

The Diabetes Wellness Center has four diabetes educators all are RNs and two are CDEs who provide diabetes education and prevention education. The fifth grade program is in its third year. Last year the program was in thirty schools and this year expects to be in thirty five schools.

The program is set up to return again to the schools in the spring to asses behavioral changes. A survey is given and consists of seven questions that ask lifestyle questions regarding diet and exercise. When comparing the fall and spring surveys The Diabetes Wellness Center has found a significant increase in healthy lifestyle behaviors in spring surveys when compared to surveys taken prior to the program. The hope of the program is that health habits started early will lead to a lifetime of health.

For further information contact Sandra Dukes at sjdukes@choctawnationhealth.com .

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