SU Ag Center curriculum brings health and fitness

Organizations and churches committed to promoting healthier lifestyles among African-American women are gearing up for the national Sisters Together Program, sponsored by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

Slated to launch this summer, Sisters Together is a walking program designed to educate women on the benefits of communion, increased physical activity, and healthier eating habits. Participants in the program form small circles of friends-usually with other members of the same organization or church-who complete a series of six activities and lessons designed by SU Ag Center experts.

The six-month program teaches fundamental steps that allow participants to make better choice in selecting foods, becoming active, using resources, building partnerships and increasing self-efficacy. Evolved from a pilot study funded by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, this program is a model health education and fitness program.

"We're taking the success of the Sisters Together pilot study and expanding the program statewide through partnerships with other organizations," says nutrition specialist and program administrator De'Shoin York Friendship. Last year, Friendship and extension agent Karen Stevens created the Sisters Together curriculum for Louisiana's African-American women. Packed with strategies, worksheets, and recipes, this curriculum will serve as a guide for participants to be successful.

"The pilot program was extremely successful last year, having more than 150 participants…many who improved their health and lost weight," says Friendship.

With the newly developed curriculum Friendship says she anticipates 100 groups adopting Sisters Together as part of their ongoing church or organization activities.

To participate, interested organizations should contact Friendship at (225) 771-2242 ext. 318 or email deshoin_friendship@suagcenter.com .

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For more information, contact your Southern University Ag Center parish agent or visit www.suagcenter.com.

Contact:
Southern University Ag Center Assistant Specialist - Nutrition, DeShoin Friendship at (225) 771-2242 ext. 318 or deshoin_friendship@suagcenter.com