Promoting Healthy Behaviors Post incarcerationErica M. Jackson, PhD, FACSM

Overview Health Status, pre- to post-

incarceration Health concerns

Stress Mental/psychological health Physical Health

Facilitating healthy behavior choices

Health Status Prior to incarceration

Presence of health problems Risk factors for chronic disease Poor access to quality health care

During incarceration Lack of a national model curriculum

for training health care providers Quality may vary

Health Status Post incarceration

Study of older adults recently released 79.1% reported a medical condition & 13.6% reported a serious mental illness

Rates of chronic diseases among inmates increasing

Suggested that chronic diseases are more advanced

Health Status Post incarceration

Rates of chronic diseases seems to higher than in the general population

12 times more likely to die from any cause in the 2 weeks following release than the general population

Health Concerns Access to health care Mental health Cardiovascular health Diabetes Stress

Physical health Mental health Immune function Poor decision making

* Often comorbid conditions

Know risk factors Modifiable & Non-modifiable

Risk factors for many conditions include: Smoking Poor dietary habits Physical inactivity Obesity Stress Alcohol & drug abuse

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Understand & work to reduce barriers

Access to healthcare Information about resources

Understanding of current health problems

Other necessary information (screenings, disease consequences, etc)

Behavior change strategies

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Do not address multiple challenging behaviors at the same time

Consider compatibility of behaviors e.g., exercise & smoking or drug use

Set realistic goals Mobilize a support network

Stress management Address obvious barriers &

challenges Find healthy outlet Support network

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Tips for healthy eating Myplate.gov

Link for professionals Provides specific nutrition

information Easy to follow plans Pictorial healthy plate proportional

to needs Recommendations

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Reading food labels Portions vs. serving sizes Fats, saturated fats, trans fats Sodium

Variety of foods Variety of fruits & vegetables –

variety of colors Encourage water, 100% fruit juices

Avoid sweetened beverages

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Choose whole grains vs. refined grains

Healthy food preparation Lower fat dairy options Avoid heavy cream-based sauces

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Encouraging physical activity & exercise Stress reduction & management Helps body physiologically react to stress Improves depression & depression

symptoms Improves anxiety Lower risk for chronic disease Improves blood pressure, cholesterol,

diabetes,

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

As little as 30 mins 5 days per week Can be done in multiple sessions of

at least 10 minutes Any activity is good

Sports Aerobic Resistance (e.g., weights)

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Activity does not have to be a structured exercise program on performed in a gym Playing with kids Walking for transportation Anything to move

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Substitute healthy behaviors for unhealthy one

Monitor habits and behaviors Make a plan Set specific, realistic goals

Promoting Healthy Behaviors