Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

For program info call 443-523-1700

Diabetes Prevention

Could you have prediabetes? Take the risk test today!

Diabetes Prevention Program 

The National Diabetes Prevention Program returns to Somerset County this fall. The free program includes 16 weekly sessions followed by 6 months of follow-up sessions with a health coach. Successful participants can expect to lose at least 5% of their body weight and reduce their risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Learn how to eat better, plan healthy meals, increase physical activity and manage weight loss. Registration is required. The program begins January 2020.  For a detailed flyer, click here or call 443.523.1700.

Helpful Links & Information About Diabetes Prevention

• CDC Information about Prediabetes and the risk
• What is Prediabetes and am I at risk? Find out by taking the Prediabetes Risk Assessment Today!
• Small Steps, Big Rewards 

SCALE For Families

‘SCALE (Sustainable Change and Lifestyle Enhancement) for Families’ is our newest program for women and children. This free evidenced-based weight loss, nutrition, and physical activity program is for women ages 18 to 55, and their children ages 7 to 17. In a group setting, health coaches will guide participants through healthy eating and physical activity education and activities to achieve sustained weight loss and healthy lifestyle habits. The program will also include special group exercise, cooking demonstrations, grocery store tours, and more. The program starts in January 2020, and continue for 12-weeks until the first week of December. Sessions are offered in both Somerset and Wicomico counties. For all the details see this flyer and call 443.523.1700 to register for the Somerset County Program. For Wicomico county sessions, call 410.334.3480. 

Physical Activity in Somerset County

Get out and explore Somerset County on some of the most unique trails on the Eastern Shore. With the Somerset County’s Original Trail Mix you can find the best places across the county to be active! From walking, hiking, biking, or paddling, there is always something to explore. For more information check out the official Trail Mix website at www.somersettrailmix.com or download the Trail Mix app to get all the info at your fingertips. It’s free on Android or Apple devices. Follow us on Facebook at ‘Somerset County Original Trail Mix’. 

# Walk Somerset

Walk Somerset is a coalition of community organizers and leaders advocating to improve walking opportunities and walkability in Somerset County. Coalition partners include Somerset County Recreation & Parks, Somerset County Tourism, Judy Center Partnership, Somerset County Public Works, Main Street Princess Anne, and other local community members. The #WalkSomerset initiative was created to encourage people to start walks in their own neighborhoods with friends, family, and co-workers. To share your walks in Somerset County, or to find out about upcoming events, check out the Walk Somerset Facebook page. Make sure to share using   ‘#WalkSomersetMD’!

Healthy Eating

Healthy Somerset Garden Project

The Somerset County Health Department has received a grant from the Maryland Health Resource Commission since 2014 to address childhood and family obesity in Somerset County. One aspect of the grant project was to promote food security. Thus, in partnership with the Eastern Correctional Institute, an inmate garden was established to provide locally grown and organic fruits and vegetables. Thanks to ECI and various community partners more than 42,800 pounds of fresh produce have been given to families in need throughout the county.

Tri-County Area Food Pantries 2020

Obesity Prevention 

Obesity rates in Somerset County are pretty shocking—50% more of adults in Somerset County suffer from obesity than those in the rest of Maryland. 45% of county adults and 21.3% of county children are considered obese in our county. But that’s not all; obesity is also looked at as a major health concern in the county because of a lack of weight loss activities and healthy food options.  

People who are obese – compared to people with a healthy weight – are more likely to have various health problems and conditions such as, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and cancer.  The Somerset County Health Department’s is working to promote food security and decrease childhood and adult obesity by developing various initiatives and projects in our community. For more information, please contact 443-523-1719.