Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are preventable diseases that are among the most harmful and widespread in America. The good news is that with small changes to behaviors they can be prevented.

Microclinic International worked with Bell County residents to develop a 10 month program to help people make small but lasting changes to their behaviors. This program is combined with changes to the local environment that aid a healthy lifestyle - for example, establishing a farmers market and building an exercise trail.

This project funds the purchase, shipping and installation of one set of 5 exercise stations. These will be installed in Veteran's Park located on Highway 119. The park has 2 paved walking trails, a restroom, a big shelter with picnic tables and a children’s playground, and is used by many local residents.

Exercise stations that will be installed include:
- A push up stand
- A back extension bench
- A set of dual bars
- A two sided rotator
- A fun rider

Bell County, Kentucky, is nestled in the Appalachian region of Southeast Kentucky and is home to approximately 29,000 people.

Bell County has been chosen to pioneer the first-ever microclinic model in the United States due to its rich community bonds, sincere willingness to achieve well-being and lead healthier lives, strong desire to extend social care and support to those within their communities who are in need.

Like many areas throughout the US, Kentucky has seen an increase in the number of people affected by preventable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that 15 southern states have regions with diabetes rates above 11 percent, compared to 8.5 percent in the rest of the country.

In Bell County
- 34% of adults are obese
- 12.4% have diabetes,
- there are between 593 and 747 deaths per 100,000 people due to heart disease
- the average life expectancy in Bell County is almost 5 years shorter than the national average
- 3.3% of people 25 or older hold a bachelors degree, and 9th grade is the highest educational attainment for 18%
- 56% of people 16 or over are not in the labor force
- 23% of households have an annual income of less than $10,000.

Community member details not available yet.

Direct Impact of Your Project

This project funds one set of 5 exercise stations that will be set up in Bell County. The aim is to provide microclinic participants and other Bell County residents with a place to exercise.

Specifically this project funds the purchase, shipping and installation of one set of 5 exercise stations. Exercise stations include:
- A push up stand
- A back extension bench
- A set of dual bars
- A two sided rotator
- A fun rider