Best Medicine May Be Walking

Making Connections News

Another story in our series, Preventing Diabetes in EKY, this report focuses on an innovative health improvement program happening in connection with the Letcher County Farmers’ Market. We hear from participants, some diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, who walk one mile on Whitesburg's public walking track every week and, in return, get a free $10 voucher to use on fresh fruits & vegetables at the market. The program has shown demonstrable results, including lowering participants’ average A1C levels and reducing waist circumference & BMI. It could serve as a model for other communities in the region struggling with increases in diabetes among residents.