Texas Healthy Lifestyles

In July 2006, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt announced the release of more than $13 million over the next three years to Texas and 15 other states to improve the health and quality of life for older Americans. Texas received $250,000 for state fiscal year (FY) 2007 and will receive the same amount in FYs 2008 and 2009.

The Texas initiative — Texas Healthy Lifestyles — contributes to improved health for Texans through lifestyle changes that have proven effective in reducing the risk of disease and disability among older Texans. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is partnering with the

• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS),
• Bexar County Area Agency on Aging,
• Brazos Valley Area Agency on Aging and
• Neighborhood Centers Inc. in Houston, along with their local partners.

The grant will be used to disseminate evidence-based physical activity programs with the goals of

• improved self-reported health status and symptom management,
• improved health behaviors, and
• reduced utilization of health care resources such as fewer hospitalizations, reduced use of the emergency room and reduced unnecessary physician visits.

Texas Healthy Lifestyles is a great opportunity to build on the Aging Texas Well program and to collaborate with DSHS and community partners to give aging Texans better tools to maintain their health.

Documents

• Texas Health Lifestyles Site Visit Booklet (PDF) — This booklet contains an overview of the project and partners involved in the project with in-depth explanations of the evidence-based programs.

Updated: November 2, 2007