Why Functional Self Care™ Matters
Obesity is becoming more common in Oregon every year. In 2021, 26% of adults in Deschutes County were classified as obese — not far behind the state average of nearly 30% (Deschutes, Oregon, n.d.; Oregon Health Authority, 2018). Though obesity isn’t listed as a top cause of death, it plays a major role in many of the diseases that are — like heart disease, stroke, and cancer (Health Risks of Overweight & Obesity, 2024; Deschutes, Oregon, n.d.).
In Oregon, obesity is linked to around 6,000 deaths each year — that’s about 146 per 100,000 residents (Oregon Health Authority, 2018). And nationwide, nearly 500,000 deaths in 2016 were tied to excess weight (Ward et al., 2022).
This is more than a health issue. It’s also an economic one. Experts estimate that obesity will cost the U.S. economy $5.6 trillion over the next decade, mostly from missed work and lost productivity (THE 2023 JOINT ECONOMIC REPORT, 2023). That breaks down to about $17,000 per adult.
Helping People Move with Purpose
Functional Self Care™ is an 8-week program that combines Pilates with practical health education. It’s designed for adults of all ages and abilities — especially those who feel left out of typical fitness spaces.
Our approach is rooted in science. We use the Health Belief Model to help people understand their own health behaviors, feel more confident making changes, and learn how to stay active in ways that feel good and sustainable.
Pilates isn’t just about movement — it improves breathing, heart function, and strength. Research shows that even without weight loss, it can significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness, which reduces the risk of heart disease and early death
Your Support Makes This Possible
We can’t do this without you.
Your donation supports local health education, free resources, and movement sessions for people in Deschutes County and beyond. With your help, we can reach more adults — especially those who are often left out of traditional fitness spaces.
Let’s make movement more accessible, safe, and empowering for everyone.