The Center for Disease Control lists Kentucky as one of the least active states in the US.  This inactivity contributes to health problems including: diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc.  Carter County ranks as one of the highest counties in the state for diabetes related deaths.

The Carter County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered a newsletter-based walking program designed for individuals who have not previously been physically active or who have not been physically active in a long time.  The program was offered both online and via mail.  Participants received a newsletter each week for 12 weeks.The Challenge is based on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s walking plan and allows participants to start at just five days a week as a pace that is comfortable for them.

There were 30 participants. One hundred percent increased the amount of walking. Ninety percent of participants examined ways to set goals for walking.  Six participants walked five days a week for the entire 12 weeks. A one month follow-up evaluation revealed that participants: learned the benefits of physical activity, have knowledge to become more active, are positive about activity, have increased their levels of physical activity, have been more aware of places to be active in the community, and plan to continue their activity.  Three participants reported that they lost weight and two reported improvement in one or more health indicators.

“Knowing that others were participating in this challenge helped keep me accountable.  I feel so much better after I started the walking program! I hope to do another challenge in the future.”- Couch Potato Challenge Participant