Annually, the Family and Consumer Sciences agents and staff see an increased interest from clientele in health-behavior choices around the new year. This year, to reach both current and new clientele with timely and research-based information, Henry and Trimble Counties decided to present their clientele with a Big Blue Goals Head-to-Head Challenge. The program was designed to allow for participation through either an online platform (Goalify app) that could be operated on a smartphone, computer, or tablet, or through a traditional paper format. Participants received weekly educational information about the health benefits of physical activity, movement, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Participants selected whether to participate in one challenge or both and recorded efforts made in each area during the 8-week program. 

A total of thirty-four individuals (fifteen from Henry County) participated in Big Blue Goals through both formats from both counties, and as a group made an impressive amount of wise and healthy choices! Through the Goalify app, program administrators were able to track participation levels in the selected challenges. At the end of the challenge, all participants were given the opportunity to complete an evaluation survey. Participants who tracked their own involvement on the paper grid were encouraged to submit their results at the end of the challenge so we could accurately record the beneficial scope of this program. 

Thirty-two individuals (twelve from Henry County) participated in the Physical Activity challenge and had a combined total of 34,088 minutes of physical activity. Evidence shows that individuals who engage in physical activity have improved physical and mental health outcomes. 

Thirty individuals (fifteen from Henry County) participated in the Fruits and Vegetables Challenge and consumed a combined total of 2,612 servings of fruit and vegetables during the 8-week challenge. Evidence shows that eating 4-6 servings of fruit and vegetables each day improves health outcomes. 

There were 100 percent of survey respondents reported being more physically active because of participating in this challenge. Additionally, 75% of respondents who recorded health measures, reported an improvement in at least one health indicator (cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, or blood glucose.) 

However, it is often the words of our participants that speak to the success of our programs. One participant said, “this challenge truly held me accountable to move more and eat better.” Another shared, “I loved the new recipes given each week during the program.” Giving participants an opportunity to learn in a new way, as well as challenge them to “compete” with a neighboring county helped to build camaraderie while encouraging the adoption of healthy behavior practices. We are planning future challenges to focus on other goals.