Success StoryLET’S GET PHYSICAL



LET’S GET PHYSICAL

Author: Joel Worth

Planning Unit: Jefferson County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Initial Outcome

According to, Current Opinion in Psychology, “Substance Use Disorders (SUD) continue to be a significant public health concern. Exercise has been examined as an adjunctive approach to addiction treatment in an effort to improve mental health, physical health, and substance use outcomes.”

A seven-week pilot program, Healthy Choices for Your Recovery Body was presented by a Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Services SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) assistant for SNAP eligible individuals, to a men’s substance use recovery group in Jefferson County.  The program supplied nutrition education, food resource management, food safety, portion control, and information about physical activity. The SNAP-Ed. Assistant emphasized the importance of physical activity, which could aid in the substance abuse recovery process. Physical activity examples included thirty minutes a day of moderate of exercise like walking, bicycle riding, weight training and social dancing. Small changes to individual’s daily activities were also discussed; examples of these changes included taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking a distance from stores, and low impact exercises when sitting.

Seventeen Men, who ranged in age from 21 to 63, (11 of 17) of participants showed a 65% improvement in one or more physical activity behaviors (i.e., exercising for at least 30 minutes, doing workouts to build and strengthen muscles, or making small changes

to be more active).

Current Opinion in PsychologyVolume 30, December 2019, Pages 103-108 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X18302744






Stories by Joel Worth


Save time and Money by Planning Your Meals!

about 4 years ago by Joel Worth

The MyPlate website states “Before making a grocery list, write down meals you want to make this wee... Read More


Stick It! To See If It’s Done.

about 4 years ago by Joel Worth

According to the USDA, “Using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to ensure safety and to de... Read More


Stories by Jefferson County CES


Pandemic Response: How social distancing regulations are creating innovative ways to for extension agents to teach their audience

Pandemic Response: How social distancing regulations are creating innovative ways to for extension agents to teach their audience

about 4 years ago by Stephen Lewis

2020 has been a challenging year as an emerging virus pandemic has altered the way that society has ... Read More


Volunteers of America Freedom House

Volunteers of America Freedom House

about 4 years ago by Emma Robinson

Volunteers of America Freedom HouseVolunteers of America Mid-States creates positive... Read More