Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryWalkTober



WalkTober

Author: Ashley Board

Planning Unit: Caldwell County CES

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Plan of Work: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Low levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behavior change interventions. FitBlue is a community-based campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  As participants use the FitBlue app, they have tools to transition to a more active lifestyle focusing on eating healthier, moving more, and practicing mindfulness. 

As a collaborative effort to improve and increase physical activity among residents in the Pennyrile Area, the Pennyrile Area Family and Consumer Sciences Agents implemented Walktober, a four-week walking challenge, using the FitBlue app.

Through this program, participants focused on improving health behaviors by making lifestyle choices to increase physical activity and eat nutritious meals. 71 adults completed this program. Program participants were surveyed following the program. 88% of surveyed participants are aware of the benefits of regular physical activity, 85% reported having the knowledge and skills to be physically activity, and 76 % reported an increase in physical activity levels. 

Concerning overall health status, 54% of participants noticed an improvement in one or more health indicators (cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, blood glucose). In addition to individual behavior change, 54% reported being more aware of places in their community to access nutritious foods.  

At the completion of the program, most participants cited encouragement, motivation, and accountability as their favorite aspects of the challenge.  One participant stated, “It made me accountable in continuing my walking.  It also showed difference exercise and proper technique.”






Stories by Ashley Board


Move Your Way

about 2 days ago by Ashley Board

Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and greatly supports both physica... Read More


Walk Your Way: Inspiring Health Through Movement

about 3 days ago by Ashley Board

Low physical activity levels, poor nutrition, and mental health challenges are known contributors to... Read More


Stories by Caldwell County CES


Local produce growers shine at local festival

Local produce growers shine at local festival

about 7 months ago by Shane Bogle

Downtown Princeton was bustling with activities on Saturday September 7 during the annual Black Patc... Read More


Move Your Way

about 2 days ago by Ashley Board

Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and greatly supports both physica... Read More