Author: Natalie Taul
Planning Unit: Grayson County CES
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Plan of Work: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Communities
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Adults in Grayson County were asked to rank their own health status as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor; According to the Kentucky Health Facts website, 29% of Grayson County adults reported their health status as generally being fair or poor. This surpasses the sate wide percentage which sits at 23%. Grayson County is ranked 71 out of 120 counties based on a variety of health outcomes. When it comes to health factors, which include obesity and physical inactivity (among others), Grayson County ranks 85 out of 120 with an obesity rate of 37% (KY 34%) and 34% report being physically inactive (KY 28%). Based on these statistics and community interest, the FCS Extension Program has continued implementing a multifaceted walking/wellness program focusing on participants setting personal, individual goals and achieving them through the accountability of the Get Moving Grayson County program.
The Family and Consumer Science Educator works closely with the Communicare Regional Prevention Center (RPC) to plan this community wide program. The Communicare RPC provides educational information and funding for the program while Grayson County Tourism assists in promoting the program along with other agencies in the community. A variety of educational opportunities are made available to participants throughout the program. Face to face educational sessions are offered, at varying times to encourage attendance from a broad audience, weekly reminder emails contained publications and information releases from the University, as well as other related community events, and lastly, a closed Facebook group provided additional information and support for participants.
Participants reported their steps weekly into a shared spreadsheet. This held them accountable throughout the program and kept motivation to move up as there was friendly competition among participants. On average 65% of registered participants reported and participated weekly throughout the program.
Data from follow up surveys revealed that as a direct result of participating in Get Moving Grayson County:
93% agreed or strongly agreed that they have a more positive attitude toward physical activity.
51% reported losing weight.
93% reported increasing their level of physical activity.
80% reported they have recently begun participating in regular physical activity or have been participating in regular physical activity for the past 6 months or longer.
79% report they are eating more healthy foods
This program is gaining popularity in the community and more and more people are interested in participating. The program will continue to grow and develop overtime to best fit community needs and interests.
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