The most recent census information for KY shows that only 21.4% of the population is physically active for (60) minutes or more throughout the day. Studies also show that 17% participated in no physical activity over the course of a day with 28.8% watching television for more than three hours each day. These alarming statistics, in combination with an obesity percentage of 66.6% (individuals with a BMI of 25 or greater) opened a door for the Lewis County SNAP-Ed Assistant to partner with a local church to present the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum lesson to seniors. Seven (7) required lessons were taught with an emphasis on becoming more physically active to improve overall health and wellness. 

Seven (7) participants in the class discussed their beginning physical activity levels and noted the limited daily activity they participated in. Throughout the course of the class where physical activity tips were presented during each lesson, participants discovered how simple it is to make small changes to become more active. By the end of the course, 71% of participants showed an improvement in their daily physical activity levels. One participant stated “I have started parking farther down the parking lot now like it was suggested. I never realized that something that simple would actually make a difference, but it does. I also make more than one trip from the car now with my groceries.” 

An additional noteworthy increase was an 86% improvement in food safety. One participant who had just started on her own was very novice in food prep and safety and throughout the course discovered how simple it was to use a meat thermometer correctly. She stated “This class has truly helped me out because before, I had no idea what I was doing in the kitchen.” With the combination of increased physical activity levels and improved food safety, this is one church based group that will certainly have a better outlook for a healthy future.