The US obesity and in-activity rate is at an alarming high, and this is no different for the residents of Spencer County. That is why the FCS Agent started The Couch Potato Challenge via Facebook. This 12 week challenge is based on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s walking plan and allows people to start at just five days a week and at a pace that is comfortable for them. All information for this program was distributed to participants online. Each week for 12 week they received a newsletter detailing tips, recipes, and reminders that they could use to keep them motivated.

There were 19 Spencer County residents that participated in this online physical activity challenge. During this time they learned safe walking techniques, how to stay hydrated, overcoming barriers that keep us for being physically active, as well as preventing injury.

Due to this program participants on an average are 1-2 times more active each week, and have incorporated walking for health into their daily routine. This will in turn allow people to live a longer more fulfilled lifestyle, resulting in fewer health problems and less money spent on medical services in the future.