Success StoryWalk Your Way: Inspiring Health Through Movement
Walk Your Way: Inspiring Health Through Movement
Author: Jill Harris
Planning Unit: Todd County CES
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Plan of Work: Improve Physical and Mental Health of Youth and Adults
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Walk Your Way: Inspiring Health Through Movement
Low physical activity levels, poor nutrition, and mental health challenges are known contributors to chronic diseases—and they continue to be major public health concerns. According to America’s Health Rankings, Kentucky ranks among the least physically active states.
In response, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agents in the Pennyrile Area launched Walk Your Way, an 11-week walking challenge aimed at boosting physical activity and encouraging healthier lifestyles among local residents. In Todd County, the FCS Agent partnered with the Health Department and the Health Coalition. Seven Todd countians completed the program and reported 2,541,653 steps.
43 participants in the area completed the challenge and the post-program survey. The results were powerful:
- 93% were aware of the benefits of physical activity
- 93% felt confident in their knowledge and ability to stay active
- 76% reported increasing their activity levels
- 93% expressed a more positive attitude toward physical activity
- 64% noticed improvements in at least one health marker, such as cholesterol, BMI, blood pressure, or blood glucose
- 79% became more aware of local resources for accessing nutritious foods
- 88% intended to continue getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily
Participants shared that motivation, flexibility, encouragement, and accountability were the most rewarding aspects of the challenge. One participant shared, “I completed my goal of 100 miles during this time period.” Another added, “I challenged myself to get more steps/miles each week.”
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