Clay County, Kentucky faces persistent health challenges that call for targeted, community-based solutions. In 2022, the county recorded 3,899 preventable hospital stays and 16,700 premature deaths—clear indicators of serious gaps in preventive care and chronic disease management. Self-reported data show 30% of residents rate their physical health as “poor to fair.”  The burden of chronic conditions is high: 38% of residents are obese; 18% of adults have diabetes; 48% have high blood pressure; 33% do not meet physical activity guidelines.

Walk Your Way is a 12 week physical activity program designed to challenge participants to increase their physical activity to the recommended 150 minutes per week,  Participants keep a log sheet of time spent engaging in moderate physical activity over the course of the program.  Each week, participants receive a program newsletter to educate and motivate. In-person meetings are held at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the program period.  

A total of 7 individuals attended the first meeting of the program.  5 additional individuals, including 1 youth, were unable to attend the first meeting but, having received the information and materials, are currently participating in the program.  100% of program participants report a gain in knowledge relating to physical activity recommendations and the importance of warm ups/cool downs.  100% of participants report an increase in motivation to become more physically active.  100% of program participants express intentions to increase daily physical activity.