Get Up Get Moving

Knowing that physical exercise and nutrition is an important part of drug and alcohol rehabilitation, Floyd County Drug Court contacted the Floyd County Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) assistant for help with this project. 

The Food and Physical Activity Entry Questionnaire was given at the beginning    of classes. There were seventeen (17) participants enrolled. Only forty-one percent (41%) met recommendations for daily physical exercise needs.  The EFNEP assistant began teaching lessons from the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum.  The importance of exercise was incorporated into each nutrition lesson taught, and the group decided to “get up and get moving.” 

With assistance from the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Assistant, the participants formed a walking club. A pedometer was given to each participant to help with recording their progress.Each participant walked to meet their personal schedule. Some chose to walk to work; park farther away from the entry of a store; take their kids to the park more; a few joined the local gym; or dance while cleaning house. Participants would report their progress at the beginning of each class. The group meet twice a month for three months. A post-test was given which revealed that seventy-six (76%) percent of the group were now meeting their recommended daily exercise needs. Overall, a sixty-three percent(63%) improvement was reported.