According to the Center for Disease Control 30% of Kentucky adults report getting no physical activity and over ½ are overweight.  With studies showing the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthier life, the Laurel County Family and Consumer Sciences agent offered a 12-week newsletter based walking program designed for individuals who have not previously been physically active or who have not been physically active in a long time.  38 total participants received weekly newsletters to encourage walking and were able to participate in 24 (30-minute) walking activities.  Walking activities were scheduled at our local walking park to encourage the development of walking buddies. 

A written survey was administered at the end of the program.  As a direct result of the Couch Potato Challenge:

• 58% of participants increased their physical activity levels
• 75% agreed that they are more aware of the benefits of regular physical activity
• 67% learned the skills to be physical active
• 67% have developed a more positive attitude towards physical activity
• 25% were more physically active with family and/or friends
• 17% lost weight
• 33% improved one or more of their health indicators (cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, or blood glucose)
• 75% are more aware of places in the community to be physically active
• 67% plan to get 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week after the program ends

One participant commented “This has made me more aware of my walking and now has become what I look forward to every day I possibly can.  Thanks so much!  Even my doctor noticed a great improvement ... “ 

A random sample evaluation was taken 6 months after the program:

• 75% said they had continued to walk after the program completed
• 25% said they have lost weight due to the program 
• 100% said they had improved health indicators due to the program
• 100% said they had a more positive attitude towards walking after the program.  Comments given were “most underused antidepressant there is,” “I even limit my children’s access to electronics now so they will be more physically active,” and “if you aren’t physically active you are not going to live long.”