The 2014-2016 data profile for Hart County recorded the obesity rate at 31%. In 2013-2015, 36.8% of adults ages 20 and over reported no leisure time for physical activity and 38.3% had hypertension. This inactivity along with the high obesity rate resulted in 24% of adults saying they were in poor to fair health. 

To begin addressing the health issues the Hart County Health Department along with the Hart County Family and Consumer Science Extension agent teamed up for a 4 week program offered at the high school for teachers and staff.  Participant’s baseline blood pressure, weight, and optional measurements were recorded by the school nurse. Low calories/healthy recipes and samples were offered during lunch breaks by the Hart County FCS agent. An optional step challenge that started at week 1 with 8000 steps and increased each week by 2000 steps was also part of the program. 

As a direct result of this program 21 participates lost a total of 124.4 pounds and the 12 participants who choose to be measured lost 28 inches.  All participants who had normal blood pressure numbers remained the same and those who had a high blood pressure baseline numbers showed a reduction in their numbers at the end of the challenge.