Low levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behaviour change interventions. Fit Blue is a community-based campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Building physical activity into the day does not require special equipment or a certain location. As participants take part in Fit Blue, they have tools to transition to a more active lifestyle focusing on eating healthier, moving more, and practicing mindfulness.

A smartphone-based application (FitBlueKY) is a four-week walking challenge focused on increasing participant’s participation in regular physical activity, choosing a nutritious diet, and improving health outcomes for Kentucky citizens. As an innovative strategy to improve and increase movement with Grayson County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent implemented a Fit Blue Challenge.

Through this program, participants focus on improving health behaviors by making lifestyle choices to increase physical activity and eat nutritious meals. 34 adults participated in this program. As a result of this program, 94 percent became aware of the befits of regular physical activity, 88 percent reported having gained the knowledge and skills to be physically activity, as a result 79 percent reported an increase in physical activity levels.

Concerning overall health status, 38 percent of participants noticed an improvement in one or more health indicator (cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, blood glucose). In addition to individual behavior change 65 percent reported being more aware of places in their community to access nutritious foods.

At the completion of the program, participants shared that their favorite part of participating in the Fit Blue program was “tracking my steps and knowing that I can physically exercise without taking a diet drink, diet pill, etc. There is so many things out there but natural and walking and nutrition is the best way to go.” Participants also expressed that they were encouraged to move more because of the competitive aspect of the program and the ease of tracking their steps through the app on their phone.