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 behavior 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 Todd county residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the Todd County Middle School, Todd County High School and the Todd County Health Department to implement 3 Fit Blue Challenges. 

Through this program, participants focus on improving health behaviors by making lifestyle choices to increase physical activity and eat nutritious meals. Eighteen adults participated in this program and reported 1,982,995 total steps. Seven participants completed a post evaluation.  As a result of this program, 100 % became aware of the befits of regular physical activity, 100% reported having gained the knowledge and skills to be physically activity, as a result 86% reported an increase in physical activity levels.

Concerning overall health status, 86% of participant noticed an improvement in one or more health indicator (cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, blood glucose). In addition to individual behavior change 43% reported being more aware of places in their community to access nutritious foods. 

At the completion of the program, participants shared their favorite thing in the challenge was:

“helped me get outside more.”

“checking daily to see where I stood in the challenge.”

“The step challenge kept me active.  It was like a competition and I wanted to stay at the top—liked being competitive with my colleagues.”   

“Challenges to encourage me to exercise more often.”

“I liked the challenge and I liked being able to have workouts on the app.”

Additionally, seven Todd County residents competed in the Fit Blue statewide challenges in April and May.