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 Harlan County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent implement(ed) 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.  93 adults participated in this program. As a result of this program, 73 percent became aware of the befits of regular physical activity, 73 percent reported having gained the knowledge and skills to be physically activity, as a result 56 percent reported an increase in physical activity levels.

Concerning overall health status, 32 percentage 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 20 percent reported being more aware of places in their community to access nutritious foods. 

At the completion of the program, participants shared...

“I have very much enjoyed learning the new app and being able to access exercise videos straight from my phone.”

“My family and I enjoyed being in a competition with each other to see who completed the most steps for the day and what place we would be ranked.”

“I have become more physically active throughout the course.  The app made me be more accountable to what I was doing throughout the day and strive to get my steps accounted for.”