Based on statistics gained from Kentucky Health Facts, 13% of adults in Mason County have diabetes and 53% have hypertension (well above the state average of 39%). 31% of adults in Mason County report a lack of physical activity. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity has many benefits including maintaining a healthy weight, preventing or managing health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, strengthening bones and muscles, and improving one’s mood. 

Based on the relationship between lack of physical activity and poor health statistics, Mason County Family Consumer Science (FCS) Agent decided to hold a walking challenge for the employees of local businesses. The “Step It Up Walking Challenge” consisted of 4 to 6 member teams from local businesses that tracked their steps for 6 weeks. In partnership with the Maysville-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, 22 teams (118 participants) were registered to “Step It Up.” 

Every week all team members reported their steps to a team captain who reported to the Mason County FCS Agent. Team captains were able to email, fax, or text their weekly reports so it was most convenient for them. Weekly competitions were held with small incentives offered from a case of water to vegetable trays to those who won that week. Weekly competitions varied from “what team could take the most steps” to “which team could have the most team members with 10,000 steps a day.” The overall team that won had the most steps throughout the entire 6 weeks. 

At the end of the 6 weeks, a Qualtrics survey was sent to all participants for their feedback. 52% reported that they have increased the amount of walking they do because of this program. 76% say they have noticed some kind of health improvement after participating in this program. Those health improvements include weight loss, lack of heartburn, higher energy levels, and lower blood pressure levels. Other benefits of the program that were reported include bringing camaraderie to offices, making participants feel accountable for their physical activity, and feeling like part of a team.