Annually, Family and Consumer Sciences Agents and staff see an increased interest from clients in health-behavior choices around the new year.  This year, to reach both current and new clientele with timely and research-based information, FCS Extension rolled out a new program just in time for January 2021- Big Blue Goals.  The program was designed to allow for participation through either an online platform (Goalify app) that could be operated on a smartphone, computer, or tablet, or through a traditional paper format. Participants received daily or weekly educational information about a variety of topics, organized under six challenges which included: preparing meals at home, increasing physical activity, consuming fruits and vegetables, making sound financial decisions, living well, and improving relationship skills.  Participants selected which of the six challenges in which they participated and recorded efforts made in each area during the 10-week program. 

 In Meade County, a total of 41 individuals participated in Big Blue Goals through both formats, and as a group made an impressive amount of wise and healthy choices! At the end of the challenge, all participants were given the opportunity to complete an evaluation survey.

 Evidence shows that individuals who engage in physical activity have improved physical and mental health outcomes.  100% of Meade County survey respondents adopted a new physical activity practice as a result of participating in this challenge. Additionally, they all indicated an improvement in at least one health indicator (cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, or blood glucose.) 

 Evidence shows that individuals who consume meals at their residence, as opposed to in a restaurant, consume overall healthier foods and more appropriate portion sizes.   In addition to preparing meals at home, 40% of Meade County survey respondents indicated that they supplemented their meals with food they grew, caught, or preserved themselves. 

 One hundred percent of survey respondents who participated in the Intentional Spending Challenge followed a spending plan for the entire 10-week challenge.   

During the challenge: 

100% of respondents made a financial decision (regarding credit, budgeting, savings, and/or debt); 

100% of respondents took steps to avoid breaches in personal or financial security; and 

100% of respondents reduced expenses or managed money effectively. 

As a result of participating in this challenge, participants reported saving $2,000 during the 10-week period. 

 The Relationship Challenge and the Living Well Challenge incorporated the chat feature of the Goalify App to encourage participants to share their thoughts about what they were learning or respond to specific questions that were asked throughout the challenges.  Additionally, participants were encouraged to participate in independent study of FCS publications related to the topic which were delivered directly to their mobile device through the app. Many FCS agents found creative ways to ensure that their paper participants were also able to receive the materials related to these two goals, even though that was not required by the state office. 

 Fifty percent of survey respondents who participated in the Relationship Challenge reported learning something new to strengthen their relationships.  Respondents used information received to reduce screen time for their families and have meaningful conversations with family members from different generations.

 One hundred percent of survey respondents who participated in the Living Well Challenge learned something new to enhance their own well-being.  Respondents used information received to establish consistent sleep habits, accept that which is with their control, took time to care for themselves, drank recommended amounts of water daily, and took precautions to prevent injuries in their homes. 

 However, it is often the words of our participants that speak to the success of our programs.  One participant said, “I enjoyed this challenge. This was a good challenge to get people in home working on healthy living habits and a chance to make choice of food habits you want to pursue or improve. Would like to keep doing this, I have lost 21 1/2 pounds.”  Another shared, “Great program. This helped tremendously. I got my cholesterol down 40 points. B/P is still a work in progress. Thank you.”  But maybe the one who said, “Perfect way to start a new year on track!” said it best for everyone.”