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. 

Statewide, a total of 1,497 individuals, 15 from Graves County participated in Big Blue Goals through both formats, and as a group made an impressive amount of wise and healthy choices! Through the Goalify app, program administrators were able to track participation levels in the selected challenges. At the end of the challenge, all participants were given the opportunity to complete an evaluation survey. 

664 individuals statewide and 15 locally participated in the Physical Activity challenge and had a combined total of 337,124 minutes of physical activity. Evidence shows that individuals who engage in physical activity have improved physical and mental health outcomes.  

Seventy-seven percent of survey respondents adopted a new physical activity practice as a result of participating in this challenge. Additionally, 88% of respondents who recorded health measures, indicated an improvement in at least one health indicator (cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, or blood glucose.) 

682 individuals participated in the Meals at Home challenge and consumed a combined total of 29,580 meals at home during the 10 weeks. 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, 53% of survey respondents indicated that they supplemented their meals with food they grew, caught, or preserved themselves. 

500 individuals participated in the Fruits and Vegetables Challenge and consumed a combined total of 47,852 servings of fruit and vegetables during the 10-week challenge. Evidence shows that eating 4-6 servings of fruit and vegetables each day improves health outcomes.  

Eighty-eight percent of survey respondents who participated in the Intentional Spending Challenge followed a spending plan for 5 or more weeks of the 10-week challenge.   

During the challenge: 

81% of respondents made a financial decision (regarding credit, budgeting, savings, and/or debt); 

65% of respondents took steps to avoid breaches in personal or financial security; and 

95% of respondents reduced expenses or managed money effectively. 

As a result of participating in this challenge, participants reported saving $59,403.50 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. 

Eighty-eight percent of survey respondents who participated in the Relationship Challenge reported learning something new to strengthen their relationships.  Respondents used information received to increase involvement with their children, reduce screen time for their families, establish family routines, or volunteer their resources to help others. 

Ninety-five 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, 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.