It’s My Health, One Step at a Time

It’s My Health, One Step at a Time

Weigh Down in West PointMississippi State University Extension Service/ Clay County

What did we do?In 12 weeks we taught participants how to develop a healthier life plan.

We encouraged them to get moving throughThe exercise of their choice.

The ultimate goal of most was to lose weight.

It was done without anyone going on a diet.

What happened?

Without anyone going on a diet we lost almost 6,000 pounds in 12 weeks.

How did it begin?

Fall 2003 planning began

Partners were: Local and State AARPNorth Mississippi Medical Center andtheir West Point Wellness CenterMSU- Extension Service Clay County

It’s My Health, One Step at a Time (Weigh Down in West Point)

A 12 week program was born.

When and where?

One hour sessionsEach session offered 3 timesVaried locations for meetings

Our Goals

Our goal was to reach 220 people or about 1% of the population in the community.Free classesNutrition, health and fitness education

Early promotion

We began by talking to civic groups, clients, physicians, and anyone whowould listen.We began developing flyers and brochures to begin the programin January of 2004.

Later Promotion

Flyers and brochures were printed

Health Fairs were organized

TV, Radio, Newspapers, Clubs,Churches, Businesses, Schools,

RulesEveryone had to sign up and weigh in

A little “friendly competition”

A team member must attend each week

Teams lose 100 pounds in 12 weeks

The program begins…1280 people enrolled98 teams of 10 registeredTeam captains were chosenTeams had their own catchy namesRewards were promised

Week 1 - Setting Goals

Getting balance in your lifeSMARTERPersonal Goals and InformationCard

Week 2- Weight Management

BMI ChartJournalingImportance of waterGet MovingPlanning

Week 3- Benefits of Physical Activity

Cardio

Resistance

Flexibility

FIT

Week 4 – Recipe Modification

Reducing portionsReducing fatReducing saltReducing preparation timeReducing cost

Week 5- Blood Pressure Control

Blood pressure checksAnyone can be at riskImportance of controlWhat you can doIncreased risk factors

Week 6- Chronic Illness

Symptoms often come and go

Southern States lead the nation

Your best defense

Week 7 – Diabetes Causes

Symptoms

Treatment

Week 8 – Heart Health

Warning signs

Action

Prevention

Recovery

Week 9 - TobaccoDealing with cessation issues

Help is available

Avoiding other pitfalls

Week 10 – Stress Management

Positive stress

Negative stress

Dealing with it

Week 11 – Supplements and Meds

Prescriptions and “Natural Remedies”

Prescriptions and over the counter

Tell someone

Week 12 – Maintaining Success

Watch for pitfalls

Continue to journal

Join the celebration

Other things we did

Newspaper articles

Television programs

Celebrating!!!

Certificates

Group recognition

Individual recognition

Many surprises

What happened nextEvaluations

National and statewide attention

Monthly Programs

Going statewide

Where are we today?Still the most obese state

Mississippi in Motion

Let’s Go Walking