It’s My Health, One Step at a Time Weigh Down in West Point Mississippi 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 through The 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 AARP North Mississippi Medical Center and their West Point Wellness Center MSU- 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 sessions Each session offered 3 times Varied locations for meetings

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

Early promotion We began by talking to civic groups, clients, physicians, and anyone who would listen. We began developing flyers and brochures to begin the program in January of 2004.

Later Promotion Flyers and brochures were printed Health Fairs were organized TV, Radio, Newspapers, Clubs, Churches, Businesses, Schools,

Rules Everyone 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 enrolled 98 teams of 10 registered Team captains were chosen Teams had their own catchy names Rewards were promised

Week 1 - Setting Goals Getting balance in your life SMARTER Personal Goals and Information Card

Week 2- Weight Management BMI Chart Journaling Importance of water Get Moving Planning

Week 3- Benefits of Physical Activity Cardio Resistance Flexibility FIT

Week 4 – Recipe Modification Reducing portions Reducing fat Reducing salt Reducing preparation time Reducing cost

Week 5- Blood Pressure Control Blood pressure checks Anyone can be at risk Importance of control What you can do Increased 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 - Tobacco Dealing 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 next Evaluations National and statewide attention Monthly Programs Going statewide

Where are we today? Still the most obese state Mississippi in Motion Let’s Go Walking