The Mind Body Connection Curriculum FCS Agent Update and Preliminary Evaluation Results May In-Service Training 2012 Lynn Blankenship Nicole Peritore

Reasons for Creation of Program Increased stress throughout the lifecycle Increased need to stress relief Increased need for opportunities for physical activity

Program Goal To apply research-based information on the mind/body connection and assess how you affected by and manage stress – both physically and emotionally

Program Objectives Describe some physical activities that help you reach and maintain good health, physical condition, and function Understand some of the negative effects of stress Learn various ways to control stress Practice basic meditation and deep breathing, as well as standing and seated stretches and balance exercises.

Publications Publications 1. HSW-AP.002 The Mind/Body Connection: An Overview HSW-AP HSW-AP.003 The Mind/Body Connection: Introduction and Safe Exercise Practice for Adults HSW-AP HSW-AP.004 The Mind/Body Connection: Deep Breathing and Simple Meditation HSW-AP HSW-AP.005 The Mind/Body Connection: Basic Standing and Seated Stretching Exercises HSW-AP HSW-AP.006 The Mind/Body Connection: Beginner Level Balance and Standing Stretches HSW-AP HSW-AP.002FG Facilitation Guide HSW-AP.002FG

Publications 5 main publications ◦ Each have an accompanying PowerPoint Evaluation Facilitators Guide

Program Format Designed to be 4-5 lessons The Overview (HSW-AP.002) can work as an in introduction to topic or as stand alone lesson

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) Designed to quickly assess the ability to begin physical activity

Evaluation Currently all five evaluation forms are linked in one document Incomplete evaluations

Impact Statement Sample ________________ County presented ____ programs on Mind and Body Connection to encourage adults to assess their personal health, incorporate exercise into their lives, reduce stress, and improve flexibility and balance. Of the ___________ participants, _________ increased their knowledge and understanding while ____________ conducted personal health assessments, ________ practiced exercises three or more times per week that reduced their stress, and improved their flexibility and balance. According to one participant,

Program Education Created as a Homemakers Lesson Presented last year at the KEHA Meeting Presented at the Mammoth Cave Area Homemakers annual meeting Presented the MBC Homemaker Leader Training (Program Overview) in all 10 Mammoth Cave Area Counties

Evaluation 327 evaluations returned Evaluation concentration ◦ Level of understanding ◦ Behavior Change ◦ Satisfaction ◦ Most significant change anticipated

Level of Understanding - Ability to describe various physical activities PoorAverageGoodExcellent Before the Program 8.0%37.9%39.9%14.1% After the Program 1.1%2.2%31.3%65.4%

Level of Understanding – Recognizing the Effects of Stress PoorAverageGoodExcellent Before the Program 6.6%33.1%43.0%17.2% After the Program 0.7%2.6%27.2%69.4%

Level of Understanding – Recognition the role of MBC PoorAverageGoodExcellent Before the Program 10.1%37.7%43.0%21.1% After the Program 1.5%3.7%27.4%67.4%

Intentions for Behavior Change Behavior Change NoYes Apply strategies to manage stress 2.9%97.1% Practice meditation 11.0%89.0% Practice deep breathing 3.2%96.8% Practice seated and standing exercises 5.6%94.4% Practice stretching and balance exercises 6.2%93.8%

Satisfaction Concerning the Program 92.7% agreed /strongly agreed that the subject matter was timely 96.2% agreed/strongly agreed that the speakers were effective 94.8% agreed/strongly agreed that in information was practical 92.8% agreed/strongly agreed that the information could be used in their organization 94.5% agreed/strongly agreed that the program was educational (56.7% SA)

Most significant? Seated exercises / Exercises (general) Ways to relieve stress Taking the time to reduce stress Deep breathing Just DO it!

Agent Perspective Becky Nash

Agent Perspective Natasha Lucas Mind/Body Connection Overview was taught in January to Quicksand Area Homemakers in 6 counties to lesson leaders, other homemakers & some agents.* All ladies seemed to enjoy the lesson. Some wanted more exercise information. All participants seemed to enjoy the de-stressing activities the lesson provides.

Exercise Practice Practice the Deep Breathing Exercise: Breath 1. Place the tip of your tongue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. 2. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound. (Pursing your lips may make this easier.) 3. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. 4. Hold your breath for a count of seven. 5. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight. This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

Exercise Practice Meditation – Progressive Relaxation

Exercise Practice Cable Stretch: 1. Sit in correct posture with shoulders relaxed and hands in lap. 2. Tuck your chin down as you straighten your upper back and neck, lifting your head up like a cable is pulling your head and torso straight upward. 3. Hold for 3 seconds and relax. 4. Repeat 3 times.

Exercise Practice Seated Forward Bend: Facilitator: REMIND participants -- Note: If you have had hip or back surgery, do not do this exercise without first talking with your health care provider. Then model this exercise for participants and have them practice it three times it appropriate for them.

Exercise Practice Exercise Practice Side Stepping 1. Stand in correct posture. 2. Step your left foot to the left, then step your right foot to the left, next to your left foot. 3. Step your right foot back to the right, then step your left foot to match your right foot. (Left, together. Right, together. Left, together. Right, together. This is one repetition.) 4. Breathe fully and deeply during the exercise. 5. Repeat 5 times.

Exercise Practice The Box Step: improves balance, coordination and physical endurance. 1. Stand in correct posture. 2. Step your right foot forward, then bring your left foot to your right foot (feet together). 3. Step your left foot to the left, then feet together. 4. Step your left foot back, then feet together. 5. Step your right foot to the right, then feet together. 6. Breathe fully and deeply during exercise. 7. Repeat cycle 3 to 5 times. Increase repetitions as you become stronger.

Questions or Concerns? Lynn Blankenship - Nicole Peritore –