ACTIVATE AMERICA, HEALTH SEEKERS AND LISTEN FIRST YMCA BUFFALO NIAGARA AUGUST 20, 2010 Activate America is the Y’s response to the growing health crisis in America. It is an initiative that focuses on new ways to better support our members. Part of Activate America is understanding “Health Seekers.” Health Seekers are those who want to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, but struggle to do so. The “start/stop” population. One of the ways we can better support health seekers is by strengthening relationships with members and we can do that using the skills we have learned in “Listen First.” Today we are going to take a look at the attributes of health seekers and practice what we have learned during listen first.

ACTIVATE AMERICA WE MUST DELIBERATELY STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS WITH MEMBERS Activate America- national initiative developing new ways to help members meet their goals. Where did Activate America and the term health seeker come from? We know that…. More than 2/3 of the US adult population are obese or overweight Today is the first generation of children expected to not outlive their parents Only 15% of the Adult Population engages in regular physical activity Estimated 25 million Americans have Type II Diabetes 1 in 4 Americans are considered “pre-diabetic” or at high risk for developing diabetes Cost of treating diabetes exceeds 200 billion a year 8.1% of New Yorkers have been diagnosed with diabetes Estimated 25 - 30% in NYS with pre-diabetes The Y has a rich history as an organization dedicated to Healthy Living. By listening to our members and understanding our member’s needs we can examine our current practices to improve how we support members efforts for healthy living.

2000 Obesity Trends - Adults in the United States The next few slides illustrate the increase obesity from 2000-2007. Watch how the number of blue states start to disappear and how many states turn red.

2001 Obesity Trends - Adults in the United States

2002 Obesity Trends - Adults in the United States

2003 Obesity Trends - Adults in the United States

2004 Obesity Trends - Adults in the United States

2005 Obesity Trends - Adults in the United States

2006 Obesity Trends - Adults in the United States

2007 Obesity Trends - Adults in the United States

UNDERSTANDING HEALTH SEEKERS The majority of our members are health seekers. Many health seekers feel intimidated when they step into a Y. Most people need someone to point them in the right direction when it comes to beginning an exercise program. They also need encouragement and support. Play Video

UNDERSTANDING HEALTH SEEKERS Continuous attempts to sustain pattern of health habits, but have been unsuccessful Limited factual knowledge on the components of a healthy lifestyle Cannot describe what would make the next attempt more successful than the first More concerned with wellbeing and health than physical appearance Require feedback, coaching, and support

SUPPORTING HEALTH SEEKERS USING LISTEN FIRST Reflect Summarize Ask Permission Offer Options Affirm

SUPPORTING HEALTH SEEKERS USING LISTEN FIRST Video Demonstration Ask open ended questions What are their goals What has worked what has not Follow up and provide continuous support Engage members in groups Facilitate relationship building Play Video-Listen First Demonstration The following clip demonstrates an example of an initial interview with a member. This interview process is designed to take the place of a traditional tour and sell. The staff member uses open ended questions to find out what the member hopes to accomplish, learn how the Y can best support them, and create “buy in” from the member.

SUPPORTING HEALTH SEEKERS USING LISTEN FIRST PRACTICE Activity- Choose one of the two activities. Explain the activity and have staff pair up and practice.

SUMMARY Listen First Creates positive work environment by improving relationships Allows us to help members with their efforts and have greater success Improves member retention Helps open the door to new program opportunities