1. It’s My Health, One Step at a Time Weigh Down in West Point Mississippi State University Extension Service/ Clay County

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. It’s My Health, One Step at a Time (Weigh Down in West Point) A 12 week program was born.

6. When and where? One hour sessions Each session offered 3 times Varied locations for meetings

7. 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

8. 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.

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

10. 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

11. The program begins… 1280 people enrolled 98 teams of 10 registered Team captains were chosen Teams had their own catchy names Rewards were promised

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

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

14. Week 3- Benefits of Physical Activity Cardio Resistance Flexibility FIT

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

16. Week 5- Blood Pressure Control Blood pressure checks Anyone can be at risk Importance of control What you can do Increased risk factors

17. Week 6- Chronic Illness Symptoms often come and go Southern States lead the nation Your best defense

18. Week 7 – Diabetes Causes Symptoms Treatment

19. Week 8 – Heart Health Warning signs Action Prevention Recovery

20. Week 9 - Tobacco Dealing with cessation issues Help is available Avoiding other pitfalls

21. Week 10 – Stress Management Positive stress Negative stress Dealing with it

22. Week 11 – Supplements and Meds Prescriptions and “Natural Remedies” Prescriptions and over the counter Tell someone

23. Week 12 – Maintaining Success Watch for pitfalls Continue to journal Join the celebration

24. Other things we did Newspaper articles Television programs

25. Celebrating!!! Certificates Group recognition Individual recognition Many surprises

26. What happened next Evaluations National and statewide attention Monthly Programs Going statewide

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