Extension to Families page Hyperlink to ISU Extension to Families Hyperlink to Families Extension Staff Hyperlink to Success Stories Hyperlink to Who Should I Contact? Hyperlink to Find It Hyperlink to For Staff

Working Together to Create Healthy Communities
January 2005 – 2006

Problem:
In Iowa, as well as the nation, overweight and obesity is a major public health concern that puts people at risk for chronic diseases. The 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) data indicates that 61% of Iowa adults are overweight or obese, compared to the national average at 59.9%. The 2003 BRFSS indicate that all the communities in the 5 Star Coalition (Butler, Franklin, Hancock, Kossuth, Winnebago) were also at the 61 percentage rate.

Response:
Five communities joined together as the 5 Star Coalition, with the objective to promote lifestyle changes in their communities. One of the goals was to promote Lighten Up Iowa (LUI), a five month challenge that encourages Iowans to develop healthy activity and eating habits. Iowa State University Extension and Public Health used radio spots, news releases, and service club programs to promote LUI. LUI brochures were distributed within the community to worksites, churches, hospitals, clinics, Extension offices, service clubs, wellness centers, and the YMCA. The Nutrition & Health Field Specialist wrote a grant proposal for the five counties. Each of the five counties received a $500 grant to offer incentives and breakfasts. Four community breakfasts and 3 community lunches were held.

Impact:
Four of the five counties show an increase in number of teams and participants in the LUI program. Kossuth had a decrease in teams and participants, largely due to the fact that the hospital decided to promote a different program this year. The collaborative effort of Iowa State University Extension and Public Health certainly contributed to the impact and will continue to promote LUI with the giving away of incentives during March, April and May of this year. Here is the comparison of the counties in 2006 compared to 2005:

Teams:
2006
2005
 Participants:
2006
2005
Butler
24
10
179
48
Franklin
27
26
195

100
Hancock
18
17
159
95
Kossuth
40
89
271
393
Winnebago
12
7
24
82

Contact:
Nancy Clark; R.D.; L.D.
Iowa State University Extension Nutrition & Health Field Specialist
1121-B Hwy 18 East
Algona, IA 50511
Phone 515-295-2469
E-mail nanclark@iastate.edu

..........more stories....................!

Hyperlink to ISU Extension Calendar Hyperlink to ISU Extension Publications Hyperlink to ISU Extension Hyperlink to College of Human Sciences Hyperlink to Iowa State University Hyperlink to ISU Extension Calendar Hyperlink to ISU Extension Publications Hyperlink to ISU Extension Hyperlink to College of Human Sciences Hyperlink to Iowa State University Hyperlink to ISU Extension Calendar Hyperlink to ISU Extension Publications Hyperlink to ISU Extension Hyperlink to College of Human Sciences Hyperlink to Iowa State University Hyperlink to ISU Extension Calendar Hyperlink to ISU Extension Publications Hyperlink to ISU Extension Hyperlink to College of Human Sciences Hyperlink to Iowa State University Hyperlink to ISU Extension Calendar Hyperlink to ISU Extension Publications Hyperlink to ISU Extension Hyperlink to College of Human Sciences Hyperlink to Iowa State University

Last update: June 20, 2006  
Non-Discrimination Statement and Information Disclosures

Hyperlink to Iowa State University Hyperlink to College of Family and Consumer Sciences Hyperlink to ISU Extension Hyperlink to ISU Extension Publications Hyperlink to ISU Extension Calendar