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Lighten Up Iowa (January 14-May 31, 2006)

Problem:
The Community Health Needs Assessment done in February 2005 by Franklin County Public Health, documented overweight as the number one problem in Franklin County. Survey results of 200 consumers and numerous focus groups agreed that this one health risk had ramifications which impact the overall health and well-being of the public at all ages, including the frequency of chronic disease. According to BRFSS Data, 35.2% of Franklin County residents are overweight, compared to an Iowa average of 34%. Overweight has been directly related to numerous life-threatening diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Response:
ISU Extension partnered with Franklin General Hospital and the Franklin Wellness Center which opened in December 2005 to develop activities and programs on fitness and health for the Lighten Up Iowa program. A kick off breakfast was held in January 2005 at the Center. In February, March and April participants could attend a program and activity at the Wellness Center for one hour. On May 31 a family activity was held at a park for the finale. A Lighten Up Iowa grant allowed for prizes at each session and a cash prize to the team losing the highest percentage of weight and the one logging the most hours of activity.

Impact:
This year participation increased to 28 teams with 200 participants from the 2005 level of 12 teams with 96 participants. As a county there was over half a ton of weight lost, and over half a million minutes in activity logged. A comment from the winning activity team: The other evening we walked to Mayne’s Grove Park and back—over 8 miles. We wouldn’t have been able to do this in January. We are going to keep going!” LUI was successful in networking the 3 organizations, and helped acquaint residents with the new Wellness Center as a place for fitness, health, and health education.

Contact:
Beverly Peters
Franklin County Extension Education Director
3 First Ave. NW
Hampton, IA 50441
Phone 641.456.4811
Email beverly@iastate.edu

 

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Last update: August 30, 2006  
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