Lighten Up Iowa - The Healthy Way to Eat and Exercise for Fun
(African American Team)

Problem:
Most individuals lead a very busy lifestyle, and they simply forget to eat healthy and exercise on a regular regiment. A healthy lifestyle can prevent obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Individuals also do not take the time to plan and prepare their meals at home, or plan to prepare an exercise regiment that would fit into their busy lifestyle.

Response:
Iowa State University Extension promoted Lighten Up Iowa by doing a nutrition workshop to coach two teams that did either weight loss and/or physical activity. The workshops include giving the participants a program to work on every month. Staff visit the teams every two weeks to give the participants a chance to use the program, and to evaluate any behavioral changes. The program workshops are:

1. The ROSE Diet (Reduce, Omit, Substitute and Equip in fat, sugar and salt)
2. The DASH Plan (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension)
3. The Importance of Eating Fruits and Vegetables
4. Eat to Compete Discussing the Topic of Hydration
5. The Importance of Calcium

Impact:
To evaluate the impact of the extra coaching, staff observed the leadership team participants closely for lifestyle changes in eating habits and increasing physical activity minutes. Although the 2006 Lighten Up Iowa program has not ended yet, the results were evaluated from the start of program January 18th through March. The results revealed that one team increased their physical activity minutes, and lost weight in the LUI program.

Testimonial Statement from a Participant:
“Before Lighten Up Iowa my physical activities was not good at all. I use to walk for about 30 minutes at the most in 2 weeks. I eat a lot of junk food but now I walk everyday at least 1 ½ hours a day and eat healthy foods by taking good care of my health.”

Contact:
Myra Royal, Field Specialist/Families
Polk County Extension
5201 NE 14th Street Suite A, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone 515-261-4212; Fax 515-263-2704
E-mail mroyal@iastate.edu