Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Adults spend about a third of their life at work, making this an ideal environment to introduce individuals to behavior change. The worksite is a defined physical environment where changes can be introduced and supported by the work place community. Advantages to employers at worksites with physical activity programs include: • Reduced health care costs by 20 to 55%* • Reduced short-term sick leave by 6 to 32%* • Increased productivity by 2 to 52%* Physical activity Fundamental to Preventing Disease. June 20, 2002. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. Costs related to hypertension are estimated to run at $110 billion a year.

Response:
Eight worksites in four counties participated in the Eating Well, Moving More worksite program with 201 participants over two years. This was funded through a Building Healthy Communities in Iowa through Harkin Wellness Grant. Employees were screened before and after the program for height, weight, and blood pressure. Eight self-study newsletters following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating plan were distributed to employees at their work place. The newsletters were individualized with employees indicating the nutrition and physical activity goals they wanted to work on with each issue. A pedometer was given out with the second issue and a stretch band with the third issue. The coalition felt that participants needed some ownership of the program, so a small fee ($10) was charged each person to register.

Impact:
Positive change in blood pressure classification for those who took part in the post screening was reported in 47/141 individuals (33%). At least two people followed up with their health care provider and were put on blood pressure lowering medication. Weight loss was reported with 66/141 employees or 47%. Participants reported progress toward regular physical activity - 106/141 or 75%, progress toward healthy eating - 105/141 or 74%, and progress toward eating a lower salt diet - 65/141 or 46%. The American Heart Association estimates that a 5 mm Hg reduction of systolic blood pressure would result in a 14% overall reduction in mortality due to stroke, a 9% reduction immortality due to coronary heart disease, and a 7% decrease in all-cause mortality.

Other Staff/Team Members Involved:
Carol Peterson, Winnebago CEED, 888-408-6606; Beverly Peters, Franklin CEED, 641-456-4811

Contact:
Nancy Clark
Kossuth County Extension
1121 B Hwy 18 East
Algona, IA 50511
515-295-2469
nanclark@iastate.edu