Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the major risk factors for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans age 25 or older has high blood pressure. One-third of the people with high blood pressure don't know they have it. When high blood pressure exists with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases. Costs related to hypertension are estimated to run $110 billion a year.

Response:
Eating Well - Moving More - a program that addresses "a healthier blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and weight" - was offered in two locations (one at an industry and one community-based). Participants were screened before and after the program for height, weight, and blood pressure. Participants also set personal goals related to weight, physical activity, and/or eating a healthy diet.

A total of 88 people signed up for the program. 80 participants consented to the pre-screening. Blood pressure pre-screening showed that 48 of 80 participants were "at risk" - prehypertension (27) or higher (21). Pre-screening also showed that 65 of 80 participants were classified overweight (23) or obese (42) according to their Body Mass Index (BMI).

Eight self-study newsletters following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan were distributed on a weekly basis to participants. A pedometer and stretch/resistance band were provided to each participant to support physical activity and newsletter information. ISU Extension Nutrition and Health Field Specialist presented on-site programs and additional support. Additional support/programmimg was provided by the industry participating and through the community for the community-based program. The participating industry paid the full fee for employees who signed up. In the community-based program, participants paid part of the fee, supplemented by a healthy promotion program in the community.

Impact:
Following the eight-week self-study series, 60 of 80 participants consented to post-screening (weight and blood pressure), and completed a questionnaire related to progress toward personal goals, knowledge gained and practices implemented. Post screening blood pressure readings showed that 31 of 60 were "at risk" - prehypertension (18) or higher (13). 23 of 60 participants showed a positive change in blood pressure. 11 of 60 showed a positive change in blood pressure classification. Post screening also showed that 49 of 60 were overweight (21) or obese (28).

Participants showed weight loss ranging from 1 pound to 32 pounds over 8 weeks, for a total of 217 pounds lost by 36 individuals. 8 participants stayed at the same weight; 16 gained a pound or two. The "numbers don't tell it all" when it comes to improvements participants made.

This program was all about learning to make changes that can/will improve health - particularly changes that influence blood pressure - lifestyle changes that will lead to blood pressure and weight changes -- changes that take time/more than 8 weeks.

42 of 60 participants reported doing regular physical activity. 46 or 60 reported exercising more than they had been. 54 of 60 reported working on eating a healthy diet. 49 or 60 reported eating more fruits and vegetables, 40 of 60 reported eating less salt, 37 or 60 reported eating less sugar, and 43 of 60 reported eating less fat.

Contact:
Denise Wyland
Lyon County Extension
710 N 2nd Ave E, Ste 103
PO Box 348
Rock Rapids, IA 51246-0348
712-472-2576