Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
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. Eating Well - Moving More is a wellness program that helps employees make lifestyle changes in five areas that influence hypertension: weight, physical activity, diet, sodium intake, and alcohol use.

Response:
Iowa State University Extension partnered with the Iowa Farm Bureau and Wellmark of Iowa to pilot the Eat Well Move More program in several smaller businesses throughout Iowa. In Johnson County, Aero Rental Company in Iowa City was selected as a pilot location. The project suggested a sample size of 14 employees participate in the initial screening, 8 newsletters distributed every two weeks, and the final evaluation session. Farm Bureau helped recruit and offer health benefit incentives to participants; Wellmark offered program assistance; ISU Extension provided newsletters and coordinated details of the assessment and evaluation.

Impact:
Instead of just 14 employees, Aero Rental recruited ALL 23 employees to participate in the program. Evaluations from staff indicated the total participation really encouraged them to try making healthier choices. Those not yet at the ‘stage of change’ reported finding the information in the newsletter most educational and they often shared it with their spouse. The program ran from the end of October to the end of February – right at the peak of over-eating and inactivity season (including all the winter holidays, super bowl and Valentine’s Day).

In spite of the challenging time of year, just over half of the employees lost one or more pounds. Some of the more dramatic losses included 5, 12, 19, and 33 pounds which all fall within the healthy guidelines of 1 to 2 pounds a week. The weight loss may also have played a role in reduction in blood pressure. One third of the employees were successful in reducing their blood pressure, half remained the same, and 17% had an increase. Informal conversations with the manager revealed extreme satisfaction with the program as on option for reasonably priced worksite wellness programming.

Contact:
Jan Temple
Johnson County Extension
4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd SE
Iowa City, IA 52246
319-337-2145 x116
mjtemple@iastate.edu