The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59983

Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, MD MPH, Division Child Adolescent Health, Metro Nashville Public Health Department, 311 23rd Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-340-5614, kimberlee.wyche@nashville.gov and Lucy Wilson, MS, Division of Health Promotion, Metro Nashville Public Health Department, 311 23rd Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203.

The Walk 4 Health program provided a medium that encouraged health department employees to increase their physical activity, and improve their risk profiles. This 20-week program was open to all department employees. Walkers formed teams of 5 people, and pledged to walk the distance across Tennessee, or the United States, and improve their collective health. Each participant received a pedometer to wear during planned and unplanned activity. The pedometer served as an incentive, and as a reminder to keep walking. 30 minutes 3 times a week was allotted to walk during the workday, and friendly competition among teams was encouraged. Health tips were emailed, and an oversized map was posted in the lobby of the health department to track progress of the teams, and provide a visual reminder. All participants’ had their height, weight and blood pressure measured, and their body mass indexes calculated prior to starting, at the halfway mark, and at the end of the program. All walkers received a Walk 4 Health T shirt and recognition was given to those who walked the entire 4 months at a department wide celebration. Some of the results included: 160 employees participated. A Total of 50,873 miles were walked. Most mileage walked by an individual – 1,351. Most mileage walked by a team – 2,867. Total pounds lost – 92. Total BMI points dropped – 15. 5 participants went from an initial elevated BP to one within normal limits. Of the 160 who started, 118 (74%) were still reporting mileage at the halfway mark

Learning Objectives:

After exposure to this information the participants will:
• Be able to successfully create a work place wellness program
• Recognize the importance of motivation factors in maintaining an exercise routine
• Understand the importance of public health workers practicing what they preach to the community regarding preventive health

Keywords: Health Promotion, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.