This week we would like to spotlight the Arkansas State University – Beebe Wellness Program, a recently developed wellness program struggling through the difficulties associated with building a successful program with limited resources.

The Program Basics

The Arkansas State University – Beebe Wellness Program (ASUB Wellness) is entering its second year of existence.  Upon initiation of the program, they received a copy of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Toolkit.  Since then, they have followed many of the guidelines in their programs and especially in wellness coaching sessions with individual employees. They have established an incentive program entitled “Step by Step” focusing on walking and “Walking Wednesdays” to promote physical activity. Be Active Your Way materials are freely distributed to the employees who show interest in physical activity. 

Healthy Communities...the term seems to be turning up more and more lately...from reports in the media to city and county council meetings-from the smallest of the states legislatures to the hallowed halls of the United States Congress.  Is it latest buzz phrase or truly a movement?

There are a variety of groups (both government and non-profit) working on healthy communities and each of them have their own interpretation of exactly WHAT a healthy community is.  However, I have noticed one thing that most healthy community discussions seem to include...the need to insure that there are ample opportunities for people to engage in physical activity.  The introductory paragraph for the National Physical Activity Plan's Transportation, Land Use and Community Design sector reads: “Transportation systems, development patterns, and community design and planning decisions all can have profound effects on physical activity. People can lead healthier, more active lives if our communities are built to facilitate safe walking and biking and the use of public transportation, all considered forms of active transportation.” 

Considering how community design affects the amount of physical activity that residents get would go a VERY long way toward positioning individuals to increase their daily physical activity and also plays an important part in creating a healthy community.

Imagine...if all neighborhoods had sidewalks and were well lit....imagine the increase in the number of individuals achieving the amount of physical activity specified for their demographic in the National Physical Activity Guidelines....imagine if all commercial landlords in a community were to insure that office stairwells are open for traffic...and imagine one step further...where the said landlord  (owner or whoever the power that be is) added interesting artwork or motivational signs to the walls in the stairwells.  Imagine if there were bike racks at all train stations-small and large....or if all children were able to walk to school along paved wooded paths...now-imagine how many more Americans would be reaching the recommended amount of daily physical activity.

The National Physical Activity Plan states that “Changes to improve active transportation will require many individuals and agencies – transportation engineers, city planners, architects, schools, health professionals, government agencies at all levels, community advocates, citizens, and employers – to rethink the way we plan and develop our communities. “  It is imperative that a variety of departments work together even if in the past they may not have always agreed on direction. 

I would love to hear some of non-traditional partnerships that have worked effectively to promote healthy communities.  What plans do YOU have to begin to establish a coalition in YOUR community to work toward making it a healthier one?

This week we spotlight Cincinnati Veterans Affairs (VA) Management of Overweight/Obesity for Veterans Everywhere Program (MOVE!), an evidence-based lifestyle program for veterans.

The Program Basics

According to Stephanie Ciccarella, Cincinnati VA utilizes a 2-step process to promote readiness to change.  The first step offers education on nutrition, behavioral habits, and physical activity. The second step emphasizes action, like journaling, physical activity, and problem-solving personal habits. Training is offered twice a week under the supervision of a physical therapist with cardiovascular, strength training, and education during 2-hour classes.  Personal accountability is the cornerstone of the program.

Veterans begin the second step with education on the importance of regular daily activity. Each person is issued a pedometer and instructed to track their daily steps. Veterans are able to see changes in their activity levels reflected in their journals and set goals. By the end of the program, veterans take lead roles by leading exercise and supporting each other through problem solving and motivation. 

Measuring Success

"Emphasis on performance and outcome measures are keys to determining effectiveness of the program,” says Ciccarella. “They help guide program development.” 

The Cincinnati MOVE! Phase II program utilizes additional evidence-based outcome measures to help guide the development of physical activity training and education during meetings.  These outcome measures (listed below) help indicate ability to successfully participate in semi-intensive exercise, degree of health risk, and improvement in function.  By reviewing pre- and post assessment measures, each group member is able to see his or her specific improvement.

Challenges and Program Shortcomings
    
“One of the primary shortcomings of this program is its length,” says Ciccarella. A longer program would ensure a more thorough change in behavior and demonstrate greater physical progress.  Another drawback to the program is geographic availability.  Evidence demonstrates that people are more likely to maintain a physical activity schedule when resources are available within 10 miles of their homes. Some veterans must travel significant distances to participate.  Veterans are also required to commit a significant amount of time over a 6-week period.  This poses a problem for those who work, have children, or go to school. Given the nature of weight loss, the benefits of participation may not be dramatic enough to maintain motivation.  Some of the proposed answers to these problems include lengthening the program to 9 or 12 weeks, expanding Physical Therapy Clinics in all outpatient settings, and introducing more flexible scheduling. 

Outcome Measures

Implementing a Similar Program in Your Community

Cincinatti VA tailored the national MOVE! Program to fit their specific needs. To implement the program in your area, check out the original MOVE! Program at: http://www.move.va.gov/ and see how it can work for you.

How could you tailor the MOVE! program for your area?

Are you interested in having your program spotlighted? Leave a comment below and we will contact you with more information.