Walking Wednesdays

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Contact Information

Organization Information

Project Summary

Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 Community Education and Workforce Services (TIU 11 CEWS) provides direct services to adult learners, employers, job-seekers, families, and youth in Mifflin, Juniata, Fulton, Centre and Huntingdon Counties. In addition, TIU 11 CEWS operates various regional and statewide special projects. In Mifflin County, a Wellness Committee was formed with the goal of offering workplace events and activities that focus on employee health. Committee activities have included a building-wide salad day, a smoothie snack break event, group fitness challenges, stretch breaks during staff meetings, and wearing red for heart health month (as part of a dress-down fundraiser) in order to raise funds for the local Cardiac Rehab Unit. Employees also have access to a treadmill desk that can be used during lunch breaks, when viewing a webinar, or during other work tasks that are hands-free. In January 2018, the committee implemented "Walking Wednesdays," a health initiative taking place over the lunch break to encourage employees to move more and to offer indoor movement opportunities during the winter months.

Project Goal

"Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns, including obesity and metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels." (Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005) That fact, along with impending winter weather, prompted staff at TIU 11 CEWS to take action. When concerns about staying active during the winter months were brought to the Wellness Committee, the idea to implement "Walking Wednesdays" was born. Every Wednesday beginning on January 10th, a 15-minute walking video by Leslie Sansone (http://walkathome.com/) is played over the various lunch breaks. The 15-minute walk provides a chance to get a mile in (about 1500 steps) and still have time for lunch.

Promotional Methods

The activity was promoted with all Mifflin County staff through emails and announcements at building staff meetings. Reminders were sent throughout the month, including links to free sample videos so that those who might be hesitant could see a preview of what the walk would involve.

Project Challenges

Because not everyone is able to break for lunch at the same time, walks are offered at noon, 12:30, and 1pm so that everyone has the chance to participate. To keep it manageable and easy, a staff person volunteered to be the lead person for each of the three time frames, and brings a DVD or video link and their laptop to a designated room at each of the times so that it is click and go. Another volunteer offered to reserve the room for each day, and a system was devised to alert staff of room changes, cancellations, etc.

Project Results

Since its January start, 13 employees have participated in the walking activity. The activity has had such a positive response that the committee has since extended the walking activity to every week day, and has also purchased resistance bands to use while walking to incorporate muscle toning. Staff involved report feeling better both physically and mentally. Another positive result has been the team-building that has resulted from a shared experience in which everyone takes a turn in helping with implementation.

Organization Type

Other

Types of Practices

  • Workplace

Target Age Ranges

  • Adults

Gender(s)

  • All

Race/Ethnicity

  • All

Project Service Type

  • Awareness
  • Other
  • Prevention

Project Content Area

  • Physical Activity

Project/Program Care Team Target Population

  • Other

Counties Served

  • Mifflin

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