Jamestown Hospital - New Year, New You Fitness Challenge

Overview

Jamestown Hospital launched its “New Year, New You (NYNY) Fitness Challenge” in January 2008 to encourage area residents to make positive lifestyle changes and reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and tobacco use. The mission of this program is to make Jamestown the healthiest city in North Dakota. In 2009, the six-week program was expanded to eight weeks. Teams consisted of participants from large and small businesses, each with a “New Year, New You CEO” to manage points. Teams earned daily points based on exercise and servings of fruits and vegetables. Extra points were earned by completing a pre- and post-survey and participating in “Bonus Wellness Challenges.” The worksites’ aggregate point totals were reported weekly in the Jamestown Sun, along with the upcoming challenge for the week.

Impact

In 2009, 700 employees in 45 work sites participated. A survey at the end of the program showed that 64 percent of the target audience (females 26-55) had sustained an increased exercise level after participation in the program. Approximately 60 percent were continuing to eat more fruits and vegetables; 39 percent were continuing to practice stress reduction; and 34 percent were continuing with a weight-loss program. In addition, enrollment in the Jamestown Hospital fitness center increased.

Challenges/success factors

Staying on top of program tasks such as contributing weekly newspaper articles and handing out t-shirts is time consuming. Also, it can be difficult to “make everyone happy” with the number of points allotted to certain activities. On the positive side, many businesses reported making a concerted effort to work together to gain points. This brought about a sense of teamwork toward a goal; a number of companies continued to promote some type of fitness challenge for another six to eight weeks.

Future direction/sustainability

In 2009, the program was aimed at adults at their places of business. In 2010, a “Friends and Families” division gave all citizens in the community the chance to participate. In addition, Jamestown received grants from local businesses, the American Heart Association and Dakota Medical Foundation to sponsor a community-wide kick-off to promote the NYNY program and other health organizations.

Advice to others

Be sure to engage business leaders and the local media to promote and report the program. In addition, involve other local health organizations. From a logistics standpoint, if possible, set up a way for people to log their own scores via the Internet to eliminate the “middle man” keeping the weekly scores.

Contact: Emily Kjelland
Cardiac Rehab and Wellness Coordinator
Telephone: 701-952-4761
E-mail: emilyk@jamestownhospital.com