Joint Township District Memorial Hospital and Grand Lake Health System — Grand Health Challenge

Overview

Grand Lake Health System initiated its Grand Health Challenge in 2007 to encourage community residents to lose weight by establishing healthier behavior. With the cooperation of two local newspapers, community residents have been urged to put together teams of four (composed of friends, relatives, co-workers) and compete to see which team would lose the greatest percentage of weight over a six-month period. The newspapers promoted the program and provided ongoing coverage of progress. To help participants in their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital (JTDMH) hosted monthly sessions at which information supportive of healthy lifestyle choices was presented. For example, a motivational speaker helped launch the program with a talk on “The Winners Edge,” while other programs focused on nutrition, dealing with stress, and the importance of physical activity. A walk followed many presentations. Each month, participants weighed in; every other month, body fat analysis was performed. Both individual and team standings were published by the local media.

Impact

The Grand Health Challenge ran for five months, as it takes that long for individuals to make changes in their lifestyle. Not all participants complete the challenge. Nevertheless, nearly 1,881 individuals have registered for and acquired some benefit from the program, and the combined weight lost by community residents has been more than 20,150 pounds over the past five years. The program has created awareness within the community to provide the tools enabling residents to change and reap the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle.

Assessment of the program by participants has been outstanding; they are excited about the results of their experience. During the 2011 Health Challenge, the top team lost 11.92 percent of its starting weight (123.35 pounds) among the four participants. The “Biggest Loser” among women lost 15.75 percent of her weight, and the “Biggest Loser” among males lost 26.88 percent of his weight.

In 2008 and 2009, the American Heart Association recognized the Grand Lake Health System’s Grand Health Challenge with its Community Fit Friendly Innovative Award. The award is presented to organizations that demonstrate innovation in community and employee wellness. Grand Lake Health System Community Outreach also received state recognition from the Ohio Hospital Association in 2010, with the David Henderschott Rural Heath Care Award.

Challenges/success factors

A primary reason for initiating the Health Challenge was to engage adults who would then influence their children and grandchildren to improve their lifestyle by eating healthier foods and engaging in physical activity. Participants noted that following their success, family members and co- workers have been inspired to exercise and eat healthier.

Competitions within the Challenge were also occurring. Members of a Rotary Club team competed against one another, as well as the group. Their determination to lose more than their teammates also led them to become the overall winner of the Challenge. Teams of firefighters also competed against teams from other stations. Photographs of teams and their standings (based on percentage of weight lost) were reported in the newspapers, thus contributing to a “buzz” in the communities involved.

Future direction/sustainability

Planning is already underway for the 2013 Grand Health Challenge, with a goal of increasing participation. The program is said to be easy to administer and not very costly; participants paid $5 to register. The “Biggest Losers” and the winning teams receive cash prizes, and community organizations and merchants contribute monthly incentive prizes.

The Grand Health Family Challenge, a spin-off of our Adult “Grand Health Challenge” is in its second year. Next year, we hope to have 30 families to participate.

Advice to others

Enlist the support of the community, especially local media. St. Marys local media promoted the project and provided ongoing coverage of the six-month Challenge, which contributed to enthusiasm for the program.

Contact: Anne Larger
Coordinator, Community Outreach
Telephone: 419-394-6132
E-mail: alarger@jtdmh.org