Alcona Health Center Inspires Patients Through Example

As the only medical practice in their rural county, Alcona Health Center in Lincoln, MI has always taken an active role in promoting the health of their community. For years they've participated in health fairs and educational programs in the local school.

When they were selected to participate in the AIM-HI research study, they began to look for new ways to improve the fitness of their patients. They launched some friendly competition by dividing the office into three teams, including everyone from the CEO to clinicians to ancillary staff. Each team tried to outdo the others with miles walked. Staff used an intranet to share their successes internally, but also made sure patients knew about the changes they were making. Clinical and administrative staff wore pedometers and AIM-HI socks and created buttons with verbiage such as "I walk five miles a day." They also created posters, which they displayed in the reception area, highlighting physical activity, healthy eating and emotional well-being successes of individual staff members. As the practice began enrolling patients in the AIM-HI research study, they replaced staff posters with patient posters.

Tom Marshall, M.D. said the enthusiasm was contagious. Patients became interested when they saw what others were achieving. As they talked to clinicians and behavioral health specialists in the practice, they realized the impact better fitness could have on their medical conditions. They began to make changes in diet and physical activity, supported by classes on cardiovascular health and diabetes. A physician assistant even started a Tai Chi class for patients.

Dr. Marshall said both patients and staff have done "amazingly well" at meeting and maintaining their fitness goals. He attributes these successes to the enthusiasm of his practice team. "Our philosophy," he said, "is don¹t just teach it, live it."

What Fitness Means to Me -­ A poster about front office receptionist Janette
Richardson