Strut their stuff -- that's what family physicians' office staff members have decided to do as a bid for their own fitness and a way to model a healthy lifestyle for patients. About 1,700 staff members have enrolled in Step 2 of AAFP's Americans in Motion program, and you can, too.
AIM's Step 1, launched in fall 2003, encouraged family physicians to focus on fitness. Step 2, the Healthiest Family Medicine Office in America, began enrolling FPs' office staff members last fall. Participants in this part of the initiative track their activity levels (including steps they walk) and nutritional habits for six weeks. Step 2 also emphasizes activities to improve participants' emotional well-being.
FPs' Staff Members Meet Americans in Motion Challenge
By News Staff
5/26/2005
By the end of March, nearly 600 individuals had completed the six-week program, with a grand total of more than 258 million steps walked. Fifty-six percent of participants had lost weight, with an average weight loss of five pounds.
The staff members who completed Step 2 by late March were eligible for prizes such as exercise equipment, walking systems, microwaves and educational materials. The winners -- 35 teams and 52 individuals -- were chosen not by the number of steps taken or the pounds lost, but for having completed the six-week program and thus having incorporated healthy lifestyle choices into their everyday lives. AIM announced these results May 18, National Employee Health and Fitness Day.
Although office staff members who enter the AIM program now are no longer eligible for prizes to recognize their achievements, they can still enroll in Step 2 online at "The Healthiest Family Medicine Office in America."
AIM's third and final step, under development, will focus on patients and communities. Step 3 will support family physicians in serving as role models for their patients and in sharing their own personal experiences when counseling patients on fitness.
AIM is supported in part by educational grants from the following core supporters: Campbell’s Center for Nutrition and Wellness, McNeil Nutritionals LLC, and the National Dairy Council. Educational partners include America On the Move, the Hygenic Corp., International Council on Active Aging, International Food and Information Council, President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and Tanita Corporation of America Inc.
The staff members who completed Step 2 by late March were eligible for prizes such as exercise equipment, walking systems, microwaves and educational materials. The winners -- 35 teams and 52 individuals -- were chosen not by the number of steps taken or the pounds lost, but for having completed the six-week program and thus having incorporated healthy lifestyle choices into their everyday lives. AIM announced these results May 18, National Employee Health and Fitness Day.
Although office staff members who enter the AIM program now are no longer eligible for prizes to recognize their achievements, they can still enroll in Step 2 online at "The Healthiest Family Medicine Office in America."
AIM's third and final step, under development, will focus on patients and communities. Step 3 will support family physicians in serving as role models for their patients and in sharing their own personal experiences when counseling patients on fitness.
AIM is supported in part by educational grants from the following core supporters: Campbell’s Center for Nutrition and Wellness, McNeil Nutritionals LLC, and the National Dairy Council. Educational partners include America On the Move, the Hygenic Corp., International Council on Active Aging, International Food and Information Council, President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and Tanita Corporation of America Inc.
