BetterU
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The BetterU program, formerly Choose to Move, is a campaign to increase the proportion of women who meet national recommendations for physical activity and nutrition. The campaign educates participants about proper physical activity and nutrition behaviors, and encourages women to develop a strong support system. Women, aged 25 years and older, are recruited by direct mail, the media, health care providers, and other means. The messages target women at high risk for heart disease and stroke, and invite women to log on to the American Heart Association's Website to access other intervention components, including a downloadable BetterMe Coaching Tool, journaling capabilities, structured goal setting, and 365 daily tips from experts on nutrition, stress, and physical activity. After registering, participants receive a welcome kit with program materials. The program consists of a 12-week behavior modification tailored to women to help them take steps toward improving health behaviors. The courses include tips for goal setting, healthy cooking, diabetes prevention, weight loss, increasing physical activity, and smoking cessation.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the BetterU intervention is to increase knowledge of heart disease, increase physical activity, and improve nutrition among women aged 25 years and older.
Results / Accomplishments
In a pre- and post-intervention study of the Choose to Move program, the percentage of participants who reported being active significantly increased from 32% to 67% (p = 0.001). The proportion of participants limiting excess calories or fat significantly increased from 72% to 91% (p = 0.001). Significantly more participants were able to correctly identify heart disease as the leading cause of death (from 84% to 91%, p < 0.001).
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
American Heart Association
Primary Contact
American Heart Association
National Center
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
1-800-AHA-USA-1
https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/better-u
National Center
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
1-800-AHA-USA-1
https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/better-u
Topics
Health / Women's Health
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Prevention & Safety
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Prevention & Safety
Organization(s)
American Heart Association
Source
Archives of Internal Medicine
Date of publication
2001
Date of implementation
1999
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Women