Move More Macomb is an initiative of the Macomb County Health Department (MCHD) to increase physical activity. According to the latest County Health Rankings, 94% of Macomb County residents have access to physical activity opportunities. But, more than 24% of residents reported no leisure-time physical activity in the past year.  In addition, more than 50% of deaths in Macomb County are related to four chronic conditions that are caused by preventable health behaviors, including lack of physical activity. Regular physical activity can improve health and reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease. Move More Macomb was created to help community members find physical activity opportunities for all fitness levels, ages and costs. Our mission is simple: we want everyone who lives, works and plays in Macomb County to move more! 

MCHD, with help from partners, assessed current resources, identified gaps, and compiled the physical activity resources.   Current resources in Macomb County were reviewed by looking at city and township websites, reviewing community newsletters, and speaking with parks and recreation directors.  After reviewing these resources, they were compiled and organized by category.  Then, MCHD and partners looked at gaps in the resources to see what was missing. Once the gaps were addressed, and additional resources found, they were compiled and organized for the website.  After local resources were found, MCHD and partners reviewed external resources (CDC, health.gov, etc.) to connect users of the site to nationally recognized resources on physical activity (why is this important, how do I do it, etc.). Community partners and organizations can share upcoming events and/or new physical activity opportunities in the community with MCHD.

The Move More Macomb initiative was designed for all individuals who live, work, learn, and play in Macomb County.  You can visit MoveMoreMacomb.org to find out what to know and where to go to be physically active in Macomb County. Move More Macomb answers questions about physical activity: what it is, when you need it, why you need it, where to go to be active, and how to get started. Move More Macomb provides content, tips, and resources to individuals who are not only already physically active, but also to those who are looking to begin being more physically active. The content includes commonly sought out resources - parks and trails, adaptive recreation opportunities (inclusive and accessible for all abilities), educational and fitness classes, recreation and senior centers, sports, walk/run/bike groups, information on incorporating physical activity at work and an attractions map. The website can be reached on a desktop or mobile device.

Move More Macomb was also developed with cost in mind - a factor that many residents identified as a barrier to physical activity.  The resources, activities, and events promoted through the Move More Macomb initiative are directed to not only those who can afford a gym membership, but to those who may also live in areas where access to these types of resources is scarce.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that people who are physically active for approximately seven hours a week have a 40 percent lower risk of dying early than those who are active for less than 30 minutes a week. At minimum, they say that 150 minutes of weekly moderate-intensity activity, such as walking briskly, is enough to substantially lower a person’s risk of premature death. But even with these well-documented benefits, many of us remain inactive. In fact, 26 percent of residents report no leisure-time physical activity. In Macomb County, more than 50% of deaths are related to four chronic conditions that are caused by preventable health behaviors including lack of physical activity, poor diet, and tobacco use.

These facts and figures inspired the Macomb County Health Department to launch the Move More Macomb campaign. The catalyst for the Move More Macomb initiative was the Health Department’s Community Health Assessment (CHA) and subsequent Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The results of the Community Health Assessment indicated that chronic disease was a major concern among Macomb County residents. To find out more about the CHA and CHIP, visit cha.macombgov.org.

In coordination with local hospitals, community stakeholders, and partner organizations, more than 30 diverse Macomb County community organizations identified four priority areas for a Community Health Improvement Plan based on the results of the assessment. Chronic Disease and Healthy Lifestyles is one of the four main priority areas and we aim to reduce the proportion of Macomb County adults who engage in no leisure-time physical activity.

This initiative was implemented in conjunction with partners from schools, hospitals, FQHCs, governmental agencies, non-profits, local running clubs, colleges and faith based organizations.  Partners including Henry Ford Health System, Beaumont Health System, Ascension Providence, Macomb Community Action, and Greater Detroit Area Health Council participated in the development of this initiative by assisting the health department with brainstorming and promotion.  The health department worked with the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) who provided insight into design and development, and marketing and promotion guidance. In addition, MCHD also enlisted the help of the Macomb County Information Technology (IT) department to assist with design, layout, and functionality of the website.  The IT department played a crucial role in providing analytics for website usage.  Analytics identify the number of unique page views, length of time spent on each page, and bounce rates for each page. Accessing these statistics are helpful to determine usage and interest in the topics provided to the community.  The Office of the County Executive helped promote the new website through the County webpage and promotion on the Make Macomb Your Home blog and Facebook pages.

The Move More Macomb team will be out in the community promoting the campaign at local events each month. You can find us at Health Department and Macomb County sponsored events as well as physical activity focused events, such as 5K races and fun runs! Look for our team for free giveaway items like frisbees, t-shirts, and jump ropes and visit our website at MoveMoreMacomb.org to find out where to go to be active in Macomb County!

Impact will be measured by reported leisure-time physical activity and obesity rates in the county-wide BRFSS. Next steps include working with organizations to emphasize the importance of physical activity in the workplace and providing older adults with opportunities for increased physical activity in social settings.