What is Fittest State about?
This long-term initiative led by some of the state’s leading employers aims to improve the health of all Minnesotans and to help control the rising cost of health care. The initiative focuses on two behaviors that are significant risk factors for chronic disease: physical inactivity and unhealthy eating. The goal is to make Minnesota the Fittest State in the Nation by supporting and creating science-based programs that promote increased physical activity and healthy eating.
These interventions will reduce cancer deaths, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Fittest State can literally make Minnesota a healthier state in which to live and work.
Isn't Minnesota already the healthiest state in the nation?
Not really. It’s true that Minnesota has always fared well in national rankings. However, these rankings include such markers as crime rates and high school graduation rates. When you look at our rates of physical activity and nutrition compared to other states, Minnesota could be doing much better. We have a long way to go to be considered the Fittest State in the Nation. Because of Minnesota’s status as a health leader, we are truly poised to lead the nation by creating a healthier Minnesota.
Why is FSIN focused on these two goals?
There are two good reasons: health and cost. Physical inactivity and unhealthy eating combined are the second-leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. So, addressing these two goals will help us prevent costly diseases and chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Fewer cases of those diseases will in turn help control rising health care costs.
What do you mean by “healthy eating?”
There are many ways to improve our eating. Research supports eating more fruits and vegetables, more whole grains, less fat, and smaller portions. Daily intake of fruits and vegetables is the metric that will be used to measure yearly progress, but it is only one marker of healthy eating. Efforts by FSIN partners to focus on other aspects of diet are also important to the overall goal of encouraging healthy eating.
Who determines what state is the “Fittest State”?
This designation was created based on national data. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fields the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey at least every other year. This is the only source for state-by-state comparisons in physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables. (According to the CDC, the survey is the largest telephone survey conducted in the world.) Results of this survey determine Minnesota’s “Fittest State” standing. Currently, Minnesota ranks 19th in physical activity and 18th in fruit and vegetable consumption. Our combined “Fittest State” ranking is 18th.
How did we get those rankings? What do they mean?
Minnesota’s rank of 19th on physical activity means that 51.0% of Minnesota adults accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five or more days per week. (Alaska is #1 at 59.2%. Kentucky is #50 at 34.7%.)
Minnesota’s rank of 18th in fruits and vegetables means that 24.5% of Minnesota adults consume fruits and vegetables five or more times a day. (The range is from #1 Vermont at 30.8% to #50 Oklahoma at 15.7%.)
Are there any other projects like this nationally?
Fittest State in the Nation appears to be unique. While other cities and regions have focused on physical activity and on healthy eating, we believe this initiative is the only statewide public-private partnership focused specifically on those two factors.
Is this a national competition?
No. This is an initiative aimed at making Minnesota healthier. If another state wanted to undertake the same goal, we’d certainly welcome it.
Will FSIN focus exclusively on workplace wellness?
No. As a long-term, statewide, health improvement initiative FSIN intends to reach a number of Minnesota audiences including employees, families, children and communities as a whole. The initial focus is on the workplace, but achieving the goals of FSIN will take the whole community.
Will FSIN focus only on adults?
No. Fittest State in the Nation will eventually reach children, families, employees and communities.
Is FSIN an exercise program?
No. Encouraging physical activity is a big part of the initiative, but this is much more than joining a gym or signing up for a class. FSIN is bringing leadership attention to the need to make physical activity a normal part of most Minnesotans’ daily lives. FSIN is also emphasizing the importance of healthy eating as a key part of making Minnesota healthier.
What business partners are involved in FSIN?
Current (January 2007) business partners include:
Carlson Companies
General Mills
Marvin Windows and Doors
Medtronic
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Additional FSIN supporters include the 2020 Conference, the American Cancer Society – Midwest Division, and the American Heart Association – Greater Midwest Affiliate. FSIN fully expects to continue adding partners and supporters as the initiative advances.
Can smaller companies get involved in FSIN?
Yes. FSIN welcomes the involvement of anyone – organization or business – interested in advancing the goals of the program.
How can individual Minnesotans get involved in FSIN?
In its initial stage, FSIN will be focused on employers, organizations and communities working on health improvement among their employees, members and citizens. However, individuals can also help by taking up the call to help make Minnesota the fittest state. As an individual, do your part to stay physically active (take the stairs, go for a walk at lunch) and eat healthy foods (choose healthy snacks over candy). Support efforts in the workplace, at home, and in your community to build an environment that encourages healthy eating and physical activity.
Can FSIN be sustained for the long term?
Yes. As with any long-term, sustained effort, Fittest State in the Nation will certainly change over time, but such evolution will ensure that FSIN is relevant and meets current needs. Ultimately, this is about supporting leadership around significant health improvement goals for our state. Commitment to a sustained effort will help ensure success.
Does FSIN replace other prevention programs from partner organizations?
No. FSIN is designed to support the leadership that already exists in addressing these challenges while bringing state leaders together to elevate the importance of health improvement in our state. The unique value of a statewide initiative like FSIN is that we can measure Minnesota against other states in these two areas.
FSIN will complement programs that many of the partners and other organizations are already undertaking to make Minnesota a healthier state. With Fittest State in the Nation, Minnesota companies and organizations can continue the good work they’re already doing while also collaborating on a larger scale to make promoting physical activity and healthy eating a priority for all Minnesotans.
Does FSIN duplicate other prevention programs being implemented by employers, organizations and/or public health interests?
No. Tackling the health risk factors of physical inactivity and unhealthy eating is a huge challenge that requires multiple approaches, which is why FSIN will ask state leaders to take up the charge to make these efforts a statewide priority. FSIN will complement the good work already underway and be a platform for collaborating and sharing best practices with others.
Are others in the health community involved in this effort?
Yes, but health improvement efforts cannot be left solely to the health community. This is why FSIN is engaging other state leaders to help elevate the importance of improving health in our state. Groups like our local chapters of the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society are very supportive of this effort. FSIN will welcome lots of partners; we expect many health organizations to back this effort. Those organizations offer great programs that can be resources to many businesses.
Are partner companies/organizations contributing money to fund FSIN?
Initial funding for FSIN is coming from money Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota received in settlement of its historic litigation against the tobacco industry. Partner companies/organizations are not making a direct financial contribution to FSIN at this point. However the partners are already investing in programs to improve health and will continue to do so.
Will FSIN partners be advocating public policies to address the FSIN goals?
Very possibly. Each partner will make its own decision. Advocacy for supportive physical activity and nutrition policies that help people become healthier is an important strategy. The more voices the better!
How do I get more information about Fittest State in the Nation?
Explore this web site to learn more about the initiative. If you have a media inquiry, please contact Karen Lyons at (651) 662-1415. Other questions may be directed to Laurie Halverson at (651) 662-6291.