America On The Move's STEPtember Campaign Inspired More Than 17 Million Americans To Move More And Eat Less

Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Also Included In: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness;  Public Health
Article Date: 30 Oct 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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America On the Move® Foundation Inc., a national nonprofit helping individuals, families and communities make positive changes to improve their health and quality of life, recently wrapped up its third annual STEPtember campaign, demonstrating how easy it is to be active and eat healthier. During the month of September, America On the Move encouraged Americans to try its small-changes approach to healthier living, and more than 17 million people responded by participating in a STEPtember event or registering for the online STEPtember challenge.

America On the Move's own research proves that making small, manageable lifestyle changes can help control weight and overall health. The foundation's research-based programs encourage people to move more and eat healthier by making two small daily changes:

- Take 2,000 more steps (about one mile)

- Eat 100 fewer calories (about a tablespoon of butter)

Doing so is proven to help stop the average national weight gain of one to two pounds a year.

"Obesity has become a public health crisis that America On the Move is determined to help solve - with simple steps. During this year's STEPtember campaign, we were able to show millions of Americans just how easy it is to take small steps toward a healthier way of life," said Dr. James O. Hill, co-founder of America On the Move and director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Denver. "We are thrilled with the participation we saw this year and are encouraged by the sheer numbers of people willing to make positive lifestyle changes in order to achieve better health. This is a great first step to fighting the obesity epidemic."

Individuals, families, worksites, schools and communities from all 50 states and the District of Columbia participated in America On the Move's STEPtember campaign. During America On the Move Week with the YMCA, more than 1,500 YMCAs nationwide coordinated special local events to inspire individuals and families to take small steps and get active. In fact, through the YMCA events alone, participants logged more than 8 million steps during the STEPtember campaign.

Participants who registered for the STEPtember Challenge online, agreeing to a six-week commitment to make small changes in their activity and food consumption, were eligible for a chance to win a grand prize valued at $2,500. The prize included a $1,000 gift card to a sporting goods store, a $500 gift card to a grocery store and consultation with an America On the Move registered dietitian.

Glenda Williams, of Enterprise, Ala., was this year's STEPtember winner. As an Alabama state employee, Williams learned about the STEPtember campaign through her employer's employee assistance program. She recently retired from the U.S. Army Reserves and was anxious to find a way to keep activity in her day-to-day life.

"When you start counting your steps each day, and find ways to add more, the steps really add up over time," said Williams. She often walks with a friend and now looks for any opportunity to get a few more steps in her day.

The consultation with an America On the Move registered dietitian will include a baseline assessment, comparing Williams' current eating habits with her daily caloric needs for weight loss, and guidance on target areas for dietary improvement. The consultation will last for six weeks and include weekly meetings and a final evaluation.

About America On the Move Foundation Inc.

America On the Move Foundation Inc. is a national nonprofit organization that helps individuals, families and communities make positive changes to improve Americans' health and quality of life. With more than a million participants on- and offline, America On the Move supports a small-changes approach to healthy eating and active living habits. America On the Move's science-based programs and outreach support Americans of all ages manage their weight effectively through energy balance.

America On the Move Foundation Inc.