Command-wide initiative promotes walking for better health

  • Published
  • By Air Force Materiel Command Wellness Support Center
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio, --  Do you have "sitting disease?" Too much time sitting down may put you at risk for health problems. When muscles don't contract, they require less fuel, and the surplus of sugar that accumulates in the bloodstream contributes to health concerns.

Research has shown that sitting for long periods of time -- watching TV or at work behind a desk -- raises the risk of chronic health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity.

Getting up and moving has the opposite effect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity can help control body weight, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, improve brain function and strengthen bones and muscles.

During November and December, Air Force Materiel Command will promote the Team Pedometer Challenge, a command-wide initiative promoting walking for physical activity. TPC's health focus will be exercise and arthritis. Civilian Health Promotion Services (CHPS) will conduct the challenge.

How to participate in Team Pedometer Challenge:

› Enroll online at  AFMCwellness.com   until Nov.12. Enroll as an individual participant or choose one teammate. Program goals are individually based.

› Print your TPC enrollment certificate and take it to your local CHPS office to pick up your free pedometer.

› Start walking and log your steps on the  AFMCwellness.com   pedometer log from Nov. 3 through Dec. 18.

To be eligible for the completion award, each participant needs to perform and log at least 200,000 total steps and attend the CHPS class titled "Exercise & Arthritis" during the challenge. (A class will be offered Nov. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 262, Area A, Gerrity conference room S268.)

Participants that complete the Team Pedometer Challenge requirements will receive a pack of FitDeck cards. FitDeck is a custom deck of playing cards that makes exercise simple, convenient and fun with new and exciting fitness activities.

For more information, visit AFMCwellness.com or contact Wright-Patterson Air Force Base CHPS office at 904-9359.