A Million Miles - Two Billion Steps
Through its Web site AOM provides a highly interactive way for individuals and groups to register, set goals and track daily activity. States, communities, work sites, schools, walking groups, and member-based organizations across the country are logging on to monitor their progress and share their successes. In fact, since March 1, 2004, Americans have logged over 2 billion steps (about 1 million miles.) That's equivalent to 200 trips across the country or nearly half way to the moon.America On The Move Pedometer Walking Program
AOM gives people of all ages the tools they need to make two small daily changes. Everyone is encouraged to start by walking an extra 2,000 steps a day and eat 100 fewer calories each day. Based on research conducted by Dr. Hill, doing so is enough for most people to create a balance between energy expenditure and food consumption and is sufficient to stop weight gain. The program also works with individual communities to build environments that support and sustain active living and healthy eating.
Dr. Hill Steps Up
"With obesity rapidly becoming the leading cause of death in America, the world seems to be opening its eyes to the root of the problem," said Dr. James Hill, AOM co-founder and director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado. "We live in an environment that promotes inactivity and consumption of large portions of food. As a result, we are adding unhealthy pounds each year. With America On the Move, we reach millions of people and provide ways to make small lifestyle changes that add up to big health benefits. The enthusiasm for our initiative is overwhelming and we are working to bring America On the Move to every community across the country."Dr. Hill recently published "The Step Diet", a book that comes with a pedometer and shows readers how to lose weight by increasing their steps and reducing food portions.
A Network of Walking Programs
To date, a network of 19 AOM Affiliates are actively carrying out the AOM mission in their communities. The Affiliate network will continue to grow on a state-by-state basis while individual communities nationwide are also getting involved with the initiative.Other major accomplishments for the first year include the registration of over 300,000 individual participants, 1,500 worksites, 250 schools and over 800 other member-based groups that are actively involved in the program. This fall, a new school-based program called Balance First(TM) will introduce 2.5 million elementary school children to the importance of energy balance. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the program provides teachers tools to engage students on the subject of energy balance, inspire kids to put energy balance into practice and identify opportunities for reinforcing key concepts throughout the year. The goal is to help kids maintain a healthy weight with something that's high energy and fun while establishing better health practices that will lead to smarter choices for the rest of their lives.
The ground swell of support for the initiative comes from both public and private organizations. Supported by the United States Health and Human Services Department, the United States Department of Agriculture and several members of Congress, the organization is also partnering with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA), and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
Praise From Dr. Dean Ornish
According to Dr. Dean Ornish, acclaimed medical health author and founder and president of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, AOM is just what the country needs to initiate sweeping changes in the nation's health. "One of America On the Move's greatest accomplishments is that it works with communities as a whole to offer support and motivation for entire populations to make healthier lifestyle choices," Ornish said. "I hope people everywhere see the benefits of this initiative and do their part to get moving!"America On The Move Pedometer Walking Program
Next Page: America On The Move Day Nov. 5, 2004
