From JB MDL to Hollywood - steppin' out for health Published May 6, 2011 By Rebecca Rhodes JB MDL Health and Wellness Center JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- JB MDL's Health and Wellness Center and the Medical Fitness Association sponsored the seventh annual Medical Fitness Week April 18 through 24.The theme for the week was "Steppin' Out ... for a Lifetime: 70,000 Steps in 7 Days". The purpose of the MFA initiative is to promote an increase in physical activity levels in all ages by encouraging participants to walk 10,000 steps each day, for 7 days. Registration for this year's "Steppin' Out ... for a Lifetime" challenge included participant program guides and a Walk4Life Neo II pedometer. Approximately 125 participants were challenged to wear a pedometer from sun up to sun down, log daily steps and then report totals to the HAWC. All participants who turned in log sheets received a HAWC T-shirt or gym bag and those who achieved 70,000 steps in seven days were entered into a raffle for a chance to win Polar F6 heart rate monitors. On average, 10,000 steps is around five miles worth of walking. Most people can achieve this by walking more during their daily activities and adding one or more sustained walks or runs equivalent to 30 to 60 minutes or more per day. This amount equals the minimum daily exercise recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on post program survey results, prior to the challenge only 73.4 percent of JB MDL Steppin' Out participants reported their daily exercise met CDC guidelines for physical activity compared to 92.5 percent during the Steppin' Out Challenge. Collectively, participants completed 5,469,007 steps or 2,734 miles for this year's challenge. This total is eight miles shy of walking from JB MDL to Los Angeles, Calif. This year's top five steppers are: 1. Mark Smith = 197,856 2. Melissa Ellis = 152,224 3. Kimberlee Rosado = 121,306 4. Christina Champion = 111,925 5. Karl Makarowski = 111,243 Heart Rate Monitor winners are Sarah Purcell and Christina Champion Walking is an excellent form of exercise. It's easy on joints, nearly everyone can do it and there is minimal equipment needed to participate. Knowing the beginning step count and increasing it, is key to healthier and happier individuals. 10,000 steps daily is a realistic focus that is achievable by every one of all shapes, sizes and ages. Of course, goals can vary due to physical condition and to personal desires, such as losing weight. You should always consult with your physician before starting a new exercise plan. Call the HAWC at 754-2462 for more information on monthly Health Promotion programs.