APHA Invites YOU to Help with the 1 Billion Steps Challenge

By April 9, the American Public Health Association (APHA) has a goal of taking 1 billion steps, and needs your help.

One of the easiest ways to improve your health is to walk — going for a 5-10 minute walk before breakfast, after dinner or up and down the hall while talking on the phone or during television commercials is a quick and easy way to get more exercise during the day.

Starting on Jan. 9, the APHA encouraged anyone interested to sync their step-counting device, such as a Fitbit or a smart phone, or to enter their steps manually on the National Public Health Week website. The challenge runs until April 9, the end of National Public Health Week. Walk on your own or with a team — just start walking!

Dr. Margaret Huffman, Director of Jefferson County Public Health's Community Health Services, along with some Public Health Nurses, have developed a team for the APHA Billion Steps Challenge. The team has a goal of walking 380 miles. They have also challenged the public health nurses from Wyoming, who have also created a team for the Billion Steps program.

Dr. Huffman is the current president of the Public Health Nurses Association of Colorado (PHNAC).

To learn more about the 1 Billion Steps Challenge, including how to register and get others involved, click here.  

Healthy Jeffco, a network of more than 300 community partners dedicated to furthering our community’s health, also has an Active Living coalition. To learn more or get involved, visit http://www.healthyjeffco.com/activeliving.