THE GAYLE MANCHIN REPORT: September is STEPtember Month
By Gayle ManchinFirst Lady of West Virginia
Charleston, WV (HNN) -- In West Virginia, when we think of September, we begin to think about the beauty of our autumn landscape as the leaves start to turn and the hillsides take on hues of red, orange and gold.
On a national level, September has become a month long celebration highlighting the benefits of eating healthy and active living----thus the name –“STEPtember.” This initiative which is orchestrated by America On the Move and the YMCA’s Activate America project encourages citizens of all ages to do two things: add 2000 steps (approximately one mile), to their day, and to eat 100 fewer calories each day.
With the Governor’s focus on healthy lifestyles, and the weather and scenery being at some of its finest in September, it seems only appropriate we concentrate on being an active participant of “Steptember” all across the mountain state. It is very possible that there are already events planned in your community in which you can participate. Coincidently, here in Charleston, the American Heart Walk is on September 23, and as a “Red for Women” advocate, I plan to get at least 2000 steps in on that walk, which starts with activities here at the Capitol at 8:00 a.m. and the walk itself at 9:00 a.m.
Through the Health Lifestyles Coalition, we have been made keenly aware of the prevalence of overweight and obesity issues at all age levels here in West Virginia; however, we also know that these issues are not only reversible but also preventable. The goal of “Steptember” is to challenge everyone within our families and our communities to strike a healthy balance of exercise and eating that can stop weight gain and enhance our health. It is amazing that we can make such a difference in our overall health by doing something as simple as adding steps throughout our day with a walk before or after work, or incorporating more steps during our day by taking a flight of stairs rather than the elevator. In eating, we can substitute a piece of fruit for a candy bar or a bottle of water for a soda. With adjustments at school, in the workplace, and at home, we can change a culture and with that help our citizens live longer, better, healthier lives.
Actually, anyone reading this article can become the “change agent” by promoting “Steptember” to your friends, families, and colleagues. It can be as uncomplicated as a family walk after dinner to a full fledged community endeavor with the support of America on the Move at www.americaonthemove.org. In doing this, we are building opportunities to “talk together as we walk together,” we are creating the occasion to see Mother Nature at her best in West Virginia, and we create a new set of activities that we can continue throughout the year. More importantly, we are enhancing the quality of our lives for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren.
The Governor and I are joining hands with our West Virginia family to make positive changes in our households and ultimately in our state one step and one bite at a time!