The Legislature is committed to encouraging West Virginians to become physically active and involved in programs that support healthy lifestyles. That is why the WalkingWorks Capitol Challenge has become a part of the 2008 Regular Session. This friendly competition between members and staff of the Governor’s Office, House of Delegates and Senate has advocated healthier lifestyles in the Mountain State since 2007. The competition includes over 200 participants this year.
WalkingWorks has been under way since January 21st and will continue until March 2nd. Participants use a pedometer to keep track of the number of steps taken each day. Every week, the individual who has walked the most steps is recognized on the House and Senate floors as the “Highest Stepper.”
“Since this program has started, I personally have seen tremendous growth and interest in it,” said Delegate Don Perdue, chairman of the House Health and Human Resources Committee. “This program is especially important in trying to improve our health and a crucial part of this program is leading by example. Our aim is not to impress healthy lifestyles upon our constituents without doing so ourselves. I hope more people, both at the Capitol and around the State, take appropriate steps to leading a healthier lifestyle.”
When the 6-week program ends, awards will be presented to the person who has walked the most number of steps, the most improved and the oldest walker, and a trophy will be given to the team that has the highest average steps.
According to Trust for America’s Health Web site, West Virginia had the second highest rate of adult obesity and second highest rate of overweight youth (ages 10-17) in 2007. In addition, 26.2 percent of West Virginia adults reported that they engaged in no physical activity compared to the national average of 22 percent. There is also a strong correlation between obesity and increased blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, colon cancer and hypertension – all risks that could be reduced through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
While there isn’t one single answer to help the fight against obesity, there are many steps, including legislation, that can be taken to decrease it little by little. The Legislature is participating in the WalkingWorks program at the Capitol to act as healthy role models, and continues to work on legislation to help ensure a healthier future for West Virginia’s citizens.
“We need to change the mindset of people and I think the way we do that is by example. If we are going to talk the talk, then we need to walk the walk,” said Senator Roman Prezioso, chairman of the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee. “It’s important for Legislators to set an example and be good role models. They want to go out in their communities and talk about health care, but they need talking points and an example to start with. This program is a great way to do that. WalkingWorks works!”
Legislators and Capitol staff are taking a stand against obesity by taking daily steps to improve their health – and encouraging all West Virginians to pursue a healthier life.