Are you trying to lose weight or become more active? Is it too hard or too expensive to make it to the gym? Have you tried to make big lifestyle changes only to see them fall by the wayside? For many adults and teens the answer is yes, yes and YES!
What if I told you that taking a few more steps and cutting out 100 calories a day could result in 8 to 10 pounds of weight-loss a year? Does this sound too good to be true? Possibly, but thanks to a nationwide program called America On The Move, it is a reality.

America On The Move
The idea is fun and easy. If you increase the number of steps you walk in one day by 2,000 (about a mile) and consume 100 fewer calories per day (about one soda) you will halt weight gain and lose 8 to 10 pounds per year.
Here’s how to start. Walk into your favorite sporting-goods store and purchase an inexpensive pedometer. They cost about $10 to $20. Clip the pedometer onto your pants and, for one week, keep track of how many steps you take in an average day. Once you have established your daily baseline, try to incorporate 2,000 extra steps into your daily routine.
Next, take away 100 calories per day by choosing a glass of water over a soda, leaving a few bites on your plate or just choosing regular size over Supersize.

Join the movement
By visiting www.americaonthemove.org and becoming a member — it’s free — you will have access to simple tips to increase your steps, such as parking farther away in store parking lots, walking to your colleague’s office instead of sending an e-mail, or just taking your family for a relaxing walk after dinner. You’ll also find 100 ways to decrease 100 calories. If you can’t make it to the store to buy a pedometer, you can buy one through the Web site.

Coming to a school near you
Thanks to Dr. Michael Fisher and the Diabetes Resource Center, Santa Barbara County has become the first America On The Move affiliate in California. Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and it is our hope that small, simple changes will help our youth become more active. Tracking steps is fun and easy and kids love wearing the pedometers. This coming year, La Colina Junior High will be On The Move. With parental and community support, Goleta Valley Junior High could be next.

Small changes = big difference
A few more steps and fewer calories can make a real difference. Steps are easy. Steps are simple to track. Steps work within your budget and busy schedule. Steps work for all age groups. Once you are On The Move, you will be on your way to better self-esteem and long-term health. Please put on your pedometer and join us in getting On The Move!

For more information please go to www.americaonthe move.org or call 687-5586.