Steps for Charity Challenge

“I figured out how to get more steps in! I use the gym at the church and walk. Once I put that meter on my foot, I realize I have to make a conscious choice to get in more steps, ” Mary Smith, Penguin Pacers, spoke of her efforts to get more steps, and added, “ Anyone can join me!”

Others are finding places to walk as well. Some are braving the cold weather and some are walking on treadmills available at both the Body Shop and the Powder River Health Physical Therapy.

The charities highlighted this week include the Biddle Community Heritage Center chosen by the Biddle Trekkers who are Owen, Mary, Jackie and Evan Rumph…a family of walkers! They chose the hall because, “We love our community hall. It needs continued maintenance and repair, and every bit helps!”

The Broadus Cancer Fund is the other charity highlighted this week, and it was chosen by five teams. The teams and their members, who chose the Broadus Cancer Fund are:

Boot & Tackle Club, sponsored by Broadus Boot & Tack, are Jeanne Sparks, Don Rogge, Tedi Jo Williams and Bailey Sparks;

Country Kickers include Heather Brownfield, Joni Draine, Nichole King and Shelley West;

Powder River Pals, who are Christine Appleman, Kathy Bowers and Amber and Sammie Hart;

The New “40” who are Louise Wilson, Peggy Kolka, Lori Dinstel and Jackie Walden; and,

Walkie Talkies who are Sharon Collins, Brenda Minow, Karen Amende and Marge Mader.

“So many of our friends have been helped and are being helped through this charity. Many of us have seen first-hand the good this charity does in a time of stress and unknowns. When those affected by cancer are making the many doctor’s appointments, the folks from the Broadus Cancer Fund step in to send a little financial help,” explained team members.

THE SITUATION: For more than 15,000 years, humans in North America have walked, SAT or squatted a spell, and then, walked some more. Since the invention of the TV and computers, humans in the United States have SAT, SAT a bit, and then SAT some more.

This sedentary lifestyle has increased our risks from many diseases including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, other forms of cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, arthritis, low back pain, depression….and the list goes on. Our DNA has not changed, so to stay healthy, we humans need to CHANGE our lifestyle.

THE SOLUTION: WALKING! Walking requires no special equipment and is the most beneficial form of exercise according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Try to WALK for just 5 minutes, 6 times a day.

When at home, school or work

-WALK around the yard or inside the house (morning)

-WALK around the parking lot (on the way to work, school)

-WALK to another office or around the block (noon)

-WALK in the office, school or facility (mid-afternoon break)

-WALK around the block or parking lot (on the way home from work)

-WALK around the yard or inside the house (evening)

TAKE A BREAK – TAKE A WALK R. E. Banderob