100 calories, 2,000 steps mean a lot

Thanks a lot, Bruce. We're talking about Bruce Crosby, the editor of the Gazette, who started talking in his column Tuesday about a new nationwide program called, "America on the Move."

Now, it seems, we have a contest going on.

Shary Skiles, the Gazette's general manager, was struck by the need for such a program at the newspaper office, so before we could shake a leg, the Gazette staff members found a challenge in their mailboxes:

"Join the Gazette's 'On the Move' campaign. We're buying pedometers for anyone interested in participating. We'll have contests and other fun ways of trying to get a little exercise in every day. It will cost a little ... but the benefits will be priceless!"

Really. We'll see about that. While admitting to being a bit skeptical, we have to admit that this "America on the Move" campaign is greatly needed in a nation that is growing less active with every passing year.

If we don't watch out -- and the day is very close at hand -- more people in this country are going to be dying from obesity and inactivity than from the effects of smoking.

We're not sure yet how many employees at the Gazette are going to be participating since signups are still being taken, but we're hoping it's a goodly share of our 52 full- and part-time employees. Once we know the final total, we're going to be sending names of participants to the "Nebraska on the Move" part of the national program. They're looking for 31,000 participants on the state level.

Participation is free. But it's not easy. When you sign up, you must agree to walk 2,000 steps a day and eat 100 less calories a day than you are presently consuming.

"It's a great way for individuals, families and organizations to start taking some action against this obesity problem," said Kate Heelan, executive director of Nebraska on the Move.

One of the key parts of the renewed emphasis on walking is the pedometer, which is an instrument that gauges the approximate distance traveled by registering the number of steps taken.

But, 2,000 steps a day. Isn't that a lot? Maybe in comparison to the steps normally taken by a couch potato, but those with active lifestyles will find 2,000 steps just a little more than a normal day of up-and-about activity.

Try it. For around 20 bucks -- maybe a little more or maybe a little less -- you can acquire a step measuring device at your local sporting goods, variety or discount store.

Get on the move, Gazette readers, and then tell us your stories. We're going to need all the motivational support we can get.