Schuyler Hospital’s 5th Annual Walking Program

While many Schuyler County residents may have resolved to lose weight or get healthy for 2011, Schuyler Hospital has resolved to help fight obesity, diabetes and hypertension with their 5th annual Schuyler Steps Out free community walking program.Open to anyone who works or lives in Schuyler County, the program kicks off on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, with an opening celebration and information session. While many teams are workplace-based, service clubs, churches, and even scouts can form teams. All that’s required is walking daily for 8 weeks, logging steps walked with pedometers, and reporting to the Hospital weekly. At the end of the 8-week program, awards are given for most team steps, most valuable “players,” and most improved. “We continue to sponsor this program because our participants tell us that it gets them moving more and – most importantly – some have lost weight, reduced use of medications, and seen some major changes in their overall health,” said Schuyler Hospital President and CEO, Rick Stelzer. “The program is free and open to all, so we encourage everyone to get your pedometers and get walking!”The 2011 program will run February 28, 2011, through April 24, 2011. Teams are required to register by February 7, 2011, and should plan to attend the 2011 kick-off at the Hospital on February 23rd.In 2010, 592 walkers on 34 teams logged 403 million total steps, or 201 thousand miles – the equivalent of 8 trips around the Earth. Schuyler Steps Out is a partnership between Schuyler Hospital, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Wal-Mart, and Lakewood Vineyards. Additional program sponsors are being sought.For more information, or to sign up your team, contact Community Relations Director, Michelle Benjamin at (607) 210-1950 or stepsout@schuylerhospital.org