NORWAY – Healthy Oxford Hills, in conjunction with Western Maine Health, is implementing the Walktober health promotion program this autumn. Walktober will inspire individuals to make walking a priority – in October and beyond.

The campaign allows participants to track their daily steps with a step counter or by logging the minutes they dedicate to walking.

The national average is 2,000-4,000 steps each day – Walktober will help people boost their activity level to a higher level, depending on their abilities.

Physicians often prescribe walking as an effective, easy way to help prevent chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and arthritis. In addition, walking has been proven to help prevent weight gain, reduce stress and improve productivity.

A feature of the program is an online component. Each participant is registered online. Participants will get daily e-mails to encourage their progress. Each person can also keep an online log, which shows analysis of their progress.

Healthy Oxford Hills is a Healthy Maine Partnership funded by the master tobacco settlement. Healthy Maine Partnerships work on improving nutrition and physical activity and fighting the use of tobacco. Western Maine Health is the lead agency for Healthy Oxford Hills and the parent organization for Stephens Memorial Hospital and Market Square Health Care Center.

For details about Walktober, call Ken Morse at 743-1562, ext. 776, Libby Graffam at 743-1562, ext. 775, or e-mail Healthy Oxford Hills at [email protected].