SE Idaho employees step-it-up for wellness challenge

Southeast Idaho is on the move today as local employees are breaking-out their pedometers and stepping-up the Chamber Wellness program walking challenge.

Today kicks-off the first annual “Pocatello on the Move” eight week challenge, where companies are pitted against each other to see whose employees can walk at least an average of 10,000 steps each day.

Program coordinators from the Portneuf Health Care Foundation said this is an effort to create a more active community.

“How do we get people up and how do we get them moving,” Community Health Coordinator Holly Sierra said. “We know that physical inactivity and poor eating is part of the reason this country is getting so much heavier.”

Sierra said more than 600 employees in Pocatello have already signed up.

She said walking 10,000 steps is equivalent to walking about five miles, which is the recommended amount in order to be considered “active.”

She also said more physical activity will lead to more productivity in the work place, less absentees among employees, and a decrease in healthcare costs.

Those who wish to participate can still create an account by visiting www.hubbubhealth.com and log your steps measured by using either a pedometer or smart phone applications. Once visitors create an account, click on the “sponsor challenges” link, where people can find the Chamber Wellness 10,000 Steps Challenge.

The contest will end October 12, which will be followed by a 5K and 10K fun run.

Sierra said the Chamber Wellness program aims to launch a new challenge once every three-to-four months.