Take a stand

'Every step counts' sign. Pictures: Contributed.

Take a stand for Southwest’s fun Steps Challenge.

Put your walking shoes on and take part in the fourth annual 10,000 Step Challenge starting next Friday, 1 September.

Ms Kathy Morrow, the team leader of South West Hospital and Health Service Healthy Communities shares what inspired this to take place.

“Initially we did a 10,000 Steps Litmus Test across the facilities within the South West Hospital and Health Service to gain an idea in interest in participating in a 10,000 Step Challenge. The responses were very positive with the outcome of commencing our annual 10,000 Step challenge with South West Hospital and Health Service staff. Since then, we have encouraged other organisations and community members to join the annual challenge.”

People can track their step count by using a smartphone, activity tracker, smart watch, or pedometer to track their steps and log your activity into the 10,000 steps app.

Other moderate and vigorous activity can be captured by entering the time spent doing the activity into the step log which is then automatically converted to an estimated number of steps and added to the step total for the day.

Southwest Hospital services hopes by doing this, people will get more active, develop healthier habits around physical activity and raise awareness of individual activity levels and finding ways to be more active throughout the day.

The winning team will have their name engraved on the perpetual trophy, handcrafted by the Roma Men’s Shed in the shape of an apple.

“10,000 Steps challenge is a great way to get motivated, have some fun, be physically active. It’s not too late to join the challenge so come on and sign up by the 1 September.”

To join the challenge, visit the website: 10000steps.org.au