Dallas County Launches Physical Fitness Campaign

Dallas residents are about to get guidance on how to live healthier lives thanks to a new campaign by Dallas County Health and Human Services and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Every Step Counts is a county-wide physical activity campaign intended to promote physical activity, health, and wellness for residents of Dallas County.

According to a Thursday press release, the campaign will work to motivate residents to participate in increased physical activity as part of the division's efforts to address obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.

DCHHS notes that most youth and adults do not meet recommended activity levels, which are at least 150 minutes per week for adults and 60 minutes per day for youth. Only one in four adults and one in five youth exercise that much.

Chronic disease remains a leading cause of death in Dallas County. And living an inactive lifestyle increases risk of all-cause mortality and risk for multiple chronic conditions, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

Luckily, regular physical activity can reduce risk for these conditions, as well as reduce risk for dementia and depression, help maintain a healthy weight, and improve sleep, brain function, and overall quality of life.

Residents can participate by:

• Spending up to 15 minutes per day walking, gardening, dancing, or participating in another physical activity.
• Sharing pictures, videos, and other updates on social media to let family, friends, and the community know about the program. Use the hashtag #EveryStepCountsDCHH and tag Dallas County Health and Human Services on social media.
• Register to join the physical activity challenge. Log miles and physical activity minutes in order to compete for prizes.
• Visit the Every Step Counts campaign website to find local trails, community events, and Texas A&M AgriLife's Howdy Health platform.