Sep 9, 2008 4:20 pm US/Eastern
America On The Move Issues Challenge To Pittsburgh
Text "AOMP" To 50555 from now through November 10th to register for America On The Move Mobile
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
A new survey found more than half of the adults in Pittsburgh gained weight and kept it on over the last five years.
Among Pittsburghers who gained and kept on weight in the last 5 years, more than half gained ten pounds or more.
Dr. John Jakicic, who heads the America on the Move in Pittsburgh program, says it's a problem that keeps growing.
"The biggest increase we're seeing is that five to ten pounds is being put on by the people who are already the heaviest to begin with."
Sixty-three percent of Pittsburghers admit that they don't get enough daily exercise; in fact almost half say they exercise just once a week or less. One-third say their children don't get enough exercise either.
"The majority of adults in America don't know what the guidelines are for healthy physical activity and diets are," says Jakicic. "They know they should do more. They know they should eat differently, but in reality, they're not quite sure what to do."
America On The Move In Pittsburgh is an easy place to go to find out what the guidelines are and tips on how to make healthy choices in your own life.
Now, there is some added motivation with America On The Move Mobile in a 6 week challenge. You can sign up for text messages sent right to your phone at least once a day.
"Sometimes the information is simple -- remember to go out and get your steps today or remember to eat a healthy diet; but other times it's 'Take a walk in the park' or 'Reduce your fat by not eating out at a fast food restaurant today," Jakicic explains.
"So it gives sometimes a specific time and sometimes a generic tip. What we found in our research is just the prompt you get is a reminder to do out and do something. "
If you sign up for the 6 week challenge, you can also track your physical activity and see weekly progress reports.
You could win a Nintendo Wii-Fit; and if you sign up by the end of this month in the "Step-tember Challenge," you could win gift cards for groceries and sporting goods and a free consultation with a dietician. !
Registration for America On The Move Mobile is open from now through November 10th. All you have to do to sign up is text "AOMP" to 50555 from your cell phone!
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