You are here: About Allina > Newsroom > Owatonna Hospital News Releases

For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Debra Brase, 507-444-6070

Walking Across America for Better Health

OWATONNA, Minn. 07/06/2006--The message is simple—move more, eat less. More than 4,200 Owatonna children and adults stepped up to the challenge to move more for better health by participating in the third annual On the Move-Walk Across America community-wide wellness program this spring. The program is designed to increase physical activity and improve nutrition.

Research has shown that the eating and physical activity patterns of most Americans have made us the most overweight nation in the world. More than 60 percent of adults don’t get the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity a day and we’re getting heavier every year.

To help reduce the spread of obesity and the serious diseases associated with it, such as heart disease and diabetes, the Owatonna Clinic - Mayo Health System, Owatonna Hospital – Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Owatonna Parks and Recreation, Owatonna Public Schools, St. Mary’s School and Steele County Public Health, joined together to sponsor the On the Move-Walk Across America program.

All Owatonna public school students in grades first through sixth and St. Mary’s School students in grades kindergarten through eighth received a free pedometer. During the program, school teachers were also encouraged to incorporate healthful nutrition information into their classroom curriculum as they walked across America.

A survey was conducted by Owatonna Clinic and Owatonna Hospital with three hundred and three adults and 843 students participating. The results of the survey indicated that tracking steps can be a motivator to increase physical activity among all ages.

The survey showed that more than 81 percent of adults and 87 percent of students reported that using the pedometer helped increase their physical activity. While using their pedometer to become more active, participants also reported that their physical activity increased by 65 percent for adults and 82 percent for kids. For adults, their increase was reported in walking (97 percent) and for kids running (77 percent). These results show that people can increase their activity without being involved in organized, expensive sports.

“Any increase in physical activity is beneficial including; gardening, taking the stairs, cleaning the house or washing the car by hand,” said Jay Mitchell, M.D., Owatonna Clinic - Mayo Health System family physician.

Not only did the survey results show participants becoming more active, participants also chose healthful foods. Over 60 percent of adult participants reported an increase in water, fruit and vegetable intake. Students also reported eating healthier with 80 percent reporting an increase in water intake, 76 percent increase in fruit, and 50 percent in vegetables.

“Children who learn to make good food choices and about the importance of exercising will lead a much healthier life as adults than those who are inactive and eat high-fat, foods,” said Dr. Mitchell. “It’s important for adults to encourage and model these healthy lifestyle habits.”

The seven-week program also included a healthy competition among the schools working toward winning a traveling trophy for most steps walked. According to Sandy Boss, Wilson Elementary School physical education teacher, “The program was a great motivator for the students and adults to become more active.” Boss encourages students to keep and continue to use the pedometer they received. The pedometers will be used during next years On the Move program.

“Based on the program’s success and the survey results, our hope is that more families will see On the Move as a fun, simple way to become more active, eat more healthfully and maintain a healthy weight,” said Greg Lenz, Owatonna Hospital physical therapist and certified athletic trainer. “We encourage people to wear their pedometers and strive to walk 10,000 steps per day to a healthier life.”

About Owatonna Hospital

The Owatonna Hospital, part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, is a not-for-profit hospital committed to providing quality, comprehensive care to patients in and around Steele County. Owatonna Hospital provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient and emergency care services, as well as home health and palliative care and hospice. Owatonna Hospital works in collaboration with Owatonna Clinic - Mayo Health System, to provide quality healthcare to the Owatonna area. Owatonna Hospital’s services along with the latest health information can be found online at www.owatonnahospital.com.

Owatonna Hospital and Allina Hospitals & Clinics are taking a leadership role to promote healthy eating and physical activity through their Heart Healthy Living and Obesity Initiatives with an emphasis on childhood obesity. Over the next five years, Allina and Owatonna Hospital will be working with community organizations to improve nutrition and increase physical activity to decrease obesity and improve heart health.

About Owatonna Clinic - Mayo Health System

Owatonna Clinic is a comprehensive medical clinic offering outpatient and specialty services. The clinic emphasizes general and more specialized healthcare services for the entire family. The clinic offers comprehensive laboratory, diagnostic and infusion therapy services. In addition, while physicians at Owatonna Clinic meet the vast majority of patients healthcare needs in Owatonna, a team of visiting specialists from Mayo Clinic see patients locally, providing convenient consultation and care close to home. Visit Owatonna Clinic’s services and medical staff can be found online at www.owatonnaclinic.com.

# # #