Physical activity is linked to positive health promotion and the prevention and management of chronic diseases.  To promote physical activity, the Washington County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent held a program called Walktober.  Participants were asked to track their steps throughout the month of October 2021 and submit the total number to earn the prize of a cooling towel.  Fourteen participants completed Walktober and submitted their steps.  The total number of steps was 2,607,186.  In a post evaluation, participants reported these areas of improvement as a result of the program:

- number of steps

- improved mental well-being

- having a healthy routine

- increased energy

- spending more time outdoors

Participants also commented, "It did make me more accountable for making sure that I walked every day or did some type of activity to move.  I also felt better." and "This is the first time I have kept a lot of the number of steps I have had per day.  It made me more aware of when I wasn't as active."  This was the first Walktober program in Washington County and the program will likely be repeated.