The Center for Disease Control lists Kentucky as one of the least active states in the US.  This inactivity contributes to health problems including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc.  Carter County ranks as one of the highest counties in the state for diabetes related deaths.

The Carter County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered an online/ by mail walking program designed for all youth and adults to increase physically activity.  WALKtober was a self-paced challenge offered both online and via mail during the month of October.  Participants received publications from the University of Kentucky from the FitBlue program and Get Moving Kentucky. Participants were encouraged to set at least one goal and keep track or their steps.  Some of the goals participants set for themselves were:

• Get outside more
• maintain a healthy pregnancy
• get healthier
• gain strength while battling cancer
• increase mobility
• mental health
• less screentime
• spend more time as a family
• create a new habit
• lower stress
• follow Doctor's recommendations
• Lower A1C 

There were 85 participants, 24 of those being youth. Participants that reported their results walked a total of 4,808,214 steps. Eighty percent said they increased their amount of physical activity and 100% plan to continue walking in the future.

Participants also reported.

• Improved mental health
• less stress
• more energy
• improved overall wellbeing
• weight loss
• more time outside
• quality time spent with others

All that completed the program received a Carter County WALKtober t-shirt and the youth and adult that walked the most won new Fitbits. The adult with the most steps walked a total of 377,006 and the youth walked 260,000.