According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky adult obesity rates are among the 10 highest in the United States; and Kentucky youth rank among the 10 highest for obesity as well. 

In 2017, the Union County Extension Service hosted a pedometer challenge in one elementary school in the county. This year (2018), both Uniontown Elementary and Sturgis Elementary Schools Wellness Committees were interested in encouraging their youth to create a healthier and active lifestyle. In response to their interest, a pedometer challenge was presented to them by the Union County 4-H Program. The program targeted 4^th and 5^th grade classrooms in each school. Each school had a competition between classrooms to see who could walk the most steps in a two week period. The youth were given a UK Healthcare pedometer along with as well as educational information regarding walking for your health. The grand prize for the winning classroom at both schools was a pizza party.

For two weeks, the students put on their pedometer and tracked their steps during and after the school day. Between both schools, youth walked 4,511,507 steps which comes out to a rough estimate of about 2,225 miles walked. 

Overall, the walking challenge allowed each student the opportunity to participate in not only physical activity but team building and even leadership skills. Dottie Davis, Physical Education teacher stated, “I think all the students enjoyed the challenge, and learned from the experience. They also appreciated being able to keep the pedometers and keep track of their physical fitness all year round.”