6 in 10 Americans live with at least one chronic disease. These include heart disease and stroke, cancer, and diabetes all of which are associated with obesity and physical inactivity. The percentage of adults who have obesity in Kentucky is 36%, ranking it in the top five states for high obesity rates in the country. The percentage of physically inactive Kentuckians is 32%.

The County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Kentucky report shows that 39% of Graves County’s adult population have obesity and 37% were physically inactive. To help address the obesity and physical inactivity in Graves County the Family & Consumer Sciences program hosted a month’s long walking challenge during October.The challenge was called Walktober and 67 people participated and were encouraged to increase their daily step goals throughout the month to increase their physical activity levels.

The follow up survey showed:

• 6,226,680 steps walked during Walktober
• 100% stated that being a part of the walking challenge motivated them to walk more and increase their step count
• 76.6% reported increasing their walking made them feel moderately to a lot better than before
• 88% stated they would definitely participate in another walking challenge offered in the future