Press Release

2008 Count Your Steps Program Ushered in by Radio Disney Performers with High Energy Kick-Off Event

Troy, MI, April 7, 2008 The 2008 Count Your Steps pedometer walking program to fight childhood obesity opened in grand style today as Radio Disney (AM 910) performers lead by DJ Brian Christy got some 500 Troy elementary school children singing, dancing and participating in a wide variety of games and contests.

The annual campaign kick-off was held at Hamilton Elementary School in Troy which last year placed 6th among all elementary schools in Oakland County. The Troy School District finished second in the 2007 month long pedometer walking program with 156,345,759 steps, finishing behind the winner Walled Lake School District which registered 215,667,548 steps. 

After being introduced by Troy School District Superintendent Dr. Barbara Fowler, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who originated the Count Your Steps idea, addressed the crowd.  He gave the kids a little history of the program including the fact this was the fifth year for Count Your Steps. Patterson also told them that since the program started more than 100,000 3rd and 4th grade students have participated and walked a total of 11 billion steps.

Then it was time for some entertainment.  The Radio Disney troupe selected kids from the audience at random to participate in a hula-hoop contest and cha-cha slide group dance.  The Disney performers also treated their audience to songs popularized by teenage sensation Hannah Montana and High School Musical.

Childhood obesity has become a growing nationwide health crisis.  The National Survey of Childrens Health (2005) reports that 14.5% of Michigan youngsters 10 to 17 years of age are overweight. Its also estimated that 70-80% of overweight children become obese adults.  Michigan has the dubious distinction of ranking 9th for the highest adult obesity rates in the country.  The financial costs associated with obesity are staggering.  Studies show 25% of all U.S. healthcare costs are related to obesity and inactivity.  Nationwide, obesity associated hospital costs for children tripled between 1979 to 1999 from $35 million to $127 million.

The 2008 Count Your Steps campaign runs from April 7 through May 2. 

Program sponsors this year are: 

• Platinum: POH Medical Center
• Gold: General Motors; Health Plus of Michigan and Radio Disney
• Supporting: HAP; Oakland County Parks and Oakland County Health Division

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer, at (248) 858-1048.
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