In our world of video games, computers, and big screen TV’s, you can find many alarming studies about the health of our nation.

Some say that as many as 1/3 of the children in the U.S. are not physically fit. The number of overweight children aged 6 through 11 has tripled over the last 30 years. There are other studies that show that as many as 7.5 million adolescents and 8.5 million American adults are overweight.

If you are in that category, the Polish Falcons of America has an incentive plan for you to improve the health of you whole family. Here is your chance to join with other Polish Falcons of America members to get more exercise.

We have two programs that might inspire you and your children to start walking. The first is our Youth Step program. You can register for this program at any time during the year. The goal for this program is to 500 Million steps in 2009. When you register for the Youth Step Program, you will receive a free pedometer, a 2009 pocket calendar, and a Step Record Sheet. Put on your pedometer and start walking. Keep track of the steps you walk daily in the pocket calendar and then transfer the amount to the Step Record sheet. At the end of the year you will turn in your sheet and we will see if we have reached our goal of 500 million steps. During the year we will have a Stepper of the month award. Other prizes will be awarded for the number of steps you walk, including a grand prize for the most steps walked in 2009.

While your children are stepping, the adults can get healthy by walking miles for the PFA Walking Program. As an aerobic exercise, walking offers countless health benefits including heart-healthy perks such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It reduces the risk of diabetes, aids in weight loss, improves muscle strength and tone and causes mental fitness to skyrocket. Virtually anyone can do it. All you need to kick off your walking routine is a decent pair of shoes and socks and a little bit of motivation.

That’s where the PFA Walking program comes in. Joining the Walking Program is easy. Just start walking and keep track of your own mileage for the year. At the end of the year, turn in your mileage total and receive great prizes for the number of miles you walk.

To register for the Youth Step Program, you will need to give Druhna Chris Puskar your name, address, age, PFA certificate number, and an email address.

Your start-up kit will arrive within one week. If you have any questions concerning the Youth Step or Adult Walking program, call 1-800-535-2071 and ask for Druhna Chris or contact her by email.

Walking is definitely a great way to get healthy, so all of you kids get stepping and help us reach 500 million steps. Then get your parents to join you and walk their miles for the Walking Program.

We’ll all get fit together!