Step into Spring Published June 11, 2010 By Capt. Alysia R. Harvey ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Health and Wellness Center hosted a "Step into Spring" walking challenge during the month of May. The goal of the program, which kicked off May's Sports and Fitness Month, was to get the base populace out and walking, according to the Health and Wellness Center staff. "Something as simple as taking 10,000 steps a day can improve your fitness and health," said Maj. Cathy Snowball, HAWC flight commander. "Walking is a great fitness activity that has many health benefits, to include combating stress, weight loss, lower blood pressure... the list goes on. We encourage the participants to continue walking and logging their steps, and invite others to start walking more to improve their health as well." She went on to say eighty-eight participants signed up for the program, the youngest being eight years old. They all received a free pedometer to track their daily steps, and at the end of the month, some participants received prizes to help them continue with their fitness endeavors. "There were just over 10 participants who submitted their walking logs at the end of the month-long program, and some even managed over 300,000 steps in the month," she said. Jennifer Craig, 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, logged a total of 358,868 steps. "A few of my co-workers and I decided to do this together in the interest of health and fitness, and we are all very proud of how we did," said Ms. Craig. For more information about the benefits of walking, contact the HAWC at 226-2710.