In today's society, many people are doing damage to their bodies daily. Our country spends approximately 95 percent of our health care dollars, over one trillion dollars a year, on diagnosing and treating many diseases. However, statistics show that half of all deaths in the United States can be prevented; some of these are attributed to stress, obesity, low fitness levels, and poor nutrition.

The Village of Great Neck Plaza has decided to "step up" and do something proactive about these health issues and risks. The Fitness and Wellness Committee is urging everyone to get up and "Start Walking." The committee is organizing a "walk" to the Montauk Lighthouse. It will take 108 miles, or 216,000 pedometer steps, to get there. The goal is to start small by walking 1,000 steps a day and then being able to increase one's activity level to walk 10,000 steps per day. It is a lot easier than you think!

There will be a kickoff walk of 2,000 steps (one mile) at Jonathan Ielpi Firefighter's Memorial Park on Grace Avenue in the Plaza on June 1 at noon. There we will collect a registration fee of $5 for the pedometer and to be eligible for the prizes. We are asking that each participant log their activity on a weekly basis and report it to the village in one of several ways; by fax to 482-3503, through e-mail at VGNPstep@gmail.com, or by visiting Village Hall. Come join our walk! The committee is looking for additional volunteers to help us plan future events.