DALLAS, Texas — Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), in partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, has launched a new county-wide initiative aimed at encouraging residents to stay active and improve overall health.
The campaign, called Every Step Counts, focuses on increasing physical activity to help reduce obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions affecting Dallas County residents.
Health officials say the initiative comes as most Americans fall short of recommended activity levels. Current guidelines call for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week for adults and 60 minutes per day for youth ages 5 to 17. According to DCHHS, only about one in four adults and one in five youth meet those recommendations.
Dr. Philip Huang, Director of DCHHS, said the program is designed to make healthy choices more accessible for residents by encouraging small, consistent changes in daily routines.
Chronic diseases remain a leading cause of death in Dallas County, with heart disease and cancer consistently ranking among the top causes. Officials say a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain cancers. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce these risks while also improving sleep, mental health, and overall quality of life.
The campaign encourages residents of all ages to participate by incorporating simple activities into their daily lives, such as walking, gardening, or dancing.
How to Participate:
- Choose your move - walking, gardening, dancing or anything that gets your heart pumping. One minute, five minutes, 15 minutes or more - every step counts.
- Share progress on social media using the hashtag #EveryStepCountsDCHHS, form teams, and track their activity through an online platform connected to Texas A&M AgriLife’s Howdy Health system.
Visit Every Step Count’s website to get started!
Residents can also access information on local trails, events, and additional health resources through the campaign’s website.
Officials say the initiative is a community-wide effort to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce long-term health risks across Dallas County.
Looking Ahead:
DCHHS plans to continue Every Step Counts as an annual campaign to take place each year in recognition of World Physical Activity Day April 6 through the end of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May.
