Binghamton residents are being coaxed to take steps toward weight loss.

After a recent study published by Gallup ranked Binghamton as the second-most obese city in the country, Binghamton community leaders have founded “10,000 Steps a Day,” a program to promote health and fitness.

The program encourages people in the Binghamton area to take 10,000 steps every day, roughly equal to five miles, by hosting various events in Broome County’s public parks.

Broome County Executive Debbie Preston helped work on this project. Preston partnered with Lourdes Hospital, United Health Services and the Broome County Health Department.

“Lately the Binghamton area has been named an obese and pessimistic community,” Preston wrote in an email to Pipe Dream. “While I don’t agree that we’re at the top of those lists, there are measures we can take every day to decrease obesity and improve mental health.”

Preston encourages the use of the parks in Broome County to promote health and exercise.

“In Broome County we’re privileged to be home to many beautiful and clean parks, offering a wide range of activities,” she wrote. “It’s important that we utilize our parks and use the land to its potential.”

Jim Worhach, the spokesman for the County Executive’s Office, said the program aims to help residents become aware of the physical and mental benefits of exercise.

“We’re trying to promote walking approximately five miles a day and all of it doesn’t have to be at one time, you don’t have to try and get it all done at once,” Worhach said. “People need to get out and take those additional steps to reach the goal of 10,000 Steps a Day to bring better mental and physical health.”

Worhach said that although the state government may not have the money for big-ticket projects, his office hopes to spread the healthy message.

“The county executive is trying to make strides to promote programs like this that are still important even though there is no money to launch major campaigns and buy ad time,” Worhach said. “It’s still important to get the message out.”

Mary McFadden, the supervising public health educator of Broome County, said she believes this program will get Binghamton residents on their feet.

“Physical activity in and of itself is an incredible way to maintain a way to lose weight, and we don’t get enough of it,” McFadden said. “We lead a very sedentary lifestyle that is more video game oriented. Only 20 percent of our children walk to school, and 30 years ago it was not the case. The obesity has tripled in 30 years for children and is very similar in adults. Physical activity is incredibly important and what’s also equally important is nutrition. They go hand in hand.”

McFadden also said that looking at various statistics over time shows that health in Binghamton is steadily improving in terms of Body Mass Index (BMI). She said the trend is leaning toward healthier lifestyles.

“The BMI for Broome County has gone down 3 percent … from 2007 to 2008 and again from 2009 to 2010,” McFadden said. “It decreased 3 percent in adult obesity rates with a BMI of 30 or higher so that is a very encouraging and promising sign. It’s not statistically significant, however, it is a decline so that’s what is keeping us in the game.”

Sarah Thompson, a faculty member in the health and wellness department, said she thinks 10,000 Steps a Day requires support from the entire community.

“To truly make an impart in reducing the rates of obesity it is going to take joint effort from all agencies in the community,” Thompson said. “Creating a program that is branded and marketed with a common set of goals and ideals for health will provided the environment for culture change and language to engage the community in taking steps to improve lifestyle.”

Anthony Marino, a freshman majoring in management, said he thinks the program is beneficial for Binghamton.

“Not only will it get people up and moving, but it will help them realize how important exercise really is,” Marino said. “It will help people lead healthier lives and only benefit them in the future. We’re looking at a lot of dedication from many people, and I believe this program is exactly what the city of Binghamton needed.”

Maria Pineiro, an undeclared freshman, agreed.

“10,000 Steps a Day will increase awareness for the surrounding Broome County area,” Pineiro said. “This is a great first step toward Broome County’s goal to promote health and awareness to everyone.”