Sen. Tom “moving it” all over the capitol campus

OLYMPIA — As the 2008 legislative session draws to a close in Olympia, so does the fourth annual Regence BlueShield "Move It" Legislative Walking Challenge, in which legislators wear a pedometer to record their back and forth journeys during session.

Legislators participating in this year’s challenge racked up a total of 2,032,479 steps — walking more than 1,000 miles between committee meetings and floor debates.

Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, took third place by logging in 315,201 steps over the 30 days of the contest, a mere 988 steps less than second place winner Rep. Dave Quall with 316,189 steps. Sen. Chris Marr came in first with 361,541 steps.

As an added incentive, Regence will donate money to be used for health-related purposes to a school in the district of each winning legislator. Tom’s third-place finish has earned a Bellevue area school $1,500.

“I’m a big proponent of getting our kids moving and living active, healthy lifestyles,” said Tom. “If we’re going to get a handle on our health care costs, everyone needs to take actions toward better health. This friendly little competition gives lawmakers the opportunity to show how easy it is just one step at a time…and winning money for a local school is icing on the cake, a healthy cake that is!”

Regence began the “Move It” program because of the rising rate of childhood obesity as a way to allow leaders to demonstrate healthy behaviors to the public and to set a good example for the next generation. “As you are getting back to life outside of the capitol building, we hope that you will continue the healthy habits that set a good example for all Washington residents,” said Move It coordinator Kristi Huff.

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