The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service introduced the program to increase physical activity. Boone, Campbell and Kenton county extension offices have all launched their own versions.

"Kentucky is not only the seventh-ranked unhealthy state, but we're 49th in the level of physical activity," said Kathy Roesel-Byrnes, family and consumer sciences agent for the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Office.

Roesel-Byrnes said Get Moving Kenton County is a self-paced walking and activity group, which started last month. She said she is pleased with the turnout of about 35 people.

Group members are assigned a confidential number, she said, and they record their success walking or doing anything physical for a period of time.

"They earn what are called PAMS - or Physical Activity Minutes," Roesel-Byrnes said. "Not only walking, but it can be cleaning, mowing the yard, sweeping or anything that's 15 minutes of sustained activity."

Members log their activity and mail it in monthly. Two awards ceremonies are planned, at which people are recognized for their success.

Mary Helen Clare, 65, of Taylor Mill, said she joined to get her strength back after having back surgery.

"I'm up to 2 miles a day," she said. "I enjoy it, I've already got 50 or 60 (points)," she said.

Clare has talked her friend into joining, and they walk together.

"If you keep your body moving, you feel better," she said.

"We want to make it easy for people of all levels to walk," Roesel-Byrnes said. "For some people, just to get moving is a success."

Boone County's version is called the Boone County Wildcat Walkers, which is led by Diane Mason, cooperative extension office family and consumer science agent.

Mason said about 160 have enrolled since the group started last June.

"They are male and female, young and old," she said. "They have walked 20,641 miles this far."

The Campbell County Cooperative Extension Office has a group of about 10 that meets Tuesday nights. Family and consumer science agent Susan White-Saers said it helps the group to have incentives and goals.

"It's a friendly competition," she said.

Each group hears from speakers on various health and nutrition topics in addition to a physical routine.

Kathy Cahill, Erlanger recreation director, has also jumpstarted efforts for Step Forward Erlanger. She said they are hopeful that as city sidewalks are created, citizens will be able to walk from one end of the city to the other.

"Now we're trying to get everyone a walking buddy."

E-mail aremke@enquirer.com