Last modified: Monday, September 24, 2007 11:54 PM EDT Mayor Kevin Dumas leads a pack of walkers around Attleboro's Balfour Riverwalk Park Monday to kick off America on the Move Week. From left, Bette Fuller, parent educator for the Family Network, Attleboro School Superintendent Pia Durkin, Dumas, Carol Martin, director of teaching and learning excellence for Attleboro Schools, Duane German, executive director of the Attleboro YMCA, and Attleboro Police DARE officer David Wellman. (Staff photo by MIKE GEORGE) Small steps to a big goal BY RICK FOSTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Local officials and a dozen preschoolers kicked off America On The Move Week by taking a 2,000-step walk around Balfour Riverwalk Park Monday, part of an effort to encourage residents to combat obesity by taking small steps such as walking an extra mile every day and making minor adjustments to their diets. Children from the YMCA's Sneakers preschool joined Mayor Kevin Dumas in walking the circumference of the park, and YMCA officials, city employees and community members also joined in. America On the Move week features a week of activities, including various fitness demonstrations and walks, a community "walkability" survey and a walking tour of Providence. America On The Move Week is a nationwide, non-profit effort to encourage greater fitness and reduce the number of overweight Americans, which now number more than 60 percent of the population. The campaign dovetails with a YMCA-led effort called "Activate America," which seeks to build community coalitions that promote healthy, active lifestyles. Dumas, who admitted to working up a sweat on the brisk walk, said he's hopeful that putting a spotlight on ways to combat obesity will inspire more residents to eat smart and move more. "The purpose of our being here isn't just to enjoy a walk together, but hopefully to encourage people to extend their steps on a daily basis," said Dumas, who added that small steps, such as walking an extra mile a day can "make a big difference in the way we look and the way we feel." Throughout the week, the public will have an opportunity to take part in a series of health walks as well as a Zumba demonstration and an America On The Move Youth Festival in Balfour Riverwalk Park. Participants will also be able to log progress toward their daily activity goals on a national YMCA Web site by visiting www.ymca.net, clicking on "America on the Move with the YMCA" and register as an individual participant with the local YMCA group using the group code 2643. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, which are closely associated with obesity, affect 90 million Americans. Other scheduled events include: Tuesday - Walk to the Waterfall at 5 p.m., beginning at Balfour Riverwalk Park. The YMCA's Ed Poirier will lead a one-mile walk along Attleboro's National Green Way Trail to the waterfall and back. Wednesday - Zumba in the park at 9:30 a.m. in Balfour Riverwalk Park. America on the Move Youth Festival, noon-2 p.m. Games and demonstrations will be offered for all ages. Thursday - Corporate Campus Walk. The YMCA staff and employees will lead a walk around the Attleboro Corporate Campus, formerly Texas Instruments, off Pleasant Street. Friday - (tentative) Walk at Wheaton. A guided walk will be held at 4 p.m. on the Wheaton College campus in Norton. Saturday - Walk Providence. A group will leave the Attleboro MBTA depot by train for a guided walking tour of Providence. Participants must sign up at the Attleboro YMCA. Cost is $4.50 per person. At 2 p.m., a community family swim will be held at the YMCA.