Last modified: Thursday, May 1, 2008 9:11 AM EDT Front to back, Cathy Him, Mafalda Monteiro, Leangmach Em, and Linda Maiers workout on treadmills at part of Activate Attleboro. Steppin up to fitness BY RICK FOSTER / SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Cathi Him says she feels better and has more energy as a result of walking on a treadmill regularly where she works at the Reeves Co. in the Northwest Industrial Park. Marjorie Letourneau, 83, who also works at the firm, says she no longer needs to use a cane after making a point to walk the hallways at the plant and around her apartment daily. Both women are participants in the Corporate Step Challenge this month sponsored by Activate Attleboro, a YMCA-led coalition that seeks to encourage adults and children to be more active and eat more sensibly. Workers wear pedometers to record their daily step totals and keep track of each day's tally at work. At Reeves, which has made treadmills available to workers for several years, walking is part of the culture. "I feel good," said Letourneau taking a break from assembling nameplates. "I never stop moving." Letourneau, the aunt of boss Tom Reeves, said she once relied on a metal cane for stability while walking but no longer needs it. "I use it to reach things that fall under my bench," she joked. Him, who has diabetes, said walking was recommended by her doctor. Since she's adopted a daily regimen of walking, she says she's felt better and her diabetes is easier to control. That's music to the ears of Reeves, who said daily exercise provides an opportunity for employees to relax and relieve stress during breaks and has been a boon to morale. The company set up a room with nine treadmills and elliptical machines several years ago which is in almost constant use. This year Reeves is one of about 20 companies and non-profits encouraging employees to walk and keep track of their step counts as part of the Corporate Step Challenge. The company with the highest average number of steps per workers will own bragging rights to having the most health-conscious employees. Participants in this year's challenge include Sensata Technologies and Sturdy Memorial Hospital. The challenge, which coincides with a similar event in the schools, concludes May 3 when awards will be presented at the YMCA's Healthy Kids Day celebration at Balfour Riverwalk Park. Activate Attleboro, devised by the Attleboro YMCA three years ago, is a response to a growing epidemic of obesity and related diseases nationwide. The citywide coalition includes local businesses, schools, healthcare providers and nonprofits and has launched a number of initiatives aimed at children and their families including healthy diet programs and activities that encourage exercise. RICK FOSTER can be reached at 508-236-0360 or at rfoster@thesunchronicle.com.