It’s been said that “sitting is the new smoking,” because both can subtract years from your life. People were “Made to Move,” say sponsors of an event by that name that will take place on the annual Let’s Move Day. This year’s observance is on Sunday, Sept. 24, and once again healthy minded sponsors have scheduled an event with options for walking, running or bicycling.

Made to Move starts promptly at 10 a.m. at the Great Bend Seventh-day Adventist Church parking lot at 7 SW 30 Ave., one mile west of 10th and Patton Road.

“By taking part in this event, we are hoping to focus on exercise that the entire family can participate in,” said Doris Reile with the church. “Come, breathe fresh air while enjoying the colors of fall along the Great Bend Trail on west 10th Street.

Following markers along the trail, participants can choose the length of their trek. Typically, people walk for two miles or more or run for 3+ miles. The road cycling paths include 10- and 20-mile rides, Reile said.

This year’s event is again being sponsored by The Great Bend Seventh-day Adventist Church, Dr. Bell Razafindrabe and the Pain and Spine Clinic.

Let’s Move Day was spearheaded in 2010 by First Lady Michele Obama and has continued yearly due to a concern for childhood obesity. The entire family is encouraged to start an exercise program which will provide the best family time together. Great Bend has participated each year since 2011 with an average turnout of about 60 people of all ages, Reile said.

You do not need to be a great athlete to keep yourself healthy. It is never too early or too late to adopt an active lifestyle. According to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, step by step, you can achieve a better lifestyle.

For advance registration call 620-792-2991, 620-791-7314 or register on-site Sunday at 9:45 a.m.