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Over the next six weeks, the two departments will track their steps in order to meet the more <br />than 2,000-mile goal. Shelp said the steps are logged using technology like Fitbits and <br />pedometers, making it easy for staff to keep up on the activity they do. <br /> <br />Orange County has 44 percent of the employees participating, while Durham has about 28 <br />percent of staff lacing up their shoes for the challenge. <br /> <br />In addition to amping up the competitive spirit in the workplaces, Shelp and Nickens said the <br />walk off will help employees keep physically and mentally fit. <br /> <br />Shelp said the challenge shows residents that those in public health care are invested in their <br />own health. <br /> <br />“We need to practice what we preach,” she said. “We need to be doing it, too.” <br /> <br />Nickens agreed, saying the walk off not only raises employee moral but also promotes health as <br />a whole. <br /> <br />“Not only does it rally our employees in a team fashion, but it also looks after the overall <br />person,” he said. <br /> <br />Nickens said encouraging daily activity is already part of the culture in Durham County. <br />Employees are allowed 30 minutes each work day for exercise, and Nickens said staff is keen <br />on meeting the goal. <br /> <br />Shelp said at the end of the challenge, the departments will get together for a celebration. <br /> <br />The winner of the challenge not only gets bragging rights, but there is also a trophy and a <br />friendly wager between the health directors of a gift basket of local goodies. <br />