On the assumption that we pay attention to those things which we measure, our clergy health plan gives us cash rewards for wearing a pedometer. Although I objected initially (they know everything about my health care, now they want to know how far I walk?), I discovered something about myself. I can be bought. Each year, I receive several hundred dollars for wearing that thing, and so I wear it. This year, rather than take the cash option, I have chosen to take gift cards, so that I can point specifically to something that I gain as result of walking. I am enjoying the irony of using my health-plan-issued AMC gift card to sit in the dark for a few hours, snarfing down extra-buttery popcorn.
In spite of my hesitation, I have discovered that I truly do pay more attention and walk more. Over the years, I have a few observations:
1) I am so glad that they changed the logo and design on our pedometers. It was disconcerting to be at a clergy meeting and see all of these people with “VIRGIN” emblazoned on their waistbands.
2) My pedometer registers the fewest steps on the days that I travel across the state or across the country.
3) The best and easiest steps come from walking on the beach.
4) We should get double, triple, or even quadruple credit for steps taken to the pulpit, in the rain, or in a hospital corridor.
