Steve Team Captain
Leading The Tour in	Bloomfield, CT to Scranton, PA
Riding out of	Bloomfield, CT
Motivation for joining The Tour	I've ridden my bicycle for myself. Now it's time to ride for others. America is facing a great challenge in improving the health of its population. The rates of illnesses such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension continue to accelerate. The monetary cost of health care and the emotional toll of disease are destroying our families and our nation. We can no longer afford, financially and emotionally, to allow this trend to continue. Our economy and our communities will collapse from this burden unless we begin to reverse this situation.
Reasons for adopting an active lifestyle	I got my health wake-up call when I least expected it. I was young and active. Then one winter, I took a three-week, at-home vacation. I stopped riding my bike, and the sports leagues that I participated in closed for the holiday season. I lounged around all day in loose-fitting clothes. I swapped exercise for eating, and not just eating, but indulging in all of those high-calorie foods that seem to accompany the holiday season. On the day that I returned to work, I couldn't button my trousers! In the span of one month, I had gained fifteen pounds! I realized then that I would face some of the same challenges that many others do as they age. I did not want to be overweight. I knew that it was up to me to take charge of my weight and my health. I signed up for exercise classes at CIGNA and enrolled in a self-guided weight management program. By April, I had returned to a healthy weight. Healthy eating and exercise have become powerful lifelong habits for me.
Why a healthy lifestyle is important	We all have close relationships with others - children, parents, spouses, relatives, and friends. I was blessed with good health and want to continue to enjoy the relationships that I have. More importantly, I want to provide encouragement to others to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
One piece of advice to help others live a healthier life	Though it's not original, it's simple advice - healthier food, smaller portions, don't smoke...anyone can do that!