Dallas County Launches Exercise Campaign to Fight Obesity

New initiative encourages residents to meet physical activity guidelines.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:36pm

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A glowing neon outline illustration of a person jogging, with vibrant lines pulsing with energy against a dark background, conceptually representing the active energy and movement of an exercise campaign.The "Every Step Counts" campaign aims to get more Dallas County residents engaged in regular physical activity to combat obesity and heart disease.Dallas Today

Dallas County has launched a new public health campaign called "Every Step Counts" to promote physical activity and combat obesity and heart disease. The campaign includes a social media component where residents are encouraged to share photos and videos of their exercise using the hashtag #EveryStepCountsDCHHS.

Why it matters

Obesity and lack of physical activity are major public health concerns in Dallas County, with only 25% of adults and 20% of youth meeting the recommended guidelines for weekly physical activity. This new initiative aims to get more residents engaged in exercise to improve overall community health.

The details

The "Every Step Counts" campaign was launched by the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department. It encourages adults to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week and youth aged 5-17 to get 60 minutes per day, in line with national health recommendations. The social media component allows residents to share their exercise routines and inspire others to participate.

  • The "Every Step Counts" campaign launched on April 3, 2026.

The players

Dr. Philip Huang

The Director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department, who announced the new exercise campaign.

Dallas County Health and Human Services Department

The local government agency that developed and launched the "Every Step Counts" initiative to promote physical activity in the community.

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What they’re saying

“150 minutes per week for adults and 60 minutes per day for youth aged 5 through 17. One in four adults meet that and one in five youth meet the recommended guidelines.”

— Dr. Philip Huang, Director, Dallas County Health and Human Services Department

What’s next

The Dallas County Health and Human Services Department plans to closely monitor participation in the "Every Step Counts" campaign and adjust their outreach efforts as needed to encourage more residents to meet physical activity guidelines.

The takeaway

This new public health initiative in Dallas County highlights the importance of addressing the obesity epidemic through community-wide efforts to promote regular exercise and physical activity. By providing resources and incentives for residents to get moving, the county aims to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the burden of chronic diseases.