So, the fat man walking finally took his last steps on his walk across the country arriving in New York City on May 9, 2006. It took longer than anticipated, giving him time to assess his life and consider his future.

In the end it took Steve Vaught a little over a year to walk the 2,843 miles from San Diego to New York City. He entered New York like many tourists after being lost in New Jersey. What was different from most tourists to New York is that his arrival was met with a media frenzy. The Today Show, Oprah, Inside Edition and media from all over the world covered his arrival.

Was his journey an inspiration or a successful attempt to get media recognition? On the one hand, walking across the country to bring attention to obesity was an admirable goal and I believe Steve Vaught embraced his fat man persona. We may not all be fat, but we all have challenges in our lives. On the other hand there is no question that he has been enjoying his time in the spotlight and is savvy enough to take advantage of the opportunities that come with the attention.

Steve Vaught, also known as the fat man walking has become an international figure. Media from Europe, South America and Asia have all taken an interest in Steve's walk.

The BBC has referred to Steve as a "counter-culture American icon." People from all over Europe and as far away as Australia are following Steve Vaught's journey. Even an on-line newspaper from Africa is covering the fat man's walk.

Steve is now in rural New Jersey, yes there are parts of New Jersey that are still considered to be "country". As of today, May 5 (2006), he still has about 65 miles to go and will have to push hard to make it into the city on time.

The Omron blood pressure monitor is a must have item for anyone watching their blood pressure. It cannot get any easier: just wrap the cuff around your arm, press start and you will get your blood pressure reading.

Many people who walk, do so because they are trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Burning calories is the primary reason most people exercise. Keeping your blood pressure in check should be an equally important goal.

What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is a way of measuring how much force is being exerted on the walls of your blood vessels (artery) as blood flows through them.

The top number is called Systolic and it is the pressure exerted as your heart contracts or beats. A reading of less than 120mm Hg is normal.