MCDOWELL HEALTH

News release

McDowell Wellness Center is collaborating with local businesses to challenge Danville/Boyle County residents to improve their health by increasing their physical activity. To do that, McDowell Wellness Center will offer a free 8-week Get Moving Challenge beginning on Saturday, April 15. Participants are encouraged to increase and record their cardio-type physical activity such as walking, running, biking, swimming, and exercise classes such as Zumba and RIPPED.

Because social support greatly increases the time spent and the enjoyment of physical activity, a buddy system or team participation is highly encouraged. For this challenge, there will be a series of group walks called Walk with the Doc that all are welcome to attend.

Those interested can participate as an individual or as a team of four or more members. Participants will be required to submit their exercise minutes each week. All participants who submit their minutes will be eligible to win prizes in weekly random drawings and upon completion of the event. Those who submit minutes for at least seven weeks will receive a free Get Moving T-shirt. Participants will receive a weekly email newsletter that will provide useful tips, health information, recipes, etc. This will also be available in hard copy at McDowell Wellness Center.

Many local businesses have pledged their support for the Get Moving Challenge by encouraging their employees to participate and by donating prizes to be given to participants.

Studies have shown that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis and even some cancers. Walking and exercise programs can also reduce insurance costs, increase employee productivity and promote mental well-being. 

Join us for the kick-off event at Millennium Park 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. on April 15, immediately following Nitze’s Hippity Hoppity 3K (10 a.m.) and Easter Egg Hunt. Danville Schools will host their 10,000 Step Day concurrently and other businesses and organizations such as the Humane Society (with pets) and Boyle County Cooperative Extension will also be there with information about services and events. There will be an inflatable for kids, Zumba and other activities. City Commissioner Rick Serres will lead a casual bike ride at noon. It will be a fun event but participation in the kick-off is not required to participate in the challenge.

Registration forms are available at McDowell Wellness Center, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center and Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital information desks, Danville Bike and Footwear, Hibbett Sports, Bunny Davis Recreation Complex and Harrodsburg YMCA or on the Ephraim McDowell Health website at www.emhealth.org. You can register now through April 22. Get Moving Packets with instructions, log, etc. will be available beginning April 1 at McDowell Wellness Center.  Completed registration forms can be dropped off and packets picked up at McDowell Wellness Center or at the kick-off event.

For more information, contact Dee Coffey or Janet Fluty at McDowell Wellness Center at (859) 936-9355.  Businesses that are interested in donating prizes or becoming a sponsor may also contact Dee Coffey or Janet Fluty.