EPHRAIM MCDOWELL HEALTH

News release

Once again, McDowell Wellness Center is collaborating with local businesses to challenge Danville/Boyle County residents to improve their health by increasing their physical activity. This is the eighth season that McDowell Wellness Center will offer a free eight-week Get Moving Challenge.

The challenge will begin on Sunday, Sept. 16 with a kick-off event at McDowell Wellness Center.  Join the fun beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be inflatables for the kids and family friendly games, activities and prizes. While you are there, register and pick up your Get Moving informational packet. At 7:45 p.m., there will be a free Kids Sunset Dash. All kids who run the short race will receive a special prize. This will be followed by McDowell Wellness Center’s Moonlight Mile race at 8 p.m. The Moonlight Mile is optional and there is an entry fee, which includes a race T-shirt or tank top.

During the eight-week Get Moving Challenge, 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. When they submit their minutes of activity each week, they are 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 providing useful tips, health information, recipes, etc. This will also be available in hard copy at McDowell Wellness Center.

This fall, there will be a special “But first, let me take a healthy selfie” contest. Participants may take a selfie while completing a special weekly challenge and post the picture to the Ephraim McDowell Health Facebook page. Each week, the individual’s post with the most likes will receive a special prize.

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.

Registration forms are available at McDowell Wellness Center, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, Ephraim McDowell James B. Haggin Hospital and Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital information desks, Danville Bike and Footwear, Bunny Davis Recreation Complex and on the McDowell Wellness Center website www.mcdowellwellness.com.

You can register now through September 24. Get Moving Packets with instructions, logs, etc. will be available beginning September 7 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 Minor 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 Minor or Janet Fluty.