McDowell Wellness Center offers the Get Moving Challenge – The Advocate-Messenger

McDowell Wellness Center is once again working with local businesses to encourage area residents to improve their health by increasing physical activity and focusing on mental health. The six-week free challenge begins on Sunday, April 28th with a kickoff event at the Rotary/Kroger Shelter in Millennium Park.Join us for a fun event starting at 2:30 p.m.

This challenge is free and all you have to do is log your hours of physical activity and submit each week of the 6-week challenge. Prizes will be drawn weekly and the grand prize will be drawn at the end. Thanks to our generous sponsors, everyone who submits at least her 5 weeks of physical activity will receive a free Get Moving T-shirt. Many local businesses have pledged to support the Get Moving Challenge by encouraging employee participation, sponsoring T-shirts, and donating prizes given to participants.

This challenge will have a special focus on mental health. Good habits such as exercise and diet affect not only your physical but also your mental health. The McDowell Wellness Center joins the Rotary Club of Danville, Ephraim McDowell Health (EMH), and other local groups in efforts to address mental health in the community. The weekly Get Moving newsletter features articles about lifestyle choices that can impact your mental health and provides updates on other activities taking place during May Mental Health Month. These newsletters will be emailed to participants, shared on the EMH Facebook page, and available in hard copy at the McDowell Wellness Center.

The kick-off event will begin with a short message about the importance of mental health, after which participants can participate in a one-mile walk. There will also be a Happy Dance/Fitness class demonstration by Ann Moseley, mental health screenings, free NARCAN distribution from her, and an opportunity to meet some of Ephraim McDowell Health’s mental health providers. Participants can register for Get Moving and receive a packet with instructions and exercise records at the event. Participants are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food and other items to donate to local blessing boxes.

Registration forms are available at McDowell Wellness Center and the McDowell Wellness Center website. www.mcdowellwellness.com. Participants can register online or print and complete a registration form. Completed registration forms can be dropped off at the McDowell Wellness Center prior to the kickoff event, at the time of the kickoff event, or within the first week of the challenge.

For more information, contact Dee Miner or Janet Flutie at the McDowell Wellness Center at (859) 936-9355. Businesses interested in donating or sponsoring prizes may also contact Dee Minor or Janet Fluty.