CARIBOU, Maine — Cary Medical Center has launched its next physical fitness challenge. The 96,100 Steps Healthy You Fitness Challenge began Feb. 1 and is the latest in a series of activities designed to keep people of all ages moving.
Bill Flagg, director of community relations and development at Cary Medical Center, said that the evidence is overwhelming that remaining physically active throughout life is the key to longevity.
“There are many factors that determine our life expectancy,” said Flagg, who has been with Cary since 1979. “But there is one constant message in the literature that keeps coming up again and again, and that is keep moving. Cary’s vision is to create healthier communities and I am so pleased that throughout my time here that has been its true focus.”
Cary is working in partnership with Pines Health Services and corporate sponsors from the St. John Valley to Presque Isle to promote the program. Flagg said area business sponsorships make these kinds of events possible.
“We are so grateful to our sponsors who help to create incentives for participants and to get the word out,” said Flagg. “The ultimate winner of our challenge will earn a one-week cruise to Bermuda later this year. The sponsorships help to make this possible.”
The first 500 people who register for the fitness challenge will receive a free pedometer. Each time they complete 96,100 steps, they may submit the activity online, and each time they enter 96,100 steps their name will be entered to win the cruise.
Participants may also convert miles to steps using 2100 steps per mile; 96,100 steps is equal to 45 miles.
“In our last challenge, the 200 miles in 200 days event, we had people who walked more than 1,000 miles,” Flagg said. “We hope to get a great response to this event and because everyone who walks at least 96,100 steps and enters their effort has a chance to win we think it will motivate people to step up.”
There will be other prizes awarded throughout the challenge, which will end on May 7. Participants will receive weekly emails encouraging them to keep going and health tips on the benefits of regular fitness activity. Flagg said he invites participants to follow each other on Facebook and connect with Cary by liking the hospital Facebook page and sharing how walking has improved their lives. Participants in recent challenges have sent pictures and told personal stories on how the activity made a difference.
“It has been really moving to read some of these personal stories,” said Flagg. “People have explained that walking has helped them cope with depression and anxiety, better manage their weight, have a new burst of energy, and so much more. We have pictures of people walking with their dogs or walking with a friend.
“It has been so rewarding to know that we are doing what the hospital sees as its primary purpose — creating a healthier community,” he added.
Individuals can register for the challenge online at carymedicalcenter.org or by calling Cary Community Relations at 498-1112.
