CARIBOU, Maine — Cary Medical Center will launch the 2024 Healthy You 100 Miles in 100 Days Fitness Challenge beginning Monday, May 13. The event will be part of the hospital’s National Hospital Week activity. The challenge invites individuals to walk 100 miles in 100 days for a chance to win prizes, including the grand prize, a $250 gift card.
According to Bill Flagg, director of community relations at the hospital, the event has drawn hundreds of participants over the years and has some very positive health benefits.
“This has been a great activity for us,” said Flagg. “People look forward to the challenge each year and it is a great opportunity to get outside and improve overall fitness. Walking is such great exercise and it is an activity that can become part of your daily routine.”
Promoting the event on line brings individuals from throughout Aroostook County and beyond to the challenge.
“Using social media, including Facebook and other platforms we can reach so many people,” said Karlee Willett, who will coordinate this year’s challenge. “We get emails from people who do the challenge and appreciate the opportunity to be involved in the event. We have even had entire businesses join the challenge.”
To participate in the challenge you must be at least 18 years of age and register online at www.carymedicalcenter.org or call Willett at 207-498-1361 to register. Everyone who registers will be eligible for regular prize drawings. To be eligible for the grand prize drawing, a $250 gift card, individuals must complete the 100 miles in 100 days.
Participants must submit their total miles walked each month. The miles can be submitted online or by email to: kwillett@carymed.org. Participants may also call 207-498-1361 to report their miles. Karlee Willett, coordinator of Cary’s Healthy You program, said that the challenge is part of an overall effort by the hospital to increase physical activity.
“We all know,” said Willett, “that doing regular physical activity is very important to our overall health and longevity. Walking every day has many benefits including weight management, strengthening your heart, improving your mood, even extending your life. We hope that our 100 Miles in 100 Days challenge will encourage people to build a daily walk into their lifestyle.”
This year’s 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge is part of Cary’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. One goal of the anniversary is to promote physical activity and overall wellness. The goal speaks to the vision of Cary Medical Center to create healthier communities. The challenge is sponsored in part by Hebert’s Rexall Pharmacy in Van Buren and Sleepers of Caribou. For more information on the challenge visit www.carymedicalcenter.org or call 207-498-1361.
