Memorial Health announced on April 7 the launch of its Mindful Miles Walking Challenge, a free event running from May 1 to May 31 throughout central Illinois. Kickoff parties for the initiative are scheduled for April 30 in Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville.
The program aims to encourage community members to improve their physical and mental health by walking. Angela Stoltzenburg, Memorial Health director of community health, said, “We encourage everyone to take the challenge and log their miles in May. Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise and one of the most powerful things you can do for your physical and mental health. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and a little time.”
Participants can register for the walking challenge using the Pacer app on their phones. Each Memorial Health hospital will serve as a hub for local events related to the challenge. Individuals who walk at least 50 miles during May will receive a free Mindful Miles T-shirt.
Kickoff parties will be held at several locations: Decatur Memorial Hospital’s DMH Walking Trail (5–7 p.m.), Jacksonville Memorial Hospital’s main entrance (4–6 p.m.), Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s Wellness Trail (5–7 p.m.), Springfield Memorial Hospital’s Edgar J. Curtis Memorial Learning Center (4–6 p.m.), and Taylorville Memorial Hospital’s parking lot (5–7 p.m.). Attendees can sign up for the challenge at these events, ask questions, collect giveaways, and learn more about participation requirements.
The Mindful Miles Walking Challenge is part of ongoing efforts by Memorial Health to promote wellness within local communities by encouraging accessible forms of exercise.
