Press Release

The 5^th annual Union County 24 Hour Challenge

How can you significantly improve your health in just 18 minutes per day? Join the 24 Hour Challenge to “Be active for 24 hours and see what it does for you. Organized by the Union County Health Department, this program will challenge you to be physically active for 24 hours in 12 weeks, which is 2 hours per week or just 18 minutes per day.

This year’s challenge begins on Sunday July 1^st and ends 12 weeks later on September 23^rd , Family Fun and Fitness Day. The Health Department invites those interested to attend the Kick Off Open House from 7:00 – 8:30 pm on Thursday June 21^st at the YMCA to register. During this event participants will be given a brief orientation to the program along with optional blood pressure checks and body fat measurements. You can also learn how to measure your heart rate, learn stretching techniques and gain tips to keep you going over the next 12 weeks. As in years past, participants will be awarded prizes upon completion of the program. This year’s campaign will include group walks and special educational programs on nutrition, stress reduction and proper exercise techniques.

Being active for as little as 18 minutes a day can reward you with significant health benefits. Regular exercise has been shown to help with lowering blood pressure, controlling diabetes, strengthening the heart and making sleep more restful. Exercise is also a great tool to combat and cope with stress. As always, the Health Department has a Licensed Dietitian on staff, and free of charge (to Union County residents) to provide that extra help in learning about or sticking with a healthy balanced diet.

This year we are also asking for any past participants or currently active community residents to contact us if they are interested in becoming a Group Leader. This is your chance to help motivate those you care about and also a chance to meet new people with similar interests while doing something you enjoy.