Step Challenge promotes healthy lifestyle

A recent study by researchers in the School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP) found that walking more can significantly lower the risk of heart failure in older women. The study of more than 137,000 postmenopausal women is the largest and most comprehensive to date that has evaluated physical activity within the context of heart failure prevention.

Considering these important findings, it should be no surprise that the main event for SPHHP’s annual celebration of National Public Health Week is the annual Step Challenge, which is designed to motivate members of the UB and greater Western New York communities to walk and become healthier versions of themselves.

The fourth annual UB SPHHP Step Challenge will take place April 1-30, and it’s setting its sights on being bigger and better than ever. Registration is now open for the challenge, which is free and open to the public. Registrants are encouraged to invite friends, family and colleagues to take part; registrants will have the opportunity to win additional prizes for referrals.

Participants in the challenge will be asked to log their individual step counts, with each participant’s submissions contributing toward the collective goal of reaching 375 million steps during the month of April. All participants actively stepping, regardless of distance, will qualify to win various prizes each week throughout the challenge.

A social media contest will also take place throughout the challenge. Social media users are encouraged to post pictures and videos of themselves actively participating in the challenge. Participants who choose to officially enter the social media contest must follow and tag @UBSPHHP, while using the hashtag #UBsteps19 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Winners for participation and social media will be selected each week during the challenge.

While the challenge invites participants to become more active and healthier versions of themselves during the month of April, it also has inspired some to achieve their own personal goals, and carry on a healthier lifestyle for years to come.

The challenge is the main public event for SPHHP’s celebration of National Public Healh Week April 1-7, an annual campaign organized by the American Public Health Association to recognize and celebrate public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation’s health.

To register and learn more about the 2019 Step Challenge, visit the challenge’s website.