West Chicago, Illinois: July 17, 2020 - Continuing its tradition of promoting an active lifestyle through an organized campaign of movement activities, Healthy West Chicago partners once again with the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention for the 2020 Move with the Mayor Challenge (MWTM).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers believe it is more important than ever to take seriously the connection between an active lifestyle and the many health benefits it affords, and have come up with virtual challenges that will motivate, inspire, and safely get people moving.
At the center of the 2020 Challenge is the MWTM Walking Challenge App, made possible through a generous donation by Jacobs, a local business, and especially created for West Chicago to track steps toward heart health. The App factors heavily in the various components of the MWTM Challenge and is available for download now.
Downloading is easy by scanning the Challenge App’s QR code, or by downloading it from the App Store on a personal device, using activation code “movechicago17”. Users may then pair the App with their choice of activity trackers like Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch or those built into their Smart devices. The App collects data on personal steps logged, distance walked, and ranking among other participants. Cumulative step leaders are displayed which provides the motivation of a friendly competition among community members.
According to Program Administrator Carly Smitherman, Healthy West Chicago is hoping to encourage community members to get up and get moving during the months of August and September through its MWTM Virtual Movement Challenge, while continuing to comply with the physical distancing recommendations and the App will help track participants’ progress.
“Physical distancing can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean you can’t take a virtual walk or run with others or workout with us in the comfort of your own home. The purpose of this challenge is to demonstrate that staying active can be fun and rewarding and to present West Chicago residents with a variety of physical activities in the hope they find a form of physical activity they enjoy and want to stick with year-round”, said Smitherman. She hopes everyone will take advantage of the free App, and get moving.
For a list of planned activities in August and September, visit the Healthy West Chicago website.
