With the holiday season kicking off in November, HealthCode’s Turkey Trek virtual challenge kicks off Sunday November 1 to provide an incentive for the global community to stay active and healthy.
“November brings us Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season. While the holiday season is wonderful, but it also can be calorie intensive and it is important to remember to stay active and healthy,’’ said Steve Amos, CEO and founder of the nonprofit HealthCode. ”As millions continue working from home and with the heavy-eating holidays approaching, we are encouraging everyone to join the Turkey Trek virtual challenge as an incentive to stay active and maintain healthy habits.’’
In the Turkey Trek challenge that runs throughout the month of November, participants sign up on the Turkey Trek registration page and choose a mileage goal for the month. Throughout the month, the leaderboard is updated with miles achieved globally as participants walk, run, cycle or swim to meet their goals.
Employers and other organizations can register at https://events.healthcode.org/wellness.
HealthCode is committed to raising awareness and promote living healthier, happier lives through physical activity, nutrition and the good stewardship of the environment. HealthCode launched its first program – the Million Mile Month challenge in April 2014 – and since then the programs have grown to year-round virtual challenges including Marathon in a Month currently underway through the end of October.
This year, with millions continuing to work from home to stop the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode introduced a series of new virtual challenges to encourage people to keep moving and stay healthy year-round.
More information on HealthCode’s events can be found on the HealthCode events page.
HealthCode works with businesses, educational institutions and federal, state, local governments to incorporate virtual events into wellness programs to engage employees in healthy living.
There is no charge to sign up for HealthCode’s virtual challenges, but donations support delivery of HealthCode’s current programs and the development of new educational programs.
Research shows getting moving pays off in the long run. A study by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found higher daily step counts were associated with lower mortality risk for those over 40-years-old.
“As we battle a global public health emergency, now more than ever it is important to keep moving and stay healthy. The Turkey Trek is a fun way for families and friends to remain active and on-track with their fitness goals,’’ Amos said. “There are so many benefits to engaging in regular physical activity, including reducing a person’s risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. And by remaining active daily, it can help people feel better and sleep better while helping to relieve stress.’’