EEH: Get moving with the Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge

This fall, Edward-Elmhurst Health is joining a group of local organizations to invite community residents to get outside and stay healthy with the Second Annual Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge.

As participants discovered during last fall’s inaugural Challenge, hiking is a great way for people of all ages to spend time outdoors and stay active. This year’s Take a Hike! Challenge co-sponsors include The Conservation Foundation, Elmhurst Park District, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise and Naperville Park District.

The challenge, which runs from Sept. 1 to Oct. 27, provides hiking insights, special programs and tips to improve and get the most out of each hike.

“Staying active and spending time in nature is more important than ever, and we’re thrilled to have our community organizations hiking with us this year,” says Mary Lou Mastro, CEO, Edward-Elmhurst Health. “Physical activity like hiking has been proven to have a multitude of health benefits, including lower stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, lower body fat, improved bone density and closer relationships with family and friends.”

When six hikes are finished and tracked during the Challenge period, participants will earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award (either a commemorative pin or a walking stick with a commemorative medallion). Start a collection this fall—there will be a new design every year.

To sign up for weekly emails about special events, see an interactive hiking map and more, visit the Take a Hike! Challenge website at www.EEHealth.org/TakeAHike.