Community members throughout central Illinois will be able to take part in a walking challenge in May, sponsored by Memorial Health.  The Mindful Miles Walking Challenge runs the entire month of May and functions similarly to past walking challenges the healthcare provider has organized.  This edition has different branding from previous years and is expanded to include all local chapters.

As the name suggests, the Mindful Miles Walking Challenge is focused not just on physical health but also on mental health.  Memorial Health’s Community Health Consultant Jay Boulanger says the initiative is designed to address multiple health needs identified by the communities they serve.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital will host a kick-off event for the challenge.  It’s set for Thursday, April 30 – which is the day before the challenge officially begins – from 5-7 p.m. at the hospital’s parking lot. 

As with Memorial Health’s previous walking challenges, participants will log their distances using the free Pacer app.  Those who walk 50 miles or more inside the month of May win a free T-shirt. 

More information on the Mindful Miles Walking Challenge – including details specific to your location – is available here.

Jay Boulanger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.