The Louisiana Department of Health kicks off the Own Your Own Health Challenge, a competition aimed at getting Louisianans more active, healthier, and ultimately lighter.
Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Director Rudy Macklin says you can compete against others around the state and country to see who can win a steps challenge, or who can lose the most weight.
“We have a series of challenges using Google Maps which you can follow along the map as you put your steps in and have a lot of fun competing against others to see who can accumulate the most miles,” says Macklin.
OYOH has been going strong in Louisiana for nearly two decades in one form or another, and over 100,000 people have participated in it.
The competition comes with drawings for prizes every Friday and even features a little regional competition.
“This year we are looking at Franklin possibly challenging Crowley and Patterson, and Bastrop challenging Tallulah, and we have Livingston at one time challenge Terrebonne, entire parishes challenging each other,” says Macklin.
Macklin adds the service also allows for private organizations like churches or businesses to challenge each other.
Even if you don’t end up taking home any trophies in the competition, Macklin says it’s still a great way to introduce people to exercise.
“If you just walk for 30 minutes a day it can really make a difference in your life as far as your cardiovascular health, your bone, and your high blood pressure if you have it,” says Macklin.
Visit O-Y-O-H-Dot-com to sign up.
