Public Health Launches New Community Fitness Challenge

Mecklenburg County Public Health is launching a 16-week countywide fitness challenge called MeckMoves to encourage physical activity and better health that launches with a free biometric screening event, MeckCheck, on Oct. 11 at the McCrorey YMCA, 3801 Beatties Ford Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We’re excited to kick off this new initiative to improve health in our community through physical activity,” said assistant health director for population health Dr. Kimberly Scott. “We know that exercise has several physical and mental health benefits, so we are challenging our community to join us to step into better health.”    

MeckMoves is free and open to anyone 18 or older in the county. To be eligible to participate, individuals must attend the MeckCheck health screening event. Screenings will include height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1C, and total cholesterol. The event will also feature interactive, educational pop-up stations with hands-on cooking demonstrations, fitness activities, and other free and engaging health resources designed to help you learn and move.

Physical activity offers health benefits including reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers; improved physical health such as stronger bones and muscles; and improved mental health.  

People interested in learning more or joining the challenge can register online or call 980-314-9675 or email [email protected].