July 15, 2019

The Independent Health and Buffalo Bills Health & Wellness Challenge continues to inspire Western New Yorkers to become more engaged in their own health and well-being. 

Orchard Park, NY – The Independent Health and Buffalo Bills Health & Wellness Challenge continues to inspire Western New Yorkers to become more engaged in their own health and well-being. More than 30,000 individuals – including 3,230 new participants – were registered for the 10th Health & Wellness Challenge, which ran from April 29 through June 9.

As with past Health & Wellness Challenges, participants were once again challenged to integrate physical activity and good nutrition into their daily lives. In turn, on average, each participant logged more than nine hours of physical activity, while consuming 139 servings of fruits and vegetables and 215 glasses of water during this spring’s six-week initiative.

The Health & Wellness Challenge was designed to help motivate adults of all ages to live healthier lives by offering them opportunities to win prizes. The first initiative kicked off in October 2014 and drew 2,300 participants. Since then, nine more rounds of the Challenge have been held, with participation steadily increasing each round, bringing the total number of registrants to 30,416.

“It’s exciting to know that more than 30,000 people have now registered for the Health & Wellness Challenge and are taking the steps to adopt healthy habits and achieve healthier lifestyles,” said Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president and CEO, Independent Health. “In partnering with the Buffalo Bills, we have been able to offer the entire community a health and wellness program that is easy, fun and rewarding. While participants may initially sign up in hopes of winning some great prizes, it is overall improved health and well-being that is truly the real reward in the end.”

“Through the Health & Wellness Challenges, our partners at Independent Health continue to educate our community on the importance of exercise, proper nutrition and hydration,” said Dan Misko, Pegula Sports & Entertainment’s vice president of sales. “Incorporating these healthy habits make a very positive difference in the overall health of many Western New Yorkers. It’s remarkable that Independent Health has delivered this message to more than 30,000 people over the last 11 years.”

Youngstown resident awarded $5,000 cash grand prize

By meeting daily goals and completing health and wellness challenges for points, all participants were eligible to win a variety of prizes this spring. Dawn Laughlan of Youngstown was chosen as the lucky winner of the Challenge’s $5,000 cash grand prize. Plus, 40 participants earned daily and weekly prizes, such as:

• $500 cash
• VIP passes for two to a Bills Training Camp practice
• Tours of New Era Field for six people
• $100 gift cards to The Bills Store
• Fitness trackers
• Healthy WNY Prize Packs, which included vouchers for two people to partake in kayaking, paddle boarding, bicycling, zip lining and other healthy activities courtesy of Buffalo RiverWorks, Outer Harbor Buffalo and Reddy Bikeshare

In celebration of the 10th Challenge, 20 bonus prizes were also randomly awarded to participants, including Bills autographed memorabilia and $100 Visa® gift cards

How the Health  Wellness Challenge works

As part of the Health & Wellness Challenge, participants earn points by achieving three main daily goals:

1. 20 minutes of physical activity
2. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables
3. Drink eight glasses of water

They can also complete one “extra points” challenge each day. As an added bonus, participants who refer their friends, family and co-workers can earn 10 extra points for each person who registers.

Participants can keep track of their progress and learn about that day’s “extra points” challenge by logging-in at buffalobills.com/thechallenge. The number of points earned throughout the Health & Wellness Challenge will determine the number of chances participants have in the prize drawings. To be eligible to win a prize, participants must be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of New York State at the time of entry.

To keep the drive toward a “One Healthier Buffalo” alive, Independent Health and the Buffalo Bills are planning to kick off an 11th Health & Wellness Challenge in the fall.