January 28, 2021

More than 40,000 individuals have now registered for the Independent Health and Buffalo Bills Health & Wellness Challenge.

Orchard Park, NY – This exciting milestone was reached during the 13th round of the popular community program, which ran from October 19 through November 29.

Those who took part in this past fall’s Challenge were asked to integrate physical activity and good nutrition into their daily lives for a chance to win prizes. On average, participants logged at least five hours of physical activity, while consuming more than 80 servings of fruits and vegetables and 124 glasses of water during the six-week initiative.

“We’re thrilled to see that more than 40,000 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 Western New Yorkers a health and wellness program that is fun and rewarding. As a result, we’re not only improving our own personal health, but also the health of our entire region.”

Depew resident wins “At-Home Fitness Package” grand prize

By meeting daily goals and completing health and wellness challenges for points, all participants were eligible to win a variety of daily prizes this fall. In addition, Amberlee Moskaluk of Depew was selected as the winner of the Challenge’s ultimate “At-Home Fitness Package” grand prize, which included:

• ProForm PRO TC Exercise Bike PFEX79920
• Fitbit Versa 2TM
• Fitbit Aria^TM Digital Smart Scale
• 3-Piece (5, 10 and 15 lb) Kettlebell Set & Stand
• TRX Go Suspension Training Bands
• BOSU® Balance Trainer, 65 cm “The Original”
• Yoga Mat

How the Challenge works

The Health & Wellness Challenge was designed to help motivate adults of all ages to live healthier lives by offering them opportunities to earn prizes. When it first kicked off in October 2014, it drew 2,300 participants. Since then, 12 more rounds of the Challenge have been held, with participation steadily increasing each round. Nearly 3,250 new participants signed up for the latest round, bringing the total number of registrants to 40,476.

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

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

There are also “extra points” challenges designed to push participants further and keep things interesting. These challenges can be modified to suit each participant’s fitness level and ability. The daily goals and “extra points” challenges are worth 5 points each. Plus, by referring friends and family, participants can earn 10 extra points for each person who registers.

By logging in at buffalobills.com/thechallenge, participants can keep track of their progress and learn about that day’s “extra points” challenge. The number of points earned throughout the Health & Wellness Challenge will determine the number of chances they have in the random prize drawings

To keep the drive toward a “One Healthier Buffalo” alive, Independent Health and the Buffalo Bills are planning to kick off the 14 th Health & Wellness Challenge in the spring.