The Guidance Center, in partnership with the McKean County Department of Human Services and Zonta Club of Bradford, on Oct. 1 will launch the MOVE MCKEAN challenge, an eight-week initiative designed to encourage physical activity and improve the health of employees and communities throughout McKean County.

Despite McKean County’s abundant natural resources and recreational opportunities, the area faces high rates of physical inactivity and obesity. According to 2022 data from the United States Census Bureau, 37% of McKean County residents were classified as obese, and 24.7% were considered physically inactive. These trends are linked to an increase in lifestyle-related illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, which can impact workplace attendance, productivity and healthcare costs.

“Spending time in nature has a significant positive impact on mental health, promoting relaxation, reducing stress and improving mood,” representatives said in a press release. “Exposure to nature, whether it’s green spaces like parks and forests or blue spaces like oceans and rivers, can lead to improved focus, better sleep and even a reduced risk of developing behavioral health conditions.”

The MOVE MCKEAN challenge aims to combat the negative health trends by offering a free, fun and team-based movement challenge open to all interested McKean County businesses. Participants will use the Count.it app to track their movement with the shared goal of reaching the finish line together. The challenge encourages participants to be more active while exploring the natural resources available in McKean County.

Participating businesses will receive free access to the Count.It app, incentives to motivate their teams, as well as weekly digital “Wellness Snacks” — brief, engaging wellness tips and resources that can be shared via email or displayed in the workplace.

For more information or to sign up a business, Claudette Johnson, director of wellness, The Guidance Center, at (814) 362-6536, ext. 1714, or cjohnson@guidancecenter.net.

For more information about The Guidance Center, call (814) 362-6535 or visit guidancecenter.net.