Sweet sweat and tons of fun

One month.

One hundred fifty minutes a week; just over 600 minutes between April 1 and April 30.

Can you afford that much time? Actually, can you afford not to invest that much time?

We encourage you to accept the Moving Minutes Challenge, as an individual or as a member of a team. The MMC is a fun but important activity and awareness event from Panhandle Health District to get everyone in the five northern counties warmed up and focused on getting healthier as early spring leads toward summer. It's an exercise invitation aligned with National Public Health Week, April 1-7.

The Moving Minutes Challenge doesn't mean you need to train like an Ironman. In fact, what we love about this program is the creative ways anyone accepting the challenge can accumulate minutes.

"Our goal is to create an awareness of the many different physical activities that can be incorporated into our lives that can increase fitness levels and start to chip away at the increasing rates of obesity that we are seeing in the United States," says Lora Whalen, Panhandle Health District director. "As we head into summer in North Idaho, let's foster a good habit of exercise/physical activity in our daily routines."

So, scrubbing a bathtub counts. Mowing a lawn counts. Planting a garden counts. Counting sheep does not count.

Jogging around the park, playing Frisbee, dancing 'til dawn and walking your dog are all great ways to exercise - and pile up precious minutes.

Individuals or teams of five or more can accept the challenge by going to www.phd1.idaho.gov, www.Facebook.com/MovingMinutesChallenge, or by calling 208-415-5153. Through the month of April, you'll keep track of your moving minutes and compete for prizes.

Of course, every competitor automatically wins the grand prize: feeling and looking better while establishing some positive habits that will serve you well for the rest of your life.