Milwaukee County kicks off 3rd annual Healthy County Challenge

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With the weather getting warmer, county officials want people to spend more time outdoors for the third annual Healthy County Challenge. 

County Executive David Crowley says to take time to sit outside, play ball, or go for a stroll. 

“As we really have the opportunity to reflect on what wellness means to each and every one of us. Sometimes physical fitness is not as easy as quick, but it is an opportunity to move your body," said Crowley. 

The third annual Healthy County Challenge kicks off next Wednesday with yoga at the Milwaukee Domes. It's a post-pandemic initiative that began in 2022 to encourage people to keep moving. 

“First and foremost, our community was in a place where we just were trying to recover," said Crowley.

Milwaukee's Chief Health Policy Advisor Dr. Ben Weston says the challenge is a way for people to take advantage of the greenspaces Milwaukee has to offer.

By spending just 20 minutes outside, Dr. Weston says your chances of having stress, anxiety, and depression decrease by more than 30%. 

“Make health a priority," said Dr. Weston. "Those who live further away from greenspaces are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety.”

Last year, more than 700 people attended 13 events across the county. This year, there will be 12 events from May until mid-September.

“To engage in some physical activity as well create a sense of community," said Crowley. 

That's a record the county encourages people to break. 

“We’re all about a healthy challenge," said Cecelia Gore, with the Brewers Community Foundation.