Miles for Wellness

Miles for Wellness is a virtual, team-based walking initiative by and for the state employees of North Carolina. The purpose of Miles for Wellness is to encourage and support employees to increase their level of physical activity, with the goal of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. From dancing to yard work, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity has immediate and long-term benefits.

Immediate Benefits:

Improved mental health and mood, including:

• Reduced short-term feelings of anxiety
• Sharpened thinking, learning, and judgement
• Improved sleep

Long-Term Benefits:

• Weight maintenance
• Reduced risk of depression
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
• Reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
• Improved blood glucose levels for those with type 2 diabetes
• Lowered risk for developing some cancers
• Stronger bones and muscles
• Reduced pain and improved function for adults with arthritis
• Improved ability to perform daily activities and prevent falls, for adults 65 or older
• Increased life expectancy, including reduced risk of death from flu and pneumonia

Miles for Wellness is sponsored by the Office of State Human Resources' Worksite Wellness Program, with two challenges held each year. Teams of up to ten participants compete for first, second, or third place in four categories: Tortoise, Hare, Super Hare, and Bionic Hare.

Each challenge features a unique theme. Participants track their weekly activity, which are added up and plotted on a virtual map every other week to encourage physically active and friendly competition across the state.