Tiffany Klassen, Director of the Cass County Health Department, has been working with the Parks and Recreation departments in Belton, Raymore and Pleasant Hill to create a wellness challenge encouraging residents to become more active. The resulting countywide partnership is a new program called “Get Fit – Cass County.”

“Although this is the first year for the program, we hope to continue it annually,” Klassen said. “We have chosen to spotlight the Katy Trail System by naming this year’s challenge the ‘Katy Trail Wellness Challenge.’ Participants can track their mileage and log it to walk across the Katy Trail. It combines the idea of promoting activity and enjoying the beauty of the parks system.”

Interested participants should register at their local Parks and Recreation office or the Cass County Health Department. Each participant will undergo a pre-assessment for tracking purposes throughout the program and to gain eligibility for the incentive and post-assessment prizes. This free program will run for a six-week period running from April 1 through May 12. Registrations begin on March 8. The first 100 registrations will receive a packet that includes a pedometer to assist in tracking mileage for the program.

Although the program is designed for walking or running with the pedometer, other forms of working out can translate into mileage for this program, as well. The whole goal is to get moving to increase better health for all our residents. Weekly motivation and wellness tips will be sent out to participants who have registered on the www.DailyMile.com Web site.

Residents in the Pleasant Hill area can register at City Hall Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. An appointment is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Contact Scott for more details. 540-3135 or scottg@pleasanthill.com