Trinity Health Of New England Kicks Off New England 61 Day Challenge

SPRINGFIELD — Trinity Health Of New England will launch the New England 61 Day Challenge today, Oct. 31, with a ceremony from noon to 1 p.m. in the main lobby of Mercy Medical Center, 299 Carew St., Springfield, featuring Trinity and Mercy colleagues, community members, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and state and local representatives.

In its inaugural year, the New England 61 Day Challenge asks colleagues and community members to say ‘no’ to soda, sweets, and cigarettes for the 61 days between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31. The initiative takes place strategically during the last two months of the year, when Americans tend to gain a few extra pounds, with few ever losing the weight. The challenge is designed to help individuals get a jump start on establishing healthy habits before the New Year.

Trinity Health Of New England, made up of Mercy Medical Center, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Johnson Memorial Hospital, and Saint Mary’s Hospital, is offering educational sessions on smoking cessation, healthy eating, and increasing physical activity throughout the challenge. Additionally, those who take the pledge will receive daily health tips in order to educate and inspire their journey to better health. To date, more than 2,000 individuals across New England have taken the pledge. More details are available at www.newengland61daychallenge.org.