If the rising temperatures and undeniable humidity levels are any indication, summer has officially arrived—and with it come longer days perfect for experiencing the many potential health benefits of walking, one of the simplest and most effective ways to exercise.

Studies have shown that walking more and sitting less may help people maintain a healthier weight, ward off depression, and prevent serious health issues, like heart disease.

If the chance to win prizes motivates you to move more, check out revswalkingmap.com. By pledging to walk more, people can enter for a chance to win Apple Watch® or a trip for two to Orlando to watch New England Revolution play Orlando SC. The site has walking resources and personalized 10k-step walking routes from six New England Revolution players in and around Boston.

UnitedHealthcare and the Revolution started the Match Day Motion Challenge to showcase the importance of leading an active lifestyle and to benefit young people in Boston. At the conclusion of the Challenge, UnitedHealthcare will host a soccer clinic with New England Revolution players at a local youth charity.

Here are some factoids to help motivate you to get outside and experience the many potential health benefits of walking:

• In a 12-year study of thousands of men over 60, those who walked more than 22 hours per week had a 66-percent lower risk of stroke vs. those who walked fewer than four hours per week.
• Participants in a “Happy Feet” study who walked 10,000 steps for 100 consecutive days saw positive improvements in mental health.
• Other benefits cited in a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School include curbing sweet cravings, boosting the immune system, and easing joint pain.
• Maintaining a quick walking pace has been shown to lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes as much as running.
• Get a wearable device to track your progress. They’ve been shown to help people remain diligent in achieving those daily step goals.
• Enlist a walking group at work or in your neighborhood. Working out in a group lowers stress by 26 percent and helps improve quality of life, as compared to working out alone.

So, this summer, consider this information, join the Match Day Motion Challenge, and take a step toward better health.

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*Must be eligible to win. Visit revswalkingmaps.com  for more details.

Apple Watch is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Apple is not a participant or sponsor of this promotion.

ABBREVIATED RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. The “Match Day Motion” Sweepstakes is open only to individual legal residents within the six New England states (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT), 18 and older. To Enter: Visit RevsWalkingMaps.com between 12:01 AM CT on 5/11/19 and 11:59 PM CT on 8/3/19, follow online instructions, and agree to “Step Up for Better Health” Pledge to be healthier. Prizes: Grand (1): A trip for two to Orlando, Florida to watch the New England Revolution play Orlando SC on Saturday, September 14th, 2019 at 7:30pm EST. (Maximum ARV $2,000). Second (2): Apple Watch® (Series 3 38mm). (ARV $279 each). Limit 1 entry per person. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received for each drawing. See Website for drawing dates, details, limitations & Official Rules. United HealthCare Services, Inc., Minnetonka, MN 55343.