Health program encourages Utahns to 'Park Farther'

More than 23 percent of adults and children in Utah are overweight or obese, contributing to poor health and decreased quality of life. To help address this crisis, Intermountain Healthcare has partnered with Utah businesses for a statewide program, which is part of the ongoing LiVe public service campaign.

The innovative and fun program called "Park Farther" encourages people to take a few more steps and provides rewards for being more active. Select stalls in about 35 large parking lots of businesses and government agencies have been painted for the program. The remote spaces have been painted with the message, "Park here to walk farther and be healthier," which is underscored by a large red LiVe logo.

Participants who choose to "Park Farther" can win I-Pods, I-Tune gift cards, Amazon.com gift cards, grocery store gift certificates for fruits and vegetables, and other interesting prizes. Winners are selected by prize patrols that randomly stake-out "Park Farther" locations. To increase your chances of being a winner, simply make it a habit to "Park Farther" in designated parking stalls and see the benefits of increased physical activity. A complete list of locations for the LiVe parking stalls can be found at intermountainlive.org.

Organizations involved in the program include Salt Lake County, West Valley City, Clearfield City, Payson City, Autoliv, Ralcorp, certain Smith's Food and Drug stores, Days Market, SelectHealth, and Intermountain Healthcare hospitals and select clinics. Businesses interested in joining the effort toward a healthier Utah are invited to participate and can sign up for the "Park Farther" project online at: intermountainlive.org.

The "Park Farther" project is part of Intermountain Healthcare's ongoing LiVe public service campaign that encourages healthy eating and an active lifestyle.