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Health & Fitness

Charity Miles supports causes plus your health

I don't know about you, but I'm always searching for more ways to fit exercise into my daily routine. I also like to support charitable causes. Now there's a way to do both. So please spread the word. And here's the coolest part: you do the work, but someone else makes the donation in your name!

Have you heard about Charity Miles? It's the greatest idea — ever. Here's what you need: a smart phone, a Facebook and/or Twitter account and the Charity Miles app, which is free on either the Apple or Google platforms. Download the app onto your phone, set up the account (which takes just a few moments to link to either your Facebook and/or Twitter feed), and then go for a walk, run or bike ride! You even get to choose from a widening variety of social causes. I always select Autism Speaks, but there's The Wounded Warrior Project, StandUp2Cancer, FeedAmerica, Habitat for Humanity, or ASPCA, to name a few.

Your distance is tracked via a GPS with the donation being recorded once you share your progress via a Facebook post or Tweet, thanking the sponsoring foundation. Think about how you can improve your own health or spend quality time with your friends or family, all while supporting a cause you believe in (or you could each select your own cause).

Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I've a challenge for you: See how many opportunities you can create to use Charity Miles this week. How many friends you can share the application with? Here are a few suggestions:

·         Have at least one walking meeting at work, where each of you activate your Charity Miles application. Rack up charitable giving while solving company problems and improve your health!

Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

·         Go for a post-dinner neighborhood walk as a family. See if you can walk at least three miles. Activate Charity Miles on each person's smart phone and watch your collective donations mount!

·         Pump up those bicycle tires and go for a ride along the North Central Railroad Trail. Labor Day weekend approaches and it'll be a wonderful time to spend with family, being active. How many miles can you collectively spin?

·         Go for a run around the lake in Centennial Park.

It's a beautiful day! What are you waiting for?

 

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