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](http://www.buffalobills.com/thechallenge)

The Buffalo Bills and Independent Health today announced they will launch a second round of "The Independent Health and Buffalo Bills Health & Wellness Challenge," the highly successful, community-wide health and wellness initiative, April 20 through May 31. In addition to improved health, the grand-prize winner will be heading to London with a guest when the Bills play Jacksonville at Wembley Stadium on October 25.

The Health & Wellness Challenge is designed to engage all Western New Yorkers in fun and interactive activities that improve nutrition and fitness habits as well as overall health. Participants are motivated to get healthier by meeting daily goals and completing daily challenges for points to win prizes. A new component of the Challenge will give participants the chance to earn extra points by referring others to the program.

"Together with Independent Health, we are excited to bring Round 2 of The Health and Wellness Challenge to our community," said Bills President Russ Brandon. "It is important for us to continue to do our part in improving the health and wellness of our fans and The Challenge allows us to do so in unique and exciting ways such as being able to watch us play in London this year!"

The inaugural Challenge, which ran from October 6 through November 16, 2014, attracted more than 2,300 participants, who logged more than 7,700 hours of physical activity, while consuming nearly 80,000 servings of fruits and vegetables, and drinking 133,750 glasses of water. 

Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president and CEO, Independent Health, said the success of the fall challenge, coupled with the enthusiasm of the participants, made it clear Western New Yorkers are ready and willing to join in a second round of simple, everyday physical and nutritional changes that can lead to long-term healthy lifestyles. "In our post-Challenge survey, we were thrilled to read comments relaying the positive impact of the program.  Ninety-seven percent said they would participate again and 92 percent said they would recommend the Challenge to their friends and family," said Dr. Cropp. "Although improving the health of our community is not something that can be accomplished overnight, the Challenge has shown us we have the potential to inspire thousands of Western New Yorkers to take the small steps necessary to get started on a path to healthier lifestyle."

How the Challenge works

Once again, participants in the Health & Wellness Challenge will earn points by meeting three main daily goals:

1)      20 minutes of physical activity a day
2)      Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day
3)      Drink eight glasses of water each day.

Participants can also complete one "extra points" challenge each day to gain more chances to win. Each challenge integrates health tips to help them learn about fitness and nutrition to stay healthy even after the challenge is completed. Participants will receive daily emails as a reminder to log-in at buffalobills.com/thechallenge so that they can track their progress and learn about that day's "extra points" challenge.

New!Participants who refer their friends, family and co-workers will also now earn 10 extra points for each person who registers for the Challenge. Those interested in signing up can do so at any time during the six-week Challenge at buffalobills.com/thechallenge.

In addition to achieving a healthier lifestyle, competitors have a shot at winning weekly prizes – including a trip for two to London to see the Bills take on Jacksonville. One qualifying participant will be selected at random each week to receive a prize, including autographed Bills memorabilia, a WiFi tablet, and gift cards for workout apparel and sporting goods. The number of points earned throughout the Challenge will determine the number of chances participants have in the weekly and grand prize drawing. To be eligible to win a prize, participants must be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of New York State at the time of entry. Complete rules and prize details are available at the Challenge website.