Join the August wellness challenge

The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) is inviting county residents and workers to take part in a “Healthy Lifestyles Passport” August wellness challenge, with support from Aspirus Health.
The community-wide challenge encourages simple activities focused on healthier eating and increased physical activity and runs the entire month of August. Organizers hope participants will carry the habits forward once the month ends.
“We hope this challenge offers a fun opportunity for families, friends, and the community to focus on their health this August,” said Lexi Buntrock, Public Health Promotion and Education Specialist for the LCHD. “By choosing the activities that fit best into your everyday life, you can establish healthy habits that last a lifetime, long after the challenge is over.”
Participants can print or pick up a passport challenge form at the LCHD, 607 N. Sales St., Suite 101, Merrill, and at various locations around the county. The form will also be printed in this newspaper for readers to cut out.
Each activity on the form is worth points toward the 25 needed to qualify, and participants can choose whichever mix fits their schedule. Options include trying a new fruit or vegetable, packing a picnic, going for a swim, visiting a local park, playing a round of pickleball, or taking a bike ride, among many other self-selected activities.
Those who complete at least 25 points worth of activities during August will receive a $10 Chamber of Commerce gift certificate, available to the first 150 participants, with one certificate per family.
Completed forms are due by Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, and can be dropped off at the LCHD Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office will stay open until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Sept. 2 and 9, for drop-off purposes only. Forms can also be dropped off at the Tomahawk Public Library, 300 W. Lincoln Ave., on those same two Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Residents needing an alternative drop-off option can call 715.536.0307 or email LCHealth@co.lincoln.wi.us.