Let’s Get Moving, Memphis! Healthier 901 Provides Launching Pad for a Stronger Mid-South

By
Kelsey Lawrence
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Methodist Le Bonheur threw down the gauntlet–and we're totally here for it! The Memphis-based hospital system is challenging all of us here in the Mid-South to come together to shed a collective 1 million pounds over the next three years. If you’re intimidated by the number, don’t sweat it. We’re all in this together!

Don't miss the free Healthier 901 Fest event co-emceed by the award-winning Sherri Shepherd.

Read more about the kick-off event in this blog but here are some activities of note:

  • Free health screenings and coaching from Cigna Healthcare at their Wellness in Motion mobile clinic.
  • Healthy cooking demonstrations from Chef Kelly English and Kroger Chef Chris Beavers.
  • Group fitness workouts featuring trainers from Nike and the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South.
  • The Le Bonheur Family Zone featuring inflatables and games.
  • Food trucks with healthy food for purchase, and more activities from our sponsors.
Shelby Farms Cycling

Help Bring Our Community Together Toward a Common Wellness Goal

This million pound challenge is part of Methodist Le Bonheur’s Healthier 901 initiative, which is about more than just the numbers on a scale. It’s about making resources available to those who want to feel better, be stronger, move more, and maintain a healthier lifestyle for years–and decades–to come. It’s also about bringing our community together toward a common wellness goal. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!

In Methodist Le Bonheur’s recent Community Health Needs Assessment, the Bluff City was ranked as the second most overweight city in America. They want to help us change that, which is why they are serving up free tools that all of us can use to get in shape, lose weight, and lead healthier and more active lifestyles.

Healthier 901 Fest flyer

Healthier 901 Fest Kicks off the 3 Year Challenge

To kick us off, Methodist Le Bonheur is hosting Healthier 901 Fest. It’s a free event at Shelby Farms Park and everyone is invited. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we can come together to participate in fun workouts and enjoy cooking demonstrations conducted by celebrity chefs. Four-time Emmy nominated and award-winning host of “Sherri” and “The View,” Sherri Shepherd, will co-emcee this event. There will also be free health screenings, giveaways, and fun activities for the kiddos.

Download the App and Track Your Progress

Don't forget to download the Healthier 901 desktop and mobile app to keep our momentum going. The app is where we’ll continue to track our individual progress and participate in challenges with our friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers. We like to think of the app as our ultimate accountability buddy!

Here’s how to do it:

  • Click here to create an account
  • The group key is Healthier901 one word, no spaces
  • Remember your email and password
  • Time to download the app, go to your App Store or Google Play and search MyHealthPlus (the icon is a green circle with a white plus sign)
  • Enter in your email address and password & you’re all set

This free tool provides accountability and free workouts for those participating in the challenge. It covers articles about healthy living and pre-recorded workouts ranging from low-impact to high-intensity interval training in addition to the ability to log milestones like steps, calories, and weight loss.

Healthier 901 app info

We’re All in This Together

“This challenge was built to help people in the Mid-South live healthier lives and make lasting changes for future generations,” said Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare President and CEO Michael Ugwueke, MPA, DHA, FACHE. “Building and maintaining a supportive community is key for long-term success.”


The goal is clear, and Methodist Le Bonheur is offering the support we all need to get there! Whether you’re taking the first step or you’ve been on a fitness journey for a while, remember: We’re all in this together, and together, we can work toward a healthier and happier Memphis! Healthier 901 provides the perfect launching pad for us to rise to the challenge.

portrait of Kelsey Lawrence

About the Author

Meet Kelsey J. Lawrence, an award-winning journalist and freelance writer with a passion for outdoor adventure and family travel. Kelsey loves sharing experiences that push her beyond her comfort zone. 

With a broadcast journalism career spanning 15 years, Kelsey made her mark as a TV news producer and digital journalist, earning two prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Awards and an Emmy Award. Her expertise also extends to Corporate Communications, having served as a Communications Manager at FedEx, where she earned numerous accolades for her work.

In August 2022, Kelsey welcomed her son, Parks, and has been embracing "mom life" ever since. She is the creative force behind Adventure Baby, a blog that aims to inspire first-time parents like herself to continue traveling and enjoying the great outdoors with their precious sidekicks.

Kelsey also enjoys working with business owners who are looking to enhance their marketing and communications efforts with compelling content and strategic outreach. Feel free to reach out to her if you’re looking to level up your branding and engage your audiences through impactful storytelling.

The most underrated thing(s) about Memphis:

Our beautiful and well-kept hiking trails and walking paths! Parks and I get outside to walk a few miles every morning. We especially love the natural beauty and shade of Shelby Forest as well as the views of the Mississippi River from the Riverwalk pathway to Big River Crossing. 

Your favorite Memphis event:

My favorite Memphis event is one I’m lucky enough to participate in annually. The Memphis Ski Freeze happens every year on New Year’s Day at Mud Island River Park. A few dozen of us water skiers and wakeboarders take to the Mississippi River in the frigid temperatures to raise money for The Dream Factory of Memphis. If you think that sounds cold, keep reading. I like to take it to the next level by braving the icy waters without a wetsuit. I was raised in North Dakota after all. 

Favorite thing to do in Memphis with kids:

There are so many family-friendly places to visit in Memphis, it’s hard to choose just one! We love the Memphis Zoo for so many reasons. Visiting the zoo is a great way to get some exercise and be outside while seeing some of our favorite animals. The zoo offers kids a variety of interactive opportunities to safely experience the wonders of the “wild.” My favorite experience, the Giraffe Feeding Adventure, gives children of all ages (and us big kids, of course) the chance to get up close and personal with the remarkable animals while learning and having fun. Pro tip? Check out the Memphis Zoo when it’s raining! That’s when the crowds thin out and the animals come out to play.

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