BUFFALO, N.Y. – iPad Minis, Fitbits, fitness gear and other prizes are up for grabs this spring as the Step Challenge sponsored by the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions returns for a second year.

The challenge, which aims to promote healthy activity and encourage individuals to live healthier lifestyles, is free and open to the public.

The challenge will take place throughout the month of April as part of the school’s celebration in recognition of the American Public Health Association’s National Public Health Week (NPHW).

Participants can register online at sphhp.buffalo.edu/ubsteps17 as individuals or part of a team, and will be asked to submit their step totals weekly to help track progress toward the collective goal of 200 million steps during the month of April.

A number of prizes will be awarded for stepping and social media participation throughout the month-long contest. Grand prizes will be awarded at the completion of the contest. Social media users are encouraged to post pictures actively contributing to the challenge goal using the hashtag #UBsteps17.

During the inaugural 2016 challenge, more than 1,100 individuals participated, taking over 195 million steps and making UB the most active participant among collegiate communities in the American Public Health Association’s 1 Billion Step Challenge.

For more information on the 2017 Step Challenge and prize details, visit sphhp.buffalo.edu/UBsteps17.

Additional SPHHP National Public Health Week celebrations will feature special guest speakers, seminars and interactive events. All events are free and open to the public.

The NPHW campaign officially takes place during the first week of April and serves as a time to recognize the efforts and contributions of public health important to improving the nation.

SPHHP’s celebrations will continue throughout the month of April. For more details about SPHHP’s National Public Health Week events, visit sphhp.buffalo.edu/nphw.