April 16,
2007
University joins local health challenge
The University is joining more than 70 other
Rochester-area employers in the “Eat Well Live Well Challenge.”
Faculty and staff can sign up for the program and track their progress
online for a chance to win prizes, lose weight, and improve their overall
health.
Michele Hill, who manages the Human Resources Benefits
Office, says the goals outlined in the program are very manageable yet can
have a dramatic effect. By tracking progress, participants are able to see
the kind of positive results that are possible by making simple lifestyle
changes.
“Health issues such as obesity and diabetes are
a growing concern for families and for employers, as health care costs
continue to rise,” says Hill. “The Eat Well Live Well program
has a proven track-record and has shown to be an effective tool to help
individuals take the first steps to better health. It also complements the
range of programs available to employees through the University’s
Well-U program. It’s just another way that we hope to assist
employees in becoming more active and making healthy choices.”
Faculty and staff can participate in the challenge by
forming teams with two or more members and by registering on the Well-U Web
site at www.rochester.edu/well-u. All team members must be registered
by Monday, April 23.
Participants are given a free pedometer to record the
number of steps taken daily. Other activities such as swimming or jogging
can be converted into steps using a conversion chart. In addition to
activity level, team members track daily fruit and vegetable consumption
and record those numbers each week using the online form. At the end
of the eight weeks, prizes will be awarded for the most steps taken and for
the most fruits and vegetables consumed. The program kicks off April 29.
Sponsored by the Rochester Business Alliance (RBA),
the challenge was tested in a pilot program last year involving 15,000
workers from six local companies. The response was so positive that the
program was offered to all RBA members. This year 73 companies have signed
up to participate.
“We are very excited about what we believe is a
first for Rochester—a community-wide, employer-sponsored program that
promotes wellness,” says Sandy Parker, RBA president and CEO.
“For the past several years, our member companies have cited health
care costs as their number one concern. Reducing those costs is a
complicated issue, and working to improve the health of the local workforce
is one important step.”
For more details, visit www.rochester.edu/well-u or
call x5-1756.
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