Collectively, UNMC employees who are participating in the SimplyWell program could stand to increase their fitness levels and eat healthier foods.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t good news about UNMC’s overall wellness. The campus actually had the best first-year statistics of any of the 10 companies that have employed the SimplyWell program. The UNMC statistics, though, note numerous areas in which employees can improve their health.
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To participate in the program, UNMC and UMA employees must be at least .5 FTE and must be enrolled in the UNMC Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical insurance plan. Those participants should fill out the profile – and fast during the 12 hours immediately prior to the health fair — before attending the Feb. 24 health fair. When at the health fair, it takes about 7 to 10 minutes to complete the health screenings. Only participants registered in the SimplyWell pilot program are eligible to register for UNMC’s Healthy “U” incentive program. Visit http://www.unmc.edu/services/bus-fin/fitness/SimplyWell.htmfor a registration form and additional information regarding the incentive program. With questions, please call the SimplyWell office at 559-6786 or e-mail your question to info@simplywell.com. |
“Our results are reflective of many of the health challenges in society, at large. Basically, they center around two things: lack of physical activity and improper nutrition,” said Jayme Nekuda, manager of Health Promotion at UNMC.
No one at the university has access to employees’ individual results, but SimplyWell does provide the aggregate health data of the 538 people who participated in the SimplyWell health screenings. Of the participants, 76 percent showed need for making nutritional changes, 69 percent have a high cancer risk, 66 percent showed a need for improving fitness levels and 60 percent are above their recommended weight range.
“Basically, if these employees eat better and get more exercise, most of their potential health problems will be alleviated to some degree,” Nekuda said. “Already, we have programs offered through the Health Promotion department that address these needs, additional programs will also be implemented.”
Nekuda noted that the campus “Choose to Lose” and Weight Watchers programs are available to those who need to maintain a healthier weight. Several fitness opportunities are available through campus leagues, Center for Healthy Living memberships, and fitness class participation for all fitness and skill levels – including Pilates/yoga, step and sculpt, tae-kwon-do, and kickboxing. More information can be found at http://www.unmc.edu/services/bus-fin/fitness/.
In addition, Nekuda said, a wellness incentive program for those employees involved in SimplyWell will begin on Feb. 15. Specifics of the program can be found at http://www.unmc.edu/services/bus-fin/fitness/SimplyWell.htm.
“The incentive program is designed so that employees incorporate healthy behaviors into their lifestyles. Those employees who practice good behaviors and/or who make improvements in their health over a period of time will be rewarded,” Nekuda said.
To begin the incentive program, SimplyWell participants will need to register. A registration form has been mailed to their campus address, and that should be returned to Nekuda at Campus ZIP 5530. Participants also can register by filling out the registration form on the Web site, printing it out, and sending it to Nekuda.
When employees reach 750 Healthy ‘U’ points, they’ll be able to pick an incentive for their efforts. A bigger prize will await them when they reach 1,500 points.
“In the end, the biggest reward will be the employee’s own improved health – a prize that will benefit people every day and in every facet of their lives,” Nekuda said.
If you have any questions regarding Healthy “U”, the incentive program related to SimplyWell, or the UNMC wellness programs, please contact Nekuda at 559-8448 or jnekuda@unmc.edu.