Annual Wellness Challenge focuses on overall well-being
This is the second year USU has offered the Wellness Challenge, which sports a new name to reflect its updated, more holistic format. More than 300 Aggies participated as members of six-person teams in last year’s Physical Activity Challenge, which helped the university garner a silver-level Healthy Campus Legacy Award from the Utah Department of Health this past fall.
Jamie McKinlay, SWC program coordinator, said, “We had an enthusiastic response to last year’s challenge, and we want to get even more people involved in 2007. It doesn’t matter what your current fitness level is. We have something for everyone.”
New to the 2007 challenge are wellness goals aimed at improving participants’ emotional well-being as well as physical fitness. McKinlay said the SWC’s goal is to help students, staff and faculty in the five areas of life: physical, mental/emotional, social, economical and spiritual. McKinlay said there were complaints last year that people with eating disorders were using the challenge as an excuse to excessively work out. That is why this year’s challenge will be focused on the overall well-being of the individual, McKinlay said.
“I think that adding the emotional, mental, social and spiritual aspects is a great idea because diet and exercise are not the only things vital for a happy, fulfilled and healthy life. You’ve got to include a balance of all these things,” said Michelle Bogdan, a university adviser and participant in last year’s Wellness Challenge.
In addition to earning points for hours of physical activity and daily consumption of five fruit and vegetable servings, challengers can earn points for pursuing activities that reduce stress, improve interpersonal communication skills and strengthen relationships.
“We’ll provide participants with a list of suggested activities that improve both mind and body,” McKinlay said.
Also, in contrast to last year’s challenge, Aggies can choose to participate in the 2007 challenge as individuals or as part of a team. Teams can consist of up to five members. Teams will compete against other teams and individuals against other individuals. The winners will be announced in April, at the end of the 12 weeks.
Tyler Sena, a student and first-time participant, said he thinks it will be interesting to see how competitive it will be since he’s on a team with individuals from his office. Sena said the reason for participating in the challenge this year is because it’s a hobby of his to stay in shape.
Bogdan said her reason for doing the challenge again this year is because exercising has become a habit to her, like brushing her teeth. She said she is a “firm believer that health and fitness lead to a long, happy life.” “I thought it was really cool. Sometimes you can get in a rut and it helped me put a different spin on my routine and try new classes,” Bogdan said.
During the 12-week challenge, the SWC will offer additional opportunities to earn points with special weeks targeted at specific health issues or promoting certain fitness activities, such as “No Junk Food Week” and “Skip the Elevator/Take the Stairs Week.”
USU offers the Wellness Challenge as part of the statewide “A Healthier You” Legacy Awards program, funded by the Utah Department of Health, Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and community partners. Initiated in conjunction with the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the program recognizes efforts by college campuses, communities, public schools and the private sector in increasing opportunities for health-enhancing activities.
The registration deadline for the challenge was Jan. 19. To receive more information about the challenge rules and requirements, contact McKinlay at jjmckinnlay@cc.usu.edu or 797-1010. Those interested may also check out the SWC’s Web site, www.usu.edu/swc, through the comments box.