Eat Well Live Well Challenge

Employers and Community Organizations are invited to Participate in A Community Wellness Program

The “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge is focused on increasing regular physical activity and nutrition choices that enable individuals to improve their health while lowering their risk for chronic illnesses. The Challenge is an affordable wellness program that offers employers and community organizations a valuable opportunity to be proactive in improving health and health care cost management.

Please consider these facts: More than 65 percent of our adult population is overweight, resulting in a one-third increase in the number of diabetes cases. Adult onset diabetes increases health care costs by 25 percent. Obesity and physical inactivity account for 25 to 30 percent of several major cancers. Overweight and inactive individuals are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and stroke.

The World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control concur that 70 percent of chronic illnesses can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and becoming more physically active. That’s where “Eat Well Live Well” comes in! The “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge is a proven, health promotion program that requires a minimal amount of time and investment for a powerful return. The “Eat Well Live Well” participants need only walking shoes, pedometers and the desire to be healthy! The website, www.eatwelllivewell.org, (free for employers, employees and community organizations) offers user friendly support and resources to help participants achieve their wellness goals.

With over 200,000 participations to date, the “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge has received national recognition, (Business Week magazine, 11/09) and a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Prevention Efforts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Challenge has been successfully implemented for the past 3 years in the Buffalo/Niagara region, with multiple employers including Rich Products, New Era Cap, the American Red Cross, Walsh Insurance Group, M&T Bank and the Buffalo Public School System.  A major local employer had this success story to share:

"The “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge provided us with an excellent opportunity to promote our commitment to a culture of wellness for our employees (at UB). Employees thought it was challenging yet fun and they felt a lot of camaraderie as a result of the "competition" between teams. We are seeing a lot more walkers on campus and more produce as snacks as a result. We can't wait to do it again!" – Kathie Frier, University at Buffalo.

For more information, or to register (required) for the Information Session or Training Session, please contact the Wellness Institute at (716) 851-4052 or email beactive@city-buffalo.org.

INFORMATION SESSION Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, 9:00 A.M. OR 10:30 A.M.,

Wegmans, 651 Dick Rd., Depew, NY

TRAINING SESSION Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, 12:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.,

Wegmans 5275 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville, NY

* Returning employers may start between Jan. 15, 2012 and May 6, 2012

* New employers may start between Mar. 4, 2012 and May 6, 2012, following training

At the Information Sessions, interested employers and community organizations will be invited to attend the free local train-the-trainer session for employer or organization representatives. The free training will focus on “how to” successfully implement the “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge. An “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge program/community resources toolkit (cost: $25) will also be provided to those who attend the local ½ day training. A healthful lunch will be provided.

Please share this invitation with others you believe might be interested. We look forward to your successful participation in the Spring 2012 WNY “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge!

For information contact: Philip Haberstro, Be Active NYS, www.BeActiveNys.org, a statewide health promotion initiative of the non-profit Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo. Watch for information on the May 2012 Western New York Healthiest Employers Awards. See www.CreatingHealthyCommunities.org for more information.