Registration is open for the 'Live Healthy Nebraska' 100-Day Wellness Challenge. The challenge is a team-centric weight loss and physical activity program designed to assist participants in making positive changes that lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Last year was the first time UNL participated in the wellness challenge. The 344 UNL participants recorded 1,166,890 minutes of physical activity. Of those participants, 152 entered the weight loss division and dropped 874 pounds.
The program helped Barb McCain, an employee with UNL Dining Services, make positive wellness changes in her life.
"I am living proof that chronic conditions can be controlled with diet and exercise," said McCain. "I have had arthritis and chronic back pain for several years. When I would experience a back spasm, I would not be able to work for four or five days. I usually had back issues two or three times a year."
McCain joined Live Healthy Nebraska last year and started a daily walking program with coworkers. She noticed the exercise made her feel better and helped build strength.
"By the end of the 100-day challenge, I had lost 10 pounds and was really feeling better," McCain said. "I continued with the walking program and have incorporated more core strengthening, yoga, aerobics and strength training.
"The best news of all is that I have not had any back issues and zero sick days this past year."
The 2012 wellness challenge runs Jan. 23 to May 1. Cost is $5 per person. Participants receive a free T-shirt, a free 1-year subscription to a magazine, recipes, shopping lists and a fitness video library. Participants also will receive coupons to specific grocery items and periodic team incentives for consistent log activity.
UNL teams may consist of faculty, staff, students, friends and family.
For more information, or to register, go to http://www.livehealthynebraska.org and enter "LHNUNL" in the "Start a Team" box. The discount code to reduce the price to $5 is LH2468.
Questions should be directed to Kimberly Barrett at kbarrett4@unl.edu.
More details at: http://www.livehealthynebraska.org