If you’re moving, it counts! That’s the message behind Wellness at Dartmouth’s newly announced physical activity challenge, “MOVE IT.”
Melissa Miner, Dartmouth’s director of health promotion and wellness programs, says physical activity—even 10 minutes at a time—adds up, and can put you on the path to benefits related to weight control, mental health, and lowered risk of certain diseases.
Starting March 24, Wellness at Dartmouth is inviting benefits-eligible Dartmouth College employees and their spouses (including legally married spouses, civil union partners, and same-sex domestic partners) to take part in an online, team-based, eight-week challenge that encourages engagement in physical activity to help create a healthier Dartmouth community—and counts toward fun incentives as well.
Registration opened March 4 and closes March 21. Participants, on teams of four to 10 members, can receive a free pedometer to track their activity, says Miner. Prize drawings will be scheduled throughout the event. The program also includes team-based rewards, including T-shirts for completing the final milestone, as well as recognizing the team with the highest average number of steps and the most improved team.
Larry Rine, senior programmer analyst for institutional information systems and services, was quick to sign up. “I think it’s wonderful that Dartmouth is making an investment in the well-being of its staff and faculty. My colleagues jumped right on board for the Wellness Challenge.” Rine has high hopes for his team: “I think we have a good head start, as most of us use our lunchtime to work out and or, like me, take FLIP classes.”
An invitation to the program extended by Martin Wybourne, interim provost and vice provost for research, and Rick Mills, executive vice president, on behalf of President Phil Hanlon ’77, announced a Hanover Campus walk on March 24 at 12:15 p.m. as well as walks at Centerra (March 25) and DHMC (March 26).
For more information and to register for the challenge, visit Wellness at Dartmouth.
