FIU staff share their success on HealthMiles program

Participants are shedding pounds, lowering their blood pressure, improving their fitness and cashing in.

By Sissi Aguila

Earlier this year, 20 FIU staff members were asked to participate in the Virgin HealthMiles program. The plan was to measure their physical activity, monitor their health and motivate them with up to $300 in rewards. The results were resounding: It pays to get fit.

A core group of “pedeeites” (participants who never take off their pedometers) is responsible for bringing the HealthMiles program to FIU and spreading the word.

Assistant Vice President of Business Services Patti Bamford first joined the program two years ago while living in Texas and found it life altering. “You start to look at things differently,” she said. “HealthMiles encourages you to take care of yourself and be more cognizant of your health.”

Soon after she arrived at FIU, Bamford reached out to the administration to let them know about the benefits of the program. Human Resources; University Health Services and Wellness Center; FIU’s Recreation Centers; Student Affairs; and External Relations all jumped on board. Many department leaders themselves joined the program.

Bamford’s enthusiasm and passion were contagious. In May, 14 participants of the original pilot formed Team FIU to compete in the HealthMiles Collegiate Challenge.  Working together, the competitors – Patti Bamford, Elias Bardawil, Charlie Blackwell, Nancy Cadavid, Janik Collin, Bob Dollinger, Stephanie Doscher, Kathryn Fisk, Mariela Gabaroni, Oscar Loynez, Maelyn Norin-Liedke, Jose Sotolongo, Danijela Tomic, and Terry Witherell – defeated the University of South Florida and Florida State University by more than one million steps. Their prize was a $6,000 credit with Virgin HealthMiles to help fund the program at FIU.

This teamwork extended beyond the challenge. In the spirit of the program, participants held walking meetings in which they strategized on how to make HealthMiles available to more employees.

To start, HR is offering the wellness program to 200 benefits-eligible employees.  The university is sponsoring 60 percent of the program’s cost. Participants will only pay $5 per month. The Wellness Center is offering health assessments. And the Recreation Centers are offering 50 percent discounts on memberships at both campuses.  

To sign up for the Virgin HealthMiles Rewards program, click here. The deadline has been extended to July 29.

Those chosen will receive an e-mail from Virgin HealthMiles with more details and instructions on how to register and activate their account.

For more information, contact Andrew Hart in Human Resources at 305-348-2181.