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FIU staff left their competitors in the dust and claimed a $6,000 credit for the Virgin HealthMiles Rewards program as their prize. The HealthMiles pilot program will continue this summer. Full-time, benefits-eligible employees who are interested can sign up here. Win cool rewards for being active and healthy!
- Team FIU (Carlos Flores, Idorys Calvo, Yelenia Almarales, Kathie Alexander, Nancy Cadavid, Mariela Gabaroni, Patti Bamford, Danijela Tomic, Kathryn Fisk, Terry Witherell, and Elias Bardawil. Not pictured: Jose Sotolongo, Stephanie Doscher, Bob Dollinger, Charlie Blackwell, Oscar Loynez and Maelyn Norin-Liedke.) celebrate their win over FSU, USF and plan their next move during a luncheon at University Park.
By Sissi Aguila
Team FIU has won the 2009 Virgin HealthMiles Florida Collegiate Challenge by more than one million steps. As part of the Virgin HealthMiles Rewards pilot program at FIU, 14 participants competed as a team against Florida State University (FSU) and the University of Southern Florida (USF). The goal was to take the most steps possible in a three-week period.
Competitors were given pedometers that allowed them to upload data to the Virgin HealthMiles’ Web site and track their progress. They could also see how their rivals were fairing. Healthy competition motivated many to keep moving. 
“In the evening, I found myself wanting to run on the treadmill to surpass my daily goal,” said Elias Bardawil, director of Campus Recreation at Biscayne Bay Campus. “This program has enhanced my quality of life. And I have lost 10 pounds.”
During the challenge, participants bonded with colleagues with whom they had never worked. They supported one another by meeting during lunch and after work to walk across campus. One group met on a Saturday morning to walk from Brickell to Key Biscayne. Calls and text messages also served as friendly reminders to stay focused.
The final tally for Team FIU was 4,766,400 steps with an average of 317,760 per person. USF came in a distant second with 3,532,867 steps. FIU also had the top four finishers. Terry Witherell, associate vice president of Marketing and New Media, led the pack with 612,438 steps.
As a prize, FIU received a $6,000 credit with Virgin HealthMiles to help fund the program.
Lace up the walking shoes
As a result of the success of Team FIU and the enthusiasm demonstrated by participants, the university has decided to continue the Virgin HealthMiles Rewards pilot program for one year with 200 participants.
“These are tough times and the university recognizes its employees need a balanced work life,” said Kathryn Fisk, assistant vice president of Human Resources. “This program offers that.”
With the Virgin HealthMiles program, employees are encouraged to focus on their health and stay motivated through rewards. Participants earn “HealthCash” as they reach key milestones, which can be redeemed for gift cards to national retailers (i.e., Best Buy, Sports Authority) or cash.
FIU will offer added perks such as on-campus massages, catered lunches for departments as well as special benefits with the health and recreation centers at University Park and Biscayne Bay Campus. To start, employees will receive fitness assessments courtesy of FIU’s Wellness Center.
As an extra incentive, the HealthMiles program will hold several challenges and competitions throughout the year – everything from most steps taken to member-wide sweepstakes to personally challenging friends.
To encourage employees to participate, the university is incurring 60 percent of the program’s cost. Participants pay a $5 monthly fee and must be full-time and benefits-eligible employees.
However, if you have a compelling story you would like to share, submit a short essay (250 words) about why joining the HealthMiles program is important to you to FIU’s Business Services. Up to 10 will receive a free one-year membership.
To sign up, click here. For more information, contact bussvc@fiu.edu.
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I can't wait to start the pilot! I'm ready to keep stepping!!! : )