VW Health sponsors local health challenge

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert Health is sponsoring a Live Healthy Van Wert 2020 Community Challenge this year, in partnership with the Van Wert City Parks & Recreation Department, Ohio WIC (Women’s, Infants, Children) agency, the Ohio State University Extension-Van Wert County office, and Van Wert Manor. 

The event urges local residents to restart their New Year and focus on small changes during the eight-week Live Healthy Van Wert Community Challenge. Use the free Live Healthy Van Wert website or app to track progress and enter to win prizes during the event.

Those who enroll in one of more challenges should push themselves to meet the weekly targets and record activity along the way.

Those participating can earn weekly points for reaching or exceeding each challenge target. Every person who completes an eight-week challenge will receive a t-shirt, while participants’ names will be entered into a drawing for every 80 points earned and can win items such as the following:

• Choice of a Traeger or Weber grill
• Fitbit Versa 2 fitness watch
• $100 garden starter that kit that includes coaching from a Master Gardener
• Health and wellness services
• Farmer’s Market and Greenhouse gift certificates

Challenge options include:

• LHVW Boost Your Active Minutes — The goal of the challenge is to increase the number of minutes a person is physically active each day. Finding time each day to exercise is key to preventing disease and maintaining a clear mind. The 10-point beginner goal is 75 minutes each week, while a 25-point advanced goal is 120 minutes per week (check with a physician before starting a new exercise program).
• LHVW Fruits & Veggies Matter — The goal of the challenge is to increase daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Throughout the challenge, participants will be reminded to reach for a piece of fruit or a veggie, rather than an unhealthy snack. Track servings in the fruits and veggies tracker.
• LHVW Hydrate — The purpose of the challenge is to encourage people to drink and track water usage. Staying hydrated is very important in order for people’s bodies to stay healthy and energized. Throughout the challenge, participants will be asked to track water consumption in the hydration tracker.

Participants can also earn 80 points for every community event in which they participate. Events include the following:

• Fitness Frenzy Event: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, in the Van Wert Elementary School cafeteria.
• Grocery Store Tour: March date and details coming soon.

The Live Healthy Van Wert Community Challenge finale will be from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Brewed Expressions Café. Participants can celebrate their success, and the success of the community, during an open house. All drawing winners will be announced then and prizes will be available for pick-up. The wellness platform will close to community users on April 15.

Online self-registration is available from now until Thursday, January 31, at http://lhvw.medikeeper.com with the access code LHVW2020. After registering online, download the free Alaveda app to a mobile device for easier access. Each participant should remember his or her username and password. 

Those who register online will then be directed to a home screen with the following tiles:

• Health Assessment: Answer the health assessment and earn 25 points.
• Challenges: Click here to enroll in a challenge and watch the leaderboard.
• Trackers: Track progress manually or sync a tracking device such as Fitbit.
• Incentives and Rewards: View all the opportunities to earn points throughout the challenge and watch the points add up each week.

In addition to online registration, people who would like assistance can register at the Gaylord E. Leslie Wellness Center, 140 Fox Road, Suite 101, in Van Wert on Wednesday, January 22, from 7-9 a.m.; Thursday, January 23, from 4-6 p.m.; Monday, January 27, from 4-6 p.m.; and Tuesday, January 28, from 7-9 a.m.; or Brewed Expressions, 109 W. Main St. in Van Wert, on Wednesday, January 22, and Wednesday, January 29, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. both days.