Registration is open for a new wellness program that gives U-M faculty and staff the opportunity to embrace a more rounded approach to personal health.

HealthTrails is an eight-week online program that encourages four healthy behaviors: physical activity, sleep, produce intake and daily meaningful connections. It is open to current benefits-eligible faculty and staff. Tracking starts Aug. 28.

“Research shows that many factors play a role in our quality of life and living healthier and happier,” says Karen Schmidt, associate director of Wellness & Health Culture for MHealthy. “HealthTrails combines the best of programs like Active U Autumn and Colorful Choices while incorporating other important health behaviors like sleep and connecting with others for a more holistic approach to well-being.”

HealthTrails participants travel virtually along famous walking trails around the world, choosing from destinations like Spain’s French Way; Honolulu, Hawaii; Beijing, China; Athens, Greece and more. They accumulate miles each time a healthy behavior is tracked online. Along the way, they learn about the area’s people, places and history. Employees can participate individually or as part of a team.

Participants will also have access to healthy recipes, daily motivational emails and tips, and a mobile app to easily track virtual miles. The goal is to accumulate 400 or more miles by the end of the eight weeks. While tracking all four health behaviors is optimal, it is not required to complete the program.

As an added bonus, HealthTrails qualifies for MHealthy Rewards. Benefits-eligible employees who have not yet completed two eligible activities in 2017 can earn a $50 reward by accumulating at least 400 virtual miles over the eight-week program.

HealthTrails is available through a partnership between MHealthy and The StayWell Co.

Tags:

• fitness
• HealthTrails
• MHealthy