Wellness Challenges
Each Challenge is Worth 5 Credits for the HealthQuest Rewards Program
A maximum of 15 credits may be earned by completing challenges
Challenges are designed to give eligible members the opportunity to practice healthy behaviors. Challenges focus on key behaviors such as physical activity, nutrition, weight management and stress management that help to lower health risks. Research shows these behaviors enhance the health and quality of life for individuals that include them in their daily lifestyle.
Listed below are the challenges being offered during the 2012 HealthQuest program year (October 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012). Each challenge can only be accessed through the wellness portal during the timeframe specified. Participants track their progress daily or weekly on the portal while working toward the goal of the challenge. Credits will be awarded on the portal automatically upon completion of each challenge. A max of 15 credits can be earned for completing challenges.
| Maintain Don't Gain Challenge | November 14 - December 12, 2011 |
| New Year, New You Challenge | January 9 - January 30, 2012 |
| Heart Smart Challenge | February 1 - February 29, 2012 |
| Keep Your Cool Stress Challenge | June 1 - June 29, 2012 |
Who is Eligible to Participate in Challenges?
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Benefits eligible State and Non State employees who are enrolled in the State Employee Health Plan or who have waived coverage in the plan
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Retirees, spouses and dependents 18 years or older who are enrolled in the medical portion of the State Employee Health Plan
MAINTAIN DON'T GAIN CHALLENGE
November 14 - December 12, 2011
Maintaining your body weight during the holiday season can be very difficult for many individuals. This challenge will encourage healthy behaviors that support weight management, while discouraging those that promote weight gain. Healthy eating, regular physical activity and achieving balance are key not only to maintaining a healthy weight, but overall well-being.
Participants will earn 1 point per activity per day by completing the following activities:
- Eating a healthy breakfast
- Completing 20 minutes or more of physical activity
- Limiting alcohol to 1 serving or less
- Limiting sweets to 1 serving or less
How to Participate:
- Track your activity on the wellness portal at www.KansasHealthQuest.com. Log in or create an account and click on "Challenges" from the left menu and then select "Current Challenge."
- Recieve 1 point for each healthy behavior that you practice each day
- Earn up to 4 points daily
- Total possible points = 116
- Goal = 30
- To complete the challenge you will need to earn 30 points by December 12, 2011.
- You may download the paper tracking form for convenience and enter your points online later.
- Record all activity points online by December 19, 2011.
- 5 credits will be awarded to your portal account automatically when you complete the challenge.
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU CHALLENGE
January 9 - January 30, 2012
Have you been waiting to make a big change and need a little motivation? This challenge is designed to help you stick with your goal to change your habits. Participate in this challenge and start the new year fresh and feeling great!
Participants will earn 1 point per activity per day by completing the following activities:
- Getting 7 hours of sleep
- Eating a whole grain
- Eating a fruit or vegetable
- Completing 20 minutes of physical activity
How to Participate:
- Track your activity on the wellness portal at www.KansasHealthQuest.com. Log in or create an account and click on "Challenges" from the left menu and then select "Current Challenge."
- Recieve 1 point for each healthy behavior that you practice each day
- Earn up to 4 points daily
- Total possible points = 84
- Goal = 20
- To complete the challenge you will need to earn 20 points by January 30, 2012.
- You may download the New Year, New You Challenge paper tracking form for convenience and enter your points online later.
- Record all activity points online by February 6, 2012.
- 5 credits will be awarded to your portal account automatically when you complete the challenge.
HEART SMART CHALLENGE
February 1 - February 29, 2012
This Challenge is designed to help participants build two heart smart activities into their lives: physical activity and a healthy diet. Physical activity can reduce or eliminate many risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and excess weight. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables that provide a range of nutrients your body needs to maintain good health, protect against the effects of aging and reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. An optional activity in this challenge is the blood pressure check. Participants can earn bonus points for having their blood pressure checked at home, by a physician, or free at many pharmacies and grocery stores.
Participants will earn 1 point per activity per day by completing the following activities:
- Eating 1 cup of vegetables
- Eating 1 cup of fruit
- Completing 20 minutes of physical activity
- Bonus point for blood pressure check
How to Participate:
- Track your activity on the wellness portal at www.KansasHealthQuest.com. Log in or create an account and click on "Challenges" from the left menu and then select "Current Challenge."
- Recieve 1 point for each healthy behavior that you practice each day
- Earn up to 4 points daily
- Total possible points = 116
- Goal = 30
- To complete the challenge you will need to earn 30 points by February 29, 2012.
- You may download the Heart Smart paper tracking form for convenience and enter your points online later.
- Record all activity points online by March 7, 2012.
- 5 credits will be awarded to your portal account automatically when you complete the challenge.
KEEP YOUR COOL STRESS CHALLENGE
June 1 - June 29, 2012
Mental stress has a negative effect on your body and your emotions. It can affect you immediately (acute stress) and over time (chronic stress). Stress can cause or worsen physical problems such as headaches, stomach problems, muscle stiffness, back pain and more. Constant stress can make you more susceptible to sickness. By practicing daily healthy behaviors, you can strengthen your body to better manage short- and long-term stress. Participate in this challenge and start feeling calm and peaceful.
Participants will earn 1 point per day for each of these healthy behaviors:
- Sleep - get at least 7 hours of sleep per night
- Relaxation - take at least 10 minutes to relax each day
- Meditation/Deep Breathing - take at least 10 minutes to meditate or practice deep breathing each day
How to Participate:
- Track your activity on the wellness portal at www.KansasHealthQuest.com. Log in or create an account and click on "Challenges" from the left menu and then select "Current Challenge."
- Recieve 1 point for each healthy behavior that you practice each day
- Earn up to 3 points daily
- Total possible points = 87
- Goal = 30
- To complete the challenge you will need to earn 30 points by June 29, 2012.
- You may download the paper tracking form for convenience and enter your points online later.
- Record all activity points online by July 6, 2012.
- 5 credits will be awarded to your portal account automatically when you complete the challenge.