Reach your health goals with MHealthy Rewards 2017

With the recent launch of the MHealthy Rewards program, all benefits-eligible faculty and staff have the opportunity to work on their health goals this year — and earn up to $100 in the process!

In 2017, the focus of the Rewards program is to choose healthy activities that work best for you and then take action. Once you complete an activity, rewards kick in:

• Step 1:  Complete an eligible activity – earn $50

• Step 2:  Complete a different activity – earn another $50

Eligible activities offer something for every employee and include programs to help you better manage specific health conditions, move more, eat smarter, manage weight, stress less, quit tobacco or drink less alcohol.

John Ayanian, the Alice Hamilton Professor of Medicine and director of the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, participates on his institute’s Active U team and works out regularly at the fitness center in the North Campus Research Complex.

He said the Rewards program helps employees achieve proper work-life balance.

“When I exercise and eat well, I enjoy life more,” Ayanian said. “Participating on the IHPI Active U team helps to build pride and camaraderie among our staff and motivates us to be more physically active. In turn, staying healthy enables me to be a better husband, father, doctor, researcher and leader.”

Some of MHealthy’s most popular Rewards-eligible activities return in 2017, including Active U, Ready to Lose, MHealthy mental and emotional well-being classes, Weight Watchers, MHealthy personal training, Colorful Choices, and MHealthy exercise and relaxation classes.

Other activities for 2017 include StayWell self-directed coaching programs, including programs for sleep and back care.

Also new this year, eligible U-M Premier Care members can earn a Rewards incentive with the Diabetes Prevention Program. Through a collaboration with the Benefits Office and Blue Care Network, members can join a local program or participate online with no out-of-pocket costs.

There is one major change to the 2017 Rewards program: participants are no longer required to complete an online health questionnaire. And while the questionnaire and personal report that it generates are still available for those who value it as a motivational tool, there is not a $50 incentive for completing it.

“This year, we’re focusing on healthy activities and taking action,” said LaVaughn Palma-Davis, senior director for Health and Well-Being Services. She said the questionnaire, while not required, could still prove useful to participants. “The customized reports that come out of the questionnaire help you determine your top health priorities, choose which activities to participate in and allow you to compare this year’s results with previous years.”

A complete list of Rewards-eligible activities and how to earn incentives can be found on the StayWell Portal. Access the portal from the MHealthy Rewards website.