This past fall, UAB took first place in the Birmingham Choose Healthy Challenge, a 50-day, citywide competition that encourages employees and their families to make good choices about fitness and nutrition.
Now it’s time for a repeat.
“Last year, we took first place, barely beating Children’s Hospital,” said Anna Threadcraft, director of UAB Employee Wellness. “This year, we have a title to defend.”
In 2015, more than 1,200 UAB employees participated — the most registered by any company competing — and finished with a record pace. Team UAB submitted more than 2,500 healthy choices in the final week of the competition, the highest rate for a single week of any team in the competition.
Enter now
The 2016 competition opens Oct. 3 and ends Nov. 21. To join Team UAB, register at uab.edu/chc; it takes fewer than 30 seconds. Then submit photos of you engaged in activities or making purchases that promote good health to earn team points and qualify to win individual prizes such as YETI coolers, Apple Watches, GoPros and gift cards.
Photos can be submitted through the Planet Fundraiser app for iPhone or Android or texted to the number provided during registration.
“The Choose Healthy Challenge is a fun way for UAB employees to work on realistic healthy habits and also have a little friendly competition,” Threadcraft said.
Do it for the kids
There’s more to the competition than bragging rights and prizes. CHC organizers make a donation to a local charity selected by the winning team. In 2015, Team UAB’s victory benefited HEAL Alabama (Healthy Eating, Active Living), a non-profit that provides a curriculum-based fitness and nutrition program for use in elementary schools. UAB will be competing for HEAL again in 2016.
