Thanks to the partnership among staff members, UPMC, and UPMC Health Plan, the UPMC MyHealth program provides staff with various programs, tools, and initiatives to improve their health. In 2009, the program will continue to grow and expand its healthy offerings to staff.

What do you have to lose in 2009?

One of the first MyHealth programs in which you can participate during 2009 is one that you may have become familiar with last year — the Weight Race. Whether you want to lose a few pounds or simply maintain your current weight, participating in the Weight Race can give you the smart tips and social support you need to be successful.

Registration for the 2009 MyHealth Weight Race doesn’t begin until March, but it’s never too early to start thinking about choosing your teammates and team name.

Last year, more than 3,000 UPMC employees lost 16,239 pounds during the 12-week event. This year, participants will again have the opportunity to enjoy some friendly competition as they learn to incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into a work context — and to build a network of support that will last long after the race concludes in June.

New and improved

The 2009 Weight Race includes many exciting new features: a new online goal-setting tool, streamlined initial weigh-ins, a fun-to-use online activity tracker, all-new issues of the Tales from the Scales newsletter,a single online location to report weight loss and access the tracker, tips, official weigh-in schedules, and race standings, in addition to all new prizes and gifts.

Don’t want to ‘weight?’

Perhaps you’re making a New Year’s resolution to manage your weight and would like to get started now. For tips on healthy eating and winter exercise ideas — or to begin a health coach-guided program in weight management or physical activity, call a health coach today at 1-800-807-0751. What do you have to lose?

Take a Healthy Step 2010

Even though 2009 has just begun, Take a Healthy Step 2010 will begin in March 2009 — with more opportunities for taking healthy steps and chances to win exciting cash prizes in four Wellness Reward drawings held throughout the year. The more healthy steps you take and the earlier you complete your MyHealth requirements, the more chances you will have to win!

During the past year, 89 percent of eligible UPMC employees completed their MyHealth deductible requirements, benefiting from tens of thousands of “healthy steps” as they attended to their health care needs, engaged in preventive health screenings, and developed healthier lifestyles. Watch for more news about Take a Healthy Step 2010 in upcoming communications.