Health and Wellbeing Blog

Daily Challenge Member Spotlight: Meet Dana G

2012-05-14T14:00:00Z

I am inspired by... Brave, kind-hearted people.

On the weekends I like to… I used to like to go hiking, and swimming, and camping, but now I am in grad school so I study. I graduate in May!

My dream vacation is… A 2 to 3 month volunteer trip around Africa.

My favorite thing about Daily Challenge is... the new tracks that allow you to focus on what ever you feel you need to work on. I love the food ones personally.

To me well-being means... Being happy, I think... I might still be figuring this one out...

Friends would describe me as... Crazy, but in a good way. I like to try new things that other people are content never trying... My bucket list is about 6 pages long.

Favorite Color: Green

I’m my happiest when… I am falling (bungee jumping or sky diving).

When I look back at my life I want to remember... all of the amazing people I have met along the way.

Favorite Season: Summer. I like to be warm.

I joined Daily Challenge because... I was looking for ways to expand my meal options and it seemed like some of the challenges might help give me some direction.

Watch Live! -- Talking about Epic Failure in Games for Education at TEDx Grand Rapids on May 10

2012-05-09T15:48:27Z

By Bill Sabram, Lead Game Designer ---

“What now?” That’s the question being asked in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Thursday, May 10th, at the soldout TEDx event. It’s a deliberate open-ended question so that each speaker can bring his or her own thoughts to what matters most right now.

Watch TEDx Grand Rapids live online!

Encouraging people to try again and improve their well-being is a prime motivator in my game design work at MeYou Health. So when I tackled the “What now?” question, I did so with a certain topic in mind: games + education. Learning has driven my game design. Then it dawned on me: When we do poorly in a game, we don’t seem discouraged like we do in real life. Quite the opposite, actually, because we’re challenged to do better next time. And we often do just that: Try again.

Too many of us “fail” at work, in school, or in a relationship. It’s a binary way to look at the world, as either a success or failure. You’re either on your way to one or the other. When we do have to face a job loss, low grade in school, or the ending of a relationship, we seldom want to dwell on it. It’s too painful, so we try and move forward as quickly as we can. Only in hindsight are we able to stop and realize that our past experiences helped us. That’s what “failures” in life can do, yet we often shut them out because it’s shameful or embarrassing by society’s standards. But with a game, we are willing to try again, almost immediately.
There is something about the “irrational” rules of a game that make trying again possible. We’re in a simulated play environment that is both real and not real. When we fail in a game, we can oftentimes point to something that happened in the game itself -- such as a bad roll of the dice or not taking a good card -- that helps us not take it so personally or feel too hurt that we just had bad luck again.

At TEDx Grand Rapids, I will talk about how we each need an Epic Fail Now! I’ll speak a little about my journey as a game designer, the dawn of games as valid learning tools, the qualities of a good game and my observations of the current landscape of games for education. What is my Big Idea? Why, you will have to tune in to see. :-)

10 Tips for Navigating Your Way Through Farmers Markets

2012-05-07T14:46:39Z

This is a guest post by Sheila Viswanathan, dietitian and nutrition counselor ---

It's that time of year again: farmers are gearing up for the 2012 market season. For many of us, that means access to some of the best produce available all year. For those of you lucky enough to have year-round markets, you will likely notice that springtime offers a new set of fresh ingredients to your kitchen. Gone are the hearty, dense winter squashes and other root vegetables; in their place sits asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, and dark leafy greens.

Shopping at a farmers market has several health and environmental perks too. By virtue of the goods sold at stands, it's much easier to fill a healthy "cart" at this market than the traditional supermarket. In fact, the wide array of produce is likely to include something you haven't seen before, thus encouraging greater culinary explorations. In addition to the health benefits that come with eating more fruits and vegetables, supporting farmers markets means putting dollars back into the local economy. You are also using your purchasing power to build the local and regional food system, instead of a wider, more decentralized system.

Ready to shop local? Find the farmers market nearest you by visiting Local Harvest. To find out what your local market is likely to carry, check out the harvest calendars maintained by the National Resources Defense Council. Once you’ve got this information, use the below ten tips to navigate your way through the market.

1. Walk around the entire market to get a sense of what's available, what looks good, and how much items cost. A little bit of cost comparison and planning can go a long way.

2. Ask farmers your pressing questions. They won't know an issue is important unless they hear it from you, their customer.

3. Get cooking tips from fellow shoppers. Given where you are, you’re likely to meet folks who live in your community, so use this as an opportunity to build community and your culinary know-how.

4. Stop by the farmers market information booth (if there is one). Oftentimes there are fliers with recipes or announcements about upcoming events.

5. Bring your own reusable bag. Be sure to wash it once a month.

6. Bring plenty of small bills. It can be frustrating to a vendor if you use a $20 bill to pay for $1.50 worth of carrots.

7. Don't bargain. The prices at most farmers markets are reasonable. Once you get to know your local area farmers, you may find that every once in a while an extra apple is thrown in with your purchase.

8. Try something new. I've found that shopping at a farmers market increases the likelihood that I’ll try a brand new vegetable. You may not know what to do with it at first, but there are plenty of resources online to guide you along the way.

9. Don't expect a dirt-free environment. Supermarket produce typically undergoes a few cleaning steps before getting to the store. Market produce rarely gets cleaned that thoroughly, so you’ll need to wash at home.

10. Sample what’s available. Many stands will have samples of their produce for you to try, and sometimes a simple request will get you a small taste. Use this as an opportunity to explore without exploiting this generosity.

What are your tips for shopping at a farmers market? What is your favorite springtime find at the farmers market?

Sheila is a dietitian, scientist, cook, food explorer, and public health advocate. After studying cells as a biology major at MIT, she decided to work more with people and headed to Columbia University to study public health. Eventually Sheila made her way to Teachers College, Columbia University where she became inspired to get people thinking a little bit more about the origins of their food. You can read more from her at The Lazy Dietitian.

Watch Live! — Healthways Well-Being Summit 2012

2012-05-02T14:22:13Z

By Seth Lawton, Marketing Manager --

The Healthways Well-Being Summit is only about two weeks away, and we’d like to invite you to join us by watching the live webcast. You’ll learn the ideas and best practices from several leading companies for engaging communities, improving well-being, and decreasing costs.

The 4th Annual Healthways Well-Being Summit kicks off May 16, and by signing up to view the Livestream, you get one of the best seats in the house—at your own computer or mobile device! Learn more about the session line-up and speakers to find the content most relevant to you.

The theme of this year’s three-day event is “Peak Performance,” appropriate given the location in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. In 2010, Boulder was identified by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index® as the city having “the highest level of well-being” in the United States. What better place to discover a path to peak performance? The action-packed, thought-provoking agenda we have in store is bound to empower you to not only take the necessary steps to obtain your own peak performance but also spur you to start a larger movement among others.

The summit will bring together many leaders of industry who are passionate about health and well-being. They’ll share ideas for addressing some of the key wellness issues we face today, and discuss the opportunities for innovation in this exciting space. Throughout the event MeYou Health will be active on Twitter, live tweeting with the hashtag #WBS2012.

Headliners for this year’s event include best-selling business author Jim Collins, astronaut and best-selling author Mark Kelly, and co-founder and chairman of GSD&M Roy Spence. Trapper Markelz, MeYou Health’s own Head of Product, will present on “The Attention Economy,” and the audience will hear from many other luminaries from companies like Healthways, Gallup, Guckenheimer, Blue Shield of California, AARP, Steelcase, and so many others! Find out more and sign up today to watch and listen live!

WELL Living: 5 Ways to Kick Clutter to the Curb This Spring

2012-04-25T20:21:17Z

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” - William Morris

Daily Challenge Member Spotlight: Meet Debra B.

2012-04-23T18:39:46Z

To me well-being means... balance - in mind, body and soul.

My favorite thing about Daily Challenge is... having a daily goal - something that I am asked to do or think about then share with everyone how I did it.

My proudest moment is... the birth of my two sons.

Friends would describe me as... outgoing, funny, upbeat, positive, loyal, trustworthy, honest, there for them no matter what.

In another life, I would have... less worry and more ability to be spontaneous and take risks.

If I could go back and say one thing to my teenage self, it would be... slow down - stop rushing through life - it's more about the journey than the destination.

Small healthy actions are... what add up to big healthy lifestyle changes.

My family and friends are... my support system and my strength when I feel like I am falling.

If I could do one form of exercise/movement forever, it would be...swimming...but I would need to learn how to do it first - my mom was deathly afraid of the water so we never learned to swim but I've been fascinated by swimming and feel it's an exercise you can do no matter your age.

Favorite Song: Lean on Me by Bill Withers

In the kitchen you’ll find me...watching my husband cook - he is a phenomenal chef and I thoroughly enjoy his efforts!

My favorite place to relax is...my cousin's house in Loveladies, NJ - it's my slice of heaven on earth.

On the weekends I like to...workout, catch up on my reading, relax with my family and enjoy my time off from work.

Favorite Color: Magenta

My dream vacation is... time away with my husband - relaxing, reconnecting with one another, preferably somewhere warm.

I’m my happiest when... all is good in my world.

When I look back at my life I want to remember...how very blessed I was.

I am inspired by... the many people who overcome incredible obstacles in their life and yet maintain a positive outlook on life.

Favorite Season: Spring

If I could have any talent/ability it would be... to sing.

I joined Daily Challenge because... I needed a "Stretch Goal" for 2012 - I read an article about the site and thought it would provide me with good physical, emotional and mental challenges every day.

Health Pop Quiz: Are Smartphones the New Cigarettes?

2012-04-18T18:42:58Z

By Eugénie Olson, Content Manager of Daily Challenge

I’ve been thinking about two simultaneous events that seemed unrelated at first blush. The first is the story of a friend who misplaced her smartphone at the airport. She was traveling on her own with her two young daughters, and as she juggled shoes, toys, and backpacks at the security checkpoint, her phone slipped out of her bag. It fell on the floor unnoticed.

The second event is decidedly more lively (although, to be fair, most things are when compared to an airport security checkpoint). I was at a show in Boston, watching a band play. This band had two guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer. All guys, all wearing tight jeans (I told you it was more lively), and each one’s front pocket bore the unmistakable outline of a smartphone.

The harried mom at the airport was unhinged without her phone. She couldn’t call her husband, wasn’t able to check in at work, and couldn’t pacify her daughters with their favorite online games. She was anxious and unable to relax. For several days, she kept reaching for the phone, even though she knew it wasn’t there. She felt strangely despondent without it.

And the guys? When the show was over, they took off their guitars, made their way through the crowd, and hit the bar. Once there, one by one they all checked their phones. A couple of them half-talked to friends or fans as they did it.

Here’s what clicked for me about the mom and the band: In another era, these phones easily could have been cigarettes. A stressed-out mom finding comfort in always having smokes at hand – and sweating it when she realizes they aren’t there; members of a band lighting up at a bar after a good show. And when I really thought about it, I realized this analogy might be worth exploring.

Take a look at this list I made; am I talking about a phone or a cigarette in each example?

You never feel like you’re alone if you have it with you.
It’s something to do with your hands when you’re bored.
It fits in your bag or pocket, so you can take it wherever you go.
It’s not appropriate in some settings, requiring you to either abstain or use it in a designated area.
Some people find it rude and inconsiderate when forced to be around one.
People often do it while they drive.
It’s currently deemed safe by several international health organizations, but studies continue to explore whether or not long-term use might be harmful.
It’s tantalizing to children; they look forward to using it themselves and have been known to sneak it behind their parents’ backs or into school.
Many people keep it next to their bed; experts put the number at 66% of the population.
It’s the last thing they use before sleeping and the first thing they put their hands on in the morning.

And most importantly: People feel as though they can’t live without it. Some say they’re on edge and not entirely themselves if they forget it at home or don’t have access to it. Does this make smartphones as addictive as cigarettes?

Maybe. Several studies of young adults have found that they suffer feelings of physical and mental withdrawal when separated from their phones. Some psychologists believe it’s because smartphone use runs along those same neural pathways involved in excessive drinking, gambling, or, yep, nicotine use. We get a dopamine rush from calling and texting our friends, checking Facebook, and surfing the web. And our brains start to seek more and more of that feel-good sensation. Before we know it, we can’t seem to live without it. And even if we want to use it less, we find we can’t.

The first couple of days were tough for my mom friend, even after an airport representative called to tell her that the phone was safe and waiting for her on her return. But then a funny thing happened: After she got over her withdrawal, she discovered that she didn’t mind being disconnected. It was OK to be without it for the long weekend. She reached for the phone less and less, and when she got it back, she made a concerted effort to think before she mindlessly picked it up.

What about you? Do some of the things on the list sound like you? Do you feel in control of your smartphone, or is it the other way around? Do you think we’ve become as dependent on phones as some smokers have on cigarettes?

5 Tips to Nip Sugar Cravings in the Bud

2012-04-11T15:26:33Z

This is a guest post by Corine Dobbas, a Nutrition Counselor and Registered Dietitian

Put down the Peeps!

Now that both Valentine's Day and Easter -- two big sugar-laden holidays -- have passed, it's time to talk about sugar cravings. At some point or another we’ve all had one, if not several. You know what I’m talking about. That feeling where you just need that instant pick-me-up, your tastebuds are screaming for tongue-tantalizing sugar, and you simply can’t focus on anything else until you satisfy your sweet sugar hankering.

Typically, people think that sugar cravings are something they’ll always have. Luckily, that’s not the case! Check out the below five tips to nip those cravings in the bud.

1. Eat Breakfast: Not only are breakfast eaters more likely to be slimmer, they’re more likely to have stable, better regulated blood sugars throughout the entire day, helping prevent that sugar urge. Basically, eating breakfast is a win-win all around. It helps rev your metabolic engine, stabilize blood sugar, and regulate appetite and energy. Aim to eat breakfast within an hour of waking up. Think protein + whole grain + produce. For example, one slice of whole-grain toast with a poached egg and a cup of berries. Bring on the breakfast, baby!

photo credit: mrsbelleelle via Instagram

2. Combine foods: Combine a protein food (think turkey, cottage cheese, non-fat Greek yogurt) with a high-fiber carbohydrate (think fruit, veggies, whole grains, lentils/beans) for sustained longer-lasting energy. The protein will keep you feeling fuller longer, and the high-fiber carb will lead to more even energy levels. When eaten together, you’ll feel satisfied and your blood sugar will stay even-keeled, preventing sugar attacks later one. For example, add turkey slices or a string cheese to your apple as a snack—don’t just have the apple.

3. Eat every 3-4 hours: Going too long without a meal or snack will surely leave you craving for more, more, more—even after eating a meal. If lunch is at noon and dinner is at seven, you need a healthy snack -- just remember tip number two to combine protein and carbs!

photo credit: orchidmoon via Instagram

4. Eat right with exercise: After exercise, aim to eat something within 30 minutes of your workout. If you’re not eating a meal soon after, you need a snack, such as an apple and hard boiled egg, glass of non- or low-fat milk, or yogurt. Each of these items has protein and carbohydrates to help replenish glycogen stores and torn muscle fibers, and they will regulate blood sugar. A small snack immediately after a workout will have you eating less at your next meal as well as eating healthier throughout the day, but most importantly, will help prevent sugar cravings.

5. Indulge mindfully: Want a treat? By gosh, have one! There is nothing wrong with indulging in a sweet craving when you truly want something. When you take the time to savor, taste, and enjoy your sweet, then that is mindful. And when you practice mindful eating, choose the right foods the majority of time and listen to your satiety cues, that one special sweet treat will not do you in. In fact, it may prevent you from overindulging later.

QUESTION: How do you handle your sugar cravings?

Corinne Dobbas, MS, RD is a leading nutrition counselor, writer, and speaker and trusted nutrition source for the media. She believes that optimal health starts with the activity that you do every day—eat. Corinne is a Registered Dietitian (RD) with a Masters in Nutrition who adores helping people find health through nutrition. You can find Corinne in the San Francisco Bay Area counseling, speaking, and writing about nutrition. She specializes in weight management, sports nutrition, and disordered eating. To learn more please visit Green Grapes Nutrition. You can also connect with Corinne on Twitter and Facebook.

20 Game Mechanics Used in Daily Challenge

2012-04-09T18:15:03Z

HEALTH IN FOCUS: The State of Health Care

2012-04-04T12:54:52Z

Earlier this year, Gallup reported that more than 17% of Americans did not have health insurance in 2011, highlighting a continued trend of fewer people having coverage. What’s more, only 44.6% receive health insurance from an employer, down from about 49.2% three years earlier.

The National Institute for Health Care Reform (NIHCR) agrees with the trend. And it’s not just because of a recent surge of Baby Boomers retiring—NIHCR’s numbers (pdf) show that among Americans age 65 and under, roughly 70% received employer-sponsored health insurance in 2001, but by 2010 that number was down to about 54%, with low-income earners being hit the hardest. The biggest factor in the drop-off of Americans with employer-sponsored health care is unemployment itself—fewer people with an employer means fewer people with employer-provided insurance. The two other significant factors explaining the recent drop are fewer employers offering health insurance to workers, and some workers opting not to enroll in employer-provided plans.

On the subject of health insurance, just last month the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over—among other things—whether the individual mandate of the two-year-old Affordable Care Act is constitutional. The individual mandate hasn’t taken effect yet, but the justices may decide to nix some of its provisions, leave it in place, or even throw out the whole thing. In fact, they may have already made their decisions, but we may have to wait until late spring or early summer to know the results. The outcome of this case is far from clear, but it certainly has gotten more people talking about health care.

Meanwhile, with more consumers using the newest mobile technologies, many more Americans will be able to experience healthcare in the palms of their hands. A recent survey (pdf) from Deloitte of telecomm leaders shows that the healthcare/life sciences sector has “most potential for new mobile growth and value generation” of the seven industries included. To put it another way, over the next three to five years, ever-improving 4G services and devices like smartphones and tablets will be used and relied on much more in the field of medicine. There are more than 10,000 consumer health apps available for our devices today, and with many apps for health professionals under development, we can see that mHealth is beginning to shape a very different future for medicine.

What to make of all the recent developments and trends in the health care and insurance space? It’s difficult to say. Current trends will probably continue in the short term. Individuals will continue to expect convenient and fast access to medical information. Whether or not the Affordable Care Act remains intact, we’ll still be talking about ways to reform health care and control the cost of insurance. And whether or not an organization offers its workers health insurance, employers realize that that they have a role in ensuring the well-being of their employees.

And why shouldn’t they? Full-time workers spend a plurality of their waking hours on the job, so there’s enormous potential to boost employee well-being on that basis alone. Plus, not only does improved well-being mean happier employees, but it also means employers can save money. The annual cost of productivity lost due to unhealthy workers is estimated to exceed $153 billion, according to Gallup. What’s more, the CDC is urging healthy changes in the workplace for a very simple reason—data show that the alternative is unsustainable. At MeYou Health, we believe employers can play a major role in improving the well-being of their teams, and that’s a big part of why we develop the products and solutions that we do. We think that the future of health care will be exciting, and that there will be an increased focus on prevention and overall well-being. To that end, we’re doing our part to create the compelling experiences that are social, easy-to-use, and fun—experiences which we believe you’ll be seeing (and using) a lot more very soon.