Winning With Willis | Health Challenge WinningWithWillis.com http://www.winningwithwillis.com en-us Copyright Willis Group Holdings Current Health Challenge: Love Your Heart /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Thursday, 26 Jan 2012 2:14:00 GMT Each year as February rolls around, many of our thoughts turn to celebrating Valentine’s Day with that special someone. We want to propose a different celebration- one that focuses on loving your heart. Since February is American Heart Month, we want to encourage everyday behaviors that you can adopt to keep your heart healthy all year around. Substituting heart-healthy habits for unhealthy ones can help to battle a host of cardiovascular diseases and reward you with an improved quality of life. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, but is also preventable.

]]> Achieving a Healthy Weight /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_01252012.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Thursday, 05 Jan 2012 2:14:00 GMT Changing the way you approach weight loss may help you be more successful at both losing and managing your weight in the long term. Shifting your focus to lifestyle changes that include healthy eating, monitoring your portions and being physically active for life will ensure your success.

]]> Take Stock of Your Health /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_01052012.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Monday, 03 Oct 2011 2:14:00 GMT As this year is quickly coming to an end, what better time is there to take stock of your current health status and come up with a plan for health improvement for the New Year? One of the most important things you can do for your health is to make sure you are current on all age and gender-specific screening tests. Screenings are medical tests that check for diseases and can help doctors diagnose diseases early, when they may be easier to treat. In addition to an annual check-up and preventative screenings, flu shots and immunizations are important elements of maintaining good health.

]]> Learn the Facts During American Diabetes Month® /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_12022011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Monday, 03 Oct 2011 2:14:00 GMT Each November the American Diabetes Association (ADA) conducts a diabetes awareness campaign. Why? According to the ADA, Americans’ fail to recognize the signs, symptoms and seriousness of the disease that affects someone every 17 seconds. In a study done by the ADA in 2009, Americans scored a failing grade of 51% out of a possible 100 on a series of questions revealing the common misperceptions and myths about the disease. 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, 8.3% of the population, have diabetes. An additional 7 million people have diabetes but are undiagnosed.

]]> CONSIDERING BECOMING VEGETARIAN? /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_11022011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Monday, 03 Oct 2011 2:14:00 GMT Can’t remember the last time you ate a chili pepper or a fig? You may be missing out on some health benefits. Figs are a great source of vitamin C and are high in vitamin A and fiber. They come in many varieties and are one of the oldest known fruits. Chili peppers also come in many varieties and if you can stand the heat, are great sources of vitamin C. Most often they are used in Indian, Mexican, Thai and dishes from other countries that enjoy spicy foods.

]]> September’s Fruit and Vegetables of the Month: Figs and Chili Peppers /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_10032011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Tuesday, 16 Aug 2011 11:35:00 GMT Can’t remember the last time you ate a chili pepper or a fig? You may be missing out on some health benefits. Figs are a great source of vitamin C and are high in vitamin A and fiber. They come in many varieties and are one of the oldest known fruits. Chili peppers also come in many varieties and if you can stand the heat, are great sources of vitamin C. Most often they are used in Indian, Mexican, Thai and dishes from other countries that enjoy spicy foods.

]]> August Health Challenge: Stress Diary /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_08162011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Monday, 01 Aug 2011 11:35:00 GMT Stress is a part of everyone's life. For this month's Health Challenge, take some time to learn about the patterns of stress in your life. Print some of the challenge sheets to create a personal stress diary. Track your stress using the chart. Keep this diary for at least two weeks. At the end of each week, review your diary pages to see how often you are feeling stressed and how you are coping. Try out some of the stress relief tips or visit the resources to find ways of dealing with stress that work best for you.

]]> July Health Challenge: Break Out! Walking Challenge /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_07012011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Friday, 24 Jun 2011 11:35:00 GMT July is a great time of year to get out and get walking! Hotter weather keeping you indoors? Try walking earlier in the morning, later in the evening or even mapping out an indoor walking route that includes the stairs. This month’s Health Challenge invites you to “break out” of work and take a walking break. The Break Out! Walking Challenge encourages a brief break in your work day with a walk that can help alleviate stress and increase your physical activity. A quick walk around the block can help give some much needed perspective on a stressful day or help add in some extra minutes towards your fitness goals. Download the Break Out! Walking Challenge tracker sheet and get moving today!

]]> OUR CHALLENGE TO MEN IN JUNE: GET CHECKED! /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_06232011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Tuesday, 24 May 2011 11:35:00 GMT Men's Health Month is celebrated nationwide this month with screenings, health fairs, media appearances and other health education and outreach activities. Highlighting men's health for an entire month is designed to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men.

]]> HOW MANY ZZZZZZ DO YOU NEED? /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_05242011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Thursday, 28 Apr 2011 11:35:00 GMT A good night’s sleep is restorative and refreshing. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night. Did you know that inadequate sleep is linked to health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer? Research suggests adequate sleep, like regular physical activity and good eating habits, is essential for good health.

]]> April Health Challenge /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_04282011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Wednesday, 28 Mar 2011 11:35:00 GMT Allergies- Nothing to Sneeze At!

Allergies are one of the most common health problems, with more than 50 million people affected by allergies or allergy-related conditions each year. While anyone can have allergies, typically they are more common in children and there is a tendency for allergies to run in families. Most people will have a problem with allergies or allergic reactions at some point in their lives since a first-time occurrence can happen at any age.

]]> March 2011 Health Challenge /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_03282011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Wednesday, 28 Feb 2011 11:35:00 GMT Focus on Nutrition: March is National Nutrition Month and the theme for 2011 is "Eat Right with Color". Learning to make healthier food choices starts with the fundamentals of overall food patterns. While this may be challenging for some, it can also be fun. The recently released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans offers a practical roadmap to help consumers improve their eating plans and overall health. Specifically, the Dietary Guidelines encourage Americans to eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables while eating less added sugars, solid fats and reducing sodium intake.

]]> February Challenge Tracker 2011 /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_02282011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Wednesday, 02 Feb 2011 11:35:00 GMT Focus on Your Family’s Health History: The more you know about your family's health history, the better armed you’ll be to reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. In fact, beyond the serious consequences of diabetes itself, the disease can also increase your risk of stroke, heart attack and other major health problems.

]]> January Healthy Challenge /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_02022011.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Thursday, 30 Dec 2010 11:35:00 GMT Focus on Your Healthy Weight: Traditionally, many Americans begin a “diet” the first week in January and find it difficult to stick with their plan. This year, avoid thinking about dieting. Challenge yourself to stop dieting and vow to normalize your life with long-term, sensible healthy eating and activity habits. The goal is to focus on eating well, living actively, and feeling good about yourself and others.

]]> Take the Holiday Weight Maintenance Challenge /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_12302010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Thursday, 25 Nov 2010 11:35:00 GMT For many of us, the holidays are a special time to celebrate and enjoy socializing with family and friends. Many of these holiday gatherings revolve heavily around food and drinks, which can make it difficult to maintain your typical diet and eating patterns. Additionally, the hectic nature of the season can create time pressures that make finding time to stay active or exercise nearly impossible.

]]> Are You or Someone You Care About, Still Struggling with Using Tobacco? Take the First Step Towards Quitting /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_11252010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Nov2010 Monday, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT, STILL STRUGGLING WITH USING TOBACCO? TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS QUITTING

According to the American Cancer Society, every year more than 390,000 people die in the U.S. from tobacco-related disease, making it the leading cause of preventable death. Another 50,000 people die each year from exposure to secondhand smoke.

]]> October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_10092010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_09Oct2010 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Whether for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or depression, health screenings provide a quick and easy way to spot the first signs of serious illness and can reach people who might not otherwise seek professional medical advice. According to Mental Health America, clinical depression is a common medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults each year. Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare.

]]> Know Your Numbers By Heart /healthchallenge/HealthChallenge_10012010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Sep2010 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Numbers are a part of everyday life: log-in IDs, passwords, telephone numbers, birthdays, etc. But do you know your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers? It’s worth knowing them because they indicate your risk for such serious health problems as heart disease, heart attack and stroke. You can help prevent future health problems if you know your numbers, monitor them regularly and take action if they are not in normal ranges.

]]> Beat The Heat With Proper Hydration /HealthChallenge/HealthChallenge_08012010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Aug2010 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Do you ever wonder how much water or fluids you need each day to keep you hydrated, especially in the summer heat? Many of us grew up thinking we needed at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day, or 64 ounces, to fulfill our daily fluid requirements. In reality, there really was no scientific evidence to support that recommendation but instead it was based on survey data of people’s usual consumption. Several studies and many years later, the recommendations for fluids have changed, but many of us are unaware of how much daily fluid intake we actually need to stay hydrated.

]]> July is UV Safety Month! /HealthChallenge/HealthChallenge_07012010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Jul2010 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Many people feel that a tan makes them look ‘healthier’ but sun exposure has many unhealthy consequences if your skin is not properly protected. When added up, everyday sun exposures are linked to squamous cell cancer. Although not as dangerous as melanoma, squamous cell cancer is far more common and the number of cases has been going up every year. Many people think it's OK to get a sunburn now and then, but studies show that even occasional exposure to strong sunlight seems to increase the risk of the most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma. This month, see how much you know about sun safety by taking the quiz to the right – answers will be posted at the end of the month!

]]> Our Challenge To Men In June: Get Checked! /HealthChallenge/HealthChallenge_06012010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Jun2010 Thu, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Men's Health Month is celebrated nationwide this month with screenings, health fairs, media appearances and other health education and outreach activities. Highlighting men's health for an entire month is designed to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men. Understanding their health risks is a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy life. A few basic lifestyle changes can help address men’s health concerns, including heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes and stroke. Recognizing and preventing men's health problems is not just a man's issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, men's health is truly a family issue.

]]> Stepping Into Summer /HealthChallenge/HealthChallenge_05012010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01May2010 Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT May’s mild temperatures and balmy spring weather invite us to get outdoors and get physical! But, for many of us, fitting the recommended amount of exercise into our busy days seems impossible. Often, however, simply starting a walking program can help you feel better and meet your daily physical activity requirements. We hope the following information will serve as inspiration for taking that first step into summer – and better health.

]]> How Stressed Are You? /HealthChallenge/HealthChallenge_04012010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Apr2010 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT APRIL IS STRESS AWARENESS MONTH
MANAGING YOUR STRESS
While a certain level of everyday stress can actually be healthy, stress levels left unchecked can be detrimental to both mental and physical health. Each person’s response to stress is unique and many times, the effects of stress can look like symptoms of other illnesses. Being aware of the common signs and symptoms of stress is often the first step in controlling stress levels and improving one’s health. Common effects of too much stress include sleep problems, skin rashes, fatigue, irritability, agitation, headache, depression, excessive worrying, mood swings, chest pain, anxiety, upset stomach, ulcers and high blood pressure.

]]> Challenge Yourself /HealthChallenge/HealthChallenge_03012010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Mar2010 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Focus on Nutrition. March is National Nutrition Month. Learning to make healthier food choices starts with the fundamentals. This can be challenging but it can also be fun. Use the scorecard to track your daily progress. Give yourself 1 point for each serving of fruits and vegetables consumed per day (maximum points = 5/day), 1 point for each completed daily food journal, 1 point for eating foods with whole grains and 1 point for eating a serving of lean protein. The maximum total daily points are 8 per day. Sunday is a bonus day.

]]> Challenge Yourself /HealthChallenge/HealthChallenge_02012010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Feb2010 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Focus on Your Family’s Health History: The more you know about your family's health history, the more you can do to reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Like the color of your eyes, your risk for developing many health conditions is genetically passed from one family member to another.

]]> Challenge Yourself /HealthChallenge/HealthChallenge_01012010.aspx WinningWithwillis.com HealthChallenge_01Jan2010 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Focus on Your Healthy Weight: Traditionally, many Americans begin a “diet” the first week in January and find it difficult to stick with their plan. This year, avoid thinking about dieting. Challenge yourself to stop dieting and vow to normalize your life with long-term, sensible healthy eating and activity habits. The goal is to focus on eating well, living actively, and feeling good about yourself and others.

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