NORTH VERNON, IND. – In 2008, Indiana was ranked the 11th most obese state in the nation. A recent community assessment of Jennings County identified childhood obesity as a serious health problem. Beginning June 12, St.Vincent Jennings Hospital Chaplain Wally Glover, Columbus resident, will climb his way to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa in support of the Trek for Kids, a pediatric obesity program, with additional support from Virgin HealthMiles
At 19,340 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. Over 7 days, from June 12-18, Glover will trek through African savannahs, magnificent cloud forests, alpine deserts, and glacial ice fields. Set to arrive at Uhuru Peak – Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit.
St.Vincent Jennings Hospital’s Trek for Kids, a pediatric obesity program, will provide dietary and educational initiatives and information for children in Jennings County.
Virgin HealthMiles is an industry leading provider of employee health and activity programs that pay people to get active. The program is offered by employers, insurers and other network partners, and provides incentives to engage and commit consumers to increase physical activity and adopt long-term healthy behaviors. The program encourages, supports and rewards members for various forms of physical activity, and supports those who demonstrate a commitment to healthy living through community initiatives.
“Virgin HealthMiles’ support of Trek for Kids enhances the momentum for our initiatives at St.Vincent Jennings Hospital,” said Glover. “We hope these young men and women will be inspired to participate in wellness activities by way of fitness, nutrition and education. Our hope is that they have an understanding that people and organizations like Virgin HealthMiles care about them.”
As Glover, a Virgin HealthMiles member, ascends Mount Kilimanjaro, he will use the program’s tools to track his activity. As he accumulates ‘HealthMiles’ for his activity, they will convert to ‘HealthCash’ as Glover reaches certain milestones in the program and can then be redeemed for rewards or donated to charity. Glover has committed to donating the ‘HealthCash’ he earns to the St. Vincent Jennings Hospital’s Trek for Kids program. In addition, Virgin HealthMiles will match the total ‘HealthCash’ Glover earns in the Virgin HealthMiles program during the 12-month period from his enrollment date.
“We are pleased with the generous donation Virgin HealthMiles has committed to our Hospital Foundation for the Trek for Kids program,” said Joe Roche, administrator of St.Vincent Jennings Hospital. “We have had a very positive response from our associates on Virgin HealthMiles’ demonstrated commitment to encouraging participants to aspire to good health and fitness.”
As Wally climbs the world’s tallest free-standing mountain over seven days in Tanzania, he expects to be able to report on his adventure by providing blog updates and posting photos at www.virginhealthmiles.com/blog.
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About St.Vincent Jennings Hospital
St.Vincent Health, one of the largest health care systems in Indiana, is dedicated to spiritually-centered, holistic care, which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. St.Vincent Jennings Hospital is part of the Indianapolis-based St. Vincent Health network, which includes St.Vincent Indianapolis Hospital. A member of Ascension Health, the largest Catholic healthcare system in the country, the ageless mission of St.Vincent Health is to minister to the minds, bodies and spirits of those in need. St.Vincent Jennings Hospital is also a part of a partnership between St. Vincent Health and Columbus Regional Hospital.
About Virgin HealthMiles
Virgin HealthMiles provides employee health programs that pay people to get active. The company’s Pay-for-Prevention™ approach, based on physical activity and healthy lifestyle change, attracts an average of 40% of employees who participate, which helps organizations reduce medical costs and improve employee productivity and satisfaction. Industry leaders, including American Diabetes Association, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Hospital Corporation of America-Shared Services, St. Vincent Health and Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, have selected Virgin HealthMiles’ award-winning program for their employees. For more information, visit www.virginhealthmiles.com.
