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Putting Your Diet Into Words

Essay contest encourages employees to start the New Year feeling healthy

A balanced diet and regular exercise should be a lifetime goal, but how do you change habits and start living healthier? Participate in Eat Wise and Exercise at Duke.

That's what Larry Silver did this year, and he lost 60 pounds. Silver, a senior IT analyst at Duke, plans to participate again in the upcoming Eat Wise and Exercise program. "The program was very practical and helpful, but I was also ready to listen and change," said Silver, who is 57. "My overall health has improved -- my blood pressure is down, and I have more energy now. I feel much better about myself."

This season's Eat Wise and Exercise program, formerly called Eat Smart, Move More, begins with an essay contest to win a lifestyle makeover sponsored by LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee health promotion program. Individual employees and groups with eight to 15 employees may enter through Nov. 30.

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Larry Silver

How To Enter

 

Submit an essay at www.hr.duke.edu/eatwise; by fax, (919) 684-1852; by campus mail, Box 3200 DUMC; or in person, LIVE FOR LIFE offices, Employee Health and Wellness, ground level, Duke South Clinic, Red Zone.

Essays must explain in up to 500 words why you or your group deserves a lifestyle makeover. Include name, phone number, e-mail address, date of birth, Duke unique ID, height and current weight.

The essay -- up to 500 words -- must describe why candidates should be chosen for the makeover. One employee and one group (minimum of eight; maximum 15) will be selected by Dec. 10. (See accompanying story for prizes.)

"We are looking for committed people who are ready to take action and improve their health," said Jennifer Arnold, Live for Life nutritionist and Eat Wise and Exercise program coordinator. "We will give the essay winners and other program participants the tools they'll need to stay healthy and motivated even after Eat Wise and Exercise is over." The makeover begins Jan. 14, and essay winners will post their activities and successes online for others to read during the 10-week program. Arnold said that faculty and staff who do not win the makeover are still encouraged to participate in Eat Wise and Exercise to receive advice and tips on how to live healthier. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend a motivational seminar. "The program is for people at all levels of fitness," Arnold said. "You set your own goals, and we'll provide the support."

All participants in Eat Wise and Exercise will be eligible to receive $10 in LIVE FOR LIFE money for each week (up to 10 weeks) they record health goals, weight and exercise online. The dollars may be used at the LIVE FOR LIFE store.

"I have tried many diet and exercise programs," Silver said. "They only worked short-term. Everything I've learned through LIVE FOR LIFE is helping me to be healthier in the long-term."

Essay Contest Prizes

 

Individual winner: weekly fitness and nutrition consultations; gym membership for six months; new athletic shoes.

Group winner: monthly demonstrations on nutrition, fitness and stress management; fitness and nutrition consultations; fitness videos; discount on athletic shoes.