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HealthCode encouraging global community to get moving with monthly virtual events year-round

With millions continuing to work from home to stop the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode is introducing a series of new virtual challenges to encourage people to keep moving and stay healthy year-round.

“The stress from the global coronavirus pandemic is immense and is leading to increased sedentary lifestyles and social isolation,’’ said Steve Amos, CEO and founder of HealthCode.”As millions continue working from home and as we adapt to a new normal, we are rolling new virtual activity challenges to give everyone new incentives to stay active and maintain healthy habits.’’

In March, after schools, gyms and offices closed and millions of employees began working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode pivoted and kicked off April’s Million Mile Month virtual challenge early to give people and organizations an incentive to maintain healthy habits while battling stress and remaining connected with colleagues, friends and family.

HealthCode is committed to raising awareness on living healthier, happier lives through physical activity, nutrition and the environment. Since launching the first Million Mile Month challenge in 2014, HealthCode’s programs have expanded to include iResolve in January, Triathlon in a Month in July and Marathon in a Month in October.

HealthCode is rolling out new virtual challenges for individuals and organizations, including Dog Days of Summer currently underway throughout the month of August as well as Fall into Action in September, Turkey Trek in November, Give the Gift of Health in December, Love Your Health in February and Spring Into Action in March and a Million Mile Month Reboot in May.

More information on each event can be found on the HealthCode events page.

HealthCode works with businesses, educational institutions and federal, state, local governments to incorporate virtual events into wellness programs to engage employees in healthy living. There is no charge to sign up for HealthCode’s virtual challenges, but Amos said donations support delivery of HealthCode’s programs and development of new educational programs.

Research shows getting moving pays off in the long run. A recent study by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found higher daily step counts were associated with lower mortality risk for those over 40-years-old.

“Now more than ever it is important to keep moving and stay healthy. By adding more events, we are giving members of our global community more incentives to remain active and on-track with their fitness goals,’’ Amos said. “Engaging in physical activity has so many benefits, including reducing a person’s risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. And by remaining active daily, it can help people feel better and sleep better.’’

 

 

 

 

AFWERX Fusion Official Showcase Selection
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HealthCode teams with 4empowerment at AFWERX Fusion

HealthCode is teaming up with 4empowerment to compete in the “Base of the Future” challenge at the AFWERX Fusion 2020 showcase and virtual event July 28-30.

AFWERX, the U.S. Air Force’s innovation arm focused on fostering innovation within the Air Force, selected 4empowerment among 375 teams from more than 1,500 submissions from across the globe to compete in the Base of the Future challenge.

“Our goal is to select the best solutions and guide the teams through future contracting, funding and prototyping to further develop their concept into real-word implementation to benefit the Air Force, our warfighters, the Department of Defense and allied partners worldwide,” said Mark Rowland of AFWERX in a news release.  “The AFWERX Base of the Future Challenge is critical to our mission of increasing collaboration between large businesses and entrepreneurs to accelerate solutions for the Air Force.”

4empowermentSteve Amos, CEO of 4empowerment and founder and CEO of the nonprofit HealthCode, said: “Keeping our military fit and healthy is a top priority of 4empowerment and HealthCode. Through the HealthCode wellness platform, we provide a secure, easy-to-use tool to help achieve wellness goals of building resilience and readiness while keeping teams connected through virtual challenges.

In late 2019, 4empowerment was awarded a contract under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to determine the feasibility of deploying the HealthCode wellness platform to help keep the military healthy and ready.

4empowerment teamed up with the Air Force’s Warrior Care Division of the Wounded Warrior Program based at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio to conduct the feasibility study and obtained input from airmen of all ranks, including active, reserve and National Guard as well as veterans, spouses and support services from the Pentagon and across U.S. bases in 14 states and Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

“In our study, we found this program has the potential to be used across the active U.S. military – including the National Guard, the reserves, veterans and military families — to stay fit and ready while battling loneliness and stress,’’ Amos said.

During the AFWERX showcase, 4empowerment and HealthCode will demonstrate the capabilities of the HealthCode platform to Air Force leadership and key military decision-makers and operators. A link to the virtual booth can be found here.

HealthCode is dedicated to empowering people to live healthier, happier lives free from chronic diseases through education and encouraging physical activity, promoting healthy eating habits, supporting the environment and cultivating community connections.

The HealthCode wellness platform has been successfully deployed in virtual challenges such as the Million Mile Month, Triathlon in a Month, Marathon in a Month and iResolve to raise awareness and help create a healthier, happier global community.

Both 4empowerment and HealthCode are based in Austin, Texas.

Mark your calendars: HealthCode to compete in Philanthropitch Austin starting July 20

Mark your calendars, HealthCode will be competing virtually in Philanthropitch Austin starting July 20.

Steve Amos, HealthCode’s founder and CEO, will take the virtual stage on July 20 and discuss why HealthCode is one of the most innovative nonprofits in Austin.

Philanthropitch, founded in 2013 in Austin, Texas, is a social impact fast-pitch competition that provides nonprofits and social enterprises with access to human and financial capital. Viewers from across the nation will have an opportunity to tune in and support innovative nonprofits.

HealthCode’s three-minute pitch video and question-and-answer session will be available for a week beginning July 20.

Just like Philanthropitch’s ticketed in-person events, audience viewers will have the opportunity to cast their vote by donating a minimum $25 donation to the nonprofit of your choice throughout the week. Tickets are available now at https://www.philanthropitch.org/virtual-event-registration.

HealthCode is dedicated to empowering people to live healthier, happier lives free from chronic diseases through education and encouraging physical activity, promoting healthy eating habits, supporting the environment and cultivating community connections.

Please plan to join and support HeathCode and its  goal of a healthier, more connected global community.

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That’s a wrap: Going the extra mile for a million miles

As millions worked from home to stop the spread of COVID-19, Million Mile Month participants walked, danced and ran the extra mile to hit a million miles as one global community.

In March, with schools, gyms and offices closed and millions of employees began working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode pivoted and kicked off its April Million Mile Month virtual activity event early.

HealthCode’s Million Mile Month is a virtual local-to-global wellness challenge in which participants track  physical activity – from walking to dancing to yoga to gardening – with a goal of reaching 1 million miles collectively as a global community in a month.

By starting early on March 25, HealthCode worked to encourage homebound people to stay active and safely connected as one global community. In addition, HealthCode rebooted the April challenge to launch the inaugural May Million Mile Month challenge.

The result?

The community achieved more than 1 million miles, more than 11.6 million minutes of physical activity and burned more than 70 million calories as of June 2, according to the Million Mile Month results.

These results represent potential health care cost savings of $179,840, said Steve Amos, CEO and founder of HealthCode.

“It has been gratifying to see our global community come together to advance the common goal of staying active and staying healthy as we battle COVID-19,’’ Amos said. “Whether it is across the street or around the globe, the goal of Million Mile Month is about creating connections as we look for ways to adopt healthy lifestyles. While social distancing forced many of us to be even more sedentary, we challenged employers and individuals to take steps to stay motivated and maintain healthy habits.’’

Whether it is an employer looking to develop a culture of wellness or an individual seeing to stay on track, HealthCode offers goal-based challenges with more than 50,000 participants and organizations across all 50 U.S. states and in 30 countries. In addition to Million Mile Month in April, programs include iResolve in January, Triathlon in a Month in July, Marathon in a Month in October and other initiatives.

“This year, to further support people, families, organizations and communities, HealthCode is working to deliver virtual activity events each month from June through December,’’ Amos said. “For instance, we are launching Triathlon in a Month in Training in June so participants can get ready to complete Triathlon in a Month in July.’’

For more information on June’s Triathlon in a Month in-training or other HealthCode events visit: https://events.healthcode.org/events.

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Million Mile Month participants motivated to move more, felt more productive

In an era of state-at-home orders and social distancing, participants in Million Mile Month 2020 reported they were motivated to exercise more and felt more productive at work, according to survey results.

HealthCode’s Million Mile Month is a virtual local-to-global wellness challenge in which participants track physical activity – from walking to dancing to yoga to gardening – with a goal of reaching 1 million miles collectively as a global community in a month.

With schools, gyms and offices closed and millions of employees working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode kicked off Million Mile Month a week early on March 25 and extended Million Mile Month through May 31 to provide an incentive for participants to maintain momentum.

INFOGRAPHIC Million Mile Month 2020

Here is a summary of a survey of Million Mile Month 2020 participants.

“When we launched Million Mile Month in 2014, our goal was to encourage people to move more and become more connected as a community. This year, when people around the world engaged in social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, it has been more important than ever to remain active and connected while battling stress,’’ said Steve Amos, CEO of the nonprofit HealthCode. “These survey results show we are making great strides in promoting active, healthy living in this challenging time.’’

HealthCode surveyed 240 participants April 30-May 1 on their progress. Of respondents,  86 percent reported the challenge motivated them to increase their exercise or physical activity, whether it was logging more miles, taking longer runs, engaging in activity more days a week or simply “getting off the couch in the first place,’’ according to the results of the Million Mile Month 2020 participant via Survey Monkey.

These numbers represent an increase over 2017’s results when 83 percent of reported they were motivated to exercise more, according to HealthCode.

“I am a critical care nurse and this challenge kept my mind off of work and allowed me to focus on fitness, mindfulness, and nature,’’ one participant reported.

In addition, 71 percent reported they felt more productive at work, compared to 65 percent in 2017, results showed.

“It just helped motivate me to stay accountable despite every obstacle in my way,’’ a Million Mile Month participant reported.

In addition, 82 percent of those surveyed said they felt better, which is an increase over 73 percent in 2017.  Of respondents, 54 percent reported they felt motivated to eat healthier, compared to 55 percent in 2017.

Several businesses and other organizations signed up for Million Mile Month to encourage their employees to remain active and healthy and the results show that commitment is paying off.

Survey results show 64 percent of respondents said participating in Million Mile Month increased their overall satisfaction with their company, compared to 57 percent in 2017. Also, 82 percent identified their company as supporting a healthy culture – an increase from 75 percent in 2017.

“I work in HR and have been really focused on providing ways for our employees to stay healthy and connected while working remote or staying socially distanced. Million Mile month provided a great program to help motivate employees and keep everyone connected about the leaderboard,’’ said one participant. “It’s also been great personally. My husband and I are both working remote at this time and we’ve been taking a mile walk together most days. It’s been fun to use that time to connect and to see the cumulative total on the leaderboards when I log those walks.’’

Amos said: “These results underscore that healthy employees are happy, productive employees. We are laying the groundwork for more virtual events this summer, including Triathlon-in-a-Month-in-Training in June and Triathlon in a Month in July to keep up the pace toward healthy lifestyles.’’

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Ready for a reboot? Million Mile Month to kick off again May 1

With millions continuing to work from home to stop the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode is “rebooting” April’s Million Mile Month with a May virtual challenge to encourage people to keep moving and stay healthy.

“In a time when millions are staying at home, we are rebooting Million Mile Month on May 1 to give everyone another incentive to stay active and to maintain healthy habits,’’ said Steve Amos, CEO and founder of HealthCode. “If people missed Million Mile Month this year, this is an opportunity to join the challenge. For current participants, this reboot will enable them to build on their momentum — and raise the bar – while staying active, healthy and connected.’’

HealthCode’s Million Mile Month is a virtual local-to-global wellness challenge in which participants track  physical activity – from walking to dancing to yoga to gardening – with a goal of reaching 1 million miles collectively as a global community in a month.

With schools, gyms and offices closed and millions of employees working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode kicked off Million Mile Month a week early on March 25 and as of April 23, more than 373,000 miles have been logged globally and 26 million calories have been burned.

Research shows getting moving will pay off in the long run.

A new study by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  found higher daily step counts were associated with lower mortality risk for those over 40-years-old.

The study released March 24 tracked 4,800 people over 40 for seven days from 2003 through 2006. They then followed them for mortality through 2015. Researchers found those taking 8,000 steps per day lowered their mortality risk by 51 percent while taking 12,000 steps per day was associated with a 65 percent lower risk compared to those taking just 4,000 steps, according to a CDC news release.

Janet Fulton, Ph.D., of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. , said: “Being physically active has many benefits, including reducing a person’s risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. And on a daily basis, it can help people feel better and sleep better.’’

Registration is now open for the May Million Mile Month challenge. Participants  can sign up on the Million Mile Month registration page and log miles or minutes on the HealthCode online activity tracker. Throughout the month, the program leaderboard is updated with miles achieved globally. Participants can join as an individual or as part of an organization.

There is no cost to participate. However, 10 percent of optional registration donations will go to support food banks through  Feeding America.

Amos said: “Social distancing is forcing us to be even more sedentary and isolated. Right now, it is more important than ever to provide an incentive for individuals to take steps to stay motivated while battling stress and remaining connected with colleagues, friends and family.’’

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Staying home? Central Texas Leaders Encourage Texans to Get Moving with Million Mile Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact

Stefanie Scott

stefanie@stefscottpr.com

Staying home? Central Texas Leaders Encourage Texans to Get Moving with Million Mile Month

Virtual Challenge Encourages Global Community to Keep Moving Amid COVID-19

AUSTIN, Texas (April 1, 2020) – With people around the world and across Texas working at home amid the coronavirus outbreak, Central Texas leaders and health care professionals are encouraging Texans to stay active and healthy with Million Mile Month.

HealthCode’s Million Mile Month is a virtual local-to-global wellness challenge in which participants track  physical activity – from walking to dancing to yoga to gardening – with a goal of reaching 1 million miles collectively as a global community in the month of April.

With schools, gyms and offices closed and millions of employees working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode kicked off Million Mile Month a week early on March 25.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt and Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr. along with health care leaders are encouraging Central Texans staying at home to remain physically active keep moving to stay healthy and engaged with the community.

“The Million Mile Month is a fun way to keep people active and connected while safe at home,’’ Adler said. “At a time when we are asking folks to stay home and reduce contact, this virtual competition provides inspiration to keep us moving while providing an important sense of connection to the Austin community.” 

Participating in Million Mile Month is simple. Participants sign up on  Million Mile Month registration page at https://events.healthcode.org/mmm2020 and log miles or minutes on the HealthCode online activity tracker. Throughout the month, the program leaderboard is updated with miles achieved globally. Participants can join as an individual or as part of an organization. Employers and other organizations can register at https://events.healthcode.org/wellness.

Marcia Ory, director of Texas A&M University’s Center for Public Health and Aging, said: “The current mandated COVID-19 social distancing guidelines are key to stopping the spread of the virus. Everyone should be following the recommended CDC guidelines.  But don’t forget – one of the best things people of all ages can do to maintain physical and mental health is to stay physically active and socially connected.” 

“HealthCode’s Million Mile Month is a perfect way to stay both physically active and socially connected while abiding by CDC guidelines. So, get moving and have fun with virtual friends,’’ Ory said.

Dr. Jeff Hutchinson, an adolescent physician with People’s Community Clinic and former interim chair of pediatrics and associate dean with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, said: “In this time of physical distancing, it is easy to feel socially isolated. An activity that help us feel connected like HeathCode’s Million Mile Month is a perfect example of staying connected and staying active. Community and physical activity are the key to overcoming the challenges of our time.’’

Steve Amos, CEO and founder of HealthCode, said: “Whether it is across the street or around the globe, the goal of Million Mile Month is about creating connections while we engage in healthy living. While social distancing and quarantining is forcing us to be even more sedentary, we are challenging employers and individuals to take steps to stay motivated and maintain healthy habits while battling stress and remaining connected with colleagues, friends and family.’’ 

HealthCode is committed to raising awareness on living healthier, happier lives through physical activity, nutrition and the environment. Since launching the first Million Mile Month challenge in 2014, HealthCode’s programs have grown.

Whether it is an employer looking to develop a culture of wellness or an individual seeing to stay on track, HealthCode offers quarterly goal-based challenges with more than 50,000 participants and organizations across all 50 U.S. states and in 30 countries. In addition to Million Mile Month in April, programs include iResolve in January, Triathlon in a Month in July, Marathon in a Month in October and other initiatives.

About HealthCode

HealthCode, a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to empowering people to live healthier, happier lives through education and encouraging physical activity, promoting healthy eating habits, supporting the environment and cultivating community connections. For more information visit https://healthcode.org.

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Calling all NBA fans – show your spirit and keep moving with Million Mile Month

Are you missing the sizzling competition of the NBA?

With NBA basketball games suspended and with much of the United States taking social distancing measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode is stepping up to provide an opportunity for NBA fans to support their favorite teams while working to stay healthy as they participate in Million Mile Month.

The Million Mile Month is a virtual local-to-global wellness challenge in which participants track physical activity – from walking to running to cycling to yoga – with a goal of reaching 1 million miles collectively as a global community by April 30.

“By setting up the NBA fans pages, we have created a fun and real-time alternative to one of the most disappointing outcomes of social distancing – the suspension of the NBA season,’’ said Steve Amos, CEO and founder of HealthCode. “The NBA has led the charge to be responsible and healthy. With Million Mile Month, NBA fans can satisfy that craving for competition while working to stay healthy, active and connected. “

With schools, gyms and offices closed and millions of employees working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode is kicking off April’s Million Mile Month a week early  today (March 25) to encourage everyone to keep moving and stay healthy.

Signing up for Million Mile Month is simple. Participants sign up on the Million Mile Month registration page and log miles or minutes on the HealthCode online activity tracker.

When NBA fans register for Million Mile Month, they have the option to pick their organization – “NBA Fans’’ – and they are then select their team.

Throughout the month, the program leaderboard is updated with miles achieved globally by individuals and teams. Fans can keep track of how their team is performing and how they stack up against other NBA fans on their team’s leaderboard and on the public leaderboard.

Million Mile Month NBA fans are encouraged to follow HealthCode on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram and show their spirit with photos sporting their favorite teams’ apparel with their Million Mile Month race bib or shirt using the hashtag #MMMiam2020 and #MMMiamNBA.

“As a nonprofit, HealthCode is committed to raising awareness on living healthier, happier lives and weaving connected thriving communities. In this challenging time, it is more important than ever to be active and socially connected – but in a safe way,’’ Amos said. “With social distancing and quarantining, we run the risk of becoming even more sedentary and participating in Million Mile Month is a healthy option to remain active and connected.’’

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Working from home? Million Mile Month to Kick Off March 25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact:

Stefanie Scott

stefanie@stefscottpr.com

Working from home? Million Mile Month to Kick Off March 25

Virtual Challenge Encourages Global Community to Keep Moving Amid COVID-19

AUSTIN, Texas – With people around the world staying indoors amid the coronavirus outbreak, HealthCode is kicking off April’s Million Mile Month early to encourage everyone to keep moving and stay healthy.

HealthCode’s Million Mile Month is a virtual wellness challenge in which participants track  physical activity – from walking to running to cycling to yoga – with a goal of reaching 1 million miles collectively as a global community by April 30.

With schools, gyms and offices closed and millions of employees working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19, HealthCode is kicking off Million Mile Month a week early on March 25.

“Nothing is more important than the health and wellbeing of our communities around the world as we battle COVID-19,’’ said Steve Amos, CEO and founder of HealthCode. “Still, social distancing and quarantining is forcing us to be even more sedentary and even more socially isolated. We are kicking off Million Mile Month a week early to give people and organizations an opportunity to maintain healthy habits while battling stress and remaining connected with colleagues, friends and family.’’

Whether it is an employer seeking to promote a culture of wellness or an individual wanting to stay healthy and motivated, the goal of Million Mile Month is to engage in healthy living and connect with the global community.

Million Mile Month is simple. Participants sign up on the Million Mile Month registration page and log miles or minutes on the HealthCode online activity tracker. Throughout the month, the program leaderboard is updated with miles achieved globally. Participants can join as an individual or as an organization.

Organizations can register at https://events.healthcode.org/wellness.

HealthCode is committed to raising awareness on living healthier, happier lives through physical activity, nutrition and the environment. Since launching the first Million Mile Month challenge in 2014, HealthCode’s programs have expanded.

HealthCode offers quarterly activity events with more than 50,000 participants and organizations across all 50 U.S. states and in 30 countries. In addition to Million Mile Month in April, programs include iResolve in January, Triathlon in a Month in July and Marathon in a Month in October.

About HealthCode

HealthCode, a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to empowering people to live healthier, happier lives through education and raising awareness on the benefits of physical activity, nutrition, the environment and community connections. For more information visit https://healthcode.org.

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HealthCode®’s Marathon in a Month participants surpass goal for calories burned

Participants in HealthCode’s Marathon in a Month burned more than 21 million calories – more than double the goal.

In Marathon in a Month, HealthCode’s virtual gala throughout the month of October, participants were challenged to complete 26, 50 or 100 miles of physical activity through the activity of their choice, including walking, running or swimming. This year. HealthCode challenged participants to burn a collective 10 million calories throughout the month. Complete results can be found on the Marathon in a Month leaderboard.

“At HealthCode we are dedicated to empowering people around the world to live healthier, happier lives, free from preventable chronic diseases,’’ said Steve Amos, executive director of HealthCode. “This October, we focused on burning – versus consuming – calories through Marathon in a Month. Our participants far surpassed our expectations.’’

Of 4,458 registrants in Marathon a Month, participants from 47 U.S. states and territories completed 4.1 miles of physical activity and burned an estimated 21.8 million calories, according a survey of Marathon in a Month participants.

Moreover, participants reported they felt motivated to continue to exercise and embrace healthy living.

“This entire program keeps me motivated to keep walking and become a healthier person,” said one participant. “It’s fun to compete with people within our organization.”

Another participant said: “I lost my mom this year to heart disease. It has made me rethink my lifestyle.”

Other Marathon in a Month participants said the program helped them to set goals and get back on track with an exercise routine.

“It has helped set a goal, then crush the goal. I am eating healthier and constantly making sure I meet the miles I have set for myself daily,” the participant said.

Some groups competed against other organizations.

Susan Robinson, program coordinator with the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services employee wellness program said: “It helped for us to have challenged another agency because I think most of our employees have already reached their goals a week ago”.

Whether it is an employer fostering a culture of wellness or an individual wanting to stay healthy and motivated, HealthCode sponsors creates activity challenges throughout the year and works with organizations of all sizes to encourage healthy lifestyles.  The events include iResolve™ in January, Million Mile Month™ in April, Triathlon in a Month™ in July and Marathon in a Month™ in October.

Registration is open for January’s iResolve program. For more information visit: https://events.healthcode.org/events

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