The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce (GNHCC) and its Quinnipiac Chamber affiliate will partner with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care to challenge area businesses to help their employees get into better shape as spring rounds into summer this year.
The first-ever “Chamber Wellness Challenge” (CWC), an initiative of the chamber’s Health Care & Life Sciences Council, begins next Sunday (March 15) and continues through Friday, June 12.
The Challenge is open to all businesses, not just GNHCC members. Managed by Eric Thompson of Blue Back Health and Shana Schneider of Fitstyle by Shana, the program is focused on the health benefits associated with walking and teamwork. Over the 90-day span of the event, groups of three to five workers from each participating company will team up to walk at least 450,000 steps. Participants will record their activity in the CWC portal using compatible apps and wearable devices. All teams and individuals who reach the goal will be entered to win prizes.
In addition to the competitive team walking challenge, the CWC will also include a series of weekly wellness events hosted by area businesses and chamber members. The weekly events are expected to focus on wellness elements including mental health, financial well-being and nutrition.
The first weekly challenge will take place next Wednesday (March 18) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Led by Fitstyle by Shana, the event will include a walking tour of Yale and downtown New Haven and a healthy happy hour at b Natural Kitchen + Bar.
Using a wellness technology platform provided by Blue Back Health, participants will record their progress, learn about upcoming events, and discover strategies for living a healthier life.
“Now that the initial motivation from the start of the new year has started to wane, it’s the perfect time to encourage people to stay focused on making healthy choices,” said Garrett Sheehan, president and CEO of New Haven and Quinnipiac chambers. “A motivating factor for us in implementing this wellness challenge is helping create a healthier workforce for organizations in the New Haven region.”
To learn more about the Chamber Wellness Challenge and to register, visit www.gnhcc.com/events.
