From Duke Prospective Health Care Club
Chronic disease is the leading cause of death in Durham. For many of these diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, the adoption of healthy lifestyles can reduce the risk of onset. The goal of the Community Service Committee is to help improve the health and general well being of the local Durham community by engaging in projects that promote the ideas of prospective health care and the translation of these ideas into action.
The Community Service Committee’s major initiative this year is the Prospective Health Challenge. The Prospective Health Challenge is a contest for Duke employees in the service sector to apply the ideas of prevention, personalization, and patient responsibility to their everyday lives. The contest consists of three main components: completion of a Health Risk Assessment, creation of a Personal Health Plan, and achievement of health goals. Participants can earn points as they complete each of these steps.
The Prospective Health Challenge is a partnership between the Duke Prospective Health Care Club and Live for Life, Duke’s official employee health promotion program. Participants can complete each part of the contest by utilizing the various health programs offered by Live for Life. Many of these programs are free to all Duke employees and are offered throughout the year. Examples include Nutrition and Weight Loss and Smoking Cessation.
The contest will be held throughout the year, and the top point earners at the end will receive a prize. The ultimate goal of the Prospective Health Challenge is to motivate people to take a more active approach towards their health, and to connect them with the necessary tools and resources.