The Step It Up challenge encourages you to be more physically active. You can do any activity and convert it to a step count. Complete the equivalent of 700,000 steps to earn a $100 credit toward your 2015 medical premiums ($200 if you hit 1,400,000 steps!).* So how will you track all this activity? There are three easy ways:

• Sync your Fitbit. Fitbit is a small device that tracks your activity, including steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned and more, depending on the model. Because Fitbit is the only device that syncs automatically to StayWell’s website, using one is the easiest way to track your steps. If you have a Fitbit, simply click on the icon at the top of the Step It Up page. When the window opens, enter your Fitbit email and password to allow Fitbit to share your data with StayWell Online. (You can revoke this permission at any time.) When your Fitbit syncs with the Fitbit website or app, it will automatically sync with StayWell Online, too. Check out the FAQ on the Step It Up page for specific details about the synching process.
  

  If you don’t have a Fitbit, learn more about them at www.fitbit.com. There are several options ranging in price from $59.95 to $129.95, and you can find them easily online or at most major retailers.

• Enter your steps manually. If you have a pedometer or other step-counting device, simply note your step count for the day and enter it in the “enter steps” field of Step It Up on ra.staywell.com.
• Enter your activities using the online calculator. Step It Up allows you to add and track multiple activities each day, including any activities that don’t show up on your Fitbit. On the Step It Up page, click the calculator icon next to the “Track” button. You’ll find a long list of activities to choose from, including aerobics, bicycling, vacuuming, snow shoveling, yoga and Zumba. Select your activity and enter how many minutes you spent on the activity. The calculator will automatically convert your activity to steps for you and add it to your total. Don’t see your activity listed? Contact the StayWell Help Line at 1.800.721.2696 to learn how it converts to steps and see if it can be added.
• Do a combination of any of the above. The Step It Up site will combine manually entered activities and Fitbit steps.

Once you sign up, you can enter activities once a day, once a week or as often as you like, but you can’t enter anything prior to the date you register. Check out the FAQ on the Step It Up page for additional helpful tips. To sign up and start tracking your activity and steps, visit ra.staywell.com today!

*You must complete the Health Risk Questionnaire this fall to be eligible for any incentive.  

Published: February 10, 2014