(Batesville, Ark.) — White River Health System (WRHS) participated in the Blue & You Fitness Challenge March 1 through May 31.  More than 150 banks, churches, companies, schools, and organizations are represented each year.  The Blue & You Fitness Challenge is a program of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Arkansas Department of Human Services, and the Arkansas Department of Health.

The three-month challenge encouraged participants to exercise and make choices for a healthier lifestyle. Participants logged their exercise online throughout the challenge. Each exercise was assigned a specific point value. Participants earned up to three points per day.    

Throughout WRHS, 159 employees registered for the challenge.  In order to complete the challenge, the participants earned a minimum of 30 points.  The maximum number points available were 270.  WHRS Human Resources offered incentives to employees who completed the challenge.  The winners of the drawing were selected on June 8th.  White River Medical Center (WRMC) Chaplain D. L. “Doc” Spurlin, Pastoral Care Coordinator received the $250 top prize while Stephanie Weatherford, Coding Department; Amy Finster, Dietary; and Audrey Gillmore, Clinic Administration each received  $50 Wal-Mart gift cards.

Cindy Finley, WRMC Employee Health Nurse, Group Administrator for the Blue & You Fitness Challenge, plans to offer the challenge to all employees annually to encourage employees to choose a healthier lifestyle.

WRHS is a not-for-profit healthcare system serving residents throughout North Central Arkansas.  The system includes hospitals, outpatient facilities, primary care and specialty physician office practices, and senior life centers.  White River Health System is a member of the Premier Alliance, the American Hospital Association, and the Arkansas Hospital Association and licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health.