Mapping the health and wellness of the UK’s universities

June 25, 2014 - PRLog -- London, UK-Comparatively, how healthy is Britain?Not very, according to the European League Table, published in the Lancet medical journal. The table,which is comprised of data collected over a 20 year period, found that of 19 European countries studied for population health, Britain came out 12th. This leaves us trailing behind the struggling economies of Greece and Ireland, which isn't particularly encouraging.

That's why this yeariGlobalWellness, the UK's foremost provider of corporate wellness programmes, is leading the way with a ground-breaking new initiative.

Throughout the year iGlobalWellness has been running a series of ‘Stay Active Challenges' targeting individual industries in Britain. Through these challenges Chief Executive Russell Tomlin is determined to improve the health and productivity of Britain's 29 million strong workforce.

Last year, the broader Education Sector Challenge made startling inroads into getting educational institutions more active.73% of previous participants reported an improved ability to manage stress and 64% reported having more energy at work.To date, Sheffield University is leading universities with an average daily activity increase of 58%, and by focusing specifically on universities this year’s Challenge aims to deliver a more targeted programme and ultimately to help university staff to achieve even more.

The Universities Challenge will begin on the 27^thOctober and its aimis for university employees to achieve a more active and healthy lifestyle by making long term positive changes to their behaviour.

Teams of 5 enter into the Challenge, competing against each other over a 6-week period. Participants are challenged to increase their daily activity levels as much as possible and to prove that theirs is the most active university in the UK. Its simple, the team and the university with the biggest activity increases win.

Participants wear the iAM, a revolutionary activity monitor developed by iGlobalWellness, which measures speed and intensity of movement, combined with calorie burn and metabolic data. Its much more than an old fashioned pedometer - every type of activity can be measured and converted into points.

Participants receive support form a Personal Wellness coach as well as nutrition and dietary advice, and regular tips on how to get and stay active.

The information gathered from theUniversities Challenge will provide a valuable pool of data on the health, wellness and activity level of the sector. iGlobal Wellness plans to use this data not just to help universities boost their productivity, but also as part of a broad study to provide essential insight into the health and wellbeing of the UK.

TheUniversities Stay Active Challenge begins on27^th October 2014. For more information or to sign up visitwww.stayactivechallenge.com.

About iGlobalWellness

iGlobalWellness is a leading supplier of the next generation of corporate wellness programmes.Where other programmes may engage only a small group of people, iGlobalWellness' programmes have been specifically designed to get ALL employees involved. They are inclusive, engaging, sustainable and most importantly fun.iGW uses advanced technology, interactive web resources and personalised support to encourage staff to become more active and develop healthier lifestyles.

For press enquiries please call + 44 (0) 20 8150 3455 or emailbelinda.keller@nilmot.com

Find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/iGlobalWellness

Follow us on Twitter as @iGlobalWellness