Danny McKissack, a facility and service grounds manager, has worked at Vanderbilt for 35 years. He encourages staff in his department to complete Go for the Gold every year.
“At first, I started doing Go for the Gold as a way to get an exercise routine going,” McKissack said. “It helped make me more disciplined and gave me something to reach for. The Health Risk Assessment helps you know where you are with your health. There’s a lot more value in the next step, when you do Know Your Numbers and learn about blood pressure. I enjoy the different Game Plan for Your Health videos and hearing stories about what people at Vanderbilt do for good health.
“This past year, I used my credit toward the Health Plan, but next year I will apply my credit toward membership at the Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center,” he said. “I encourage others to do Go for the Gold for the education part of it and for the health incentive.”
McKissack had a heart attack in 1996 and has exercised regularly ever since.
“After that, a healthy lifestyle was a must,” he said. “For me, exercise relieves stress. When I exercise after work, I drive home with a different, more relaxed mindset. It’s a way of life for me now. You’ve got to be really committed, and it pays off.”
To share your Go for the Gold success story, contact Health Plus.
Ready to get started? Click here to complete your 2014 Go for the Gold. The Go for the Gold deadline is midnight on Oct. 31.
A wellness credit of up to $240 is available to faculty and staff who pay for a Vanderbilt health plan. The credit will take effect Jan. 1, 2015.
Go for the Gold levels:
- Bronze ($120) – Complete the Health Risk Assessment.
- Silver ($180) – Complete the Health Risk Assessment + Wellness Actions Log.
- Gold ($240) – Complete the Health Risk Assessment + Wellness Actions Log + Game Plan for Your Health.
The wellness credit may be applied to your health plan account or toward a membership at the Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center in 2015. You will have the opportunity to tell us how you want to use your credit when you select your benefits through Open Enrollment.
Read more about Go for the Gold.