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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I register for the Vitality program?
  2. How is my information protected?
  3. Who will see my personal information?
  4. Do I need an email address to participate in the Vitality program?
  5. What are Vitality Points and Bucks?
  6. What is a HRA?
  7. Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Glucose - Will I have to provide my health numbers?
  8. Will Vitality reward past screeings?
  9. What is Blue, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum status?
  10. What is a partnered gym?
  11. How do I register as a partnered gym member (24 Hour Fitness, Curves, or Golds Gym of Modesto, Oakdale or Stockton) and receive a subsidy?
  12. How do I earn Vitality Bucks when I workout at home, on my own, or at a non-partnered gym?
  13. What is a verified workout?
  14. What is a Fitbug?
  15. What is a polar heart rate monitor?
  16. What is the value of using a Fitbug, a polar heart rate monitor, or other Vitality compatible fitness device?
  17. Will I receive additional Vitality Points when I go to a partnered gym and use a fitness device?
  18. What are the various ways I can earn Vitality Bucks and improve my health?
  19. How do I contact Vitality?
  20. Vitality Forms

Answers

1. How do I register for the Vitality program?

Go to: www.powerofvitality.com

When registering with Vitality for the first time, you will be required to enter the last four digits of your external reference number (in the place of the last four digits of your SSN). You can find your external reference number in the upper left hand corner of your pay check stub, located in the SSN field. (See illustration.)

2. How is my information protected?

The Vitality Group is a recipient of Protected Health Information (PHI) and is required to comply with contractual requirements and state and federal legislation regarding the reporting of security breaches. Business controls have been implemented to ensure that the Vitality Group delivers on all these requirements.

Vitality has a central security storage hosted in the Novell Identity Management Server. The central repository pushes all customer application data to the various security stores, like AD and Oracle. All information is transmitted to Vitality via a secure and protected network communication (SSL). The application to application integration is ensured through the use of a homegrown Kerberos security framework.

3. Who will see my personal information?

Much like a bank, Vitality's customer service staff may access your general information in order to serve you. The Vitality Group is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), which protects the privacy of individual identifiable health information. The Vitality Group will report the utilization and health improvements of our organization as a whole, but will not report the personal health status of an individual.

4. Do I need an email address to participate in the Vitality program?

No, you do not need an email address to participate in the Vitality program. However, if you provide one, you will receive updates and information from Vitality.

5. What are Vitality Points and Bucks?

You earn Vitality Points when you take care of yourself by maintaining or improving your health. For every Vitality Point you earn, you will earn a Vitality Buck redeemable for real merchandise and entertainment section. Check the ENJOY section, of the Vitality website, for merchandise offered on the Vitality Mall.

6. What is a HRA?

HRA, or Health Risk Assessment, is a 15 to 20 minute questionnaire to help you identify your current health status and your readiness to change certain behaviors to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Once completed, you will earn 1,000 Vitality Points, receive health goals and a path outlined to achieve your optimum health.

7. Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Glucose - Will I have to provide my health numbers?

No, you do not need to provide your health numbers on your HRA. However, the more information you give on your HRA, the more Vitality can provide meaningful health goals.

If you know your numbers, include them on your HRA and follow up with sending the verified information to Vitality. You earn Vitality Points for sending verified information and additional points when your numbers are within a healthy range.

If you do not know your numbers, use the "I don't know" response on the HRA. Vitality will encourage you to schedule an appointment with your physician and will reward you with Vitality Points when you do.

Additional points are rewarded when your verified test results show that you are in a healthy range.

8. Will Vitality reward past screenings?

You earn rewards for any past preventive care done within one-year prior to September 1, 2010 (excluding flu vaccinations and dental screenings as these are done annually).

Recent preventive care, flu shots, dental cleanings, and biometric screenings (cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, glucose, and BMI) are rewarded when you submit your verification within 90 days of the scheduled appointment.

When your cholesterol and glucose numbers are in range (you have no risk factors or associated goals to reduce or maintain) the results you send to Vitality will be good for 2 years and you will not be prompted to get another screening for these numbers.

9. What is Blue, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Vitality status?

The more you participate in the Vitality program the more Vitality Points you earn and Vitality Bucks you can spend. This in turn increases your Vitality status. As your status increases, from Blue to Bronze, Bronze to Silver, etc., you become eligible for additional incentives, including discounts on the Vitality Mall and a greater subsidy for a partnered gym membership.

Vitality status:

  • Blue - logged on to Vitality
  • Bronze 1,000 Vitality Points earned - (completed the HRA and started tracking activity) eligible for a $15 partnered gym subsidy
  • Silver 2,500 Vitality Points earned - eligible for $20 partnered gym subsidy and 10% off on the Vitality Mall
  • Gold 6,000 Vitality Points earned - eligible for $25 partnered gym subsidy and 20% off on the Vitality Mall
  • Platinum 10,000 Vitality Points earned - eligible for $35 partnered gym subsidy and 40% off on the Vitality Mall

10. What is a partnered gym?

The SCCOE Ridder Park fitness center (free to all SCCOE regular permanent staff), 24 Hour Fitness, Curves, or Golds Gym of Modesto, Oakdale or Stockton are partnered with Vitality. These gyms track utilization (your workouts) and send this information directly to Vitality for you.

11. How do I register as a partnered gym member (24 Hour Fitness, Curves, or Golds Gym of Modesto, Oakdale or Stockton) and receive a subsidy?

To receive a partnered gym subsidy you must:

  • Earn the minimum Vitality Bronze status level by registering on the Vitality website and completing the HRA
  • Not already a partnered gym member? Go to the Vitality website click on the ENGAGE tab, FITNESS, and GYM LOCATOR to find the nearest partnered gym, contact the gym and choose the membership that fits your style and budget.
  • Already a partnered gym member? Click here for step-by-step instructions to link your membership to Vitality and receive verified tracked workouts and earn Vitality Bucks (you do not have to change your membership). Visit the Vitality website and click on ENGAGE, FITNESS, PARTNER HEALTH CLUB and REGISTER HERE to link your membership and sign-up for your subsidy. You will need to provide your Vitality member id number and bank account information.
  • Enjoy and use your gym membership a minimum of 24 visits over a 3-month period (average of 2 times per week) to receive the subsidy.

Your gym usage will automatically be tracked when you check-in at the partnered gym and you will receive both Vitality Bucks for your workouts and real dollars to subsidize your gym fees (provided that your gym utilization meets the requirements of 24 visits over a 3-month period).

Gym members receive the following subsidy:

  • Bronze status - up to $15/month,
  • Silver status - up to $20/month,
  • Gold status - up to $25/month, and
  • Platinum status - up to $35/month

12. How do I earn Vitality Bucks when I workout at home, on my own, or at a non-partnered gym?

This is considered a non-verified workout. To maximize your points, successfully complete a scheduled workout. To schedule a workout go to the Healthy Habits section of the Vitality website and click on the PLAN, HEALTHY HABITS, ADD NEW, and choose WORKOUT from the drop down menu.

13. What is a verified workout?

A verified workout is an exercise session that is electronically tracked by the Vitality Group and will earn you 10 Vitality Bucks versus a non-verified workout which earns you 5 Bucks. There are a few ways to get a verified workout; workout at a partnered gym (SCCOE Ridder Park fitness center, 24 Hour Fitness, Curves, or Golds Gym of Modesto, Oakdale or Stockton) or use a tracking device (Fitbug, polar heart rate monitor, etc.) that uploads your information directly to the Vitality site or coming soon, iPhone users will have an option to use a Vitality application.

Verified and tracked workouts earn additional 15 Vitality Bucks for the 1st workout within the week and 40 Vitality Bucks for the 5th in the same week (Monday-Sunday).

Click here for a list of other compatible devices to help you track and verify your workouts.

14. What is a Fitbug?

Fitbug is a sophisticated pedometer that tracks your steps. The information on the Fitbug is downloadable to the Vitality website. If you are beginning an individual exercise program and want to be rewarded for a verified workout, this might be a great option for you. The Fitbug can be used for a variety of exercise such as walking, running, biking, tennis, etc. but is not waterproof and cannot be used to track swim workouts. Vitality will consider a workout verified and grant 10 Vitality Bucks only when you have recorded 10,000+ steps in a given day. For more information about how to achieve 10k steps a day go to: www.thewalkingsite.com

Visit www.fitbug.com/powerofvitality for more information on Fitbug and how to purchase using Vitality Bucks or real dollar. Or for a group rate click here and contact Tricia Zamora at or call 453-3616 to order.

15. What is a polar heart rate monitor?

Polar heart rate monitors are tools used to track the intensity of your workout. They track your cardiovascular fitness progress and download the information to the Vitality website so you earn more Vitality Bucks for a verified workout. Most polar heart rate monitors are waterproof and can track swim workouts. If you are currently exercising at a moderate to high intensity level on your own, for example a brisk walk, jog or run, cycling, or tennis, or if you are using gym equipment, this is probably a good device for you. You will earn Vitality Bucks for every workout that is 30 minutes or longer at an intensity of 60% of your maximum heart rate. You may purchase a polar heart rate monitor at a store that sells sports equipment or on the Vitality website.

If you are interested in getting a polar heart rate monitor at a group rate, click here for pricing information. To order a device, contact Tricia Zamora at or call 453-3616.

16. What is the value of using a Fitbug, a polar heart rate monitor, or other Vitality compatible fitness device?

Vitality compatible devices electronically track your workout sessions, upload the information directly to Vitality and earn you more Vitality Bucks.

Using Vitality compatible devices are considered a verified workout when you:

  • Workout at a non-partnered gym
  • Workout your own (walking, jogging, running, biking, swimming, etc.)
  • Combine workouts at a partnered gym (Ridder Park fitness center, 24 Hour Fitness or Curves) and on your own totaling 5 verified workouts within a week (Monday-Sunday).

17. Will I receive additional Vitality Points when I go to a partnered gym and use a fitness device?

No, you will not receive extra Vitality Bucks when you use a fitness device and exercise at a partnered gym at the same time. You will receive 10 Vitality Bucks total for a verified workout.

18. What are the various ways I can earn Vitality Points and improve my health?

In addition to working out, there are many other ways you can earn Vitality Points. They include:

Online activities

Complete:
  • The HRA questionnaire
  • A course, campaign, or conversation at the online Vitality Health Campus
  • Or utilize the health tools (for example, the health calculators, quizzes, and questionnaires)

Other Activities (send the verification and completed form to Vitality for credit within 90 days)

Most forms simply require your name, Vitality number, lab results, test screening, athletic sports or event verification.

  • Complete a biometric screening Vitality Check™ with your healthcare provider or pharmacy clinic. Blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose measurements will each earn you Vitality Points.
  • Complete a fitness assessment, with a personal trainer, that follows the Vitality guidelines
  • Get a annual flu vaccination
  • See your healthcare provider for a preventive screening, such as a mammogram or prostate check. Go to the Vitality website for a complete list of screening options
  • Complete an athletic event (5k, 10K, bike race, marathon, etc.). The longer the event, the more Vitality Bucks you earn.
  • Participate in a sports league (softball, soccer, cross country, etc.) or find a complete list of sports activities go to the Vitality website under the ENGAGE tab, FITNESS, ORGANIZED WELLNESS ACTIVITY, click "view more"
  • Participate in a SCCOE sponsored group fitness activity

For more information contact Tricia Zamora by e-mail or at 453-3616.

19. How do I contact Vitality?

Vitality Customer Care Center:

Phone: (877) 224-7117, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Time
Fax: (877) 224-7110
Email: wellness@powerofvitality.com

Click here for the Vitality quick guide, print and keep for your reference.

20. Vitality Forms

 

 

 

 

 

Date last updated: March 21, 2011
 

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