2:15 p.m., March 24, 2009----Healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices are the focus of Healthy Hens, a new online wellness program introduced by the University of Delaware's Student Health Service, with support from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP.

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"Healthy Hens is focused on creating healthy HENS, through the promotion of Healthy Exercise, Nutrition and Sleep," says Dr. Joseph Siebold, director of the Student Health Service.

Healthy Hens is designed to:

* Identify, educate and assist all students in need of health and wellness services and lifestyle changes;

* Assist students in meeting personal goals through the support of health care professionals and peer interactions; and

* Foster lifelong healthy behaviors that will aid in improving self-esteem and body image, and in chronic disease prevention.

University of Delaware students, faculty and staff and parents can access an online health risk assessment, “My Student Body,” from a link on the Student Health Service Web site.

Through Healthy Hens, UD students complete the online assessment and then bring the completed questionnaire to the Student Health Service in Laurel hall, where they will receive a gift card. This gift card is available for students only.

Participating students will be given the opportunity to join one of the Health Service's various peer-led fitness programs. Appointments can be made with a nurse practitioner if a fitness exam or health education is needed.

In addition, there are special incentives. Besides getting fit and healthy, students who stay in the Healthy HENS program until the end of the semester will be eligible for a prize drawing - bikes, sporting goods gift certificates, Main Street dining certificates, workouts at a local fitness center and more.

"Healthy Hens is designed to help students get fit, look and feel healthier, while also meeting new people and having fun while exercising," Siebold said. "We are grateful to AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP for providing funding to make it possible.

To learn more about Healthy Hens, visit the SHS Web site.