General
Individuals
Businesses, Organizations, and Healthcare Providers
General
What is Princeton Living Well (PLW)?
Princeton Living Well (PLW) is a multifaceted healthy lifestyle program designed to promote diabetes prevention, weight control, and general wellness throughout the entire Princeton community. Our goal is to help individuals achieve a healthier lifestyle by providing:
- Information through this community-based Web site, online tools and resources, and the PLW newsletter.
- Incentives through a rewards program – developed with a University of Minnesota epidemiological research team – and discounts received when purchasing healthy products and services from local businesses.
- Support by involving all segments of the community – residents, retail businesses, restaurants, healthcare providers, and local organizations.
PLW is a pilot program, initially supported by a grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health. The project was developed and implemented by Viocare, Inc., a Princeton-based healthcare software development company, with researchers and healthcare specialist associated with Yale University, the University of Minnesota, and Drexel University. Viocare is now making this program available across the country.
What is “Living Well?”
“Living Well” is a way of life that integrates healthy eating and physical activity into your daily routine. Individuals are encouraged to do this by:
- Choosing healthy meals at home and at their favorite restaurants
- Purchasing healthy foods, products, and services
- Participating in healthy activities and events sponsored by PLW partner organizations
- Engaging in daily physical activity such as walking, riding a bike, doing yard work, and using recreation facilities and fitness centers
- Learning how to live a healthier life
What is a “Living Well” community?
A “Living Well” community provides the information, incentives, and support individuals need to integrate healthy eating and physical activity into their daily lives. The goal is to develop healthier lifestyle habits in the real-world community.
- “Living Well” partner restaurants offer special healthy meals on their menus.
- “Living Well” partner retailers give discounts and special coupons on the purchase of healthy foods, products, and services, as well as redeem members' reward points.
- “Living Well” partner organizations provide healthy local activities and events and offer reward points for participating.
- This “Living Well” community Web site provides information about local businesses, organizations, and events, as well as healthy lifestyle tools and resources.
Each healthy choice that individuals make on a daily basis is encouraged by the information, incentives, and support provided by the “Living Well” community.
The Princeton Living Well community serves those who live or work in the entire Princeton area, including Princeton Borough, Princeton Township, Cranbury, East Windsor, Hamilton, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township, Lawrenceville, Montgomery, Pennington, Plainsboro, South Brunswick, and West Windsor.
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Who created PLW?
PLW was developed and implemented by Viocare, Inc., a Princeton-based healthcare software development company. The project was developed with researchers and healthcare specialists associated with Yale University, the University of Minnesota, and Drexel University. Initial support is provided by a grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health.
Why was PLW created?
PLW was created out of the urgent need to halt the obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemic that is plaguing this country. Trials such as the Diabetes Prevention Program have established that lifestyle changes are successful in diabetes prevention, but poor diet and the lack of physical activity in the real world have put a large population at risk for these conditions. The PLW team believes that through real-world community intervention, individuals can control their weight, prevent diabetes, and achieve and maintain general wellness. PLW is a pilot to determine the success of this program to improve the diet and physical activity patterns of communities.
Who are PLW partners and how can I identify them?
PLW partners are restaurants, retailers, and local profit and non-profit organizations that work closely with the PLW team to implement various healthy lifestyle programs in the community.
- Partner restaurants feature special healthy meals on their menus.
- Partner retailers offer discounts and coupons for the purchase of healthy foods, products, and services.
- Partner organizations provide healthy lifestyle activities and events and offer reward points for participating.
Partners are identified by the PLW logo in the Community Listings “yellow pages” on this Web site. Partners also have a decal on the front window of their businesses.
What types of information and resources does PLW provide?
Through local businesses and organizations and this community-based Web site, PLW members can access the following types of information and resources:
- A Community Calendar of health-related local events and activities.
- The Community Listings “yellow pages,” a comprehensive list of local restaurants, businesses, organizations, healthcare providers, and other resources.
- A wealth of current and archived Articles about health and wellness.
- A Health Blog to view and reply to columns from local dieticians and health professionals.
- Forums to organize activities, locate a support group, find an exercise partner, and network with members of the community.
- Health and wellness Tips and local and national News.
- Links to local and national health resources.
- News and updates about the community – volunteer needs, the schools, what’s fresh at local markets, and more.
- A PLW Newsletter and Email notices about PLW news and events.
- Health Tools that let you calculate, record, and track personal data and statistics, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), energy requirements, weight, and pedometer steps.
- Coupons and Special Deals at PLW partner businesses.
- Reward Points earned by participating in healthy activities and events. Points are redeemed by PLW for gift certificates, gift cards, and other items from local PLW partner businesses.
Is PLW a campaign that only lasts for a period of time?
PLW is not a campaign that lasts for only 6 weeks or 3 months. PLW is about permanent lifestyle change. The goal is for all segments of the community – residents, retail businesses, restaurants, healthcare providers, and local organizations – to come together on a permanent basis to achieve healthier individuals and a healthier Princeton.
Where can I get more information about PLW?
To get more information, you can contact the PLW team by email or at:
Princeton Living Well
Viocare, Inc.
145 Witherspoon Street
Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: 609.497.4600 ext. 11
Fax: 609.497.0660
Individuals
Why should I join PLW?
Anyone who wants to lead a healthier life is encouraged to join this revolutionary program. But for some, achieving a healthy lifestyle is much more vital. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, are concerned about weight gain, or struggle with obesity, PLW could be the answer. PLW will help you achieve a healthier lifestyle by providing the support of the real-world community where you live and work. Join to get information, earn rewards and discounts, and connect with the community – local residents, retail businesses, restaurants, healthcare providers, and organizations.
What is the cost to join?
The cost of a Basic Membership is FREE. As a Basic Member you have access to all the information and tools you need to get started.
To earn a 2008 Premium Membership, just earn 2500 PLW reward points online or in the community. We will automatically upgrade you to a 2008 Premium Membership. A Premium Membership includes all Basic Member Benefits plus the opportunity to redeem reward points, receive special deals, and use the Living Well Navigator online tool. Once you are a Premium Member, we will send you a PLW member card. Use your member card to redeem reward points and obtain discounts at participating local businesses.
How do I become a PLW member?
To join PLW, just register on this website as a Basic Member. A Basic Membership is FREE. When you register, simply enter your name and email address and select a user name and password.
What do I do after I become a PLW member?
After you register as a Basic Member:
- Get Information and Support – Become more informed about how to live a healthier life. Read the PLW newsletter. Visit the PLW community Web site to view healthy articles and news, view and reply to blogs and forums, find out about local healthy activities and events, find out about local businesses and organizations, and use the online tools and resources.
- Take Action and Get Support – Eat healthy meals at PLW partner restaurants. Purchase healthy foods, products, and services at PLW partner businesses. Participate in local healthy activities and events run by PLW partner organizations. Engage in daily physical activity such as walking, riding a bike, doing yard work, and using local recreation facilities and PLW partner fitness centers. Use the Forums on the PLW community Web site to connect with your community – organize activities, locate a support group, find an exercise partner, and network with others.
- Receive Incentives – Earn reward points online by completing your Profile, referring a friend, tracking your activity, tracking your weight, and participating in our online community by commenting on and rating Articles, posting and replying to Forum messages, and commenting on Health Blogs. Participate healthy activities and events sponsored by PLW partners. When you have earned enough points and are automatically upgraded to a Premium Membership, you will receive a PLW member card. Show your member card to receive discounts, coupons, and special deals at PLW partner retailers. As a Premium Member, redeem reward points online for rewards offered by PLW partner businesses.
- Live Well – Integrate healthy eating and physical activity into your daily routine so that you eat well, are fit, and live well.
I don’t live in Princeton. Can I still join as a member?
PLW serves the entire Princeton area, including Princeton Borough, Princeton Township, Cranbury, East Windsor, Hamilton, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township, Lawrenceville, Montgomery, Pennington, Plainsboro, South Brunswick, and West Windsor. If you live or work in these areas, you are welcome to join Princeton Living Well.
Businesses, Organizations, and Healthcare Providers
Why should my business or organization join PLW?
PLW is designed to help Princeton area residents develop a healthier lifestyle through real-world community intervention. The goal is to have local businesses and organizations provide support and financial incentives that motivate individuals to take steps to improve their diet, increase their physical activity, and achieve general wellness. In return, local businesses, community organizations, and healthcare providers gain exposure and increased business opportunities with PLW members.
How can my business or organization participate with PLW?
Local businesses, community organizations, and healthcare providers can participate with PLW in several ways:
- Register – If your business does not already have a listing, contact us to register for a free standard listing (name, address, and phone number) in our Community Listings “yellow pages.”
- 2008 Partner – 2008 partnerships are free. Work closely with the PLW team to implement healthy lifestyle programs in the community. Participate in the PLW member rewards program and offer discounts to members. You will be upgraded to a highlighted or spotlight Community Listing. You will also receive a your own web page on the PLW web site and You will be included in advertisements, mailings, and other media campaigns to encourage members to use your business or organization.
- Advertise – During 2008 banner ads are free to PLW business partners. Contact us to get a banner ad on the PLW Web site.
- Sponsor – Sponsor an event, a campaign, or an area on the PLW Web site.
To get more information, you can contact the PLW team by email or at:
Princeton Living Well
Viocare, Inc.
145 Witherspoon Street
Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: 609.497.4600 ext. 19
Fax: 609.497.0660
What is the cost to participate?
The cost depends on your level of participation. Call (609.497.4600 ext. 19) or email the PLW team for more information.
How does my business or organization register with PLW?
Many businesses already have a free Standard Listing on the Community Listings “yellow pages.” If you would like to get a free Standard Listing, want to upgrade your business listing, or want to find out about partner, advertiser, and sponsor opportunities, call (609.497.4600 ext. 19) or email the PLW team.
If you would like to join yourself as an individual member, just register on this website as a FREE Basic Member.
What do I do once my business or organization joins PLW?
Once your business, organization, or healthcare provider has a free Standard Listing on the Community Listings “yellow pages," you also have the option to:
- Choose Your Upgrade Level – To increase your visibility, upgrade to a highlighted or spotlight Community Listing. With an upgrade, you also receive a PLW basic membership and your own Web page on the PLW Web site. We will work with you to edit the content on this Web page. To upgrade, call (609.497.4600 ext. 19) or email the PLW team.
- Find Out How to Advertise with PLW – To become a PLW advertiser, call (609.497.4600 ext. 19) or email the PLW team.
- Find Out How to Become a PLW Partner – To become a program partner and participate in the rewards program, offer discounts to members, and be included in advertisements, mailings, and other media campaigns, call (609.497.4600 ext. 19) or email the PLW team.
- Find Out How to Become a PLW Sponsor – To become a PLW sponsor, call (609.497.4600 ext. 19) or email the PLW team.
- Live Well – Integrate healthy eating and physical activity into your own daily routine so that you eat well, are fit, and live well.
What are the benefits of becoming a PLW partner?
As a PLW partner, you’ll be making an immediate impact on people in your very own community, all while helping to grow your own business. Other benefits include:
- High level community exposure via advertisements, mailings and other media campaigns
- Window cling identifying your business as a PLW partner
- Spotlight Community Listing on the PLW Web site
- A Web page on the PLW Web site for your business
- Participation in a no-hassle rewards program that encourages consumers to remain loyal to you and continue to purchase goods and/or services from your business
My business or organization is not in Princeton. Can I still participate?
PLW serves the entire Princeton area, including Princeton Borough, Princeton Township, Cranbury, East Windsor, Hamilton, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township, Lawrenceville, Montgomery, Pennington, Plainsboro, South Brunswick, and West Windsor. If your business or organization is located in these areas, you are welcome to participate in Princeton Living Well.