Humana's Online Games Make A Case For Health

The holiday season is generally time for people to pack on pounds, but Humana is hoping that their selection of games on Facebook and HumanaGames.com, a website set up in May by the health insurance company as a way to explore how to use games and technology to further messages of health. "Freewheelin' Cycle Challenge," on HumanaGames.com is inspired by the company's bike-sharing program. In the online game, users race against virtual opponents such as a cheerleader or Marine drill sergeant in a bicycle race. Energy and speed are gained by capturing nutritious snacks while running over junk food. The game is being promoted through information and blogs on popular casual gaming sites, and can be emailed for maximum viral effect. "The Battle of the Bulge" is available on Facebook. Through the social networking site, users answer a few questions and are assigned a virtual waistline. Through the Facebook network, other users can "fling fat" at you, which would expand your waistline and lead to a possible online heart attack. Answering health-related questions correctly can shrink the size of the virtual waistline and enable you to throw fat at your friends.