UMSL Classes

Eat for Life

Discover the benefits of this innovative approach to weight management.  This ten week program uses mind-body practices (meditations and yoga), the principles of mindful and intuitive eating, skills training, and group support to guide you in making lifestyle changes that will help you create a healthier relationship to your food, mind, and body. If you have a history of chronic dieting, have rigid “healthy” rules about eating, or find yourself eating when you’re stressed, bored, or unhappy, this may be the program for you. 

• Online orientation starts the week of Jan. 23 and the class starts the week of Jan. 30 and runs through week of Apr. 11 (Except Spring Break).  Cost is $50 with a $25 rebate for participation in 9 of the 10 classes.

For more information, contact Rachel Ploskonka at PloskonkaR@missouri.edu or to enroll, click here.

Meditation

Wednesdays, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
FREE
MSC, Room 225
University Health, Wellness and Counseling Services has been offering free weekly Mindfulness Meditation sessions for two years now. Although the group is open to the entire University community, most of the group members are campus staff.  They would like to invite new members to join them in what they have found to be a wonderful antidote to the stress in their lives. It’s a great way to take an emotional vacation in the middle of a hectic week! The half-hour weekly sessions include a brief introduction, a 20-minute guided mindfulness meditation, followed by brief discussion. This group is designed for beginning, as well as experienced meditators. New members are welcome at any time during the semester. If you are new to mindfulness meditation, please call Sharon Biegen or Jamie Linsin at University Health, Wellness and Counseling Services, 516-5711 to arrange for introductory instructions.

Million Step Pedometer Program

This is a non-stop program to address physical activity. Sign up any time and receive a pedometer and log book for $15. Walk 1 million steps and receive your money back, certificate and T-shirt; prizes are being given out for each million up to 5 million. To enroll, mail a $15 check to Healthy for Life at 205 Heinkel Building, Columbia, MO 65211. We will mail your items through Campus Mail. Once you reach each million step mark, mail or e-mail copies of your booklet to Healthy for Life.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Helping employees manage stress effectively is a key goal of Healthy for Life, the Thomas E. Atkins Wellness Program. The wellness program offers eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction classes at minimal cost to employees looking to manage today's busy lifestyles in a healthy way. This 8–week class teaching meditation, yoga and other mind-body techniques for managing stress. For more information about MBSR, visit the Program section of this website. There is a $40 registration fee, $20 reimbursement if you attend seven of the eight classes.

Winter 2012 (UMSL Faculty & Staff)
Classes: Thursdays, Jan. 26-Mar. 22 from 5:15-7:15 p.m.
Location: JC Penney Conference Center

Cost: $40 includes a CD, DVD, and a training manual ($20 to be refunded if you attend 7 of the 8 classes).   Partners, spouses and adult family members can attend free of charge if they use the same materials.

Contact Bridget Rolens at BRIDGET@pathwaystomindfulness.com for more information.

Newsletter

Healthy for Life publishes a monthly newsletter that features the latest wellness happenings on campus. Included are success stories from faculty and staff, healthy recipes, dietitian column and upcoming events. If you would like to receive this publication in your inbox, please e-mail Melissa Willett. If you would like to view past newsletters, navigate to the "Newsletter" link on this Web site.

Ride to Wellness Odometer Program

This is a non-stop program to address physical activity. Sign up any time and receive an odometer and log book for $20. Ride 500 miles and receive your money back, certificate and T-shirt; prizes are being given out for every 500 miles up to 2,500 miles. To enroll, mail a $20 check to Healthy for Life at 205 Heinkel Building, Columbia, MO 65211. We will mail your items through Campus Mail. Once you reach each 500-mile mark, mail or e-mail copies of your booklet to Healthy for Life.

Sport

• St. Louis Run/Walk listings
  This not-for-profit organization encourages running, walking and fitness for persons of all ages and abilities. The club organizes events and posts a lengthy list of runs/walks in the St. Louis area.
• The St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of athletic and outdoor options for adults from hiking to aerobic kickboxing to beginning caving. Check the calendars on this site to find latest happenings.

Stay Strong Stay Healthy

• Stay Strong Stay Healthy is a University of Missouri Extension program for middle-aged and older adults who want to improve their quality of life and stay active. Class size is small with 10 to 20 participants. Enrollment is on first-come basis. For more information, contact University of Missouri Extension at (636) 970-3000. For more information about Stay Strong Stay Healthy or its upcoming classes, visit its website at http://missourifamilies.org/sssh/index.htm.

Tai Chi

Monday – Friday (excluding Wednesdays)
12 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
JC Penney Building
FREE
Tai Chi Qigong (pronounced “tie jee chee kung”) practice is a blending of meditation, breathing, and slow fluid movements all incorporated into a 30-minute set with an emphasis on the breathing. This practice is suitable for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels. The movements can easily be modified to accommodate an individual’s physical/medical conditions. Tai Chi Qigong is good for improving balance, flexibility, lung function, and muscle strength in addition to being a wonderful relaxation technique. The instructor (Linda Gatson) guides participants through the practice with both verbal and visual cues.  Participation is on a drop-in basis and new members are welcome at any time throughout the year.  No previous experience or special clothing is needed. This practice is open to all UMSL faculty, staff, and students and is free of charge.  During nice weather, some practices may also be held outdoors by Bugg Lake. To receive a weekly email with practice dates, times, and locations please contact Linda Gatson at gatsonl@umsl.edu or (314) 516-5091

Walking Groups

Walking Group-North Campus
Monday-Friday
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
During the warm months, meet at the Wayne Goode statue by the Millennium Student Center Lakes. During inclement weather or cooler months, meet on the third floor of the Millennium Student Center and walk laps with the group. There’s no need to register, just show up. It’s a great way to meet people and get your day started on a positive note. If you have questions, please contact Wellness Ambassadors Faith Lucas at 516-5090 or Rachel Sommerer at 516-6551. *Note: this group does not meet on holidays.

Walking Group-South Campus
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Meet in Marillac Hall to walk with a group three days a week, regardless of weather. There’s no need to register, just show up. It’s a great way to meet people and get your day started on a positive note. If you have questions, please contact Wellness Ambassadors Diane Herbst at 516-5791 or Mary Brown at 516-6016. *Note: this group does not meet on holidays.

Weight Watchers

• Millennium Student Center, Room 225
  Tuesdays 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
  This is a 13-week course to address nutrition, physical activity and peer support. The enrollment fee is $156 for 13 weeks, join mid-session for prorated fee. All faculty and staff who attend 12 of the 13 classes receive 25 percent reimbursement of enrollment fee. For questions, e-mail Wellness.
• Online Program
  www.weightwatchers.com, anytime
  Healthy for Life recognizes that many employees won't be able to join at At-Work meeting, so the wellness program is extending its 25 percent rebate to all faculty and staff who enroll in a three-month Weight Watchers Online course for $65. Experience peer support from the comfort of your home or office. Miss no more than one week logging your weight and qualify for the rebate. Turn in your completed log to Melissa Willett, 205 Heinkel Building, Columbia, MO, 65211.
• Community Centers
  www.weightwatchers.com, Join anytime
  Healthy for Life extends its 25 percent rebate to faculty and staff who enroll in a three-month Weight Watchers at a local community center and miss no more than one meeting. Experience peer support at your convenience. If you enroll at a community center, please contact Melissa Willett to qualify for rebate. Turn in your completed log to Melissa, 205 Heinkel Building, Columbia, MO, 65211.

Wellness Ambassadors

This is an ongoing program that allows you to enroll anytime. Wellness Ambassadors are those people who are eager to help spread the wellness word to their colleagues, friends and family. They spend 5 minutes a week to forward an e-mail, mention an event or program during a staff meeting, encourage healthy behaviors, etc. Some Ambassadors spend more time promoting wellness by staffing a booth during a health fair, leading a class or coming up with great ideas for new programs. If this sounds like something you are interested in, please contact Wellness.