America on the Move
leads March Health Plus activities
America on the Move to be part of festivities
Here’s some of what’s coming up at Health Plus, the Vanderbilt staff and faculty wellness program. The Health Plus exercise center is in Memorial Gym.
America on the Move
Throughout March, Vanderbilt is participating in a program called America On the Move at Vanderbilt, an initiative that seeks to inspire Vanderbilt faculty and staff to engage in fun, simple ways to become more active and eat more healthfully to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The program is free and participants receive a pedometer, tracking tools, quarterly newsletters, and motivational e-mails. Participants can elect to participate in a challenge buddy program, monthly weight checks, and an e-mail reminder program. Participants may complete the six walking routes by tracking steps or minutes of activity via the pedometer and be eligible for small prizes and compete for the grand prize.
Other America on the Move events include:
• Heart-Healthy Eating Made Easy, March 15, 407 Light Hall, noon-1 p.m.
• How To Become and STAY Motivated For Exercise, March 29, 214 Light Hall, noon-1 p.m.
• The Courtyard Café and Children’s Way Café will have select nutritious dishes marked with a heart logo throughout March.
Faculty and Staff Swim Nights
The next Health Plus Faculty and Staff Swim Night is scheduled for Friday, March 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center Pool. Participants should wear their bathing suit and bring a towel—and their staff ID. It’s OK to bring along the whole family or to invite a guest.
Babies and You
Babies and You is a prenatal program offered to full time faculty and staff and their dependents. Sign up for Babies and You within the first trimester of pregnancy and your baby will be eligible to receive a $100 savings bond (taxable) when he or she is born.
The upcoming Babies and You class is:
March. 15: “Child Care, What to Look For,” presented by Rhonda Laird, Edgehill Site Coordinator, Vanderbilt Child Care Center.
The class will be held in 411 Light Hall from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
To get more information or to register for Babies and You classes, call Lisa Conner at 343-9623.
Life Phase Series
The Life Phase series showcases speakers who have ideas to help staff and faculty balance work and home responsibilities. This month’s Life Phase series is titled “Healthy Heart Eating,” and will be held Thursday, March. 15, in 407 Light Hall from noon to 1 p.m.
Swim School under way
The 40th year of the Vanderbilt Swim School is about to get under way. There are a wide variety of classes and times from swimmers of all ages and abilities. Group lessons begin on March 17, and classes are offered through Aug. 3. All classes are held at the Campus Recreation Pool. For more information, call Laurie Nygren, Health Plus aquatics director, at 322-7946, or check the aquatics section of the Health Plus Web site at www.vanderbilt.edu/swimschool.
The Lap It Up Club
The Health Plus Lap It Up Club rewards lap swimmers, helps them increase the distance they swim, and helps them reach personal goals. Swimmers record the number of laps they swim each time they visit any pool. The top 10 swimmers of the month are posted on the Health Plus Web site, and swimmers receive prizes for achieved milestones, ranging from a fin key chain to a stopwatch. For detailed program and registration information, check the Health Plus Web site at www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpaquatics.htm or call Aquatics Director Laurie Nygren at 322-7946.
Get Ready for the Walking Club
The Health Plus walking club will meet every Wednesday at noon at the Medical Center North shuttle drop off to walk for 30 minutes beginning April 4. The Walking Club has been extended to eight weeks and will meet from April 4 through May 30.
You can print a log sheet from our Web site and keep up with your miles. A Health Plus golf umbrella will be the prize for everyone who walks 75 miles during the eight weeks—a little less than 2 miles per day. You are allowed to wear a pedometer during the day and use this to record your miles per day. When using a pedometer, use the formula 2,000 steps equals one mile. Everyone will turn in their log sheets on May 30, and then a celebration will be held at Health Plus on June 6 from noon until 1p.m. for prize handouts. You do not need to sign up in advance. Just show up on the first day or any Wednesday between April 4 and May 30. Contact Lori Cowan at lori.l.cowan@vanderbilt.edu or 343-8943 for details.
Health Plus offers Wellness Coaching
Health Plus is offering full-time Vanderbilt faculty and staff wellness coaching through the services of Stacey Kendrick, Lisa Connor, R.N., and Madeline Garr, who are intrinsic coaches. You may be wondering “what is wellness coaching?” First, think of the definition of the word “wellness.” Wellness is a healthy balance of the mind, body, and spirit and is achieved by making the choices to take action to live a healthier lifestyle. Now, think of the definition of “coach.” What is a “coach” in this context? A coach is someone who supports people as they identify and follow through on their goals. When you combine these two definitions, you have an idea of what wellness coaching is.
What happens in a Wellness Coaching session? A coaching session begins with a confidential conversation in an atmosphere of trust and respect. The coach asks questions that help the individual explore and identify his or her wellness goal. The first and most important question is “What is important to you about your health?” You set the goal and identify the next steps you want to take to reach that goal. We invite you to take advantage of wellness coaching as a choice in developing a wellness plan. Please call 343-8943 to make an appointment.
Self Care class in PRB March 6
Most of the time when you get sick or injured, you’ll recover without special medical care. But how do you know when medical care is necessary?
In the “Self Care Techniques” class, offered through Health Plus, you will learn:
• How to prevent and treat common health problems
• Step-by-step procedures that outline how to know when to seek medical attention
• How to identify the best health care provider for your condition
Class attendees will receive a free copy of Healthy Life: Self-Care Guide, a manual published by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
The Self Care Techniques class will take place Tuesday, March 6, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Preston Research Building, room 206.
Pre-registration is not required.