Programs

Healthy for Life has a number of programs going on all across the state. Programs address exercise, weight management, tobacco cessation, stress reduction and other areas. In general, programs focus on benefit-eligible employees, their spouses and retirees but many programs are open to all employees. Programs are free or at low cost. For more information e-mail Healthy for Life.

• Discounts
• Eat For Life
• Million Step Pedometer Program
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
• Noon-Time Meditation
• Ride to Wellness Odometer Program
• Screenings
• Tobacco Cessation
• Weight Watchers at Work

Discounts

The University of Missouri does not endorse the following vendors. Please check with the individual business to ensure accuracy.

• MU/UMHC
• UMKC
• Missouri S&T
• UMSL (coming soon)

Eat for Life

What is Eat for Life?
Eat for Life is a 10-week program that helps participants learn to have a healthy relationship with their food and their bodies.  It is taught in group classes and it is offered online over Blackboard.
This is not your regular weight loss program. In fact, the first thing you will be asked to do is throw out your diets and begin to learn how to use the wisdom of your body to guide how you eat, what you eat and how you relate and use your body. By using mindfulness and mind-body practices such as meditation and yoga you begin to be able to distinguish between physical and emotional feelings and gain a sense of body wisdom. 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, then this may be the program for you. This program is based on the principles of mindfulness (learned through meditation exercises and practicing mindfulness in everyday life), the principles of intuitive eating as outlined in the book "Intuitive Eating" by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch and other educational information related to how, what and why we eat the way we do. 

Who enrolls in Eat for Life?
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, then this may be the program for you.

When is it offered?
In person programs are offered every semester on the MU campus and once a year in St. Louis and Kansas City.  There is an online version of the program that is available every semester for people on all four campuses.

Where can I find it on my campus?
The program location will be announced when you enroll in a specific program as locations are subject to change. Please contact Lynn Rossy, Ph.D. for more information.

Who teaches Eat for Life?
Lynn Rossy, Ph.D., health psychologist for Healthy for Life, teaches most of the classes and other teachers participate as needed.

What fees are involved?
There is a $60 materials fee (includes CDs and books), $20 to be refunded if you attend 9 of 10 classes or you use the discussion board 9 out of 10 weeks during the online course. To enroll or for more information, please contact Lynn Rossy, Ph.D.

Million Step Pedometer Program

What is this program?
This program is designed to get faculty and staff at the University of Missouri moving. All across the state employees are embracing this program and counting their steps. Participants purchase a $15 pedometer via campus mail or by stopping in at a Healthy for Life office on campus. We take cash or check made payable to Healthy for Life. For your $15, you will get a pedometer and log book. Document your daily steps on the book and once you reach 1 million, turn in back in to Healthy for Life. You get to keep the pedometer and you'll receive a T-shirt, certificate and a $15 refund (which will be direct deposited into your bank account).

Who can participate?
Faculty, staff and retirees of the University, as well as their immediate family members.

Has anyone completed the program?
Yes, we've had lots of people reach a million and a few who've even gone to 5 million.

Is there a deadline to reach 1 million?
No. However long it takes you to get there is up to you.

If I am playing a sport, does my pedometer keep track?
Pedometers, while great, are likely to skip a few steps here and there. If you want credit for the work you've put in, check out this Step Equivalents Web page.

Coming soon…
Hall of Fame

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction?
MBSR is designed to help change your relationship with stress and begin to live a more conscious life in order to make choices and engage in behaviors that increase your vitality, effectiveness and happiness. The eight-week program includes weekly two-hour classes plus a full day retreat (MU Campus only)(9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Classes include instruction in formal mindfulness practices (meditation, body scan, mindful yoga and walking meditation). Weekly practice assignments to do at home help develop mindfulness skills and help take mindfulness into everyday life. Regular class attendance and a commitment of 30 to 45 minutes of practice per day for the entire duration of the course are required. CDs of the body scan, sitting meditation and yoga and a manual will be provided.  Since its inception, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programs have been used with groups around the world as diverse as corporate employees, CEOs, educators, students (grade school through college), attorneys, judges, correctional staff, prison inmates, health care professionals, members of the clergy and Olympic and professional athletes - including the world champion Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers basketball teams.

Who enrolls in MBSR?
Any faculty, staff or family member who would like to respond with more skill and creativity to life's stresses. Participants commit to regular practice and class attendance.

How often is it offered?
The program is generally offered three times a year on the Columbia campus and is offered in Kansas City and St. Louis once a year.

Where can I find it on my campus?
The program location will be announced when you enroll in a specific program as locations are subject to change. Please contact Lynn Rossy, Ph.D. for more information.

Who teaches it?
Lynn Rossy, Ph.D., health psychologist for Healthy for Life, teaches most of the classes and other teachers participate as needed.

What fees are involved?
There is a $40 materials fee for all enrollees. Those who attend all but one class will receive a $20 refund. To enroll or for more information, contact Lynn Rossy, Ph.D.

Noon-Time Meditation

What is Stress Reduction Meditation?
Stress Reduction Meditation is a 30-minute (12:15 to 12:45 p.m.) guided meditation session held on the MU campus. Sessions occur each week during the regular school year. Click here for a schedule.

Who takes Stress Reduction Meditation?
All students, faculty, staff and their families are welcome and no previous experience with meditation is necessary.

How often is Stress Reduction Meditation offered?
Click here for up-to-date information.

Where can I find Stress Reduction Meditation on my campus?
Click here for up-to-date information.

Who teaches Stress Reduction Meditation?
Trained facilitators lead stress reduction meditation sessions.

What fees are involved?
This program is free of charge. There is no need to register - you can simply attend a session. For more information, please contact Lynn Rossy, Ph.D.

Ride to Wellness Odometer Program

What is this program?
This program is designed to get faculty and staff at the University of Missouri moving. All across the state employees are embracing this program and counting their miles. Participants purchase a $20 (our cost) odometer via campus mail or by stopping in at a Healthy for Life office on campus. We take cash or check made payable to Healthy for Life. For your $20, you will get an odometer and log book. Document your daily miles on the book and once you reach 500 miles, turn in back in to Healthy for Life. You get to keep the odometer and you'll receive a T-shirt, certificate and a $20 refund (which will be direct deposited into your bank account).

Who can participate?
Faculty, staff and retirees of the university as well as their immediate family members.

Is there a deadline to reach 500 miles?
No. However long it takes you to get there is up to you.

What if I am riding a stationary bike, can I count those miles?
Of course! Healthy for Life wants you to be active no matter the avenue.

Screenings

Healthy for Life provides screenings for faculty, staff and retirees throughout the year at health fairs to address blood pressure, cholesterol, height and weight.

BMI

A healthy BMI is lower than 25. Between 25-30 is classified as overweight, and those with a BMI greater than 30 are classified as obese.
Excess weight can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes and high cholesterol to name a few. If you experience any of those issues or have concerns about your BMI, contact your physician.
To calculate Body Mass Index, click here.

Blood pressure

• What is a healthy BP? 120/80.
• What can I do if I have high blood pressure? See a physician.
• How does it affect my health? Increase risk for heart disease, stroke and heart attack.
• Download a log to keep track of your numbers over time.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring soft waxy substance in all of the body's cells. The body needs approximately 1,000 milligrams a day for good health.
The risk of death from coronary heart disease increases with the rise in blood cholesterol levels. Just as increased levels predict heart attack risk, decreased levels forecast a reduction in risk. For more information click here.

Flu Shots

Why get a flu shot?
Flu shots decrease your chances of getting the flu virus. Annual flu shots are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).Though the flu vaccine strains may change year to year, the vaccines are effective in preventing the influenza and its complications.

Who should get a flu shot?
Groups that are at increased risk for influenza related complications, including those age 65 years or older, children aged 6-23 months, pregnant women, persons with certain chronic conditions. Age 50-64 years because this group has an elevated prevalence of certain chronic conditions Persons who live with or care for persons at high risk, i.e. health care workers, household contacts who have frequent contact with persons at high risk and who can transmit influenza to persons at high risk. Vaccination is associated with reductions in influenza related respiratory illness and physician visits among all age groups, hospitalizations and death among persons at risk, otitis media in children, work absenteeism among adults.

Where can I get one on my campus?
Flu shots are provided annually at UM Wellness Fairs and Flu Clinics. Look for the announcements for exact times and locations.

How much does it cost?
UM Faculty & Staff Benefits provides FREE flu shots to UM Choice Health Care members who provide a copy of their insurance card. Others can receive a flu shot for a fee.

When are they being offered?
The end of October through November.

Tobacco Cessation

UM Choice Health Care Program members
All campuses

• FREE QuitNet Smoking Cessation Program offered to UM Choice Health Care Program members including telephonic counseling sessions, web access and e-mail support. To enroll contact QuitNet (1-866-577-8210 or www.coventrywellbeing.com)
• Selected Smoking Cessation medications are available through the UM Prescription Drug program with a prescription from your physician. Covered medications include:
• Buproprion SR (generic)-formulary
• Chantix-formulary
• Contact your physician or ExpressScripts Customer Service at 1-800-955-1201 for more information.
• How to quit questions, call or e-mail Healthy for Life's nurse manager, Armine Alioto, R.N., at (573) 884-1439.

Non-UM Choice Health Care Program members
MU/UMHC

• Boone County Health Department's One-on-One counseling and one month FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Call (573) 874-7355
• Freedom From Smoking classes, call or e-mail Jim at (573) 884-3141 OR call or e-mail Julie with the Phoenix Program at (573) 875-8880
• American Lung Association
• Nicotine Anonymous, call or e-mail Jim at (573) 884-3141
• Missouri Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) offers telephone coaching and resource materials
• National Cancer Institute (1-877-44U-QUIT) offers telephone support for quitting smoking at no charge

UMSL

• St. Louis County provides worksite smoking cessation program and information on tobacco and secondhand smoke
• American Lung Association
• Missouri Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) offers telephone coaching and resource materials
• National Cancer Institute (1-877-44U-QUIT) offers telephone support for quitting smoking at no charge
• Siteman Cancer Center offers a six-week program that covers behavior modification, stress reduction and relapse prevention. Participants must attend all sessions; Cost is $45. Program is held on Siteman's main campus. For more information, call (314) 362-7844.

Missouri S&T

• Missouri Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) offers telephone coaching and resource materials
• National Cancer Institute (1-877-44U-QUIT) offers telephone support for quitting smoking at no charge
• Phelps County Regional Medical Center offers a tobacco cessation clinic for a fee and minimum class size. There are seven classes per session to address nicotine cravings and triggers, modify behavior patterns, set realistic goals for tobacco cessation and provide information on nutrition needs. For more information, call (573) 458-8899.

UMKC

• Missouri Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) offers telephone coaching and resource materials
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment quit line, provided by the American Cancer Society, offers screenings, counseling, support materials and referrals for tobacco cessation assistance. Services are offered in English and Spanish (1-866-KAN-STOP or 1-800-QUIT-NOW)
• National Cancer Institute (1-877-44U-QUIT) offers telephone support for quitting smoking at no charge
• Greater Kansas City area:
• Independence Health Department - two locations, Independence, MO. Freedom from Smoking classes, eight weekly sessions for $25. Call Karen VanFleet or Joanie Shover at (816) 325-7185
• Jackson County Health Department - 313 S. Liberty, Independence, MO. Call Alisa Smith for 2009 class schedule at (816) 404-6413.
• North Kansas City Hospital - 2800 Clay Edwards Drive, North Kansas City, MO. Freedom from Smoking classes, six sessions (twice a week) for $50. Call Sharon Ambrosi at (816) 691-1688.
• Olathe Medical Center - 20333 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS. Freedom from Smoking classes, four 1-1/2 hour sessions for $75 (or $100 for two people). Call Susan Keeney at (913) 477-8384.
• Overland Park Regional Medical Center - 10500 Quivira, Overland Park, KS. Freedom from Smoking classes, $75 per person or $50 each for two people. Call Sandy Hayob at (913) 541-5471.
• Providence Medical Center - 8929 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS. Stop Smoking classes, four sessions (twice weekly) for FREE. Call (913) 281-7777 or Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at (913) 596-4950.
• Shawnee Mission Medical Center - 9100 W. 74th St., Shawnee Mission, KS. Smoking Cessation Now class, nine sessions for $110. Call (913) 676-7777 press #2 for class registration desk.
• St. Luke's Hospital - Center for Health Enhancement, 4200 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO. No Smoke class, nine 1-hour sessions (for one month) for $110. Call (816) 932-6220 or Carol McKay at (816) 932-3260.
• Truman Medical Center - 2301 Holmes, Kansas City, MO. Freedom from Smoking class, eight weekly 1-hour sessions for $35. Call Margaret White or Karen Henderson at (816) 404-5495.
• VA Medical Center - 4801 Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Tobacco Cessation Clinic for eligible veterans, three 1-1/2 hour sessions for FREE. Call Dr. Richy at (816) 922-2641.
• Ed Golden, Psychologist - 1208 N.E. Tucker Court, Blue Springs, MO. Individual Counseling for $75 per hour. Call (816) 225-6867.

Weight Watchers at Work

Weight Watchers at Work classes are generally offered during the lunch hour, but can be offered before or after normal work hours. Participants will attend a weekly class for 13 weeks at the same time and location for the duration of the session. For more information about the Weight Watchers program, click here.
Faculty and staff who attend all but one class can return a completed booklet to Healthy for Life at 205 Heinkel Building or by fax at (573) 884-3123, Attention: Melissa Willett, for a 25 percent reimbursement. The enrollment fee is also reimbursable through the Flexible Spending Account. Healthy for Life has expanded the refund option to include attendance at off-campus sites and online. This will allow faculty and staff who do not have a class in their area or do not have a schedule conducive to attending a meeting, to participate.

How do I get a class in my area?
Healthy for Life is always looking to expand the Weight Watchers program. To do so, we'll need to locate a room that can seat 15-20 people and will be available at the same time each week for 14 weeks (this includes the open house meeting). After we find a room, we need to ensure 15 people sign up for the program or the class will not continue.

How do I enroll?
To sign up, participants need to bring $156 in the form of cash, check or credit card. If you pay with check you can use the EZ pay program through Weight Watchers, where you can write out three checks for $52 each and they will be deposited once a month during your session. To see a current listing of classes, click on one of the following locations: MU, UMKC, Missouri S&T or UMSL.

More information about the program
Those who enroll in the at-work program you can expect the same experience as if attending one of the centers - peer support, nutritional education and exercise suggestions.

Flexible Spending Account Refund for Weight Watchers Classes
This is the most important part to getting a reimbursement through the Flexible Spending Account. You must be attending for an existing medical condition, which obesity is an approved condition. You need your physician to fill out this letter and sign and date it. The letter is good for one year from that date. You also need to attach a copy of your Weight Watcher booklet with your weigh-in amount and the dates. The last part is you will need a letter from your instructor saying how much you paid and when you joined.

• Information about FSA
• Claim Form Letter (This is the letter to mail in your claim and there is an address where to send it at the bottom).