Improve Your Relationship with Your Food and Your Body – Register for Eat for Life NOW!
Discover the benefits of Eat for Life—an innovative approach to weight management. This 10-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 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.
· In-person course: Orientation: May 27 | Classes: June 3 – Aug 5 (12 – 1 p.m.)
· Online course: Orientation: starting May 30 | Classes: week of June 6 – week of Aug 8.
· Cost:
o $50 for faculty, staff and family ($25 refunded with full participation).
o $180 for community.
· Register: Email Craig Deken at csdk89@mail.missouri.edu.
Program taught by Dr. Lynn Rossy, health psychologist. For more information: watch informational videos or find more details online.
Be Healthier, More Energized, More Productive – Sign Up for Stress Reduction Classes
Helping employees manage stress effectively is a key goal of Healthy for Life. Join this summer’s eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction classes and learn to manage your busy lifestyles in a healthy way. You will learn mindfulness meditation, yoga and body scan as well as important information about stress, communication and wellness. Taught by Dr. Lynn Rossy.
Orientation: Tuesday, June 3, 5:15 p.m.
Classes: Tuesdays, June 10-July 29, 5:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Retreat: Saturday, July 12, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 includes all events, a manual, DVD and CD. $20 refunded if you attend 7 of 8 classes. Spouses or partners can join with you free of charge if they use the same materials.
For more information or to register for the orientation meeting, please contact Craig Deken at csdk89@mail.missouri.edu.
Sign-Up Now for One of the New Fitness Classes Being Offered
With nicer weather just around the corner, now is a great opportunity to get up and start moving. Listed below are just a few of the new fitness classes and walking groups offered to faculty and staff. These walking groups/ fitness classes are being offered at little to no cost. Please visit Healthy for Life’s MU Classes webpage for a list of other classes and information. If you have any questions, please email Sarah Ellis at elliss@umsystem.edu.
· Mar. 17-May 19 (Mondays): Pilates. Townsend, Room 223. Class meets every Monday from 12:10-12:50p.m. Class is taught by Tina Price. No registration is needed. Fee: $3 per class. If you have questions, email Tina at PriceT@missouri.edu.
· Mar. 19-May 21 (Wednesdays): Pilates. Townsend, Room 223; the following dates will be in Townsend Rm. 222: 4/2, 4/16, 4/30. Class meets every Wednesday from 12:10-12:50p.m. Class is taught by Tina Price. No registration is needed. Fee: $3 per class. If you have questions, email Tina at PriceT@missouri.edu.
· Apr. 2 – 30 (Wednesdays): Walking Group. With spring just around the corner, take on this great opportunity to get up and get moving on your lunch break with a 30-minute walk. Meet at Woodrail Building 7 (by the flag pole) for a short walk from 12:30-1:00 p.m. Walking group led by Emily. No registration is needed. Just show up and cost is free! For questions please email Sarah at elliss@umsystem.edu.
· Apr. 3 – May 22 (Thursdays): Zumba. Quarterdeck, Room QD251. Class meets every Tuesday from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Register in advance for $24 for the entire series. Drop-in fee is $5 per class. Class is taught by Megan Jones. For questions and to register, please email Megan at jones.megan004@gmail.com
· Apr. 4 – 25 (Fridays): Walking Group. Meet at Peace Park from 12:30-1:00 p.m. Walking group led by Kailey. No registration is needed just show up and cost is free! For questions please email Sarah at elliss@umsystem.edu.
Getting and Staying Motivated to Change Health Habits
Whether you are trying to control your blood sugar, lose a few pounds or lower your cholesterol, here are some tips that Lynda Johnson, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension, says can help you stay motivated toward your goal.
1. Cherish yourself and your health.
2. Commit to change. Be willing to move in a new direction.
3. Have confidence. Believe in yourself and your ability to change. Have a “can do” attitude.
4. Chart your course. Begin by keeping track of your activity and what you eat for a week
5. Be creative
6. Find a cheerleader.
7. Celebrate your progress.
There is much more to read on this topic published by Missouri Extension. Read the article “Getting and staying motivated to change health habits.”
Keeping Your Memory Sharp
Research has been growing in the areas of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the last 10 to 15 years. Alzheimer’s may have some of the same risk factors as heart disease, but this is an area that needs more research to determine the facts. For recommendations on keeping your memory sharp, read the article “Keeping your memory sharp,” published by Missouri Extension.
Join the Governor's 100 Missouri Miles Challenge
Whether you run, walk, ride, swim or roll, there is a trail or other outdoor venue that can help you meet the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. Join Governor Nixon in the second year of the challenge, and enjoy the benefits of physical activity and Missouri's award-winning trails.
Even if it's just one or two miles to begin with, it doesn't matter how small you start as long as you’re participating. From the paved trails that make a great spot for a sunset stroll to a challenging hike through the wilderness, from paddling on Missouri's water trails to a bike ride along the Katy Trail, there are options for all ages and activity levels.
Last year’s challenge was a huge success. Missourians completed over one million miles of physical activity—activity that triggers endorphins, promotes relaxation, prevents anxiety and depression, improves muscle mass, and improves your balance. Visit the 100 Missouri Miles website to find a trail, find an event and more.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Drinking too much alcohol increases people’s risk of injuries, violence, drowning, liver disease and some types of cancer (CDC, 2013). This April, during Alcohol Awareness Month, Healthy for Life encourages you to educate yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of drinking too much. We can use this month to raise awareness about alcohol abuse and take action to prevent it, both at home and in the community.
If you are drinking too much, you can improve your health by cutting back or quitting. Here are some strategies to help you cut back or stop drinking:
· Limit your drinking to no more than 1 drink a day for women or 2 drinks a day for men.
· Keep track of how much you drink.
· Don’t drink when you are upset.
· Avoid places where people drink a lot.
· Make a list of reasons not to drink.
Check out the resources below for more information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
· Drinking less alcohol can help you lose weight and save money. Learn more about how drinking less can help you: http://1.usa.gov/ZGWQnq
· Go for a walk or catch up with an old friend instead of drinking alcohol. Learn more tips here: http://1.usa.gov/VisRQL
· Have questions about alcohol? You are not alone. The CDC’s Alcohol and Public Health FAQs webpage shares answers: http://1.usa.gov/l5QQv5