Time is Running Out to Earn Your 2014 Wellness Incentive!
There are only 3 health screening events left to earn your $100. At this point, all the appointments have been taken. Anyone who wants to attend the health screening can walk in to any event. However, please note the following:

·         Drink plenty of water to help facilitate a successful visit.

·         Do not eat or drink anything (except water) for 9-12 hours before the screening—this will provide more accurate results.

·         Walk-ins are only accepted between 10 a.m. and noon. Please do not come any earlier than 10 a.m.

Click here to see the remaining calendar of events. All requirements must be met by April 30, 2014, to receive Wellness Incentive funds and/or be placed in the drawing for prizes. In addition, any faculty or staff member who completes both steps will be entered in a drawing to win*:

·         1 of 3 iPad Minis

·         A Samsung Galaxy Tab 3

·         1 of 2 FitBit Flexes

*Prizes are subject to tax by the employee and must be included in the employee’s W-2.  If you are a drawing winner, taxes on the prize value will be withheld from your paycheck. For more information on tax implications of these prizes visit UM’s Awards, Gifts and Prizes webpage.

Design Your Financial Roadmap! Enroll Now in this FREE Online WebinarLife is busy and always changing; you’re meeting partners, starting families, buying homes and more. In the midst of this busyness, don’t let your financial future be overlooked. Now is the time to put aside money to save for the lifestyle you want in your retirement years. Spend one hour this month with experts to learn how to create your financial roadmap. This one hour investment can make the difference in having enough money put away to relax and enjoy your retirement years rather than worrying how to pay the bills.

Attend the FREE workshop to learn ways to protect your hard-earned money by:

• Setting financial goals
• Prioritizing personal savings
• Managing market investments

Several New Fitness Classes Being Offered—Join One Today!\Spring is now here, and it 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.

·         NEW: Apr. 2 – May 7 (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.

·         NEW: 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

·         NEW: 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.

Put Spring in Your Step with Yoga

·         Mondays – 8-week session for $24.00. Held in Missouri Psychiatric Center’s gym, basement. Time: 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19 and June 2.

·         Fridays – 8-week session for $24.00. Held in Missouri Psychiatric Center’s gym, basement. Time: 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. April 11, 18, May 2, 9, 16, 30, June 6 and June 13.

To register, contact Kate Walker at Yogateacher530@gmail.com

Lunch and Learn on April 15
Lunch and Learn series presents: New Lean Me, Italian Cooking, at Campus Facilities, Tuesday, April 15, at noon in room 185 General Services Building. This class is taught by Paula Vandelicht, a Registered Dietician with Hy-Vee. If interested in attending, please contact Kate Walker at WalkerJa@Missouri.edu.

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

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.