Healthy for Life Update


Climate Survey
Please take a few minutes to share your personal experiences at the University of Missouri! This climate survey is designed to provide information about both positive and challenging aspects of our climate. We welcome your experiences, your observations, and any suggestions for change that might enhance the climate.

All of your answers will remain confidential, and the results will be reported in group form only. You will not be identifiable as an individual. Your participation in this project is voluntary. This research has been reviewed and approved by the University of Missouri Institutional Review Board. Additional information about the project is available online.

I urge you to take the 20-30 minutes needed to answer the questions by going to umurl.us/climate


NEW! Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class – Enrollment Opens Wednesday, 12/14/16
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is an in-person 8-week program that helps participants learn to manage today’s busy lifestyles in a healthy way. Learn how to change your relationship with stress, live a more conscious life in order to make choices, and engage in behaviors that increase your vitality, effectiveness, and happiness.

When: January 25, 2017 – March 22, 2017; Full-day retreat on March 11

Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm  

Registration: Online

Cost: $40 for faculty, staff, and retirees. Spouses or partners can join with you free of charge if they use the same materials. Includes all classes, a manual, DVD, and CD. $20 rebate if you attend a minimum of 7 out of 8 classes.

For more information please contact David Burks at dburks@gmail.com.

First time participants are eligible for 100 Wellness Incentive points. Contact wellness@umsystem.edu for questions.


NEW! Microsoft Access Boot Camp
DoIT Training is teaching Microsoft Access on January 23-25. Take all Access classes in one week, the only time it will be offered this semester. Credly badges and Wellness Points are available for these classes.

When: January 23 – 25, 2017 

Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm  

Location: 25 Arts & Sciences Building

Registration: Online

As a Healthy for Life sponsored workshop, eligible employees may earn 25 points for participation in the Access Boot Camp. There are a maximum of 100 points possible for this category. Contact wellness@umsystem.edu for questions. 


NEW! Healthy Holiday Habits Brought to you by the American Cancer Society
The holidays can be a tough time to stick to healthy eating goals. But if your traditions involve baking, a few simple ingredient changes can help you cut some of the sugar, fat, and calories – without sacrificing the taste. This year, make some new baking traditions by adapting your family recipes with these tips:

  • Substitute whole-wheat flour for up to half of the white flour called for in the recipe.
  • Make muffins using oatmeal, bran, or whole-wheat flour.
  • Reduce the fat by ¼ (if a recipe calls for 1 cup of oil, use ¾ cup). You can also reduce the sugar by ¼.
  • If making sweet breads, such as banana bread or zucchini bread, cut the oil in half and replace with an equal amount of applesauce, mashed banana, or even canned pumpkin.
  • If a recipe calls for nuts, use half the amount and toast the nuts (whole, not chopped). This intensifies the flavor and saves on calories.
  • Replace half the eggs with egg whites, using 2 egg whites per egg. (If a recipe calls for 2 eggs, use 1 whole egg and 2 egg whites.)
  • Grease the pan with non-stick spray instead of butter.
  • Substitute evaporated skim milk for whole milk or cream.

Start new traditions with healthy recipes from the American Cancer Society.


Stay Connected with Healthy for Life
A healthy, positive lifestyle requires openness, awareness, and consistent effort. Healthy for Life is committed to ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to learn about and engage in activities that support your wellbeing. Click here to sign up for e-mails regarding Healthy for Life programs.


2017 Wellness Incentive
How will you improve your wellness? Earn up to $450 for taking steps to
improve your health. Visit http://umurl.us/incentive for more information.