Past Issues

The University's New Wellness Initiative

by Paul Moore
moore182@umn.edu


If you happen to be on the Twin Cities campus over the lunch hour on October 21, and you see a determined gaggle of walkers headed your way, don't panic—in fact, you may want to fall right into step and get your first taste of the new Wellness Initiative.

The Wellness Initiative is a systemwide program designed to help employees improve their physical and mental health, improve morale, and keep healthcare costs down (for both the U and employees).

There's always been interest in doing a wellness program on campus, but the idea really picked up when the University initiated the UPlan in 2002. With the University contracting for its own health plans, it made sense to provide opportunities for employees to improve their health and feel better about themselves. In addition, a study commissioned by the U indicated strong support and interest at all levels for such a program.

It also makes sense to help employees make the most of all the resources around them.

"A company that sells one product has to go completely outside for a program like this," said Karen Chapin, manager of health programs. "But here at the U, we have Boynton, we have the rec center, we have the School of Public Health and all kinds of other organizations already focused on wellness."

Among the first highlights of the Wellness Initiative is the Gopher Health Walk, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on October 21. Walkers will navigate a two-mile route through both the East and West banks, beginning and ending at the McNamara Alumni Center, where a wellness fair will feature information from numerous campus health-related organizations.

Faculty and staff who are covered by the UPlan may also receive a free flu shot this fall, administered by students from the College of Nursing and the School of Pharmacy.

But the University's commitment doesn't stop there. A wellness program manager will start work October 13. The manager will be responsible for developing ongoing programs for employees to improve their health. Programs are expected to focus on three areas: promoting health through things like nutrition, exercise, stress management, and quitting smoking; managing diseases, for people with existing conditions like asthma or diabetes; and promoting smart health care consumer behavior, so employees only pay for what they need, when they need it.

"We really expect this to kick into gear, now that we're getting someone here to bring it all together," said Chapin. She added that the program will be looking for individuals in different colleges, departments, and buildings to serve as wellness coordinators for their particular units.

When everything is up and rolling, maybe students who just took their last final exam won't be the only ones walking around campus with a spring in their step.

* * *

If you're interested in being a wellness coordinator for your unit, contact Karen Chapin at 612-625-1115 or chapi011@hr-mail.ohr.umn.edu