Healthy Boiler

Virtual ‘HealthKick’ program focuses on physical activity, nutrition, more to create long-term healthy behaviors

“HealthKick” – a six-week virtual education program, which addresses physical activity, nutrition education, creating healthy habits and decreasing stress (with the goal of those habits becoming long-term behaviors) – is another program offered via the Center for Healthy Living (CHL). The program is available to all benefits-eligible employees on the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest (Hammond and Westville) campuses. ) In 2020, 39 Purdue employees participated in HealthKick.

The program is based on daily videos (approximately five minutes in length), delivered via text or email (based on preference), Monday through Friday for the program’s six-week time period. Additionally, the program has four, built-in, one-on-one health coaching sessions, which are established at the beginning of the program.

Participants are required to complete a survey at the end of each week that will help provide insight into the health journey of each individual. Health coaches receive the weekly surveys and reach out personally every week to offer support and encouragement; health coaches also will be available for in-person or telephonic health coaching appointments as needed.

“Feedback from employees has asked for more virtual and telephonic program options,” said Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits in Human Resources. “HealthKick is one way we can begin to fulfill those requests while also supporting the Healthy Boiler Program and its physical health pillar, which champions health education and more to help individuals achieve lasting physical health and well-being. We look forward to seeing how the program is received across the Purdue community.”

The six-week program follows the outline below:

  • Prior to the start of the program, participants will meet one-on-one with a health coach – either in-person or via telephone. Those who meet in-person have the option to establish their initial labs and InBody assessment at the CHL.

  • Week 1
    Topic: Movement and Water

  • Week 2
    Topic: Nutrition Label

  • Week 3
    Topic: All About Fats

  • Week 4
    Topic: All About Carbohydrates

  • Week 5
    Topic: All About Protein

  • Week 6
    Topic: Creating Habits to Last

Healthy Boiler workshops are free to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff and dependents covered on a Purdue medical plan. Any questions about “HealthKick,” can be directed to the Center for Healthy Living at 765-494-0111.