Healthy Boiler program to cover healthy habits, nutrition, exercise

“HealthKick” – a six-week virtual education program that 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 campuses. The next session will begin May 10.

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,” says 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 runs from May 10 through June 18, and follows the outline below:

• Before 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 CHL.
• Week 1 (May 10-14) -- Topic: Movement and Water.
• Week 2 (May 17-21) -- Topic: Nutrition Label.
• Week 3 (May 24-28) -- Topic: All About Fats.
• Week 4 (May 31-June 4) -- Topic: All About Carbohydrates.
• Week 5 (June 7-11) -- Topic: All About Protein.
• Week 6 (June 14-18) -- Topic: Creating Habits to Last.

Those interested in participating in the HealthKick program should sign up by April 26 via the Healthy Boiler Portal. Registration link can be found under the “Engage” tab, “Wellness Events” on the portal’s homepage.

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.