Virtual HealthKick program to focus on physical activity, nutrition, more; register by Jan. 4

Offered by the Center for Healthy Living (CHL) on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, HealthKick is a six-week virtual education program that addresses physical activity, nutrition education, healthy habits and stress reduction. By increasing education around these topics, the program’s goals are to create long-term behaviors and establish ongoing relationships with the health coach nurses and dietitians at the CHL to improve overall wellness.

The next session begins Jan. 9 and is available to all benefits-eligible employees on the Purdue West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest (Hammond and Westville) campuses, as well as dependents covered on a Purdue health plan.

The program is based on daily videos approximately five minutes long. The videos are delivered via text or email (based on preference) Monday through Friday for the program’s six-week time period. Additionally, the program has three built-in, one-on-one sessions with a health coach or dietitian at the CHL, 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 can answer questions and offer support and encouragement. Health coaches also will be available for in-person or telephonic health coaching appointments as needed.

“The HealthKick program helps us fulfill requests for more virtual and telephonic program options,” says Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits in Human Resources. “The program supports our 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 hope the program continues to be well-received by the Purdue community.”

The program runs from Jan. 9 through Feb. 17 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 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

Those interested in participating in the HealthKick program should register by Jan. 4 via the Healthy Boiler Portal. The registration link can be found under the “Healthy Boiler Workshops” section on the portal’s homepage. Hover over “HealthKick” and hit “Submit” to register.

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.