Twin Cities American Heart Walk 2005 (1 point)
Saturday, February 26, 2005
7:30am -- 10:00am
Fee: Participants Are Encouraged to Collect Donations
 
Location:
Mall of America
60 East Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55435
 
The Twin Cities American Heart Walk is a non-competitive walk through the Mall of America that raises money to fight heart disease and stroke. Donations collected help fund lifesaving research and community education programs for adults and children!
 
The American Heart Walk is a fun day that includes enjoyable, heart-healthy exercise and wellness activities, breakfast, health checks and entertainment. It's a great opportunity to socialize with co-workers, family and friends!
 
The University of St. Thomas Co-Captains are Katherine Stender (2-6944) and Kate Salvatore (2-6901). This will be the second year UST has participated in the event. Last year was a success, but we would like to be bigger and better this year. We will be announcing the walk in a Bulletin article in November to recruit walkers at that time, but if anyone already knows that would like to participate at this time we would love to get their name on our list. We would like to make this walk a success for UST and the American Heart Association.
 

Family Weekend 5K Fun Run/Walk (1 point)   
October 9, 7:30 a.m.
NO Fee.
Meet at the John Ireland statue west of Murray-Herrick Campus Center. This is sponsored by Expeditions. Free t-shirt all participants.

HR FAIR (1 point)   
Each year, the Human Resources Department sponsors an HR/Benefit Fair. Most UST benefit vendors and carriers are invited to participate. The Healthy U also sets up a display table. Healthy U participants, who attend the HR Fair, are given 1 U Point by just signing an attendance sheet at the HR Fair.
 
Each carrier or vendor displays information regarding the services they provide. A representative from each company is present to answer Faculty and Staff questions. Most of the vendors offer attendees freebies to take back to their office or home to their kids. In addition, most of the vendors and carriers donate very nice prizes to be given out to Faculty and Staff or cash to assist with the cost of the HR Fair. Because these prizes are donated, employees do not have to pay income tax on the items they win. This also keeps the actual UST cost for the fair to a minimum. When you attend the HR Fair, please let the vendors know that their participation is greatly appreciated!
 
The annual HR Fair has turned into a social event for the UST community. There is food, games and loads of fun. Watch the Bulletin Today for announcements regarding dates/times/places.
 
We look forward to seeing you at the next HR Fair!

10,000 Steps (5 points)   
This program was initiated in 2001 with Health Partners, our then health insurance carrier. A step counter is purchased and the individual measures the number of steps taken per day. The goal is to gradually progress to 10,000 steps per day, which is about 5 miles. One benefit of this program is that it does not require a person to change into exercise clothes, go to a health club, etc. It may be accomplished over the course of a regular day. Activities may be converted to steps using this Health Partners guide.

Self-directed Exercise Program (5 points)   
This program is one in which the individual lists his/her objectives and, if necessary, meets with a personal trainer to learn proper techniques, equipment use, etc. The individual is sent a form via e-mail to fill out on a weekly basis and submit to the Healthy U Program. A personal trainer reviews each of these weekly reports to keep the individual motivated and on track.

Computerized Diet Analysis (1 point)   
This program requires the individual to keep a 3-day food record. This data is entered into the computer and evaluated for total calories, protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. Recommendations are then given by Healthy U Personnel for changes.

Fitness Testing(4 points)     [Top]
This program helps individuals identify strengths and weaknesses in their fitness. Tests include percent body fat, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength/endurance, and flexibility. This testing is often done in conjunction with our personal training program.

Variance Cardiography (1 point)    
This is a relatively new technology that helps the individual determine their risk of cardiovascular disease. It is a high resolution EKG that is done at complete rest. The variance in conduction through the heart's electrical conduction system results in a high variance score and increased risk.

Weight Watchers (5 points)    
We offer this program every year, although, since 22 participants are needed for an on-campus program, we have not had it every year. An on-line program is offered which has been very helpful for those wishing to participate but unable to do so due to too few participants for an on-campus program. Our participants have experienced success with this program. Doctors have called this program the best in effectiveness and safety for weight loss.

Blood Pressure (1 point)    
In addition to the blood pressure screenings offered each semester, we have initiated the "traveling blood pressure" show, where we actually go to individual departments to check blood pressure. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease and THE leading risk factor for stroke. Know your numbers!!!!

"Brown bag" Lunches (1 point)   
This is a series of seminars on health-related topics based on interest of participants. Recent topics have included weight management, beginning an exercise program, stress management, and the employee assistance program (EAP).

Personal Training Program (5 points)   
Immensely popular since its inception in 2002. Seniors in Health Promotion meet individually with clients once a week for four weeks to design exercise programs, test for fitness, monitor progress and motivate. 

Yoga (1 point per session/up to 5 points)   
Yoga is a discipline of self-realization. It comes from India and dates back over five thousand years. Yoga can be defined as the control of the activities of the mind using physical postures, breath control and meditation. Yoga methods encompass the entire field of our existence, from the physical, emotional and mental to the spiritual. Contact UST Wellness Center for more information or visit Wellness Center web site.

Kuk Sool Won (1 point per session)
Physical health, and mental wellness are benefits that can be gained through Kuk Sool Won. The training gives confidence, ability to defend oneself, respect for oneself as well as respect for others. The group meets Mon, Wed, Fri evenings at 6 pm in O’Shaughnessy Hall (OSH Gym). Contact UST Wellness Center for more information or visit Wellness Center web site.

Stress Management Brown Bag Lunch (1 point)    
Participants will gain a better understanding of stress, the sources of stress and typical stress responses. In addition, they will take a stress questionnaire, which will provide them with insight into their current level of stress. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of various stress management techniques that may be utilized to help cope with stress.
 

UnumProvident's LifeBalance (EAP)
LifeBalance can provide you with information on a wide range of topics/issues including legal and financial issues, older adult and parenting resources, personal and work-related problems, and all the little things that demand your attention each and every day. Call toll free any time, day or night at 1-800-854-1446, TTY/TTD 1-800-999-3004, Spanish Language phone lines: 1-877-858-2147 or visit UnumProvidence LifeBalance Web site at www.lifebalance.net, username and password: lifebalance.

KickBoxing (1 point per session/up to 5 points)   
KickBoxing is being sponsored by STAR and the Wellness Center and is great for stretching as well as self defense. Contact UST Wellness Center for more information or visit Wellness Center web site.

6 mile Spring Stroll
One way, 6 mile walk from the St. Paul Campus to the Minneapolis Campus or vice versa. Take the shuttle bus back to your own campus. A map of the route will be provided once you sign up. Walk at your own speed. This is not a race or competition. It is just a fun event to get those steps in before the "Battle of the Campuses" challenge is over. The St. Paul walkers will eat in downtown Minneapolis (restaurant yet to be determined) before we return on the UST shuttle bus.

When: Wednesday, March 30 (rain date: Thursday, March 31)
How long: It is approximately 6 miles, taking approximately about 2-2.5 hours.

This will depend on the speed of the individual walker. There is no time limit. Start time: 4:30 pm -- meet at the arches (St. Paul). Minneapolis campus staff can either ride the bus over here and walk back to Minneapolis with the St. Paul campus staff OR they can start in Minneapolis, walk the same route to St. Paul, and then take the UST shuttle bus back to their home campus.

Please register via email by Friday, March 11 to JoAnn Andregg at j9andregg@stthomas.edu (2-5902) or Lisa Keiser at lmkeiser@stthomas.edu (2-5982) Feel free to call us or email us with questions. As mentioned above, once you are registered, you will receive a route map.

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