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Wellness program offers screenings, classes

Stop by the Health 1st Wellness Wednesday table between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Aug. 6 in the Children’s Hospital lobby to learn more about upcoming Health 1st events or make suggestions on what you would like to see offered.

Health 1st, the MUSC Employee Wellness Program, focuses on physical, nutritional and emotional health and injury reduction. This program encourages MUSC employees and others throughout the community to participate in programs that promote the health and wellbeing of the MUSC community.
 
Below is a list of some of the upcoming classes/events for employees, staff and students in which to participate. To register for any of the following classes/screenings, (or if you have questions) call Beka Hardin at 792-9959, or e-mail health1st@musc.edu.

Work It Off—This is a 10-week worksite weight-loss program that is designed specifically for MUSC employees. During the course of the program, those in the class will meet each week with one of three different weight-loss professionals from the MUSC Weight Management Center, which include a registered dietitian, an exercise physiologist, or a psychologist. They will be addressing the dietary, exercise, and behavioral/ psychological components to successful weight management.
 
The dietitian will make specific dietary recommendations, including giving each participant a customized calorie level and instructions on how many servings each participant should consume each day from the food groups to obtain the recommended level of calories.
 
Regarding exercise, program participants will get general instruction on exercise. (No working out during class.) For the psychological component, program participants will learn about various behavioral issues important to successful weight loss and weight management.
 
Classes meet once a week for 10 weeks. The cost is $98 (make checks payable to WMC). The classes will be held from noon to 1 p.m. and start Tuesday, Aug. 19 at the Education Center/Library Building; and Aug. 20 at ART.

Free Smoking Cessation Classes—Starting Aug. 11, Robert Mallin, M.D., of MUSC’s Department of Family Medicine, is offering nine classes during a three-week period to MUSC employees who are ready to quit smoking and who want the support of others who are striving to do the same. MUSC employees will receive a free medical consultation and prescriptions for approved smoking cessation medications. All sessions will be held during lunchtime at the main hospital.

Worksite Screenings—Subscribers of the State Health Plan, BlueChoice/Companion, Cigna, and MUSC Options can receive a thorough preventive health screening on campus. The screening includes height, weight, blood pressure, and blood will be drawn for a blood-chemistry profile, hemogram, and blood lipid profile. In most health care settings, this screening would cost about $200, but is available to MUSC associates for $15. Screenings are provided monthly. The next one will be Aug. 21 at ART.

Mammogram—This is a quick, easy and convenient way to have your mammogram. The Hollings Cancer Center Mobile Van will be by the Basic Science Building loading dock from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 20. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Call 792-0878.

La Leche League—This is a nonprofit, volunteer mother-to-mother support organization that provides support, education, information, and encourage-ment for breastfeeding and expectant moms. La Leche League classes are held every fourth Wednesday of the month. The next class will be Aug. 27 in Room 501, Children’s Hospital.

2-Mile Wellness Walk/Run—To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the MUSC Harper Student Wellness Center, a walk/run race will be held Sept. 20. Registration includes a free week membership to the wellness center. Visit http://www.musc.edu/hsc.

Farmers Market—Get your fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers selling their produce on campus every Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Farmers set up their tables in the Horseshoe area, and sell fresh, locally-grown tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, potatoes, melons, corn, beans an d more. Location is subject to change and will be announced on Broadcast Messages and the Health 1st Web site.

Wellness Teams—The next wellness team competition for employees will begin Sept. 1. Each team may have up to 10 employees. Join or create a team and start walking. Health 1st will supply each team member with a pedometer and log book. This event will continue for three months. The team that logs the most steps in three months wins a prize.
 
Check the Web site for new classes/screenings at http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/health1st. Employees who have suggestions or ideas on classes, e-mail health1st@musc.edu.   

Friday, Aug. 1, 2008
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.