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Health 1st announces wellness programs

Stop by the Health 1st Wellness Wednesday table between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Children’s Hospital lobby to learn about upcoming Health 1st events and to get your TDAP shot.

So more people can become active, healthier and engaged, Health 1st has produced health and wellness programs, resources and activities. From fresh produce to walking clubs, Health 1st has a resource, activity, club or program for just about anyone wanting to improve their quality and quantity of life.
 
As September marks the full-swing period of campus life for the coming year, clip this article for future reference, and get active, get healthy and get with people just like you for all the right reasons.
  • Farmers Market expands. Get fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers from local farmers from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. right here on campus Fridays in the Horseshoe (location is subject to change and will be announced on broadcast messages and the Health 1st Web site). In addition, locally-grown fruits and vegetables are  available at Charleston Memorial Hospital (in the grassy area in the back of the facility next to the parking garage and ART) from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Fridays.

  • Wellness teams competition. Tour the “seven wonders of the world” and develop a healthier lifestyle by joining or starting a Health 1st Wellness Team. The competition will go from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30. Free pedometers and log books will be given to all team members, and the coach will receive a hat. Winner’s will receive a winner’s certificate and Whole Foods bags filled with delicious, healthy groceries from Whole Foods in Mount Pleasant. For more information, or to form a team, go to http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/health1st, and click on Team Competition.
  • 2-Mile Wellness Run/Walk. Help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Harper Student Wellness Center on Sept. 20 by participating in a run and walk. Registration includes a free one-week membership to the Harper Student Wellness Center. The race begins at 8 a.m.
  • Smoking cessation class. Ready to quit—for life? Health 1st and Robert Mallin, M.D., of the Department of Family Medicine, want to help you succeed. Sign up for this series of free classes in Room 524 College of Nursing. You must attend all sessions, which will take place from noon to 1 p.m.,  Sept. 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, and Oct. 2. Participants will receive a free medical consultation and prescriptions will be written for any approved smoking cessation medications. Call 792-9959 to register.
  • AHA 2008 Start! Lowcountry Heart Walk. Join the MUSC team for this upcoming walk celebrating the promotion of physical activity and heart healthy living in a fun, family and dog-friendly environment.  This walk on Sept. 20 starts from Liberty Square near the Aquarium (free parking for participants) at  9a.m. Family activities will begin at 8 a.m.
  • Worksite screening. Subscribers of the State Health Plan can receive this thorough preventive-health screening Sept. 25 at Rutledge Tower. Valued at $200, this screening is available for only $15 (spouses also can participate for $15, and dependents for $38). Employees without this insurance can participate for $38. This screening includes height, weight, blood pressure and a blood draw for blood chemistry profile, hemogram, and a blood lipid profile. Sign up today.
  • Running Club. Join MUSC’s running club on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. This is for any pace and running level. See flyer for details.
  • Weight Management. For those needing to lose more than 50 pounds, MUSC’s Weight Management Center is offering two weeks of free meal replacement bars and shakes (a $150-plus value) for enrolling in the HealthFast program and paying in full. Call 792-2273 for more information.
  • La Leche League. Breastfeeding or considering it? La Leche League of Charleston offers mother-to-mother support, monthly meetings, and telephone help from accredited leaders. Meetings are the fourth Wednesday (next meeting is Sept. 24) of every month in Room 501, Children’s Hospital, at 11:30 a.m.
  • Mobile van mammogram. For a convenient way to have a mammogram, the Hollings Cancer Center van will be on campus Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 792-0878.
 
For information on these and other Health 1st events, contact Annie Lovering at 792-1245, or Beka Hardin at 792-9959.

TDAP vaccines urged
Make sure to stop by the Wellness Wednesday table to get a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (TDAP) shot.   The Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults against three potentially fatal diseases caused by bacteria: Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person, and tetanus enters the body via dirt through cuts, scratches or wounds.

Who should get Tdap?
  • Adolescents 11 through 18 years of age should get one booster dose of Tdap.
  • Adults 19 through 64 years of age. Specifically adults who expect to have close contact with an infant younger than 12 months of age and health care workers who have direct patient contact in hospitals and clinics. Adults should substitute Tdap for one booster dose of Td. Td should be used for later booster doses
For  information on Tdap go to http://www.immunize.org/vis/tdap.pdf.
 
Stop by the Health 1st Wellness Wednesday table anytime between 10 a.m. and 1p.m. on Sept. 17 to learn more about upcoming Health 1st events  and to get your TDAP shot.

Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.   

Friday, Sept. 12, 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.