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Photo Courtesy of the Visual Production Center Western Walks Fall 2008 will be held Oct. 6-Oct 9. on WIU's campus.
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Photo Courtesy of the Visual Production Center WIU employees participate in Western Walks held annually on WIU's campus.
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Western Well Provides Health Offerings for WIU Faculty and Staff

October 1, 2008

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MACOMB, IL - - It only takes a few steps to get on the path of beginning and maintaining a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle, and this year at Western Illinois University it will be easier than ever.

"Health and Wellness: Challenges and Responsibilities" is the 2008-09 University theme, and to celebrate and promote the benefits of a health-conscious lifestyle, WIU has numerous offerings through its "Western Well" program designed especially for faculty and staff.

Along with students, WIU faculty and staff can work out and utilize the fitness amenities at the newly expanded Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center. According to Milly MacDonell, Campus Recreation director, the Spencer Student Recreation Center is offering Western employees a low-cost trial membership.

"Faculty and staff can buy a one-time, six-week trial membership for $25 so they can test out the new facility, exercise equipment and classes," MacDonell said. "If after trying our facilities, you're interested in purchasing a membership, we offer several affordable options. Fall and spring memberships are $125 each, and the summer session costs $75. A year membership is only $250, with an optional payroll deduction for $20.83 per month or $10.42 bi-weekly."

In addition, from 1-3 p.m. every Sunday, MacDonell noted the Spencer Student Recreation Center provides an open swim for the campus community.

"We welcome WIU students, faculty, staff and their families to use the Aquatics Center for 'Family Swim.' You don't need to be a member to take advantage of the Sunday afternoon swim offering," MacDonell added.

Walking It Out
For those interested in keeping their exercise routine on the terra firma, the Fall 2008 Western Walks campaign provides a low-impact option right on the WIU campus. Walk times are slated for 7-7:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 4:45-5:30 p.m. from Oct. 6-10.

Registration for Western Walks will be available at the north entrance of the University Union; it is open free to University employees. Bottled water, healthy snacks and walking-related accessories will be provided. For more information, visit wiu.edu/wellness/
westernwalks.php.

At 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, WIU faculty and staff are encouraged to come out with their four-legged friends for the inaugural "Walk Your Dog" event, which will start at the east terrace of the Spencer Student Recreation Center and will stroll around the campus mall. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog(s). This event is open free to University faculty and staff.

Kinesiology Department Offerings
On Tuesdays and Thursdays in late October through mid-November, free blood pressure screenings will be available as part of Western's Well 2008-09 program. Senior-level students in the kinesiology exercise science program are providing the screenings. Screening times and dates are as follows:

  • Employees from Sherman Hall and Alumni House: 7-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21 and Thursday, Oct. 23 in the Sherman Hall Auditorium, third floor.
  • Employees from Garwood, Tillman, Simpkins halls and the Heating Plant: 7-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28 in Tillman 210.
  • Employees from Seal and Memorial halls and the Art Gallery: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28 in University Housing and Dining Services break room, Seal Hall, first floor.
  • Employees from Sallee and Browne halls: 7-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30 in Browne Hall lobby.
  • Employees from Beu Health Center, Knoblauch hall, University Union and Mowbray: 7-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4 in the University Union, Algonquin Room.
  • Employees from Stipes Hall: 7-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4 in Stipes 111.
  • Employees from Horrabin Hall: 7-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4 in Horrabin 1.
  • Employees from Morgan Hall: 7-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6 in Morgan 210.
  • Employees from the Leslie F. Malpass Library and Currens Hall: 7-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6 in Currens 408.
  • Employees from Brophy Hall, Campus Recreation and the University Services Building: 7-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11 in Brophy 215.
  • Employees from Waggoner and Western halls: 7-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11 in Waggoner 388.
  • Employees from Physical Plant, Document and Publication Services (DPS) and Property Accounting and Redistribution Center (PARC): 6:30-7:45 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Training Room at the Physical Plant.

WIU's kinesiology department also offers a personal training program for Western employees. According to Cathy McMillan, assistant professor in the kinesiology department, the program for Fall 2008 is full; however, interested faculty and staff members can send McMillan an e-mail to get on the waiting list for Spring 2009. Cost is $50 per semester, and the 45-minute, twice-a-week training sessions are provided in the Brophy Hall fitness room. Contact McMillan at CS-McMillan@wiu.edu.

Mission and Momentum
According to Anita Sells in WIU's human resources department, this year's University theme provides momentum for a health- and wellness-based lifestyle among Western employees, as well as emphasizes that health and wellness are important to the long-term success and well being of WIU as a whole.

"With this program, we are trying to raise awareness about the benefits and behaviors associated with wellness and a healthy lifestyle and increase a sense of administrative support for the personal well being of employees," Sells said. "We want to help employees increase their health levels so they can live, work and play to their fullest potential."

Other campus and community events related to the 2008-09 University theme "Health and Wellness: Challenges and Responsibilities" include:

  • We Care, 3-5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13-Thursday, Oct. 16, which encourages WIU employees to join forces to care for the University environment. To coincide with Western's 2008 Homecoming Oct. 17-18, the Fall We Care will focus on various planting projects on campus and general cleanup. Volunteers are being sought to assist in the plantings and cleanup. Those interested in helping need to register by Tuesday, Oct. 8 by contacting Superintendent of Grounds Tara Beal at (309) 298-1834 ext. 255 or TS-Beal@wiu.edu. Include first and second choices of dates and e-mail, mailing address and phone number;
  • "Paint the Town Pink!" Join the WIU Women's Center in support of breast cancer research by purchasing a pink light bulb and using it on your porch during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Cost is $5 per light bulb. Contact Janine Cavicchia at (309) 298-2242 or e-mail womenscenter@wiu.edu; and
  • The Tevar-McDonough District Hospital Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run, 1 Mile Run/Walk and 10 Mile Bicycle Ride, co-sponsored by WIU's Women's Center, Saturday, Oct. 4. Course starts at 214 N. Lafayette Street. Call MDH Public Relations at (309) 836-1557 or e-mail womenscenter@wiu.edu for more information.

For more information about Western Well, contact WIU human resources at (309) 298-1971 or e-mail Sells at AL-Sells@wiu.edu. Learn more online at wiu.edu/wellness/.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing