Celebration to Kick Off New Wellness Program

NC State kicks off its new worksite wellness program, aptly named WolfLife, with a fun and free celebration on Friday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Carmichael Recreation Center. The event will feature blood pressure checks, flu shots, body fat screenings, nutritional information, massages, informational booths, prizes, music, and much more.

This program is designed to improve your health awareness and to assist you in starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Rob Stevenson, manager of employee recognition programs, says the WolfLife program is the outgrowth of months of planning by staff members in Human Resources, Campus Recreation, University Dining and the Carmichael Recreation Center.

"We're ready to get folks involved and get them active," he says. "And we have big plans."

Those plans include:

• Healthy eating workshops sponsored by University Dining
• Walking/running clubs that give employees the opportunity to exercise in small groups at convenient times
• A weight loss and fitness program modeled on Dr. Carolyn Dunn's popular "Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less" program
• A monthly farmers market on campus beginning in the spring
• WolfLife ambassadors – employees who volunteer to organize healthy activities in their college or unit

"We're off to a good start," Stevenson says. "We have lofty goals but we're going to make it happen."

Even if you're not sold on the idea of changing your lifestyle, you may still want to attend Friday's WolfLife kick-off celebration. The Benefits Department will have staff members on hand to answer your questions about the open enrollment process, which is now under way.

Plus, they'll be giving away coupons for a free hearing test. And you can stop procrastinating and get a flu shot at the event before flu season actually arrives. In fact, flu shots will be available starting at 7 a.m., two hours before the kick-off. Be sure to bring your employee ID and your state health plan card if you plan to get a flu shot.

Friday's event will also feature a number of vendors, including the Pretty in Pink Foundation, Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) weight loss support group, the BeActive North Carolina van, and the WeSave Employee Discounts Program.

To stay in the loop on future WolfLife activities, sign up for the program listserv by sending your name, department and e-mail address to employee@gw.fis.ncsu.edu.