Health Promotion and Wellness serves as the campus resource for wellness and preventive health by providing a variety of programming and services. A balanced, healthy, and engaged workforce is more productive and also furthers a wellness-centered culture on campus. Below are community opportunities to increase well-being. Find one that benefits you!
Wellness massage
Massages are held every Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. throughout the Spring 2020 semester. Log on to the Appointment Manager System to see available appointment dates and times. Note that massage appointments are locked 24 hours prior to service. Massages are held in 153 McCormick Hall, they are $15 for 15 minutes, and payment will be made at the time of service directly to the massage therapist.
Nursing mother support classes
Breastfeeding 101 & Returning to Work and School: Attendees will learn about breastfeeding your babies, the benefits to mother and child, Illinois breastfeeding laws, and Illinois State University policy, and will explore how to successfully return to school or work as a breastfeeding mom. These are free classes open to staff, students, faculty, and nonpregnant partners led by Trish Wierenga, LCPC, who is a certified lactation consultant. Sign in to My Redbird Life to register!
Breastfeeding 101: January 17, March 20, and May 15 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in McCormick 186
Returning to Work and School: February 21 and April 17 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in McCormick 186
Breastfeeding Support Chat ‘n Chew: Join pregnant, new, and seasoned mothers and their babies for a time of support and community. Trish Wierenga, BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC, will attend this hourlong gathering to talk with mothers about how their breastfeeding is going, answer questions, and provide basic lactation consulting advice appropriate for the group setting. Mothers may weigh their babies and do weighted feedings during this hour. If further support is needed, a plan can be discussed. Join us to share tips, ask questions, and lend support in a confidential environment. Lunch is not provided, but feel free to bring yours with you! Sign in to My Redbird Life to register!
Fridays: January 17, March 20, and May 15 from noon – 1:00 p.m. in McCormick 186
Friday: February 21 from noon – 12:50 p.m. in McCormick 184
Friday: April 17 from noon – 12:50 p.m. in McCormick 255
Family Day at the Children’s Discovery Museum
Each spring, we are excited to invite you and your immediate family members to share an afternoon at the Children’s Discovery Museum in Uptown Normal. This family activity is held during spring semester each year and the first 125 participants to register may enter free of charge.
This is a free event held Sunday, March 8, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration is required, and space is limited. Sign in to My Redbird Life to register!
Fresh FAVs
The program runs February 7 – 28 and March 20 – April 10. The deadline to register is January 29 at 5:00 p.m.
Fresh FAVs is a program that provides fresh fruits and vegetables at weekly pickups on campus. Participants pay a one-time fee in advance and receive weekly produce bags throughout the duration of the program. Recipes arrive weekly to all participants for ideas on how to use their items. Register for Fresh FAVs!
Lifestyle Enhancement Program spring sessions
January 6–May 17
- Noon Yoga: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon–1:00 p.m. in the 3rd West Lounge, Bone Student Center (begins January 6)
- Balanced Bellies and Backs: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15–1:00 p.m. in the 3rd West Lounge, Bone Student Center (begins January 14)
- Yoga on Tuesdays: Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the 3rd West Lounge, Bone Student Center (begins January 28)
- Badminton: Wednesdays from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. in the Metcalf Small Gym
- Table Tennis: Saturdays from 8:00 – 11:55 p.m. in the Metcalf Small Gym
- T’ai Chi: Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. in Metcalf 139 (begins January 13 and 15)
- Badminton: Sundays from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the University High School Small Gym
Registration forms are available at Wellness.IllinoisState.edu, and fees are associated with several programs.
Family Bowling
Bring your family and join Health Promotion and Wellness for free bowling on Saturday, February 1 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Bowling and Billiards Center! Sign in to My Redbird Life to register!
Mindfulness classes
Koru Basic Mindfulness: February 7, 14, 21, and 28 from noon – 1:00 p.m. in McCormick 186
Koru Basic Mindfulness: February 13, 20, 27, and March 5 from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. in McCormick 186
Koru 2.0: March 27, April 3, 10, and 17 from noon – 1:00 p.m. in McCormick 186
Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the moment, and non-judgmentally. During this class, you will learn and practice various mindfulness and meditation techniques that can help improve sleep; reduce stress and anxiety; improve focus, academic performance, and eating behaviors; and contribute to a greater sense of well-being and happiness. This course meets once a week for four weeks and attendance at each session is recommended. Sign in to My Redbird Life to register!
NutriFest 2020
Friday, April 24 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Circus Room, Bone Student Center
Navigating nutrition information and figuring out what to eat can be confusing. Join Campus Dining Services, Health Promotion and Wellness, and other wellness organizations to celebrate healthy eating. Enjoy food samples and cooking demonstrations while visiting with campus and community organizations. No registration is needed.
Nutrition consults
Health Promotion and Wellness offers free individual diet analysis and nutrition guidance for those striving to improve their lifestyle. Faculty, staff, and students can meet one on one with Health Promotion and Wellness nutrition graduate assistant at no cost. Participants need to complete a 72-Hour Food Diary and a health questionnaire prior to their nutrition consult.
We also provide presentations for campus groups and organizations. Please contact our office at (309) 438-1882 to request these services.
Request ergonomic guidance
Prevention is the key to preventing discomfort. The goal of the ergonomics program is to reduce discomfort, contact stress, and eliminate injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, improper postures, and repetitive movements. By designing tasks, workspaces, controls, displays, tools, lighting, and equipment to fit the employee’s physical capabilities and limitations the objectives are accomplished.
Health Promotion and Wellness offers education, individual and group recommendations for the office environment, and consults with departments responsible for large-scale renovations and improvements. Contact Nikki Brauer at (309) 438-8845 or nbgegel@IllinoisState.edu to schedule an ergonomic review.
Live Well with Eight at State
A free incentive-based program that emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being through the focus on eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, and vocational. Participants will track day-to-day activities that align with one or more of the eight dimensions over the course of the program. Activities entered accrue points and participants become eligible to win prizes. Receive a free LIVE WELL shirts after entering your first 10 activities!
Check out more information regarding our LIVE WELL program and join our journey into the eight dimensions of well-being!
