The passage of national health care reform legislation and the discussion of health care law at the State level have focused attention on the costs of health care and the state of health of Americans.  Reports show that the rising costs are driven by several factors including increased costs charged by hospitals, providers and pharmaceutical companies.  Many of these costs can be controlled by improving the health of the population.

At Suffolk our strategy to address the issue of rising health costs is fundamental to our future success.  Although we are limited in our ability to influence the direct cost of medical care, there are steps we can take to address some of the underlying causes of the rising costs by improving our health.  We have seen an increased focus within the higher education community on the development of ways to help faculty and staff improve their health, particularly through the Boston Consortium for Higher Education, of which Suffolk is an active participant.

In the coming months, we will be expanding our successful “SO FIT” initiative for faculty and staff to build a healthier community that is actively engaged in developing healthy behaviors that will contribute toward our success.  We will do this in concert with our insurance partner, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and also through our ongoing participation in the Boston Consortiums health management initiatives.  This investment in our human assets will not only mitigate the challenge posed to our University community by rising health costs, but will help you and your family be well.

Check out some of the initiatives scheduled for Fall 2010:

SO FIT Cookbook

Healthy Mondays—Beginning on October 18 with events and/or healthy giveaways.

Weight Watchers At Work—Beginning on October 7, every Thursday for 12 weeks.  Attend the registration meeting on October 7 from 1:15 to 2:00 in the Amenities Conference Room on the first floor of the Stahl Center.  A minimum of 15 participants is required.  Suffolk will subsidize some of the cost.  Your cost will be $56 payable to Weight Watchers in installments.  Contact Laquia Anthony at lanthony@suffolk.edu for more information.

Zumba – This “dance” workout fuses Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a one of a kind fitness program.  Sessions will run on Monday and Wednesdays from noon to 12:45 in the Ridgeway Gym beginning on October 18 and running until December 15.  No class on November 24.  Requires at least 5 enrollees for the class to run.  To enroll, go to http://www.suffolk.edu/offices/22523.html

Tai Chi—Offered by the Boston Kung Fu Tai Chi Institute.  This program helps you recognize, release and move through physical and mental tension to remain calm, alert and rooted.  Tuesdays from Noon - 12:45pm, beginning November 2 and running through December 14 in the Ridgeway gym.  To register, go to http://www.suffolk.edu/offices/22523.html.  20 students must enroll by October 22 to run the class.

Flu Shot Clinic—Sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care on November 10 and November 18.

Need more health improvement information?  Check the Harvard Pilgrim web site for information on member savings on health improvement options.  Go to the Employee Assistance Program web site offered by The Wellness Corporation at www.WellnessWorKLife.com  and click on “Healthy Start” for wellness tutorials and personal health coaching.  To create a user name and password for the Wellness site use your name and Suffolk University as the password.