March 2010

COPHS is one of 85 organizations working on the Indiana Healthy Weight Initiative, a venture by the Indiana State Department of Health Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity to improve healthy eating and physical activity among Indiana residents. The intended outcome of the initiative is to develop a state health plan that includes specific objectives and strategies for schools, worksites, faith-based communities, health care settings and groups including seniors, mothers and children. Faculty members Sam Gurevitz, Jane Gervasio, Carrie Maffeo and Kristal Williams are involved in this project.

Through COPHS’ Healthy Horizons, Butler’s on-campus employee health and wellness program, faculty and staff can participate in an on-campus Weight Watchers program or work directly with COPHS pharmacists to develop a personalized weight-management program. Healthy Horizons also sponsors noontime physical activity programs at Butler’s Health and Recreation Complex, at no cost to employees. They also offer a walking program in warmer months, and healthy cooking classes several times per year.

Since 2004, students in the Introduction to Pharmaceutical Care I course participate in “My First Patient” – a program aimed at teaching health promotion, disease prevention and behavior change from a student’s personal experience. As part of the program, students undergo a series of health screenings and then use these results to develop their own health portfolio and action plan. Many students set goals of eating healthier and increasing physical activity.