As part of the Drake Employee Wellness & Engagement initiative, a biometric screening and wellness (health risk) assessment is offered once a year to those participating in Drake’s Medical Benefit Plan. The screening includes a full cholesterol profile, blood glucose, blood pressure, height/weight, waist circumference, body composition, and a consultation with a health care professional.

In 2016, 98 percent of those enrolled in the Wellness Plan participated, and 89 percent of those enrolled in Drake’s Medical Plan participated in a biometric screening and assessment. That is compared to 97 percent and 82 percent, respectively, in 2015.

Our top three biometric risks (from the biometric screening):

Risk	2016	2015
BMI >25	63%	61%
Blood Pressure>120/80	46%	43%
Total Cholesterol >200	32%	32%

Our top three modifiable risks (from the wellness assessment):

Risk	2016	2015
BMI/Weight	Same as above	Same as above
Nutrition	55.1%	61.4%
Stress	45.5%	46.7%

LDL, Blood Glucose, Sleep and Exercise were also listed in the top ten.

Knowing your numbers is important, but giving you the tools and resources to improve those numbers and reach your goals is where change happens. Beside wellness programs and classes, there are many valuable resources available for faculty and staff.

Fitness Facilities
Being active can help reduce a number of the risks listed above. The Bell Center may be the answer. Facilities include a fitness room, gym, pool, racquetball courts, fitness studio, indoor track, and locker rooms. The Roger Knapp Tennis Center is also open to employees and features six indoor and six outdoor courts. Group exercise classes are offered throughout the year by certified instructors and include Yoga, Pilates, Bootcamp, and Zumba. The Intramural program includes sports such as basketball, racquetball, and volleyball. And a Faculty and Staff Golf League is available during the summer months.

Nutrition Coach
What and how much you eat can directly impact your numbers, but you don’t have to starve yourself to succeed. Contact Lucas Flaherty, Sodexo dietitian, for a one-on-one appointment to get your questions answered and develop a nutritional plan.

Health Coach
You may want to make positive changes in your health and wellness but don’t have the resources or guidance to succeed. A health coach can be your partner in taking charge of your health, recognizing bad choices, and helping you to make better choices that are sustainable. If that sounds like you, we have certified health coaches available on campus. Contact Nora Stelter or Wendy Mobley-Bukstein for more information or an appointment.

Medication Therapy Management
If you are on multiple prescription medications, you may benefit from Medication Therapy Management. A member of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences can give you a comprehensive review of all your medications. Contact Nora Stelter or Wendy Mobley-Bukstein for more information.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
To discuss issues affecting your day-to-day health and productivity, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, substance abuse, and legal and financial concerns, the Employee Assistance Program at Employee & Family Resources is a valuable resource. Contact them at www.efr.org/myeap or (800) 327-4692.

Wayne Gretzky (Hall of Fame hockey player) said “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.” Is it time to take a shot at making a change in your life for the better? Feel free to contact Linda Feiden (linda.feiden@drake.edu or 271-1880) for more information.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources