8:30 a.m., Sept. 1, 2009----The HealthyU Employee Wellness Program, which provides comprehensive wellness programs and services for employees and retirees of the University of Delaware, will report to the vice president for administration and the Office of Human Resources effective today.

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The program, which previously reported into the College of Health Sciences, will continue to be housed in Room 125 Carpenter Sports Building, which is adjacent to the Employee Fitness Center.

“The great staff of the HealthyU program will continue to focus on creating and implementing programs that empower employees and retirees to integrate their personal wellness and health care. I look forward to even greater collaboration between our HR professionals and the HealthyU team," said J.J. Davis, vice president for administration.

There is a large body of research to indicate that employee wellness programs can have a significant impact on lowering personal health care costs and decrease rates of illness and injuries for organizations because it is lifestyle issues that have the greatest influence on health.

The HealthyU wellness program addresses issues as physical activity, weight management, nutrition, stress, heart health and general well-being. These topics are delivered through a variety of formats that include 6- and 8-week campaigns, lunchtime seminars and a variety of health screenings. UD employees and retirees can participate in wellness programming by using their Wellness dollars, which are a part of their benefits package.

In addition, the Employee Fitness Center (EFC) is available for use at no cost. Personal training and fitness assessments are additional services provided by the HealthyU program within the EFC and can be purchased with Wellness dollars. A current list of classes, screenings and offerings is available at the Employee Wellness Web site.

Kathy Corbitt, director of the HealthyU program, is enthusiastic about the change. “This move is a nice fit for our department. Working with Human Resources will provide our program with access to resources and opportunities to expand upon a solid foundation for continued success," she said. "We have been fortunate that the University has been so supportive of this program over the years which has resulted in a quality worksite wellness program with high employee participation.”