Students with weight issues now have support

By: Marwa Younis

Posted: 9/24/07

A health initiative is taking place on campus.

The Counseling Center and Health Center have created a new group called "Weight a Minute!" It is part of the Mind-Body Connection Center where students can have a place to go for support in all areas of mental, physical and emotional health.

The center is a meeting place where students are free to use massage and relaxation chairs to decompress.

"A significant part of my role with the Mind-Body Connection will be to establish a regular Student Health presence on campus," said Bill Smith, Student Health and Wellness Educator.

He is available to answer questions and health concerns and can be contacted at (816) 235-5350 or smithwe@umkc.edu.

There are frequent health checks in which one can participate such as diabetes screenings and blood pressure checks. The center is available for any UMKC student for free.

Students are welcome to attend programs about different topics such as stress management.

The new group, "Weight a Minute!" is focused on promoting and encouraging a healthier lifestyle for the UMKC community.

Once a week they will meet in the Mind-Body Connection Center located in the University Center, Room 161, for discussion, information and support about issues concerning weight, overeating and the emotional and psychological ramifications of these patterns of behavior.

Rachel Uffelman, UMKC Outreach Coordinator and staff psychologist, realizes the portrayal of the ideal body image has emotional and physical effects that can change the way students perform and make choices.

"This group will provide a supportive environment for individuals to explore the different elements of weight issues and develop a plan," Uffelman said. "It's private and confidential, and the staff psychologists at UMKC want students to know that there is hope, help and support on campus."

"Weight a Minute!" will help group members get out of a rut.

"A common concern that a lot of individuals have relates to being overweight or feeling stuck in a routine that does not best promote healthy choices, exercise and taking care of oneself for the future. The group is designed to provide these individuals both education and support in this area," said Sherri Theoharidis, originator and facilitator of the group.

Uffelman wants students to know they have support.

"Students are not alone, we want to emphasize that we are here to make positive changes to overcome the stigma and shame that come with being overweight," she said.

Staff psychologists believe participants will find it rewarding once they make the decision and commitment to lead a healthy lifestyle.

"So far we've gotten a lot of interested students and staff and we hope for some more. It's a great opportunity and it's free," Theoharidis said.

The integration of the Health and Counseling Centers Mind-Body Connection at UMKC is important in the formation of this group.

Both centers understand health and wellness is not isolated by the physical aspect.

Physically our body responds to the stability of our emotional and psychological well-being.

The staff psychologists think it is a prime opportunity to use resources available on campus, and start to make healthier decisions for themselves. Some topics they plan on covering are emotional eating, how weight can affect your relationships, how decision making can effect eating behaviors and how to stick to a healthy eating plan.

"We'll also cover topics like Lifestyle Makeover, Been There-Done That, ways to avoid past pitfalls to health and weight related changes and Ten Things I Can Do Immediately to Improve My Health," Theoharidis said.

For a consultation contact Sherri Theoharidis, staff psychologist at (816) 235-5352. The meetings are once a week from 12-1 p.m. in the University Center, room 161, beginning Sept. 25.

my9w4@umkc.edu