Combining strong relationships and exceptional benefits leads to rewarding outcomes for personal health and well-being goals. Over the past year, these two factors significantly contributed to Beth Uniacke’s personal wellness journey.
“Ohio State captured my heart the second I stepped on campus,” said Beth, Alumni Association regional advancement officer, who joined the university in 2010. “I love the spirit of Ohio State and the unique passion everyone has for being a Buckeye. I’m an Ohio Stater for life. I love working here, and especially enjoy the people.”
The communities and relationships Beth has built at Ohio State are not only her favorite thing about working at the university, but are also a big part of her wellness success story.
After the birth of her daughter in 2015 and her biometric screening shortly after, Beth committed to improving her health and losing weight. She is grateful to the on-campus biometric screening nurse who lifted her spirits and provided encouragement as she put a plan in place to achieve her goals.
In October 2016, Beth joined the Ohio State Weight Watchers at Work program using the discount benefit available through the OSU Faculty and Staff Health Plans. Beth attended weekly meetings at the Biomedical Research Tower and quickly built relationships within her support group, which fostered the sense of accountability she credits for her success.
By following the program and with the support she received from her colleagues, over the course of seven months, Beth was able to lose 50 pounds.
“It’s the best I have felt in my adult life. I find myself having more energy, making healthier choices, researching restaurants and meal prepping,” Beth said. “Thank goodness for the Weight Watchers at Work benefit, otherwise I don’t know that I would have been able to afford it and commit to it like I did.”
Her progress inspired her Alumni Association colleagues to start a group. They also plan other wellness activities, including cooking demonstrations, wellness walks and chair massages. The advice she gives to others looking to make healthy lifestyle changes is to find a group who has the same wellness goals and wants the same success.
“It really comes down to two things: the support of colleagues and the support of leadership,” Beth said. “Without the resources at Ohio State and the support of leadership within the Alumni Association, I would not have been as successful. I am incredibly grateful for Ohio State’s benefits and the encouragement of the Alumni Association to incorporate health and wellness into my everyday life.”
Beth has also enjoyed participating in the Your Plan for Health challenges, the Buckeye Babies program and the Amazing Race.
Ohio State is committed to being a healthy workplace for faculty and staff. Through Your Plan for Health (YP4H), Ohio State’s employee wellness program, benefit-eligible faculty, staff and their enrolled spouses/same-sex domestic partners have access to high-quality benefits, tools and resources for living a healthy life.
Learn more at yp4h.osu.edu.