“Our approach is to give folks the tools, give them the knowledge, the resources to make the connection easy for them — break down the barriers and then let folks take on the mantle themselves,” Hall said.

One of the main ways MSU Health4U provides services is through a series of midday courses and workshops. Taking place in Linton Hall, they range from courses on stress relief and mindfulness, yoga and other exercises and how to prepare healthy meals.

"The focus is on helping the participant rest and relax from whatever they’ve been engaged in that morning at work,” Health4U Programs Coordinator Nancy Allen said. "(They) feel like they’ve done something good for themselves before they go back to their office for the rest of the day."

Nutritionist Peggy Crum teaches one of these courses, and said the purpose of covering multiple different health-related topics — including nutrition and healthy eating — is to assist with the varying problems university employees are faced with, like staying on a budget while maintaining a healthy diet.

Health4U also provides resources, coaching and assistance to familiarize members of the university community with general health information. "My Health Coaching" offers "holistic, one-on-one personal coaching" in any area that affects a university employee's health or their interactions with the health care system and health professions.

The newest program offered through Health4U provides a variety of online services for those who are affected by substance abuse, using a system called “ANDI" —which stands for alcohol, nicotine and drug information. They provide access to tools to help assess the best resources for MSU employees interested in seeking help.

“We can help someone assess whether or not their use is problematic and if the determination is that it is ... we can provide short term counseling through the employee assistance program or we can make referrals,” Allen said.

Another program offered through Health4U has to do with physical health. The goal of “MSU Moves” is to help participants make small adjustments to overall health.

“The basic premise behind the MSU Moves program is encouraging folks to move more as a as a lifestyle choice," Hall said. “Not just going to the gym, but taking the stairs, standing desks — things like that, that are easy, everyday things that can make an impact on a person's health."

Recently, Hall has been leading a “couch-to-5K” training program, which involves running as a group twice a week with the hope that everyone can compete in the Blue Cross Winter Warm Up 5K walk/run. This year, it takes place on March 24 at Hawk Island Park. Hall said the goal of his work is to help people find what they like to do and go with it. Not everyone likes the gym or running, but they can find the right fit with the right help, he said.