Next session of Pivio Health offers two class options; register by Aug. 22 to participate

As part of the university’s initiative to improve overall health and wellness throughout the Purdue community, the Center for Healthy Living (CHL), in conjunction with Lifestyle Medicine Institute, is offering a redesigned version of its virtual, plant-based lifestyle intervention program as part of the 2024 Healthy Boiler workshop and wellness programming. The next session of Pivio Health (formerly known as CHIP), begins Sept. 24 and offers two class types to meet the diverse needs of the Purdue community. Registration to participate is due by Aug. 22.

The program is designed to help participants make lifestyle changes through education, practical experience and reinforcement with a focus on behavior change. Additionally, Pivio helps support and facilitate the prevention, treatment and reversal of chronic disease as well as identify current lifestyle patterns that may lead to health ailments. This helps individuals pivot toward optimum health and away from chronic illnesses.

Pivio supports all five of the Healthy Boiler Program pillars: physical health, behavioral health, social wellness, financial wellness and work-life integration.

At its root, Pivio is based on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: regular exercise, a plant-based eating pattern, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, restful sleeping habits and meaningful social connections. Participants will form new habits and make better choices based on increased knowledge and practical application. The program puts emphasis on how individuals live, move, think and eat in order to create and maintain a healthier way of life.

Led by several CHL providers — including Lindsay Bloom, health coach; Whitney Soto, RN health coach; and Jessica McKeever and Megan Shidler, registered dietitians at the CHL — this session offers two class options:

• Option one: This traditional group-setting program option offers dynamic discussions and peer support. The class meets via Teams twice a week for the first six weeks and once a week for the final six weeks. The sessions are from noon to 1 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 24 through Dec. 10.
• Option two: This on-demand, virtual class option offers a self-guided, self-paced format for those who are unable to commit to the designated times for group classes. Participants are provided an outline of what to read and watch throughout the program’s timeframe (Sept. 24-Dec. 10). Participants will have scheduled check-in sessions with a health coach throughout the program as well. 

Pivio integrates optimal nutrition, exercise and behavioral psychology principles and tools. Plant-based eating is at the core of the program’s nutrition education.

“As part of Pivio, participants get a pre- and post-health assessment surveys, pre- and post-lab work, a cookbook and journal, help with cooking, food prep, exercise, online program content and much more,” Bloom said. “Pivio can help individuals make lifestyle changes, which can significantly reduce the common risk factors for lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. The course content also can improve your health knowledge, energy, desire to exercise, resilience and life fulfillment.”

Interested individuals should register by Aug. 22 via the Healthy Boiler Portal. The registration link can be found under the “Healthy Boiler Workshops” section on the portal’s home page. Hover over the “Pivio Health” square and click on the information “i” to register for one of the two available options.

Healthy Boiler workshops and lifestyle program are free to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan.

More details about Pivio can be found online via the Lifestyle Medicine Institute’s website at piviohealth.com. Questions about the program can be directed to the CHL at 765-494-0111.