The start of the new year presents a fresh start for many people. For some, that means setting wellness goals for a healthier future.

The key to a successful start, according to Evonne Bird, is setting realistic, achievable goals. Bird is a certified exercise physiologist and national board-certified health and wellness coach in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services at Missouri State University.

Bird highlights ways to jumpstart these wellness goals and gives recommendations on finding a personal trainer or wellness coach.

How to jumpstart your wellness goals for the new year

Read the full transcript here.

Access to health care is important for everyone. The MSU Care Clinic  recently adjusted their guidelines to provide health care to more people in our community.

“Last week, we approved an increase for income guidelines. This allows us to extend health care to those 200% above the federal poverty line, or lower,” said Brock Hughes, practice manager at the MSU Care Clinic.

This would mean that a family of five with a monthly income of $5,412 would be eligible for care. Often, families with this amount of income are not able to get medical help.

Before, the clinic was only able to serve those who were 150% above the poverty line. The clinic hopes the new guidelines will allow them to reach more people in the community who need help.

“Our mission is to meet the health care needs of medically underserved adults in our community,” said Dr. Letitia White-Minnis, associate dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services at Missouri State University.

“I’m excited about the changes to the financial eligibility guidelines because they will enable us to help more people and show off this hidden gem we offer to the southwest Missouri community.”

How the clinic operates

In the late 1980s, a group called The Kitchen Inc. started an outpatient clinic to support those in Springfield who could not afford health care.

In 2015, Missouri State and Mercy Hospital partnered and re-established the clinic, renaming it the MSU Care Clinic.

“Our clinic is largely supported by students in the and programs,” Hughes said. “All students work with a medical professional to help provide direct care for patients.”

This clinic allows students to work with a very specific population and gives them real life experience while they are still taking classes.

Services offered

The clinic offers free primary care services and a pharmacy free of charge for all patients.

“We partnered with UMKC’s School of Pharmacy to offer medications at the clinic,” Hughes said. “Through programs with Mercy, we’re able to offer free medications for our patients.”

Clinic services include:

• Physical examinations.
• Blood tests.
• Pharmacy services.
• X-rays.
• Mental health education.
• Referrals to community resources.

If you think you may benefit from MSU Care Clinic services, contact the clinic at 417-837-2270 or at msucare.missouristate.edu.

Learn more about MSU Care Clinic

A dream that began almost two years ago has come to fruition.

Missouri State University will officially unveil the newly renovated Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall – home of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) – to the community next week.

About the dedication

The Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall dedication is set for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at the south end of the building. Kampeter Hall is located at the corner of Kimbrough and Cherry streets.

Parking is available in Bear Park North.

The event is free and open to the public. Tours of the building will take place after the ceremony.

Space for growth

MCHHS Dean Dr. Mark Smith said this project benefits students and their learning.

“The building renovations are significant to both current and prospective students,” Smith said. “The building’s modernization demonstrates that the environment in which people work, learn and study is important to MSU.

“Additionally, with the investment in the Student Success and Advisement Center, MSU and MCHHS are sending an important message that we care about student success and are willing to invest in it.”

Thankful to donors

The multi-year building renovation project was made possible by gifts to the Missouri State University Foundation.

Kampeter, parish secretary for St. Stanislaus Church in Wardsville, received her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from MSU.  She’s also a member of the MSU Board of Governors.

“Ann’s motivation behind the donation was that she wants students who studied in the Professional Building (now Kampeter Health Sciences Hall) to have the same experience as students who entered other newly built and renovated spaces on campus,” Smith said.

Facility upgrades

Features in the newly renovated spaces of Kampeter Hall include:

• • Dedicated student study spaces.
  • A centralized MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center.
  • Two upgraded classrooms.
  • Newly renovated bathrooms on all floors.
  • Upgrades to all common spaces.
  • Upgraded administrative suites.
  • Significant upgrades to the heating and cooling systems in the building.