When you step into a BodPod, it may seem like you are stepping into a small spaceship. But as unique as it looks, what it does is even more unique—and pretty cool. The BodPod is an advanced tool that can measure body composition and assess health. Users comfortably sit in the large egg-shaped machine and in a few moments, the BodPod measures body composition by determining body volume and body weight

But as advanced as the BodPod is, it is only one component of the new wellness program offered through a partnership between Armstrong Indiana Intermediate Unit 28 and Armstrong Indiana Trust for school employees.

On Target Health, an obesity management solution for employers, is bringing a wellness program to school employees, thanks to funding from the Armstrong Indiana Trust and Highmark. According to Amanda Mosco, director of human resources at Armstrong Indiana Intermediate Unit 28, the comprehensive wellness project will be made available to 60 people over the next few months.

The 16-week long program consists of several components including health/body measurements that the BodPod helps assess. It also includes one-on-one meetings with wellness coaches who also lead small group meetings. The coaches have health and nutrition education and experience, and all meetings and information are completely confidential.

According to Mosco, the program would normally cost more than $1,416 per person at the discounted rate. But, thanks to the funding, the program will be offered at no cost to those selected to participate.

The project will start with meetings for school employees in Armstrong and Indiana counties, where they can learn more about the program and sign up for enrollment. Mosco says there will be a site in each county to make it easy for those who are interested to attend.

Lifestyle information, including eating and nutrition habits, sleeping patterns, stress level and management, outside factors, and family history will all come into play when determining who will be chosen to participate.

“They will look at their overall health risks and background as well as lifestyle and commitment level,” Mosco says.

The goal of the program is to assist school personnel to obtain and maintain better health which will help lower ongoing health care costs.

The pilot project will be offered to only school employees, but Mosco says there are plans to expand the project to include retirees and others in the future.

Officials hope school employees not only learn better health and wellness habits for themselves, but also share what they learn with their families.

“We are seeing a ‘skinny fat’ phenomena where people may look great, but they may have a high ratio of fat to muscle which isn’t the healthiest they can be,” Mosco says.

“Not only is this beneficial to the employer, based on dollars saved to the insurance trust, but also a healthier employee is a more productive employee and a less absent employee, which is good for the schools and also the students we serve.”