SPH, Meet the Center for Health and Wellbeing

You may have noticed that the Healthy Turtle has been talking a lot about the free events offered by the Center for Health and Wellbeing. I've realized though, that I haven't formally introduced CHWB to you all. It's about time the Center and our SPH family become familiar with each other, because we share an important mission.

The Center is a satellite office of the University Health Center and the Eppley Recreation Center. It offers a variety of free services and one-on-one counseling for students, faculty and staff that address stress management, exercise, sleep, weight and other facets of wellbeing. Those at the Center encourage us all to make changes that lead to healthier lifestyles.

The Healthy Turtle sat down with the Center's coordinator for wellness programs, Tracy Zeeger, who is also a School of Public Health alum. She received her BS and MPH from the School of Public Health in Community Health Education. She told me that health is way more than eating right and exercising. Can you believe there are actually six dimensions of wellbeing that the Center addresses? They are: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and balance. Read on about why health and wellbeing need to be addressed on multiple levels.

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Healthy Turtle: Which dimension of wellbeing seems to be the most neglected?
Tracy Zeeger: It varies from individual to individual. What I see the most of is folks neglecting the physical aspect (in terms of diet and exercise) and the mental/emotional dimension relating to stress management. Another area within the dimensions I see lacking is self-care. We all feel like we are too busy to take care of our own needs.

HT: And what do you recommend they do to keep up on all six dimensions of wellness?
TZ: We can all make time for health and wellness. Oftentimes we do not even realize we are working on these dimensions. For example, when you peruse the newspaper in print or online, you are contributing to your intellectual wellness. When you are making plans with your friends, you are enhancing social wellness. With wellness, balance is key. It is about recognizing when an area in your life is lacking, observing why that area might be lacking, and creating a plan to improve that area.

HT: How do we know if we are successfully balancing the six dimensions of wellness?
TZ: I recommend looking at the dimensions and think about what each means to you. Once that is recorded, you can then assess yourself in each dimension. You can also take the Wellness Assessment on our Web site. You can score yourself and read the statements to assist you in improving in that area.

HT: Why should we be interested in total wellness, as apposed to just being physically fit?
TZ: Having a good quality of life and good health takes more than just being physically fit. We need to seek balance in our lives and be more mindful when we are imbalanced. A person can be physically fit and unhealthy in one of the other dimensions of wellness, for example social wellness. We will feel like more accomplished individuals if we focus on the different dimensions.

HT: If I know I have to improve a dimension, how do I do it?
TZ: Everyone can improve in one way or another. If you notice an area of wellness that is lacking, set some small, achievable goals that will help you improve and leave you successful. The biggest mistake people make when trying to change a behavior is setting a goal that is too lofty.

HT: What are some stepping stone CHWB events you would recommend for those who aren't familiar with the organization?
TZ: Come to one of our workshops or sign up for a service. Most people start off having their diet analyzed and then branch out to different services from there. Another popular service is our relaxation training. This service teaches people the basics of deep breathing and guided imagery as well as offering individuals tailored stress management strategies. All our services are free and we welcome all students, faculty and staff.

HT: What's your favorite service that CHWB offers?
TZ: One of my favorite services is the Better Weigh weight management class. This class teaches people the healthy way to lose weight without having to diet. It is focused on the school of "Intuitive Eating" and truly is an approach that can provide a lifetime of weight management. The "Better Weigh" to Managing Your Weight for a Lifetime. There will be a session for it from noon to 1 pm tomorrow , March 3 at the University Health Center Sahet Conference Room, on the third floor.

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If you want to get in touch with CHWB, contact Tracy at(301) 314-1493 or zeeger@health.umd.edu. The Center is in room 0121 in the Eppley Recreation Center. Log on to the Center's Web site to find out about all the services it offers, take the wellness test, sign up for e-mail updates and more.

Center for Health & Wellbeing Helps You Gear Up for Spring Break

Looking to get in shape for spring break? The Center for Health & Wellbeing has a slew of options in the next two weeks. Check out their events below to learn tips for eating healthy and simple exercises to get you ready for the big SB.

The Center for Health & Wellbeing is a branch of both the University Health Center and the Eppley Recreation Center, and its mission is to lead our campus to healthy living. The best part: their services are free!

Eat for Improved Exercise Performance

Tuesday, March 2, 2010, noon - 1pm
@ University Health Center Sahet Conference Room, (3rd Floor)
It is important to properly fuel your body with nutrient dense foods to get the most out of your workout. Come learn about food and beverage choices that will maximize your time in the gym and ultimately optimize your fitness level.

The "Better Weigh" to Managing Your Weight for a Lifetime

Wednesday, March 3, 2010, noon - 1pm
@ University Health Center Sahet Conference Room, (3rd Floor)
Tired of dieting? Learn the non-diet approach to managing your weight. This approach emphasizes mindful eating, getting in touch with your hunger and full signals and active living.

Get Fit for Spring Break

Thursday, March 4, 2010, noon - 1pm
@ University Health Center Sahet Conference Room, (3rd Floor)
To achieve optimal fitness one must address both diet and exercise. Come learn the simple exercises that you can do in your room or office to increase fitness level and healthy food choices and portion control techniques that will keep you lean and energized.

Sex, Shooters, and Spring Break

Monday, March 8, 6-7pm
@ Center for Health & Wellbeing
Learn how to have a fun and safe spring break!

Break the Silence, Paint Your Voice

Wednesday, March 10, 10am-3pm
@ Hornbake Plaza
Active Minds will host an interactive art event which seeks to promote peer to peer conversation about mental health issues, especially suicide on the UMD campus. Members of the UMD community will be able to decorate a yellow square cloth honoring a loved one lost to suicide or depict the impact of suicide on the community. If you are interested in volunteering for an hour or two from 9am to 3pm, please contact Morgane at morgane.cibotti@gmail.com.

Don't forget about Meditation Wednesdays, 6-7pm in the Center for Health & Wellbeing!

This Week's Wellness Center Events Kick Off Tonight With Pizza and a Movie

The Center for Health and Wellbeing and the School of Public Health share the same mission to promote healthy living among students, faculty and staff on campus. Check out some of this week's events, hosted by our friends at the Wellness Center:

The Strength to Resist: Pizza & a Movie
When: Thursday, February 18th, 6pm
Where: 0140 Eppley Recreation Center
What: Join us for a film and discussion looking at the impact of media images on women and girls. Add your voice to theirs as we share this experience.

Eppley After Dark!
When: Friday, February 19th, 11pm-2am
Where: Eppley Recreation Center
What: Join us for food, fun, and a fantastic time!

Every-Body's Different: Learn how to love yourself inside and out!
When: Monday, February 22nd 6-7pm
What:Learn about body image, including what can influence our image, and the benefits of loving your body. Through interactive activities, participants will become more aware of their own body image and lean how to establish a healthy ideal.

Meditation Wednesdays!
When: 6-7pm
Where: Center for Health and Wellbeing (0121 ERC)

Worried About A Friend? Become a Gatekeeper!
Ever been concerned about a friend but not know how to approach them or what to say? Gatekeeper trainings are for individuals who want to feel more comfortable, confident and competent in learning how to talk with someone they are worried about.
Through these trainings, you will learn THREE important skills:
1. How to recognize individuals who are at potential risk for suicide or depression
2. How to intervene and talk with someone you are concerned about-- no matter what the issue!
3. How to refer them on to professional counseling
For more information or to sign up for training please contact Carrie Martin, program coordinator: cmartin@health.umd.edu or 301-314-8112. You may also visit our website.