Archives
UB facuty, staff to focus on fitness
Preparation for health care issues a theme of annual Wellness Awareness Day
By KEVIN FRYLING
Reporter Staff Writer
The peace of mind that comes from thoughtful preparation and foresight is a major theme behind the eighth annual Wellness Awareness Day, to be presented by the Professional Staff Senate and Human Resources from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 in the Main Gym in Alumni Area, North Campus.
The Professional Staff Senate used this image to promote the event.
Special presentations on health care proxies will be conducted from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. by Gayle Eagan of Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel LLP, and on aging parents from 12:15-1:15 p.m. by David Dunkelman, CEO and president of Weinberg Campus.
"We try to bring in something a little different each year," says H. William Coles III, assistant vice provost for the Educational Opportunity Program. "A lot of faculty and staff deal—or will deal—with aging parents. We thought it was an important dimension of life that we ought to address."
Other activities organized to assist participants in planning for the future and weathering the unexpected include a retirement information session presented by Anne Bielinski, personnel associate in the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources, and a presentation on "Emergency Preparedness" by Don Rowe, a UB public health liaison. Fire extinguisher demonstrations also are scheduled throughout the day.
Preparedness became an important subject for many people after the surprise snowstorm in October that turned out the lights and hindered travel throughout the region, notes Coles, adding that the topics featured at Wellness Awareness Day are selected with an eye toward current concerns in the university community.
He also points out that organizers remain dedicated to their mission to teach members of the UB community about good physical, mental and emotional health—and to show them that their achievement is worth the time and effort.
"You and your health are important," says Coles, "not only to you but to your loved ones. The university sponsors the event to raise the awareness of the university community—to have a day where people can really focus on health and wellness."
More than 80 presentations on such topics as diet, nutrition and exercise are scheduled for the event.
Information on diet and nutrition will include presentations by UB interns on "super foods," whole grains, portion-size manipulation and trans fats and sugar alternatives, as well as a presentation on dietary supplements by Sanford Levy, clinical associate professor of medicine. Exercise information includes demonstrations of home gym equipment by G&G Fitness and sessions on Pilates, yoga, tai chi and physio ball by instructors from UB Recreation and Intramural Services and the community.
Free samples of nutritious pastas, tofu, salad and other foods are on the agenda, sponsored by UB Campus Dining and Shops, Wegmans, Tops Cooking School, Subway and Lebro's restaurant, among others.
In addition, raffle sponsors at the event include Bally Fitness, Campus Café, Salvatore's, Sunny's Family Restaurant, Target, UB Bookstore, UB Center for the Arts and West Herr Automotive. There will be hourly iPod giveaways and the chance to win a treadmill.
Spots also remain for a UB Fit health screening and consultation. Those interested should contact Recreation and Intramural Services at 645-2286 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to participate. The free screening consists of 11 evaluations normally valued at $35, including blood-pressure screening, body-fat indexing, glucose screening, cholesterol testing and bone-density screening. Results include exercise recommendations based on specific evaluation and advice for additional testing for individuals found to be at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Organizers estimate that 1,200 to 2,000 individuals will attend Wellness Awareness Day, says Coles, noting that release time for participation is available for faculty and staff with approval from a supervisor.
For more information, or to download a detailed schedule of activities, go to the Professional Staff Senate Web site at http://www.pss.buffalo.edu.