Health and Wellness

As Spring Term winds down and warmer weather becomes more commonplace, it’s hard not to at least start thinking about summer. And for me, one of the best parts of summer is the emergence of area farm markets, and the fresh fruits and vegetables available there. Make sure you take advantage of these great resources—not only to support local farmers, but also to pack more nutrients into your diet. Vegetables and fruit are a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber—something many of us don’t get enough of on a daily basis. Most area farm markets open in late May or early June. Check out the following link for farm markets throughout the Fox Valley: foxcitiesregion.com/fox-cities-farmers-markets/

Any gardeners out there? Even if you don’t have a plot of land or a raised garden, you can still grow a wide variety of herbs and vegetables in pots on your patio or front step. While it may take a few months to enjoy the fruits of your labor, what’s tastier than a caprese salad made with fresh basil and tomatoes from your own yard? Or fresh salsa made with cilantro and peppers that you personally grew?

And while you’re at it, consider the multitude of ways you can use those fresh vegetables and fruits. Tired of eating salad? Throw those veggies on the grill.  Grilling vegetables—either in a grill pan, on a kebab skewer or directly on the grill with just a little olive oil—is a delightful way to enjoy them. Peppers, zucchini, asparagus, onions, eggplant and mushrooms all taste great right off the grill. Even if you’re not a big fan of vegetables, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the great flavor of grilled veggies. Give it a try!

Laurie Ehlers, RN, CDE
RN Educator
Memorial Hall, Room 102
920-832-7498
laurie.ehlers@lawrence.edu

Would you like to take off a few pounds but find it difficult to do on your own? Or just looking for some new ideas about how to eat healthier and be more active? Join us for “Happy and Healthy,” an informal weight management group here on campus. Open to faculty and staff, we meet each Tuesday at noon. Our next meeting takes place on Tuesday, May 2 in Room 401 (Arthur Vining Davis Conference Room) of Warch Campus Center.  Please contact RN educator Laurie Ehlers at 920-832-7498 or laurie.ehlers@lawrence.edu with any questions.

LU On the Move winners are …

Week 3: Beth Destasio, Kari Hinkens, Julia Jackson, Dakota Williams, Matt Schoutlz

Week 2: Andrew Borresen, Paris Wicker, Sara Beth Holman, Connie Kassor, Beth Zinsli

It’s never too late to get started! Even a walk across campus counts in this program.  onthemovechallenge.welcoa.org/register/LUontheMove

“Spring breathes new life into the world around us.” Seeing the last remnants of snow melt away, and the first green of spring flowers poking up through the earth puts a little extra zip in everyone’s step. We’re a little more jovial, a little more upbeat. We find a reason to linger outside just a little longer, to catch another minute or two of sunshine.

With warmer weather comes more reasons and more opportunities for us to be outside. And for many of us, that means more opportunities to be moving. Whether that involves cleaning up the yard, walking the dog, or playing catch with the kids, there’s plenty of activities that help us to get moving. And isn’t this a great time of year to move more?

We may have plenty of reasons to move more at home.  But what about here at work? We all spend a lot of time here. Think of the benefits – both mentally and physically – if we found ways to move more while we’re here at work. We’d likely be less stressed, leaner, healthier, and happier.

So give it a try! Here are some ideas to help you get moving more at work:

• Got a meeting in another building? Maybe you could leave 5-10 minutes early and take a quick stroll before that meeting.  Or you could spend a few extra minutes and take the long way back to your office after the meeting.
• Better yet — could you turn it into a walking meeting, and bring the entire team outside? That additional activity and change of scenery often helps us “think outside the box” and may result in a more productive session.
• We all spend a lot of time sitting throughout the day. Think about planning a 10-15 minute walk with your co-workers at set times, like 10 am and 2 pm.
• Form a walking group with a few co-workers, and meet once or twice a week to get 30 minutes of walking (or running) in at the end of your workday.  For many of us, we’re less likely to find an excuse to miss that activity, if we’ve committed to doing it with someone else.

For any questions or concerns, please contact:

Laurie Ehlers, RN, CDE

RN Educator

Room 102, Memorial Hall

Phone: 920-832-7498

Laurie.ehlers@lawrence.edu

Move More, Sit Less and Thrive with the Lawrence On the Move Challenge!

Join us for a 12-week challenge that will allow us to compete in real-time to be one of the Top 100 most active companies in the country.  As part of the challenge you will get interactive resources to help you move more during the day. Enjoy company challenges and boost each other to show support.

To Join your Lawrence in the challenge go to: www.onthemovechallenge.welcoa.org  Company Code:  LUontheMove

Lawrence University is excited to offer a Weight Management Group for all staff, faculty, and spouses/domestic partners.  This program is part of the initiatives we are starting on campus to help you with the things you wanted to learn more about, per the PHA surveys.  The group will be hosted by Laurie Ehlers, ThedaCare RN Educator.

The initial meeting will be held at Warch Campus Center – Kraemer Conference Room on Tuesday, March 28^th at noon.

A typical meeting will be 30 minutes in length and consist of learning topics, optional sharing of successes and/or opportunities you have had in your weight management journey, optional weigh-ins, and much more.

Everyone is welcome and there is no requirement to participate in a specific diet program. We hope to see you there!