Health and Wellness

If you follow medical news, you’ve probably heard of studies that link gut bacteria to various health conditions and medical concerns. Gut bacteria is perhaps known primarily for helping aid in the digestion of our food. But did you know that gut bacteria has been shown to influence the response of our immune system? Or that recent studies indicate that gut bacteria may contribute to depression, and the development of autism in young children?

Research will certainly continue to delve into this arena — but in the meantime, it appears beneficial to maintain healthy gut bacteria. Eating more prebiotic and probiotic foods can help. Prebiotics are generally high-fiber foods that good bacteria feed on, which helps them to proliferate. These include things like whole grains, artichokes, asparagus, garlic, onion, and bananas. Probiotics are fermented foods that carry living beneficial bacteria. Examples are yogurt, tempeh, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut. Try incorporating more of these into your diet on a regular basis. And for optimal gut health, only use antibiotics when necessary – as antibiotics often kill both bad and good bacteria, which can contribute to digestive issues.

More information can be found in the August Newsletter.

Lawrence University has been designated as one of the Top 50 most active companies in the Large Business category of the national On the Move Company Challenge. The On the Move challenge, developed by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), partners with organizations around the country to take a stand for more movement and improved cultures of wellbeing for employees. The challenge has been shown to cut sedentary behavior in half and create a groundswell of support for more physical activity during the workday. Eighty-four companies representing more than 85,000 employees participated in this 12-week online challenge spanning April, May and June of 2017.

The top three that earned more than 10,000 points were Pete Gilbert, Donna Matey and Jami Rogers.

Thank you to everyone that participated in the challenges and moved more during your day.  Have a great summer.

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