August 2022
August Focus – Health is a Lifestyle
A mega-analysis of 15 international studies that included over 500,000 participants found that over half of premature deaths were due to unhealthy lifestyle factors such as poor diet, inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol intake, and smoking.1 So, why are healthy behaviors so challenging to adopt and maintain?
As humans, we form what we call “habits” as a way of saving mental energy. Any behavior that can become a routine saves us the energy of having to think about it and leaves mental space for other things. Your brain doesn’t have to think very hard about actions that are habits, because you perform them regularly, often automatically and without needing motivation. Over the course of our lives, the choices we make and behaviors we perform everyday shape us. These choices become habits that we adopt, and these habits, over time, harden into our lifestyle. So, if we improve our habits, we improve our lives.
Changing our habits by consciously making different choices is a challenging process that involves several stages. Sometimes it takes a while before changes become new habits, and you will likely face roadblocks along the way. It is important to recognize that embracing wellness is a conscious choice – not a one-off decision, but an ongoing process of choosing to live well. So, start with small, manageable changes, be easy on yourself, and celebrate victories along the way. Well-being must be approached as a lifelong journey, not a destination to be reached.
We kick off this month of offerings with Mindful Monday on August 1. Explore this page to discover additional offerings, such as webinars, a walk & talk, and a lunchtime bike/scooter ride.
August Presentations |
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Learn strategies for creating and maintaining healthy habits straight from the experts. Browse our August webinars below. These sessions are open to all full and part time employees. For those participating in the wellness rewards program, each session is worth 10 Tier 2 points. |
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Aug. 4 12-1 pm Webinar |
Strategies for Post-Diet SuccessIn today’s world, we are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of diet recommendations, creating more confusion than ever. Many of these diet recommendations are fad diets that may work in the short-term but are rarely sustainable. Evidence shows that keeping the weight off is near impossible for many lifelong dieters. Join Kelly Schlather, RDN, LD, ACSM CEP, of Be Well Solutions to learn how to prevent the inevitable post-diet weight-regain. Participants will learn about recent fad diets, why they may not be sustainable, and how to safely transition off of a restrictive eating plan towards a sustainable dietary pattern for life. |
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Aug. 9 12-1 pm Webinar |
Nutrition: There’s No Quick FixFad diets? Supplements? Quick nutrition fixes? Have you fallen in the trap of these methods to obtain nutrition results? Join Natalie Caine-Bish, PhD, RND, LD, Associate Professor of Nutrition & Dietetics at Kent State, to learn why these methods and nutrition myths don't work. Natalie will also discuss tips to help you reach your nutrition goals without using methods that won't provide the desired results in the long term. |
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Health COACHING |
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Want to form new, healthier habits but need help in doing so? A health coach can support you on your wellness journey. Health coaching/nutrition counseling sessions are available in-person or remotely, through Be Well Solutions (available to full-time, benefits-eligible employees) or Impact Solutions (available to all employees and their eligible family members). To schedule a session with Be Well Solutions, login to your Be Well portal and click on the link for worksite or virtual health coaching/nutrition counseling under the “My Appointments” heading. To request a session through Impact Solutions, call 800-227-6007. |
Wellable Total Wellness Challenge, Aug 1-28 |
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Wellness goes far beyond just being active and eating well. Bringing awareness to the unique dimensions of wellness can help build a holistic sense of fulfillment and well-being – and this challenge provides an opportunity for just that. In addition to tracking physical activity and nutrition, participants will view engaging videos to explore 8 different well-being dimensions. |
Weight Management Programs
For some people, weight management programs provide the consistent support and community that they need to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle long-term. Did you know that employees can earn Tier 2 points for participating in a weight management program of their choosing? Select “Read more” for information on choosing a safe weight management program, discounts on WW (Weight Watchers), and how to track your participation to earn Tier 2 points.
Walk & Talk: Ecosystems
Join Employee Wellness for a walk & talk on October 7 to explore different ecosystems and wildlife habitats on the Kent campus with Kent State’s Outreach Recycling Coordinator, Leah Graham.
Learn more and register for the Ecosystems Walk and Talk
Kent State Farmers’ Market
Kent State University has partnered with Haymaker Farmers' Market bring an on-campus farmers' market experience. The market offers over 20 vendors offering locally sourced fresh produce, crafts, and more to the Kent State community. Stop by the Student Green on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 4-7 p.m. to meet vendors, shop, and enjoy! The markets are open to all employees, students, and community members.