Summer Wellness Review 2014
Summer is traditionally a time spend with family – school is out, vacations are on the horizon and barbeques are frequent. To honor this, several GoUSF summer wellness events included family members. Congratulations to the many faculty, staff and families who participated in this summer’s wellness activities, demonstrating commitment to not only their health but also to building relationships with co-workers and with family members.
Summer started on a high note for GoUSF after the American Heart Association (AHA) rated USF as one of the fittest workplaces in the country and honored the University with two awards. One award places USF among 40 elite innovators in health and wellness. Through progressive leadership and employee wellness initiatives, the GoUSF Wellness Program has been instrumental in creating a culture of health in the workplace.
The first big wellness event of the summer, Family Fun Day, was a huge success with over 55 kids of all ages and 45 parents participating. GoUSF partnered with several departments to organize activities that demonstrated the four pillars of wellness. Families visited the Gleeson Library, the sculpture garden on the K-hall roof, the Nursing Clinic and Koret and finished by creating a pasta lunch in the cafeteria. The day would not be possible without the help of volunteers who registered participants, passed out goody bags and directed groups through each station. Most importantly, co-workers and families created new relationships or strengthened old ones.
Continuing with the theme of family, GoUSF facilitated the Family Well-Being Challenge from July 14th through August 1st. Studies show that people are far more likely to achieve and maintain their health goals when family and friends are involved. During this three-week challenge, over 160 co-workers, friends and/or family members bonded together in 29 teams of 4 to 6 people to focus on all dimensions of their health, including physical, nutritional, spiritual/emotional and social wellness. It was truly a team effort: participants earned points for moving, eating fruits and veggies, participating in stress-free activities and engaging in social activities as a team. Congratulations again to team Live Shrimp for earning the most points as a group and winning the challenge!
This summer, GoUSF hosted three Bring Your Lunch and Learn informational sessions, which included topics about parenting teenagers, general nutrition and diet myths. Claudia Graetsch-Vasquez, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, was the guest speaker for both the July and August sessions, reviewing smart nutrition choices and identifying diet fads to help employees and their families maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Visit the GoUSF News Archives webpage to download copies of the presentations for each session.
Every Thursday this summer, several people participating in this year’s J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge have congregated at the Koret runner statue to train for the 3.5 mile walk/run. Come cheer on our USF team on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:45pm starting at McCovey Cove! Race participants and volunteers are invited to join the after-party at AT&T Park. Go Team USF!
As you can see, GoUSF has sponsored an array of wellness events this summer and has more in store for the remainder of 2014 to help support your physical and emotional well-being. Even small changes can reap big rewards. Keep an eye on upcoming wellness activities! Stay in the loop by subscribing to the weekly GoUSF Wellness Update email, liking GoUSF on Facebook and following @gousfca on Instagram!
Do you have a great idea for a wellness event or activity? Do you have any questions, comments or concerns? Please email Suzy Kisylia, the GoUSF Wellness Program Manager.