Healthy U

Issue 3

Upcoming Events

Do you sit still for long periods of time working at a computer? Our bodies were not designed for this. As a result, computing can lead to body strain and aching.

The American Physical Therapy Association suggests these tips to help relieve the strain of computing:
• Stand up every 20-30 minutes and do some gentle stretching.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor. Use a footrest if necessary.
• Avoid “hovering” or excessive tension in your arms and hands when you are using your keyboard.

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Since 1994 the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) has been studying individuals 18 years and older who have successfully maintained a 30-pound weight loss for at least one year. The average participant in the study has actually lost approximately 60 pounds and maintained the loss for about five years. Two-thirds of the successful weight losers were overweight as children and 60 percent reported a family history of obesity. About half the participants lost weight on their own without participating in a formal weight management program.
Why are some individuals successful at losing weight and keeping it off?

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Looking for an alternative to drugs for pain or stress relief? More Americans are turning to massage therapy to reduce pain. Massage therapy is also growing in popularity for stress-related tension relief and relaxation.

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• Keep your mouse at the same level as your keyboard and close to your body.
• Watch for lighting glare.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule—blink 20 times and stare 20 feet away from your computer screen every 20 minutes.
• Avoid frequent neck turning and awkward neck positions.
• Keep your posture erect.
• Keep your trunk muscles strong.

Source: “Healthy Computer Use: Tips from Physical Therapists,” American Physical Therapy Association, www.apta.org.

“Wellness Fair Info”
Learn how to take good care of yourself. Have the chance to ask experts in the field your questions. Many exhibitors from both off and on campus will offer activities, demonstrations, screenings or assessments, information on upcoming events, coupons and promotional items. Free food, gifts, massages

20 different exhibitors including: University Health and Counseling Services, Recreation Sports, Chartwells, Employee Assistance Program, Delta Zeta, Sugar Bay, University Police, Students Against Sexual Violence, Pregnancy Helpline, Fort Atkinson Health Services, AA, WI Dept. of Transportation, Career Services, Bio Life Plasma Center, Mercy Medical Services, Mercy Aquatic and Fitness Center, Association for the Prevention of Family Violence, Winther Counseling Lab, Lutherdale, Aurora Health Services, Davis Duehr Dean, Healing Touch.

Door prizes include a DVD player with exercise DVD, Semester pass for University Fitness, Mercy Fitness and Aquatic Center gift certificate, Cooler, Sunglasses, Emotional Health basket, session with a personal trainer, Massage gift certificates, Exercise balls, Pedometers, Gift certificate for athletic shoes and more.

“Grief Group”
No one is ever prepared for the death of a friend or someone we love. This weekly drop in group offers support to students who have experienced such a loss. It will provide you with understanding and tools for working through your grief. The group meets in room 2023S (rocker room) of the Ambrose Health Center.

"Learn to Relax Group"
Learn to relax, soothe and reenergize your body and mind. Leave in a state of relaxed alertness. Each session will be a different combination of breathing exercises, stretching, meditation, self massage and guided imagery. Comfortable chairs will be provided, but you are welcome to bring a blanket or yoga mat. Open to students, faculty and staff. Come once or all semester. This group meets in room 2023S (rocker room) of the Ambrose Health Center. Use the parking lot entrance to the Health Center and go up the stairs. If you need access to the elevator please call Marilyn Kile at 472-1300 X2244 in advance.

Here are some key findings from the NWCR ongoing study on successful weight losers:
• They make substantial changes in their eating and physical activity habits to lose and maintain their weight, and they maintain these changes.
• They keep track of their calorie intake.
• They eat healthy low-calorie, low-fat foods that include fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods.
• Eight out of ten eat breakfast every day.
• They engage in 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity daily. Walking is the most popular activity.
Successful weight losers report a significant improvement in their self-confidence, mood, and physical health. They find maintaining their weight loss gets easier over time. They get used to and start to enjoy their new way of eating and getting more physical activity.
The National Weight Control Registry is a collaborative effort of James Hill, PhD, of the University of Colorado and Rina Wing, PhD, of Brown University and the University of Pittsburgh.
Source: National Weight Control Registry, www.nwcr.ws.