Bulletin News

02/07/2013 

SUNY Cortland is hosting the Spring 2013 “Wellness Wednesday Series” featuring speakers, exhibits, self-help workshops and other programs intended to encourage campus and community members to learn more about health and wellness.

Programs continue through the spring semester with topics including healthy eating, successful career and life planning, and alternative means of achieving better health including meditation, massage, acupuncture and chiropractic medicine.

Sponsored by the Health Promotion Office and the Student Development Center, the series will take place on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Corey Union Exhibition Lounge, unless otherwise noted. The events are free and open to the public.

On Feb. 13, the College will sponsor a faculty discussion of the No. 1 New York Times bestseller by Rebecca Skloot, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks at 4 p.m. in Brockway Hall, Jacobus Lounge. Organized by the Cultural and Intellectual Climate Committee, the program will be moderated by Theresa Curtis, an associate professor of biological sciences at SUNY Cortland. Faculty presenters include Curtis; Elyse Purcell, lecturer in philosophy; and Jill Murphy, associate professor of health. The book focuses on Lacks, a woman whose story illustrates the collision of medical science and racial divisions in this country. Skloot’s volume raises questions about our common humanity, and reinforces the theme of civility versus incivility and the importance of community building and civil behavior.

On Feb. 20, national speaker Mindy Sopher will address “Getting to the Heart of Hazing” at 7:30 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room. Sopher, a communications faculty member at North Carolina State University, will explain “The 3 H’s surrounding hazing — heart, harm and help.” Sopher takes a nurturing approach to the discussion, helping students understand how preventing hazing speaks to their personal values and ethics. She helps students understand that new, non-hazing traditions can replace the harmful ones if extraordinary student leaders step up and take responsibility for changing their organization culture.  Sopher, who also teaches a course in organizational leadership and change, received many awards as a full-time fraternity/sorority advisor at the University of Memphis, Old Dominion, and North Carolina State. The North Carolina State Panhellenic Association named its top award “The Sopher Cup” as a testament to the extraordinary respect the students feel towards her contributions to their community.

The sight of runners is a frequent one on roads and pathways through and around campus. Other college community members have chosen martials arts as a means to fitness and serenity, as shown above left.

On Feb. 27, national speaker Jenni Schaefer will discuss “Perfectly Imperfect: Eating and Body Image,” at 7:30 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room. The singer, songwriter and ambassador for the National Eating Disorder Association will share her insight into finding balance with food and exercise as well as overcoming perfectionism and living a happy, fulfilled-perfectly imperfect life. Recovered from her own eating disorder, Schaefer is the author of “Goodbye Ed, Hello Me — Recover from Your Eating Disorder and Fall in Love with Life.”

On March 6, the College’s team of health promotion interns will staff “Safe Spring Break” tables from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. on the Corey Union first floor. The students assisting the Health Promotion Office will offer fun activities and helpful hints for a safe and healthy spring break.

On March 20, Andrea Hart, a registered dietician and New York state certified dietician-nurse who is employed with the SUNY Cortland Auxiliary Services Corporation, will present “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Corey Union first floor. Healthful eating is not one-size-fits-all, but needs to be individualized, according to Hart. She encourages everyone to stop by the tables for health information and tips.

On March 27, the College will screen the documentary film “The Dream Share Project,” which is geared for those who are thinking about their career, major or post-graduation plans. The film explores how successful people have pursued their dreams and found careers they love. The film follows two recent college graduates, Alexis Irvin and her partner, Chip Hiden, on their road trip across the U.S. They interview successful people — from an Olympic skier to one of the original Latin Kings of Comedy to the CEO of a sustainable flip flop company — who have chased their dreams and learn about discovering one’s passion, committing to a dream, dealing with setbacks, and redefining success for the millennial generation. Irvin, one of the project creators, currently is working on a career guide for millennials.

On April 3, Philosophy Department Chair Andrew Fitz-Gibbon will offer insights about why humans feel stress and what they can do about it. His talk, “Got Stress? Try Meditation!” will feature helpful exercises to take home and practice. Fitz-Gibbon, an associate professor, is a fellow of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association, certified in client counseling; abbot of the Lindisfarne Community in Ithaca, N.Y.; and a certified taijiquan instructor holding Chen family lineage, 13th generation.

On April 10, the College will recognize “Sexual Assault Awareness Week” with a speaker who will be announced at a later date.

On April 17, Rhonda Marr, a licensed acupuncturist, and Ayla Fialko, a licensed massage therapist, will share their knowledge on “Alternative Preventive Care: Massage and Acupuncture.” Participants can learn ways to enhance and strengthen their health now so they will feel well and remain healthy as they age.

On April 24, Michelle Herczeg, a doctor of chiropractic, will present “Reducing Stress: The Secret to Health & Wellness Naturally!” According to Herczeg, a key factor in sickness and disease is the body’s inability to manage stress. Participants will explore how to manage stress more effectively and gain a lifetime of better health.

 For more information or accommodation to attend an event, contact Catherine Smith, the College’s health educator, in Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-1 or at (607) 753-2066.