College Offers Spring ‘Wellness’ Series for Campus, Community

01/21/2010 

SUNY Cortland will host the Spring 2010 “Wellness Wednesday Series” featuring speakers, exhibits, self-help workshops and other programs intended to encourage campus and community members to try something new, whether it be yoga, tai chi, energy medicine, massage, Zumba dance-fitness techniques or a new approach to managing one’s diet.

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

On Jan. 27, Louise Mahar, the College’s assistant director, recreational sports for fitness, will offer “A Non-Threatening Introduction to Yoga.” Participants will experience a beginner-level yoga class and should dress in loose, comfortable clothing and bring a towel.

On Feb. 3, Charles DeMotte, a beginning instructor in the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA, will present “Taoist Tai Chi.” Taoist Tai Chi internal arts of health is part of an ancient lineage of Chinese martial arts designed to improve health and well being.  

On Feb. 10, Dawn Stranges, who has a doctorate in trans-cultural studies: energy medicine, will discuss “Meditation and Visualization.” Stranges will lead participants as they strive to experience several forms of meditation and visualization which can be used to reverse stress, increase performance and gain insight.

On Feb. 17, Stranges will again share her ideas about “energy medicine” in a presentation titled “Mind-Body Medicine.” She will demonstrate to participants how to harness the power of the mind to heal one’s life and body. She has traveled the world collecting self-healing techniques to help heal the “Stressed West.”

National nutrition therapist, author and speaker Evelyn Tribole will share her ideas on “Intuitive Eating: How to Create a Healthy Relationship with Food, Mind and Body” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24, in the Corey Union Function Room. A registered dietician, Tribole says “intuitive eating” teaches individuals how to create a healthy relationship with their food, mind and body, where they ultimately become the expert of their own body. Her talk fittingly takes place during national Body Appreciation Week.

On March 3, Nathan Fanton, a Zumba instructor and Zumba Instructor Network member, will offer “Zumba!” His easy-to-follow moves put to Latin rhythms create a one-of-a-kind fitness program. Fanton’s program provides outrageous fun and exercise.

On March 10, health promotion interns will team up with members of Colleges Against Cancer to share information on “Staying Safe on Spring Break.” The campus community is encouraged to stop by their tables from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Corey Union first floor for information, activities, cool prizes and free gifts.  

Two health education majors at SUNY Cortland, Sara Gleisle and Caitlyn Lawrence, will discuss “Healthy Steps for a Healthier Life” on March 24. Their tips are geared to help participants feel better, reach their goal of daily activity and help the environment, too.

On March 31, the series will host “Giving Blood,” an opportunity for students to make a donation that can save lives. Presented by the American Red Cross, the blood drive takes place from noon-5 p.m. in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge.

On April 7, licensed massage therapist Faith Kessler will demonstrate techniques for reducing stress during her program, “Massage.” Kessler, who also is a licensed master social worker, has designed her program to raise awareness and knowledge leading to better self-care.

On April 14, Louise Whittleton, a registered dietician for Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC), and health promotion interns will share “Healthy Eating Choices” at various tables set up on the first floor of Corey Union from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Whittleton and the interns will explain why humans can easily make healthy eating choices every day.

On April 21, campus groups devoted to saving the environment will present “Going Green!” all day on the Corey Union first floor. The Student Affairs Sustainability Committee, resident assistants, green reps and health promotion interns encourage interested individuals to stop by their tables for information and give-aways as the campus community learns sustainable practices.

Richard Peagler, the College’s director of counseling and student development at SUNY Cortland, will discuss “Managing Stress and Feeling Better,” on April 28. His proven self-help methods are geared to reduce stress and make the individual feel better.

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.