Graceland University Wellness

Wellness Tip of the Week

Germs remain in stagnant air; open windows when weather permits to circulate fresh air.

WAYS TO TREAT YOUR COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS
  • Get plenty of rest, especially while you have a fever.
  • Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, which can make cold symptoms worse.
  • Drink lots of fluids like water and clear soups. Fluids help loosen mucus. Fluids are also important because they help prevent dehydration.
  • Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat. Throat sprays or lozenges may also help relieve the pain.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Use saline (salt water) nose drops to help loosen mucus and moisten the tender skin in your nose.
PERSONAL TRAINER

Do you need help getting started on a workout routine?  Do you know how to use all the equipment in the Wellness Room?  A wellness major student will be availabe in the wellness room every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Noon to 1:00.  Please take advantage of this great opportunity.  If you have questions, please contact Chad McDole.

BIKE IT OR HIKE IT - FALL ACTIVITY

We have 41 employees participating in the Bike It or Hike It 12-week program.  There are three categories - beginner walkers, advanced walkers and bikers.  Each week, they turn in how many miles they have walked or biked.  They also get points for every 30 minutes of exercise.  At the end of the program, the person in each category with the most miles and the person with the most points will win a prize.

              

UPCOMING EVENTS

November

Wellness Class: Stress Management during the cold and flu season - November 17 and 18 at 2:00 in the South Americas Room

Watch announcements for more information.

 

WELLNESS NEWSLETTER 11/17/08

  When To Seek Care

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have high blood pressure or any of the following symptoms:

  • If you're experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, CALL 911!
  • If your blood pressure rises suddenly above a controlled, normal range.
  • If your blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg
  • If you experience a sudden, severe headache
  • If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mmHg on two or more separate occasions.

If you experience uncomfortable side effects you believe are caused by blood pressure medication.

 

Quick Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fat-free pasta, cooked, drained and cooled
  • 2 cups assorted fresh vegetables, chopped
  • 1 med green pepper, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 8-oz bottle fat-free Italian dressing
  • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • pepper to taste

Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and cool.  Combine the Italian dressing, mustard and pepper, mixing well.  Combine the cooled pasta with the fresh vegetables in large bowl.  Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, mixing well.  Cover and chill thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories 153, Total fat, Og, cholesterol 25mg, sodium 360mg, carbohydrate 28g, protein 5g; Number of servings: 6

NUTRITION CORNER:  What are Discretionary Calories?

You need a certain number of calories to keep your body functioning and provide energy for physical activities.  Think of the calories you need for energy like money you have to spend.  Each person has a total calorie "budget."  This budget can be divided into "essentials" and "extras."

With a financial budget, the essentials are items like rent and food.  The extras are tings like movies and vacations.  In a calorie budget, the "essentials" are the minimum calories required to meet your nutrient needs.  By selecting the lowest fat and no-sugar-added forms of foods in each food group, you would make the best nutrient "buys."  Depending on the foods you choose, you may be able to spend more calories than the amount required to meet your nutrient needs.  These calories are the "extras" that can be used on luxuries like solid fats, added sugars, or on more food from any food group.  They are your "discretionary calories."

Each person has an allowance for some discretionary calories.  But, many people have used up this allowance before lunch time.  Most discretionary calorie allowances are very small, between 100 and 300 calories, especially for those who are not physically active.  For many people, the discretionary calorie allowance is used totally by the foods they choose in each food group, such as higher fat meats, cheeses, whole milk, or sweetened bakery products.

Taken from the Well Workplace

FITNESS CORNER:  Walking vs. Driving 
  • The cost of operating a car for one year is approximately $5,170.
  • The cost of operating a bicycle for a year is only $120.
  • The average family must work for more than 6 weeks to pay a year's car expenses, compared with less than one day needed to pay for a year's bicycle expenses.
  • Walking is free!

If you plan to start walking to work, here are a few tips:

  • Dress for the weather: It is best to dress in layers so you can remove some when you warm up, and put them back on if you get cool.
  • Protect yourself from the elements: Wear a hat and sunscreen to protect your face from the sun and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  • Stash your gear: Get a hip pack or backpack for your walk to work.
  • Focus on footwear: wear comfortable well-fitting shoes. Put your work shoes in your backpack. Consider replacing your shoes every 500 miles so they do not wear excessively and start to hurt your feet.

Taken from the Well Workplace

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

Susan Knotts 17th
Sandi Swanson 17th
Maggie Yu 18th
Lois Bartsch 20th
Paul Sebring 22nd
Kathleen Bosaw 22nd
Jan Gray 23rd
Kim Moore 25th
Talia Brown 25th
Cathy Pauli 26th
Rob Stephens 27th
Wesley Haymaker 27th
Cindy Leveridge-Gregory 27th
Nate Wood 28th
Lori Christensen 29th
Tammy James 29th

DID YOU KNOW…  

By losing just 7%-8% of your excess body weight, you can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.  For added protection, get 30 min of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking most days of the week.

*The information and opinions expressed in this newsletter and related resource links are not necessarily those of Graceland University.  This newsletter and its health-related information and resources are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any new diet or exercise program or if you have any questions regarding a medical condition

 
WELLNESS COMMITTEE MEMBERS

For ideas/suggestions/feedback, please contact the committee:  Nicole Patience (chair), Sandi Swanson, Peggy Sturdevant, Christy Carpenter, Mari Chandler, Garnet Coulthard, Chad McDole, Rich Harrop, Ed Thomas, and Erin Lundy

Independence Wellness Committee:  Jesse Bolinger (chair), Jeana Wilcox, Janean Johnson, and Jana Gadberry

Graceland University - 
Lamoni Campus
| 1 University Place |
Lamoni, IA 50140 |
641.784.5000
Independence Campus
| 1401 W. Truman Road |
Independence, MO 64050-3434 |
816.833.0524
Online Programs
800.833.0524
Search