In Full Stride
Well-a-Bration brings a week of health and wellness events to the Sherrill Center
If good health is a gift that some people are born with, it’s also a gift that everyone must learn to maintain. From Sept. 12–17, UNC Asheville’s first-ever Well-a-Bration will offer students, faculty, staff, and community members a wealth of opportunities to learn how to adopt healthy habits for everyday living.
Well-a-Bration, which is held in collaboration with the N.C. Center for Health & Wellness (NCCHW), features a very full schedule of walking tours, fitness assessments and instruction, meetings for health professionals, cooking demonstrations, sports and wellness expos, demonstrations, and numerous guest speakers, including Dr. Patch Adams—yes, the real Patch Adams.
“We’re celebrating the opening of a great new resource, the Sherrill Center, home to NCCHW and the Kimmel Arena,” said David Gardner, executive director of NCCHW. For many people, Well-a-Bration will be their first visit to the 133,500-square-foot facility. Filled with state-of-the-art classrooms, health labs, dance studios, a teaching kitchen, and a fitness gym, the Sherrill Center is home to NCCHW and the university’s academic Health and Wellness Department.
“We take a holistic approach to health and wellness, so we have a variety of activities,” said Jill Moffitt, director of student life in UNC Asheville’s Campus Recreation Department, who has scheduled some events just for students and their families, faculty and staff. “Other events will highlight the social and emotional aspects of wellness and healthier eating options.”
The week will also include health policy discussions involving local and state health leaders. “Well-a-Bration will help focus attention on what we can all do to make this a healthier community and a healthier state,” said Gardner.
Whether you’re an office worker who wants to create an ergonomically correct desk environment, a student who wants to cook and eat healthier, a runner who wants to try their first half marathon, or an older adult who is concerned about maintaining crucial bone density, this week’s lineup has something for you. Here are just a few of the many events happening throughout Well-a-Bration:
Body Image Presentation for Students
The impression we have of our bodies can impact our daily lives dramatically. How much do the images that we see in the media and our culture really determine what we’re “supposed” to look like? How can we throw those beliefs out the window and appreciate who we are as individuals. 8–9 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13, Sherrill Center Room 410. Open to students.
Motivation for Healthy Living
Keith Ray, associate professor and chair of UNC Asheville’s Department of Health and Wellness, leads this workshop offering practical tips for becoming and remaining motivated for lifelong weight management and fitness. 5:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14, Sherrill Center Room 411. Open to the community.
Healthy Cooking Demo For Residential Students
A healthy cooking demonstration by UNC Asheville’s dietician who will teach students how to cook quick, healthy, inexpensive meals in residence hall kitchens. Attendees get to participate in preparing the meal and taste what they’ve prepared! 9–10 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14, Sherrill Center Room 346. Open to students.
Workstation Relief & Ergonomics
Do you have an office job that keeps you in your seat for most of the workday? Ergonomics educator Laura Petritz will lead a presentation on staying healthy in challenging office environments. Participants will also learn and practice movements and techniques for avoiding injury. 9–10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14, Sherrill Center Classroom 402. Open to faculty and staff.
2011 Asheville Citizen-Times Half-Marathon Registration & 5K Run & Walk Sports Expo
4–8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 and noon–8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, Kimmel Arena, Sherrill Center. Open to the community.
Group Fitness Sampler
Peers Advocating Wellness Strategies realize the benefits of being active and hope you’ll join them in this fun sampler. Thursday Sept. 15, 9-10 p.m., Sherrill Center Dance Studio Room 306. Open to students.
Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina Statewide Leadership Team Meeting
Including Dr. Jeffrey Engel, state health director; David Gardner, executive director, UNC Asheville’s N.C. Center for Health & Wellness; Keith Ray, associate professor and chair, UNC Asheville Department of Health and Wellness; and others. 1–4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16, Sherrill Center, Room 417. Open to the community.
NCCH&W Partners Health Expo
Featuring interactive exhibits and demonstrations from regional health-related organizations. 2–4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, Kimmel Arena, Sherrill Center. Open to the community.
Dr. Patch Adams
Physician, clown, activist, and founder of the Gesundheit! Institute, a nonprofit project in holistic medical care based on the belief that one cannot separate the health of the individual from the health of the family, the community, the world, and the health care system itself. 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, Sherrill Center, Room 417. Open to the community.
For the complete Well-a-Bration schedule, including health and sports expos, tours of the Sherrill Center and biofeedback lab, exercise programs and more, visit unca.edu/wellabration.
