News & Events

“Well-a-Bration” Events Support Healthier Eating

September 9, 2011

Nutrition workshops, garden tours and cooking demonstrations in the Sherrill Center’s new teaching kitchen will all be part of “Well-a-Bration,” a week of activities showcasing UNC Asheville’s health and wellness programs. Well-a-Bration, which takes place Monday, Sept. 12, through Saturday, Sept. 17 at UNC Asheville, will also feature exercise programs, meetings of health policy leaders, health and sports expos, and a talk by Dr. Patch Adams, the well-known physician, clown, and advocate.

“Supporting healthier eating is an important theme of Well-a-Bration,” said David Gardner, executive director of UNC Asheville’s N.C. Center for Health & Wellness (NCCH&W). “Reducing childhood obesity in North Carolina is one of our center’s three prime goals. If we can educate parents about nutrition, teach healthier cooking techniques and encourage more gardening, we know children will benefit too.”

Many Well-a-Bration events are free and open to the public. Many other activities have been designed specifically for UNC Asheville students, faculty and staff, to promote healthy lifestyles in the campus community.

Well-a-Bration healthy eating highlights that are free and open to the public include:

• Tours of Campus Gardens – Hour-long “walk and talk” tours of UNC Asheville’s three thriving educational gardens will be led by Amy Lanou, UNC Asheville associate professor of Health and Wellness and others. Tours meet at the new Sherrill Center teaching kitchen, room 346, at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12 , and 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15.

• Building Bone and Balance – This workshop is offers information on how to improve bone density and balance, helping prevent or minimize injuries from falls, which is a widespread problem in older adults. Amy Lanou, author of “Building Bone Vitality,” will share insight into eating patterns for bone health. UNC Asheville Balance Laboratory Directors Jason Wingert and Patrick Foo will discuss their research and findings. 6:30-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, Sherrill Center room 410.

• 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.

• Plant –Based Dining for Health and Vitality – Learn delicious and healthful ways to prepare fall harvest bounty with nutritionist, health promoter and former café owner, Amy Lanou, UNC Asheville associate professor of Health and Wellness. Participants will cook and taste four dishes using plant ingredients that work well together for a hearty meal. Be among the first to cook in the new Sherrill Center teaching kitchen, room 346, from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14.

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.