Vital Life Stories: An Active Vital life Team

Tom Hess

Supervisor of Grounds

Tom Hess agrees that he is more mindful about wellness than before, especially with the launch of the Vital Life Community wellness program at St. Leonard. Tom commented that "when you are surrounded by it you have to take notice." Tom is a supervisor for St. Leonard, and he has involved his employees in the wellness programming and activities. Tom states that his employees enjoy the activities that he can design to fit the individual members of his team. It is clear that the number of active participants in the Vital Life Community wellness program are growing throughout the campus. For example, the social walking program just seems to "draw people to each other as it brings people together for wellness and optimal health".

Team Spiritual Care: The Cup of Life and a Balanced Life

Marcy Morgan

Spiritual Care Manager

The Cup of Life Take this cup, I've filled it up, with love and joy and laughter. Now it's empty, Fill it up. Repeat, Forever after. First, so full I'm giving All my love and joy in living. Then near empty, Tired of living, And I'm the One who needs the giving. This cup, this cup, this cup of life, It's always overflowing; We give and get And get and give, Life's balance Keeps on going. Take this cup, I've filled it up, With love and joy and laughter. Now it's empty, Fill it up, Repeat, Forever, after. ~Laura Byrnes~

Team Environmental Wellness: St. Vincent de Paul Donation

Tom Jenkins heads up the collection of gently used items to be donated back to the community. With a population of over 750 residents, 400 employees, and 500 volunteers, many St. Leonard volunteers strive to organize various recycling programs for the campus throughout the year to help the community and the environment.

Team Fitness Gurus: Creating Your Fitness Plan No. 11

Just 10 Minutes

The Surgeon General has recommended that older adults exercise at least 2 hours and 30 minutes a week. This includes favorite exercises as well as muscle-strengthening activities. This may sound like a lot of time, but it is just 150 minutes that become an investment each week that can dramatically improve your well-being. According to the Surgeon General, you can develop an exercise strategy that spreads this amount of time into smaller chunks of time such as ten minute workout sessions. Recent CDC facts inform us that, by age 75, about one in three men and one in two women engage in no physical activity. Do not allow yourself to be included in this statistic, invest the time to stay as fit as possible, after all its only 150 minutes a week or 15 ten minute sessions.

Team Spiritual Wellness: Seeking God

Sister Kateri Theriault Mission Integration

Seeking God Creation is all God's initiative; yet, in the mystery of freedom, we must accept God's power in order to make a response. To "Seek God" is to allow ourselves to be found. — from Believing in Jesus The question is – are we open/are we ready to being found?

Team Wellness Advisory Board: Emotional Wellness

Submitted by Dr. Dennis O'Grady Wellness Advisory Team Member

HOW DOES A POSITIVE MOOD AFFECT YOUR LIFE? Pleasures abound for you and the company you keep when you simultaneously work on a good mood and a good attitude… Profits go up Bridges of trust and respect are built and reinforced Communication enables dreams to take flight Morale takes a boost and teamwork soars Your company winds up leading the pack Attitudes create positive action in spite of fear of the unknown Enthusiasm is found in common tasks Professional image is polished with the gold of good deeds done Others' moods are lifted in optimistic confidence Safety is secured Productivity peaks Customer satisfaction scores rate you as an "A" player Reputation is appreciated Personal values are solid and can't be bought out for a quick fix Decision-making is seamless You are driving under the influence of a positive attitude You are "On your toes," and "Your game is right on" Relationships deepen All team members focus like a hawk on the target goal Quality is priceless Opportunity seeks you out Others are connected heart-mind to your mission http://www.drogrady.com/

Level One: Assessment of Wellness Information

Analysis of Health Related Pamphlets and Product Advertising ************* Become knowledgeable about the sponsor of the pamphlet or product Review credentials and look for well-known professional affiliations When in doubt confirm registration of credentials and affiliation Is the pamphlet or ad generic Is the information dated Consider reviewing the product using health related safety websites: Recalls, Market Withdrawals, and Safety Alerts http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm 2011 Safety Alert for Medical Products http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm238512.htm Herbs and Supplements http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/herb_All.html Consumer Reports for Health http://www.consumerreports.org/health/home.htm?CMP=OTC-NAV4 Are the claims in the pamphlet or ad too good to be true Is this a bait and switch scam Is the original product available Are there claims of curing or improving a wide range of ailments Examples of phrases in ads or pamphlets that may be suspicious: Scientific breakthrough Secret ingredients Secret formula Miraculous cure Weight loss without effort Rapid weight loss Testimonials Revolutionary Permanent weight loss Can you buy just one Do you have to purchase something else Is the product registered with well-established quality inspection groups or government agencies such as the FDA What is the refund policy What guarantees are stated What complaints about the product or service are being publicized