HR News

Gale Case - Wellness Champion

UNM offers many ways to practice a healthy lifestyle: campus-wide, with your department, or individually. Gail Case has these three bases covered.  She has been involved with Employee Health Promotion’s (EHP) lifestyle campaigns, her department has been working with EHP to “Advance the future of healthcare as a wellness oriented, preventive care model”, and Gail currently holds a WOW fitness pass with Recreational Services.

Read the Newsletter article to learn more. 

Video of the Month: 10-Minute Pilates Thigh Workout

Coach Nicole will take you through one short set of 6 Pilates exercises (plus stretches). If you're new to Pilates, we recommend that you watch our short Intro to Pilates video first.

If you are interested in more ideas customized for your work group, contact EHP. We offer a variety of stretching and strength building classes, including Stretch Away Stress and Ergonomic Stretch Breaks. We also sell resistance bands for only $10.

On the Hunt for Wellness

Celebrate Employee Health and Fitness Month this May

Let’s face it, we spend a lot of our waking hours at work. We usually try to fit healthy activities into the few remaining hours, making even the best efforts a challenge. Now just imagine what you could do if wellness were integrated into your workday. Employee Health Promotion wants to help you do exactly that this May, with On the Hunt for Wellness, our celebration of Employee Health and Fitness Month.

Employee health and wellness is an integral part of UNM culture. There are numerous services on campus to keep your body, mind, and soul as healthy as possible. On the Hunt for Wellness is about re-familiarizing employees with those services. Join your co-workers and sample several wellness offerings throughout the month.

Read the Newsletter article to learn more. 

Video of the Month - Fitness

12-Minute Seated Core Workout

In this workout, Coach Nicole will lead you through a series of seated exercises that will help you tone your entire core, improve your posture, and increase your spinal mobility and flexibility. 

If you are interested in more ideas customized for your work group, contact EHP. We offer a variety of stretching and strength building classes, including Stretch Away Stress and Ergonomic Stretch Breaks. We also sell resistance bands for only $10.

Diane Solomon and Leah Saavedra

April Wellness Champions

Is your department trying to improve employee health on a limited budget? The UNM Medical Group (UNMMG) is an example of how creativity and a commitment to health can boost department wellness for minimal cost. By taking advantage of consulting services from Employee Health Promotion (EHP) and other resources already available on campus, UNMMG is working towards a wellness culture at their workplace.

Read the newsletter article to learn more. 

Laugh Your Way To Wellness

Josh Billings, a researcher from the late 1800s, said it best, “There ain’t much fun in medicine, but there’s a heck of a lot of medicine in fun.”

Over the years, researchers have categorized five types of humor that promote health: puns, exaggeration, surprise, silliness, and sarcasm. No matter which style you use, humor can provide a wealth of health benefits. Laughter has been shown to alleviate stress, reduce depression, enhance mood, and even improve immune function. 

Read the newsletter article to learn more. 

News U Can Use - April 2013

Back Pain: Strategies for Prevention and Management

At home or at work, heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and sitting at a desk can all take a toll on your body and potentially lead to back pain.  Injury can start in a variety of ways, including exerting too much force, repetitive movement that leads to fatigue, slouching, or tight muscles caused by stress. For more information about the causes of back pain and solutions for relief, visit the Mayo Clinic and Health Safety Executive. 

Video of the Month: How to Stretch at Work

Sitting in the same desk chair for hours (and letting stress pile up) is a recipe for sore muscles. Take a few moments each workday to relieve your body’s tension with this video’s fast desk-side stretches.

If you are interested in more ideas customized for your work group, contact EHP. We offer a variety of stretching and strength-building classes, including Stretch Away Stress and Ergonomic Stretch Breaks. We also sell resistance bands for only $10.

Norma Allen – Wellness Champion

Many weight loss diets give you the tools to lose weight in the short term, but the bigger challenge is keeping that weight off for good. For Norma Allen, yo-yo dieting is a thing of the past. In 2011, Norma dropped about 57 pounds. Nearly two years later, she has maintained her weight and is even six pounds lighter. She has also reached her goal of becoming a certified Personal Trainer through American College for Sport Medicine (ACSM).  

Read the Newsletter Article to learn more about Norma and her journey. 

News U Can Use - March 2013

Diabetes? Controlling Blood Pressure and Cholesterol is Key

Diabetes doesn’t just affect blood sugar, it also increases the likelihood of heart disease. A recent study of patients with diabetes showed the importance of controlling blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol to reduce the chance of cardiovascular disease. People who controlled these risk factors were about three times less likely to be hospitalized for heart attack or stroke than those who only controlled blood sugar. Learn more about the study at WebMD.

Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day

March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s focus is making healthy lifestyle changes while maintaining your food identity. A food identity consists of food preference, lifestyle factors, cultural and ethnic traditions, and health concerns that impact food choices.  It is important to maintain this identity alongside personal healthy eating styles. 

Read the Newsletter Article to learn more. 

EHP Calendar of Events - March 2013

Blood Testing and Rec Services

Glucose, Hemoglobin A1C, and Cholesterol Testing

When: March 7, 2013 (First Thursday of Each Month)
Time: 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Where: Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Johnson Center, B-143
Cost: Cholesterol testing costs $17 (full lipid panel), glucose testing is $10, and HbA1C costs $20 (cash or check only).

Instructions: No appointment necessary. Eat nothing and drink only water for 12 hours before the test. If only getting HbA1C, no fast is necessary. Call 277-2658 for more information.

Recreational Services Fitness Classes

Visit the Recreational Services website for the spring schedule.

New Year’s Resolution Check-in

Meet Employee Health Promotion’s Consultants

As we head further into the new year, how are you doing with your resolution for a healthier you? February is typically the time when gyms get less crowded, as many people give up on their wellness resolutions by Valentine’s Day. If your workgroup could use some motivation and support, contact UNM’s Employee Health Promotion (EHP). We have Health Education Consultants who are looking forward to helping your department create a culture of wellness.

Contact us for support in February, and receive a 2013 Wellness Calendar. Email EHP or call (505) 272-4460. Read the full article to learn about our three consultants.

LIFESTEPS® 2013

Orientations February 13 and 19

Did you know that one in three American women and one in five American men are trying to lose weight? Most “dieters” spend a lot of time focusing on what they can’t eat or shouldn’t do, but Employee Health Promotion’s LIFESTEPS® weight management program helps you emphasize the things you are doing right.

Learn more by reading the full article.

EHP February Blood Testing

Employee Health Promotion (EHP) offers monthly blood testing to UNM employees and their dependents. Take advantage of this service that is offered at a low-cost.

EHP is offering its monthly cholesterol (lipid), blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1C testing on Thursday, February 7 from 7:00 am - 9:00 am in Johnson Center, Room B143. Cholesterol testing costs $17 (full lipid panel), glucose testing is $10, and HbA1C costs $20 (cash or check only).  A 10-12 hour fast (drink only water) is required for the lipid and glucose tests.  No appointment necessary.  Call 277-2658 for more information or visit Exercise Physiology Lab Services.

Nutrition Diet Trends to Watch in 2013

Ringing in the New Year often means resolutions to start fresh, healthy, and try the latest nutrition craze. As you scan magazine pages looking to shed holiday pounds, look for lifestyle changes that are sustainable rather than just a quick fix.

Find out about the good and bad nutrition trends of 2013 by reading the full article.

Top Fitness Gadget Trends for 2013

Each January, toned salespeople on TV infomercials rave about brand new exercise products that promise to finally get us in shape. This year is no different with plenty of Shake Weights® and Ab Toners to go around. While many of these items can be effective when used properly, the key is finding something you will use regularly instead of becoming just another place to hang your dirty laundry.

Learn more about the latest trends in fitness gadgets by reading the full article.

EHP Lifesteps® Weight Management Program

Are you looking for a weight management solution? Lifesteps® is a comprehensive program based on researched nutrition, fitness, and behavioral modification principles. With these components, the likelihood of successful weight loss increases.

Lifesteps® focuses on changing behaviors in an effort to promote weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Since Lifesteps® isn’t a "one size fits all" program, there is no "diet" to follow. Participants develop their own personal action plan so the program works with their lifestyle.

Learn more about Lifesteps and orientation dates by reading the full article.

Wellness Champion – Araceli Gotes

Have you ever wanted to improve your health and wellness while also empowering others in your department to do the same? Araceli Gotes, Wellness Advocate for Contracts and Grants, did just that. Already an enthusiastic runner, Araceli helped spearhead a wellness program to motivate her co-workers towards healthy changes. 

Read the full article for more on how Araceli helped motivate her fellow coworkers.  

EHP January Blood Testing

Employee Health Promotion (EHP) offers monthly blood testing to UNM employees and their dependents. In light of the holiday break, blood testing will occur on the second Thursday of January, which is January 10. Take advantage of these services that are offered at a low-cost. Read on to find out more information.

EHP December 2012 Blood Testing

Employee Health Promotion (EHP) offers monthly blood testing to UNM employees and their dependents. Take advantage of this service that is offered at a low-cost.

EHP is offering its monthly cholesterol (lipid), blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1C testing on Thursday, December 6 from 7:00 am - 9:00 am in Johnson Center, Room B143. Cholesterol testing costs $17 (full lipid panel), glucose testing is $10, and HbA1C costs $20 (cash or check only).  A 10-12 hour fast (drink only water) is required for the lipid and glucose tests.  No appointment necessary.  Call 277-2658 for more information or visit Exercise Physiology Lab Services.

Learning Week Wellness Classes

December 6 and 7

Get a head start on your New Year’s wellness resolutions during Learning Week. Join Reed Vawter, RD, in Eating Outside the Box on Thursday, December 6 and Ingrid Jorud, RD, in Discover a Healthy APPetite on Friday, December 7.

Read the full article for more information on schedules and descriptions.

Wellness Champion Reed Vawter

Congratulations and Welcome

Any career change can be difficult, but switching from software development to nutrition is truly a challenge. Reed Vawter, registered dietitian, did just that. Years of long workdays, unhealthy eating, and suffering from repetitive strain injury led him on a search for wellness.

Read the full article to find out how Reed overcame his obstacles. 

Stay Healthy Without Skipping Thanksgiving

Are you tired of being told to cut back on your favorite foods at Thanksgiving? Not interested in skipping mashed potatoes and eating rice cakes instead? Here’s the simple truth: one meal out of an entire year is not going to make or break your health goals. The key is making sure that the indulgences of Thanksgiving last for one day rather than for all of November and December.

Read the full article for some tips to help avoid overeating during Thanksgiving.

Organic Myths and Facts

Organic: we see it on food packages, produce, and beverages. Yet it has become a source of confusion for many consumers. The term organic refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Even though the definition specifies production and not quality, organic has often become synonymous with a healthy diet.

Learn more about organic by reading the full article.

EHP November Blood Testing

CPR/AED & First Aid Classes Also Offered

Employee Health Promotion offers monthly blood testing and CPR/AED and First Aid classes to UNM employees and their dependents. Take advantage of these services that are offered at a low cost.

Read on to find out more information. 

Tricks or Treats?

As adults we may no longer trick-or-treat, but for many of us Halloween is still a time of year when sweet temptations are everywhere. While we may think the treats come in guilt-free, “I'll-just have-one,” miniature sizes, unfortunately the calories still add up. Read the full article for a few tips to limit your candy intake: 

Wellness Champion Ingrid Jorud

Congratulations and Welcome

A combination of quality nutrition and physical exercise contributes to maintaining and even improving your quality of life. EHP’s new Registered Dietitian and Health Education Consultant, Ingrid Jorud, is very familiar with the nutrition aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, physical activity has been a challenge for her because she thinks of herself having limited hand-eye coordination. 

Exercising With Type 2 Diabetes

With type 2 diabetes, regular physical activity is essential for controlling your blood glucose and managing your weight. Exercise also improves how well your body responds to insulin, which may reduce your need for medication because your muscle and fat will do a better job of taking glucose out of the blood. Exercise may help to protect you from heart disease, which often accompanies type 2 diabetes, by reducing body fat, blood pressure, and improving your cholesterol levels.

Read the full article to learn how to get started reducing your blood glucose.

EHP October Testing and Classes

Blood Testing, CPR/AED and First Aid Classes

UNM’s Employee Health Promotion offers monthly blood testing as well as CPR/AED and First Aid classes to UNM employees and their dependents. Take advantage of these services that are offered at a low-cost. 

Read the full article for more information. 

September Wellness Champions

Congratulations Ana Ambriz Quijano and Tricia Heaton

Ana Ambriz Quijano and Tricia Heaton have similar backgrounds. Both have been working at the University of New Mexico in Human Resources for about five years, both loved playing sports and working out during high school, and both currently have an ongoing obstacle: putting themselves on the back burner.  Together they overcome their obstacles and continue to reach their wellness goals.

Read on to find out how they support each other in living healthy lifestyles.

The Exercise Physiology Lab's New BodPod

The Exercise Physiology Lab has a brand new BodPod as an option for measuring body composition.  Scale weight alone can be misleading. Two people may weigh the same on a scale, but their body composition may be different.  Accurately measuring the amount of fat and lean tissue that makes up your weight enables sensible decisions regarding nutrition and exercise programs. Read on to learn how you can participate in this assessment.

Matchup Program Reminder

Initial Weigh-ins End September 18

Matchup is a health promotion competition that challenges individuals to lose weight with the support of a team and cash incentives. Teams of five compete for cash prizes: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $3,000 for third place. Team winners are determined by the greatest percentage of weight lost.

This twelve-week program starts September 14 and ends December 7. Initial weigh-ins are September 10-14 and final weigh-ins are December 3-7. Initial and final weigh-ins are a program requirement. Weigh-ins will take place at multiple locations throughout North, Main, and South campus.

See the EHP Current Initiatives website for details.

The $10,000 Weight-Loss Challenge

Register Today

Have you joined the Matchup weight-loss challenge? What are you waiting for? Join today to start the new school year off with a new you and win huge cash prizes.  Read on to find out how to register.

Tools for Weight-Loss Success

Take the Matchup Weight-Loss Challenge

Often one of the most difficult aspects of losing weight is maintaining motivation until you hit your goal. But success only comes if you keep it up and don't let anything, even weight gain and other setbacks, detract you from keeping that final prize in sight.

The Employee Health Promotion is encouraging UNM employees to participate in The Matchup weight-loss program. Official weigh-ins and registration start September 10. This program will help you reach your weight-loss goal by incorporating many of the following tips to keep you motivated.

Employee Health Promotion's September Blood Testing

Also Offered: CPR/AED & First Aid Classes

Employee Health Promotion (EHP) offers monthly blood testing and CPR/AED and First Aid classes to UNM employees and their dependents. Take advantage of these services that are offered at a low-cost.

Read on to find out more information. 

Help with Back Pain and Asthma

Back Pain
Frequently triggered by overuse and muscle strain, low back pain is very common among adults. Exercise is a key component for preventing and reducing lower back discomfort. Choosing the right exercises is important, as some forms of exercise may actually exacerbate back pain. 
Learn about exercises that reduce low back pain and those that can aggravate your condition.

Take Better Control of Your Asthma
Do you or your family members have problems controlling asthma? The Mayo Clinic has 
three Steps to Better Asthma Control to help alleviate asthma attacks and symptoms.

Health Science Center Wellness Ambassadors

Wellness Champions

Health Sciences Center (HSC) Wellness Ambassadors help enhance the success of wellness program activities by facilitating communications regarding wellness initiatives.  Having an Ambassador as a point of contact at each worksite provides program support and implementation at the grassroots level. Ambassadors of health communicate the importance of wellness. They represent all six aspects of wellness including emotional, environmental, intelligent, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual. Read the full article to learn about thirty-five HSC employees who volunteered to be Wellness Ambassadors. 

Prevent Most Headaches

Eat, Hydrate, and Sleep

There are several types of headaches including migraine, tension, rebound, and cluster headaches. These different headaches do have some things in common - environmental and/or dietary issues, heat, stress, lack of sleep or food, as well as certain types of food, can trigger headaches. If you suffer from, or have been diagnosed with, migraines, keep a diary that includes food, fluid, and sleep patterns along with your migraines so you can track possible triggers.

Read on and learn more about how to prevent headaches.

News U Can Use

Assess Diabetes Risk and Take Control of Asthma

As of 2011, 25.8 million people, or 8.3% of the U.S. population, have diabetes. In that same year, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death, and the estimated diabetes expense in the United States was $116 billion in direct medical costs.

Asthma can be a life-threatening disease if not properly managed. In 2007, there were 3,447 deaths attributed to asthma. The annual direct health care cost of asthma is approximately $50.1 billion in the United States.

Read the full article to learn more about your risk for diabetes and how to take control of your asthma.

EHP August Blood Testing

Also Offering CPR and First Aid Classes

Employee Health Promotion (EHP) offers monthly blood testing and CPR/AED and First Aid classes to UNM employees and their dependents. Take advantage of these services that are offered at a low-cost. Read the full article for more information. 

Tracey Briggs – Wellness Champion

Welcome and Congratulations

Employee Health Promotion (EHP) welcomes Tracey Briggs, our new Health Education Consultant.  Prior to joining the EHP Team, she was a US Army Fitness Coordinator in Yongsan, South Korea, and a government contractor operating her own personal training business in Heidelberg, Germany. She is a certified personal trainer who has won powerlifting and bodybuilding championships on three continents.  Find out more about EHP’s newest team member by reading the full article. 

Avoiding Repetitive Strain Injuries

Taking breaks at work can help with clearing your mind, decreasing stress, and reducing the likelihood of repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel, sciatica, or low back pain. Read the full article for a few tips you can use to reduce your risk of a repetitive strain injury. 

EHP Monthly Blood Testing

No Testing in July

There will be no monthly blood testing on July 5, 2012. Please mark your calendars for the next blood testing on Thursday, August 2, 2012. For more information visit:
http://hr.unm.edu/ehp/exercise-physiology-lab-services.php#blood-testing

EHP Newsletter

July Features

Look for Employee Health Promotion's (EHP) Wellness @ Work each month to find information that will help you develop knowledge, skills, and confidence to stay healthy. 

Features this month include:

• Avoiding Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Welcome and Congratulation to Tracey Briggs - Wellness Champion
• News U Can Use
• Video of the Month: Desk Exercises to Relieve Neck and Upper Back Tension
• Calendar of Events

Read all about UNM wellness and upcoming EHP events

Congratulations Sandy Rodrigue

Wellness Champion

Tired of feeling unhealthy? Sandy Rodrigue was, and she did something about it. When she was an undergraduate, Sandy was warned by her doctor that if she kept gaining weight she would have health complications when she got older. Ever since she started to have joint pain and not feel well, Sandy has been motivated to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Sandy learned of the Lifesteps Weight Management program offered by EHP and, wanting to lose weight, she decided that the Lifesteps program was right for her. Learn how Sandy lost her weight through Lifesteps by reading the full article.

Heat Related Illnesses

Learn the Signs and Symptoms

Summer is approaching fast and temperatures will soon be soaring. As we spend more time outside, it is important to recognize and treat the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Early recognition can help prevent symptoms of heat exhaustion from progressing to heat stroke. Exposure to a hot, humid environment or excessive exercising in the heat can overwhelm the body’s ability to cool itself. Learn the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion by reading the full article.

Project Heart Start New Mexico

Learn the New CPR

Take part in the third annual Project Heart Start and learn how to save a life.  There will be three one-hour sessions beginning at 8:00 AM on Saturday, June 23 at UNM Johnson Center - South Gym.  Individuals will learn Compression‐Only CPR.  This new method teaches the rescuer to call 911 and then compress the chest hard and fast approximately 100 compressions per minute. This means: no fumbling around trying to find a pulse, no mouth‐to‐mouth breathing, and no complicated sequences to remember. It is easy to learn and easy to remember. For more information, see the full article.

EHP Offers Monthly Blood Testing

June 2012

EHP is offering its monthly cholesterol (lipid), blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1C testing on Thursday, June 6 from 7:00 am - 9:00 am in Johnson Center, Room B143. For more information, read the full article.

Sun Safety Tips

UNM Community Wellness

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Much of this exposure comes from the sun, but UV rays are also a bi-product of man-made sources, such as tanning beds. Read the full article for some tips to help protect your skin from UV rays.

May is “Exercise is Medicine” Month

Exercise is Medicine™ (EIM) is an initiative designed to encourage all health care professionals to discuss exercise with their patients. EIM also provides support for patients, including guidance on how to start conversations about exercise with their health care provider.  Think back to your last visit with your healthcare provider.  Did he or she, or anyone in the office, ask you about physical activity?

May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the “pediatric disease with adult consequences.” As our population ages, there will be a rise in the incidence of osteoporosis in both men and women, but there are steps you can take today to reduce your risk. Read the full article for steps you can take now.

Monthly Blood Testing, CPR/AED, and First Aid Classes

Employee Health Promotion

Employee Health Promotion offers monthly blood testing, CPR/AED, and First Aid classes to UNM employees and their dependents. Read on for more information and to take advantage of these low-cost services.

Are You at Risk for High Blood Pressure?

UNM Community Wellness

Adults with blood pressure of 140/90 mm/Hg or above are considered to have hypertension and are at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and other medical problems. According to the American Heart Association, one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure. There are several factors that contribute to high blood pressure, raising your risk for heart attack and stroke. Learn the controllable and uncontrollable risk factors of hypertension by reading the full article.

Lose Weight by Knowing Your Resting Metabolic Rate

Are you interested in knowing how many calories you need to eat to lose, maintain, or gain weight? A resting metabolic rate (RMR) test can help.  RMR is the amount of energy an individual uses while at rest after (at least) a five-hour fast. Therefore, it is often best to measure RMR first thing in the morning before eating or exercising. Your individual metabolic requirement, measured with an RMR test, can help you understand how many calories to consume each day to achieve your weight management goals.

Know how you can participate in RMR test by reading the full article.  

Diabetes and Eye Health

UNM Community Wellness

Eye health and safety is important for everyone. It is important to have regular exams to identify early changes in vision as well as health. Eye health is especially important for individuals with high blood pressure and diabetes. The high blood glucose and high blood pressure can damage parts of your eye. The most common is the retina. The retina is a lining in the back of the eye that senses light coming into the eye. Problems that occur with the retina in people with diabetes are called diabetic retinopathy. 

To know symptoms and prevention of diabetic retinopathy, read the full article.  

Wellness Champion - Congratulations Gloria Napper-Owens

UNM Community Wellness

Blood testing is often a part of a routine checkup. It is a great tool for early diagnoses, particularly when family medical history is a concern. Dr. Gloria Napper-Owen, Ed.D, who is the Department Chair of Health Exercise and Sports Sciences, went in for a routine physical in July 2011. Her doctor revealed her A1C (measures average blood glucose control for the past two to three months) was borderline high. Her lifestyle changed right then and there. Read the full article to see how Dr. Napper-Owens alternated her lifestyle.

Get Your Plate in Shape

UNM Community Wellness

For National Nutrition Month®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) encourages everyone to "Get Your Plate in Shape." It is important to make healthy food choices and acquire physical activity behaviors to prevent chronic diseases.

For tips to help you "Get Your Plate in Shape," read the full article.  

Outdoor Activity

UNM Community Wellness

Get your exercise outdoors while having fun at the same time. As the weather gets warmer, take advantage of what is outside to get some activity. Before you get out, here are some helpful tips.  Please read the full article for more information.

February is Heart Month

UNM Community Wellness

There are many risk factors for heart disease, the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. While there are a few risks we cannot change such as age, gender, and genetics, there are many more risk factors that are based on our lifestyle choices. These include our exercise, eating and smoking habits, weight, and blood cholesterol.  Know how to reduce your risk of heart disease by reading the full article. 

Get Fit on Route 66

EHP Spring 2012 Physical Activity Campaign

Do you need a little support and extra motivation to establish your exercise routine? UNM’s Employee Health Promotion is pleased to announce our spring 2012 physical activity campaign, Get Fit on Route 66.

Get Fit on Route 66 is an online tracking program that allows you to translate each minute of your physical activity into a fun and memorable trip from Chicago to Santa Monica. This eight week program costs $25 for UNM benefits-eligible employees, and they can use tuition remission.  All other participants are $35 each.  Start pulling your team of five together to be eligible for prizes. Mark your calendars; registration starts Monday, February 13.

Learn more about Get Fit on Route 66 by reading the full article. 

Wellness Champions - Congratulations Matchup "Losers"

UNM Community Wellness

Employee Health Promotion encouraged participation in a competition called “The Matchup” from September through December 2011. This program challenged individuals to decrease weight with the encouragement of a team and cash rewards. The Matchup participants had three months to lose as much weight as possible to compete against other large employers throughout New Mexico and Arizona for a $10,000 prize. Even though UNM participants did not win the overall prize, we believe they received a greater gift, a healthy lifestyle change. Read the full article to see who were the top five Matchup "Losers."

Spotting Diet Scams

UNM Community Wellness

A website or advertisement grabs your attention with “This product will give you the trim, shapely figure you have always wanted without diet or exercise; enjoy your favorite high-calorie foods and watch the pounds melt away; lose up to 10 pounds per week with no sweat and no starvation; and, this product can block the absorption of fat, carbs, and calories.” 

Sound too good to be true? Read the full article to check out the website that can help you learn the facts.  

2012 EHP Lifesteps® Weight Management Program

UNM Community Wellness

Need help sticking with your New Year’s Resolution? We know that changing habits isn’t easy. That is why UNM Employee Health Promotion (EHP) is once again launching the Lifesteps® Weight Management Program.  To learn more about the program, please read the full article.

Wellness Champion – Congratulations Virginia Severns

UNM Community Wellness

Want to eat healthy and exercise regularly but aren’t sure what “healthy” and “regularly” means?  With many questions pending, it can be frustrating to alter your lifestyle. Virginia Severns has been there. The lack of a healthy lifestyle left her feeling sluggish. A family history of diabetes motivated Virginia to check her blood sugar and pay more attention to her diet.

Please read the full article to find out how Virginia educated herself to a healthy lifestyle.

November is National Diabetes Month

Wellness @ Work

November highlights diabetes, a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one in three adults in the United States will have diabetes by 2050, if current trends continue.

Find out about the current trends and what you can do to get involved by reading the full article.

Eat Your Fruits & Veggies

UNM Community Wellness

Summer is here, providing us with a colorful variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from which to choose. This is a great time of year to try something new or return to the fruits and vegetables you haven’t had in a while. Take the time one weekend to go to the farmers market or produce store (or even the produce section in your regular grocery store), and check out what’s in stock right now.

Learn the amount of fruits and veggies you should consume by reading the full article.  

Wellness Champion - Congratulations Byron Piatt

UNM Community Wellness

With summer here most people are eager for barbeques, swimming, and camping. Byron Piatt is looking forward to marathons – many of them.  Although Byron came from a physically active family, whose 80 year old mother is currently competing in the National Senior Basketball Tour, Byron lived a sedentary lifestyle.  Learn how Byron made a remarkable lifestyle change by reading the full article.  

Increasing Family Fitness

UNM Community Wellness

It is important for parents to be role models for their children. Parents who are physically active tend to have children who are physically active. There are many different ways to get your family up and moving.

Find out how to incorporate fitness into your family activities by reading the full article.  

Wellness Champion - Congratulations Norma Allen

UNM Community Wellness

For some people a healthy lifestyle change may come voluntarily; others need a little push. In Norma Allen’s case, she was shoved into a healthy lifestyle change when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She believes her weight played a role in her diagnosis. Fortunately, she was able to lose weight, and as of today, she has been cancer-free for five years.  For more information about Norma, please read the full article.   

EHP’s Lifesteps® Weight Management Program

It’s not too late to participate - Contact EHP today!

EHP’s final 2011 Lifesteps® session begins in July. To reserve your spot in the program, contact EHP today. UNM employees can use tuition remission. This program is also open to UNMH employees and community members, ages 18 and older. For more information, please read the full article.  

Ergonomics

Feel Better at Work

Feeling uncomfortable at your desk? If you work at a computer station and have body parts that are fatigued, sore, tingling, numb, tight, or simply hurt on a constant basis, EHP can help.

Register for our Ergonomics class on Thursday, June 16, and discover other resources that can help you feel better at work.  Please read the full article for more information. 

Wellness Champion - Congratulations Chris Vallejos

UNM Community Wellness

In honor of National Employee Health and Fitness Month, EHP would like to recognize Chris Vallejos, Associate Vice President of Institutional Support Services (ISS) for his active support of wellness at work. Find out how Chris is leading the charge for a healthy culture within ISS by reading the full article. 

How to Help Your High Blood Pressure

UNM Community Wellness

Like many chronic health conditions, most people can control their blood pressure with lifestyle changes and if necessary, prescription medications. There are several lifestyle factors that increase blood pressure: high weight, sedentary lifestyle, diet, smoking, and high alcohol consumption.  

Learn what you can do to reduce your blood pressure, or your risk for getting high blood pressure, by reading the full article.  

Keeping Your Face and Skin Healthy

UNM Community Wellness

It is a year-round commitment to do our part to help protect our skin. It is especially important now that spring is here and summer is quickly approaching. The sun’s intense rays, our busy lifestyles, and general aging can often make it difficult to maintain baby soft skin. For some tips to help keep your skin healthy, please read the full article.

Your Stepping Goals

UNM Community Wellness

A pedometer provides customized feedback on your activity level by tracking your steps. By using a pedometer, you can determine the amount of cumulative physical activity you achieve throughout the day.

Read the full article to find out how you can use a pedometer to increase your physical activity. This article will also discuss different types of pedometers and their features.

Aerobic Activity

UNM Community Wellness

Thinking of increasing your aerobic exercise? Many individuals are confused as to what constitutes as aerobic exercise. Ultimately, it is any continuous activity that forces you to breathe hard and incorporates large muscle groups. Aerobic exercise helps build your cardiovascular system making your heart more efficient. If you are contemplating beginning aerobic exercise, read the full article for some tips.  

Apps for Your Health

UNM Community Wellness

You’ve heard about them: apps. There are several thousand out there for anything from games and maps, to managing your money and references. These apps are available for your smart phones, tablets, and other mobile computers. 

Among these thousands of apps, there are many good, free apps in the Health Care and Fitness category and the Lifestyle category. Please read the full article for some suggestions.

Stress Awareness and Management

UNM Community Wellness

Stress is defined as mental, emotional, or physical tension or strain. Too much can have a negative impact on our health, so we need to make an effort to reduce the stressors.  This is possible by either decreasing the impact of the stressors to rest and recover, or learning to change our point of view by looking at the positive parts of a situation to lower and manage stress. For example, how we react to the stressors.   To learn some helpful tips, please read the full article.  

Serve Up Less Sodium

UNM Community Wellness

Recently the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans was released with several new and revised recommendations. While the recommendation for sodium is virtually unchanged from the 2005 Guidelines for most people, no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day, there are two important points.  To learn more, please read the full article.

Wellness Champion - Congratulations Janet Rangel

UNM community Wellness

Frustrated with her weight since she was a child, Janet Rangel felt she had tried everything to lose weight. Along with high blood pressure and cholesterol, she also fights diabetes daily. Even with assistance from her doctor, nothing seemed to help.

Read the full article to find out what worked for her, and how to find out what might work for you. 

Eat Right With Color

UNM Community Wellness

March is National Nutrition Month and the theme for 2011 is Eat Right with Color. Our meals are often a palette of white, pale yellow, and browns, but we need color in our diet including fruits and vegetables. To learn ten ways to add fruits and vegetables into your diet every day, please read the full article.

Wellness Champion - Congratulations Joe Montano

UNM Community Wellness

Who says it is too late to quit? Joe Montano smoked for 45 years. He would buy a carton of cigarettes every 5-7 days. Now “Smoking Joe” no longer smokes.  It will be nearly four months since he had his last cigarette.

To find out how Joe kicked his 45-year habit, please read the full article.

Spring Into Motion with EHP

UNM Community Wellness

Need to get rid of those pesky holiday and winter pounds? Spring is right around the corner and the Employee Health Promotion (EHP) is here to help you “spring into motion.” The Spring into Motion program will assist in improving your health by increasing your physical activity. This program is available to all UNM employees, family members, retirees, UNMH employees, students, and community members. For more information about this program, please read the full article.

It's Time to Improve Your Heart Health

UNM Community Wellness

Did you know that even small changes can mean a big difference for the health of your heart? Even in our busy and overscheduled lives, we can make small steps to improve our heart health. Research overwhelmingly shows the benefits of these efforts.  By exercising as little as 30 minutes per day, you can feel more energized, lower your blood pressure, decrease your “bad” LDL cholesterol, increase your “good” HDL cholesterol, reduce stress, improve your body’s ability to use insulin, and help maintain a healthy body weight. For more information, please read the full article.

Wellness @ Work - February Newsletter

UNM Community Wellness

Look for Employee Health Promotion's (EHP) Wellness @ Work each month to find information that will help you develop knowledge, skills, and confidence to stay healthy.  To see this month's features and learn more, please read the full article. 

Wellness Champions - Physical Plant Department

UNM Community Wellness

The Physical Plant Department (PPD) is the backbone of UNM. With about 500 employees, they do everything from landscaping to maintenance control.   Recognized as hard workers, PPD is taking a stand against work-related injuries by participating in a stretch break program developed by Employee Health Promotion (EHP).

To find out what PPD’s Mike, Brent, Dennis, and Milton have to say about the program’s successes, please read the full article.  

Choosing a Fitness Resolution

UNM Community Wellness

On average, about 20% of us keep our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, fitness resolutions tend to be the least likely achieved.  Do not let these statistics get you down. Follow the tips below to be successful.
 
1. Avoid choosing the same resolution.
2. Create a game plan and break it down.
3. Make contingency plans.
4. Give it time.
5. Reward yourself.
6. Don’t do it alone.
7. Keep a journal.

For more information on these tips, please read the full article.

Don't Cut It, Include It

Healthy Eating Tips

The New Year is a great time to review how and what you are eating. Do not think about what to cut out, but think about what to include in your diet this year. Here are six tips to help with healthier eating habits. Implement a new tip each week for a healthier you.  For the complete list of tips, please read the full article.

Live Healthier and Earn Points for Gift Certificates

Personal Health Assessments for UNM Lovelace and Presbyterian Health Plan Participants

As a UNM employee, you have support and guidance to make healthy lifestyle choices. By taking positive, measurable steps to improve your health, you can earn points to win incentive gift cards. The more points you accumulate, the better chance you have of winning!

This program for Lovelace and Presbyterian participants is designed to promote health-enhancing activities. One important activity is to complete your Personal Health Assessment (PHA).  Invest in your health by taking 20 minutes to complete your PHA and receive immediate feedback.  The surveys are voluntary and confidential. For more information on the incentive program and log-in instructions for the PHA, please read the full article. 

Learn More About Your Health With a Personal Health Assessment (PHA)

UNM Community Wellness

We all want to be the healthiest we can be.  Creating your own health improvement plan can help you meet your goals to get healthier.  A Personal Health Assessment (PHA) can provide you with the most up-to-date health information and resources to help you create a personalized health improvement plan that makes it easier to get you on your way to better health. For more information, please read the full article.

Diabetes and Your Benefits at UNM

UNM Community Wellness

In an effort to help employees control their health care costs, UNM offers several benefits and services for our employees at risk for or with diabetes. Services include blood testing, nutrition counseling, and fitness assessments. For more information, please read the full article.

Healthy Recipe - Quick Tex Mex Confetti Pizza

UNM Community Wellness

This fun and healthy recipe is a crowd pleaser. Serve at your next gathering! For complete recipe, please read the full article.

Tobacco-Free Campus

University Business Policy 2250

The University of New Mexico is committed to “promoting a healthy U” by supporting wellness and prevention as well as providing a healthy environment in which to learn, work, and visit.  In pursuit of this goal, University Business Policy 2250 prohibits smoking and the use of tobacco products on all University property except in a small number of designated outdoor areas authorized by the University President.   Please visit http://www.unm.edu/smokefree/  for a map of designated smoking areas and a copy of the policy.  Your compliance is greatly appreciated.

Is It Possible To Be Fat and Fit?

UNM Community Wellness

Obesity can contribute to a long list of health problems; however, according to a number of research studies it is possible to be fat and fit. For example, men who are overweight and fit tend to live longer than men who are lean and unfit. Women who are heavy and physically active still have a higher risk of heart disease than slim women, but it is substantially lower than heavy women who are sedentary. Being “fit” is categorized as being physically active at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. For more information, please read the full article.

Weight Gain and Menopause - Is It Inevitable?

UNM Community Wellness

Women in their late 40s and 50s — usually coinciding with the transition into menopause—often find that maintaining their weight becomes more difficult. Weight gained after menopause seems to be harder to lose, and the inches tend to accumulate around the abdomen, rather than the hips and thighs. Most women, on average, gain about a pound a year during this time.  A review of recent research studies reveals that this weight gain is not inevitable or necessarily caused by hormonal changes. For more information, please read the full article.

Wellness Champion - Congratulations Jackie Luarkie

UNM Community Wellness

Congratulations to Jackie Luarkie for being our Wellness Champion this month!  She has been with UNM’s Parking and Transportation Department for 15 years.  After a routine check-up at the doctor’s office, she was told that her blood pressure and glucose levels were high.  Having a Native American background and knowing that health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure are common, Jackie decided she needed to do something immediately and started with her diet. For more information, please read the full article.

Healthy Recipe - Balsamic Chicken with Baby Spinach

UNM Community Wellness

This healthy recipe is quick to make and big on taste. Enjoy! For complete recipe, please read the full article.

Time to Change Your Fitness Routine?

UNM Community Wellness

If you have started exercising or are in the process of starting an exercise program, your enthusiasm and motivation is typically high. You manage to get out of bed early, squeeze in daily gym time, and stick to your plan without much effort. Then, slowly, the novelty wears off. You start finding reasons to sleep in and find “better” things to do with your time. Is this common scenario another motivation issue? Maybe not! For more information, please read the full article.

Healthy Recipe - Black Bean Quesadillas

UNM Community Wellness

Enjoy these healthy quesadillas which take just 15 minutes to make. The recipe calls for black beans, but pinto beans will work too. Serve with a mixed green salad. For the complete recipe, please read the full article.

Blood Pressure Balance

UNM Community Wellness

Blood Pressure Balance will explain the details of the DASH diet and other lifestyle factors that lower blood pressure. Research shows that people with high blood pressure can lower their systolic pressure by up to 11 points following a DASH dietary pattern and a low sodium diet. When it is estimated that one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure, this is an important change that many of us can make.  Please read the full article for more details on this class.

Sun Safety

UNM Community Wellness

The warm weather is here, and we are eager to get out into the sun and fresh air. Spending time outdoors is part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Whether you enjoy tennis, hiking, gardening, or running, take some precautions when you are out in the sun. For more information, please read the full article.

Wellness Champions - Congratulations PATS

UNM Community Wellness

Parking & Transportation is an important component of the UNM campus. They shuttle students and employees around, monitor parking permits, and carry out various other duties. However, Parking & Transportation deserves to be recognized for another reason: the increased wellness of their employees. For more information, please read the full article.

Outdoor Fitness

UNM Community Wellness

Most neighborhoods can provide an area for outdoor fitness where the landscape creates a natural obstacle course for your own boot camp routine. Parks, playgrounds, hills, hiking trails, tracks, stadium stairs, and beaches are just a few of the options from which you can choose.  For more information information on outdoor fitness options, please read the full article.

Local Gym Discounts for UNM Employees

UNM Community Wellness

EHP is committed to employee wellness which includes supporting employees and their family members to increase their physical activity.  Fortunately, some local gyms are also willing to help.  The goal of offering gym discounts is to encourage employees and their family members to exercise at their convenience and gives options with different locations, services, classes, and equipment.  For additional information, please read the full article.

Healthy Recipe - Mediterranean Wrap

UNM Community Wellness

This Mediterranean Wrap is stuffed with chicken tenders, couscous, a hit of lemon, and a healthy dose of fresh herbs. Save any leftovers to wrap up for an easy lunch.

4 servings | Active Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

For complete recipe, please read the full article. 

Headache Triggers

UNM Community Wellness

Headaches have many causes, including certain foods and low blood sugar. Contrary to what most people think, high blood pressure only causes headaches when it is extremely high - at the level considered a hypertensive crisis (180/110 mmHg).  Here are some things you can do to reduce the chance of getting a headache. For more information, please read the full article.

Wellness Champion - Congratulations, Marie Tenorio

Congratulations, Marie Tenorio

Marie Tenorio has been an employee of UNM for eighteen years. Currently, she is a Data Entry 3 Clerk for Information Technologies. Marie has been overweight most of her life. She has struggled with her weight for years while overcoming other life obstacles. Marie is a single mother of two boys, so she put her personal needs and health on hold while raising them. For more of Marie's story, please read the full article.

How Can Stretching Help Me?

UNM Community Wellness

Without regular stretching, your muscles will tighten and the range of motion in your joints will decrease as you age. This can put a damper on active lifestyles and hinder day-to-day activities. A regular stretching program can help to maintain your range of motion, decrease your risk of injury, and make daily living activities easier. Please read the full article for more information.

Healthy Recipe - Strawberry Granita

Stawberry Granita

Here is a frozen dessert that doesn’t need an ice cream maker. For the complete recipe, please read the full article.

Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention

UNM Community Wellness

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the “pediatric disease with adult consequences.” As our population ages, there will be a rise in the incidence of osteoporosis in both men and women, but you can do something today to reduce your risk. For more information, please read the full article.

Wellness Champion - Congratulations, Jessica Spurrier

Congratulations, Jessica Spurrier

Jessica Spurrier has been a part of UNM since August 2008, and in that time she has been involved with some very big changes on campus. Jessica is the Health Education Manager of Student Health & Counseling, but her work is not limited to helping students. For more information, please read the full article.

Healthy Recipe - Radiance Fruit Salad

Radiance Fruit Salad

A great summer fruit salad with a tasty, healthy dressing. For the complete recipe, please read the full article.

Resistance Bands - Why the Resistance?

UNM Community Wellness

Your office is probably where you spend most of your time away from home. Why not incorporate a few exercises at your desk that can keep you on track with your fitness goals? A resistance band is an inexpensive resistance (weight) training apparatus that is easy to use. For more information, please read the full article.

High Blood Pressure - Are You at Risk?

UNM Community Wellness

Adults with blood pressure of 140/90 or above are considered to have hypertension and are at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and other medical problems. According to the American Heart Association, one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure. For more information, please read the full article.

Myths About Asthma

UNM Community Wellness

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. There are various degrees of airway limitation based on the individual. Most characteristics include recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, tightness of the chest, and coughing. The intensity can vary from mild to life threatening. For more information, please read the full article.

Wellness Champion - Congratulations, Samantha Fernandez

Congratulations, Samantha Fernandez

Supporting wellness for students, staff, and faculty is an important UNM initiative. Samantha Fernandez, 29, is a UNM employee who has taken that initiative to heart. To learn more, please read the full article.

Healthy Recipe - Salmon Burgers

Salmon Burgers

A healthy, year-round alternative to hamburgers. For the complete recipe, please read the full article.

March is National Nutrition Month

"Nutrition from the Ground Up"

Here are some basic tips to help you keep your diet and eating plans simple. For more information, please read the full article.

Smoking and Heart Disease

UNM Community Wellness

Did you know that cigarette smoking alone increases the risk of developing heart disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smokers are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than nonsmokers. For more information, please read the full article.

Wellness Champion - Congratulations, Shannon Garbiso

Congratulations, Shannon Garbiso

Shannon Garbiso has been a part of UNM for 14 years as an employee and a student. She is currently a Human Resources Department Representative and takes classes part time. This keeps Shannon very busy; however, she still finds time to lead a very active and healthy lifestyle. For more information, please read the full article.

Healthy Recipe - Flourless Chocolate Cake

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Adding garbanzo beans to this cake provides additional protein and fiber as well as vitamins and minerals that can contribute to heart health. For the complete recipe, please read the full article.

Physical Activity Guidelines

UNM Community Wellness

Approximately half the people in New Mexico are meeting the physical activity recommendations, but there is plenty of room for improvement! The physical activity recommendations are:  30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity five days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity at least three days a week. For more information, please read the full article.

Eat More, Not Less This Year

UNM Community Wellness

If your New Year's resolution is to lose weight, aim to eat more. Here are a few meal strategies to help you consume fewer calories but with more food.  Please read the full article for more information.

Wellness Champions

Congratulations - Ray & Julie Sykes

Making a lifestyle change is a difficult thing to do; however, having support while making the change can increase success. This fact held true for Ray and Julie Sykes when they decided to make their lifestyle change.

Avoiding Repetitive Motion Injuries

UNM Community Wellness

Taking breaks at work can help with clearing your mind, decreasing stress, and reducing the likelihood of repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel, sciatica, or low back pain. Below are a few tips you can use to reduce your risk of a repetitive motion injury.  Please read the full article for more information.

Healthy Recipe - Glacier Peaks Granola

Glacier Peaks Granola

After you prepare this recipe, enjoy it as cereal with non-fat or 1% milk, or mix it in with a cup of fat-free plain Greek or regular yogurt for a healthy and delicious breakfast.

Five Ways to Bolster Your Health During the Holidays

UNM Community Wellness

Exercise. If the weather permits, get outside for a few laps around the block. If it is too cold, walk around the mall. Take the stairs or use exercise equipment indoors to help you burn more calories each day.

Eat healthy. A healthy, balanced diet helps the body receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs to support the immune system. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, and healthy proteins such as nuts, seed, and beans is a great way to help you stay healthy.

Wellness Champion - Neddy Vigil

Neddy Vigil

Neddy Vigil, age 70, has been part of the UNM community for 49 years. He attended UNM as a student in 1960 and graduated in 1967. Immediately after graduating, Vigil became the Director of the Language Learning Center, the position he still holds today. He is also a research professor for the Spanish and Portugese department.

Vigil has always been an active man, walking the foothills of Albuquerque on a regular basis. In his 50s, Vigil began swimming a mile a day in addition to his walking regimen. He has also been an on-and-off member of Sports and Wellness for over 20 years.

Benefits of Stretching

UNM Community Wellness

Many people practice stretching as part of their exercise routine. This is ideal because stretching offers many health benefits. It increases flexibility, range of motion, and circulation. It can also be used as a relaxation technique, returning your mind and body to a relaxed state.

Additionally, stretching can decrease your risk of injury, especially in the workplace. Many people sit or stand for long periods of time at work. This can cause stiff joints and muscles leading to ergonomic related injuries, such as lower back pain and carpel tunnel syndrome.

Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

UNM Community Wellness

This time of year tends to be the time when we are most tempted by extra food and calories, which can lead to weight gain by the New Year. Read the full article for five tips to help you keep off some of the extra holiday weight this winter.

Healthy Recipe - Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower

UNM Community Wellness

Non-fat milk, low-fat sour cream, and less butter are the keys to this healthy version of a holiday classic. Use more or less milk to get the consistency you desire. Reduce the portion size to get fewer calories per serving.

Five Low-Stress Holiday Gift Ideas

UNM Community Wellness

Throughout the seasons we are blessed with reasons to celebrate special occasions and holidays, remembering those who are close at heart. We love to share with gifts but sometimes gift-giving can become stressful and expensive. Read the full article for some simple and inexpensive ideas.

It is Still Flu Season

UNM Community Wellness

Although the weather is warm, we are in the midst of flu season. Please continue to take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your colleagues. Read the full article for suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Metabolic Syndrome

What Is It?

Metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X, is a group of factors that puts an individual at risk for chronic diseases including heart disease and diabetes.

Do You Have It or Are You At Risk?

To determine if you have metabolic syndrome, you need to know several things: your waist circumference, cholesterol numbers (specifically HDL and triglycerides), blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. If you participated in Preventive Health Week in October, you should have received this information. You can also schedule an appointment at the Exercise Physiology Lab to get these biometrics measured. Call 277-2658 for more information.

For more information, please read the full article.

Wellness Champion - President Schmidly

President Schmidly

Leading by example is an effective strategy, especially when it comes to wellness initiatives and establishing a healthy culture. Dr. David J. Schmidly, President of the University of New Mexico, recently advocated for a tobacco-free campus as a step toward a healthier culture. He also continues to work toward a healthier lifestyle of his own.

To learn more, please read the full article.

Healthy Recipe - Smoked Sausage and Red Pepper Frittata

Smoked Sausage and Red Pepper Frittata

This frittata is great for breakfast, especially on a holiday when you need something to hold you over until the afternoon meal.

From Diabetic Cooking January/February 2009. Read the full article for details.

Lifestyle Factors to Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer

UNM Community Wellness

As with many cancers, breast cancer has numerous risk factors, some of which are controllable. Having one or more risk factors for breast cancer does not necessarily mean you will get the disease. On the other hand, those with no known risk can also get breast cancer. It is therefore important to know all potential risks you may have for breast cancer (as well as other cancers), and modify the ones you can change. For more information, please read the full article.

October Wellness Champion

Stephanie Eberhard

UNM Alumnus and former employee Stephanie Eberhard comes to UNM as a community member to participate in the Art for Health classes and found that part of her healing process in dealing with breast cancer came from her experiences in this EHP stress-reduction program. “I was only going to come to Art for Health for a couple of days this summer, but I ended up signing up for the rest of the semester. I was very happy that I did . . ."

Restaurant Roundup - Healthy Choices When Eating Out

UNM Community Wellness

Did you know that when you eat out, you can easily get your days worth of calories (and more) in a single meal? Find out how you can still eat out and not let it all go to your waist by attending the class Restaurant Roundup on Thursday, September 17 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. For more information, please read the full article.

Do You Know Your Triglyceride Number?

UNM Community Wellness

Get your triglyceride numbers tested with the EHP Lipid and Glucose Testing scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2009 from 7:00 am - 9:00 am. The complete lipid and glucose test costs $25. After getting tested and reviewing your numbers, learn what they mean with the EHP class entitled Controlling Blood Pressure and Cholesterol with Lifestyle on Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. For more information, please read the full article.

Managing Your Child's Asthma

UNM Community Wellness

Asthma is the most serious and common chronic childhood disease. However, many parents do not know that their child has asthma. Wheezing is not the only indicator of asthma; a frequent cough at nighttime or during exercise can also indicate asthma. Some of the symptoms of asthma are easily recognizable, including coughing during or after exercise, shortness of breath, wheezy breathing, or a tight constricting feeling in the chest. It is important to recognize these symptoms in children so that they can receive proper treatment and live a normal, active life. Read the full article for more information.

September Wellness Champion

Pug Burge

Pug Burge has been affiliated with UNM for 35 years and has done some amazing things during that time. Over the years, Pug has worked on UNM’s North Campus at the School of Medicine in various leadership positions. For the last three years, Pug has worked at the Health Science Center (HSC) as the HSC Vice President for Administration. Two of the most recognizable projects have been the tobacco policies at UNMH and UNM. To learn more about Pug's work, read the full article.

Cholesterol Education Month

UNM Community Wellness

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. Now is a good time to get your cholesterol checked, learn the results and what they mean, and determine how to improve your cholesterol numbers. To find out more, read the full article.

Fitness and Nutrition

Myths and Facts

With so much health and fitness information coming from so many different sources, it's no wonder people are confused. EHP's staff has heard some recent myths and pulled together the facts.

Wellness Champion - Congratulations - Naomi Hanauer

Congratulations - Naomi Hanauer

Smoking cigarettes is a hard habit to break. Many people try to quit smoking for many years without any success. “It is the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was worth it,” says Naomi Hanauer, 35, the Field Supervisor for UNM's Bus Services. She has worked at UNM for two years and is pursuing a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree.

Naomi quit smoking about a year and a half ago after undergoing major surgery.

UNM Supports Breastfeeding

UNM Community Wellness

Communities around the world are gearing up to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (August 10-14), and the UNM Hospital is no exception. UNMH will celebrate on August 11 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm with information tables, videos, free giveaways, and refreshments. Please visit for lots of great information.

Benefits of Quitting Tobacco

UNM Community Wellness

Many smokers know that smoking is bad for them. Not only is it detrimental to your health, but it can be a very expensive habit. Many smokers think about quitting at some time, or at least cutting down. However, this is easier said than done. Keep in mind, though, that there are both immediate and long-term benefits to quitting smoking.

Chicken and Blueberry Pasta Salad

UNM Community Wellness

The addition of blueberries to poached chicken and feta cheese makes this dish a light and satisfying summer supper that's also great for a potluck.

What to Know about Diabetes

Welness - Class Feature

“What to Know About Diabetes” is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at the UNM Business Center, Room 1018. Employee Health Promotion (EHP) staff will present information about understanding glucose results, Type 2 diabetes and the various risk factors that contribute to it, and how lifestyle modification can help reduce diabetes risk and play a role in healthy blood glucose levels. For more information, including how to register for the class, please read the full article.

Introduction to Ergonomics and Work Related Injuries

UNM Community Wellness

In Introduction to Ergonomics and Work Related Injuries on Thursday, June 11 (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at the UNM Business Center, Room 1007), Mary Jo Quintana, CHES, EHP Sr. Program Manager, will discuss how to make yourself more comfortable at your work station and minimize risk for ergonomic-related injuries in the office environment. For more information, please read the full article.

Know Your Diabetes Complication Risks

UNM Community Wellness

For individuals with diabetes, there are four things that should be checked on a regular basis in addition to blood glucose levels: cholesterol levels, A1C, eye health, and foot health. Checking these will greatly reduce the risk of diabetes complications such as heart disease, blindness, and amputations. To find out more, read the full article.

Wellness Champion - Babette “Babs” Baker

Babette "Babs" Baker

Twenty-one years ago, when Babette “Babs” Baker was in her mid-40’s and an employee in the Art and Art History Department, she would have to rest after vacuuming because of pain from her arthritis. She was encouraged by Christine Mermier, a graduate student at that time, to attend Employee Health Promotion (EHP) fitness classes, and work on her flexibility and strength. Read the full article to find out how Babs made lasting lifestyle changes.

Tobacco-Free Campus Policy Update

UNM Community Wellness

One of UNM’s core priorities is the support of healthy communities. The adverse health effects of cigarette smoke, both first and secondhand, are well documented. To find out how UNM is trying to build a healthy environment, read the full article.

Healthy Recipe - Mexican Breakfast Burrito

Mexican Breakfast Burrito

Most of the breakfast burritos we buy at restaurants have anywhere from 600 to 1200 calories and cost $2 - $5. By making your own, you will save both calories and money. Read the full article for the recipe.

Healthy Recipe - Chicken, Peach, and Cabbage Salad

Chicken, Peach, and Cabbage Salad

This Chicken, Peach, and Cabbage Salad is prefect for summer. Read the full article for the recipe.

July Wellness Champion

Susy Sarmiento

Susy Sarmiento is living healthier than ever before. At the age of 30, Susy has gone from weighing 230 pounds to 155 pounds. She accomplished this remarkable weight loss by making several lifestyle changes and getting active. Read the full article to find out how Susy made these changes.

Exercise is Medicine

UNM Community Wellness

The nation's top public health physician wants you to know: Exercise greatly reduces serious risks to your health . Simply increasing your physical activity a little can help you and your family prevent many illnesses, and improve health, fitness, and well-being. Join Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, MD, MPH today, and become more physically active and healthy.

For more information, and ways to get started, visit the Exercise is Medicine™ website at www.exerciseismedicine.org . Also, read the full article for additional details.

Are You Sitting Pretty?

UNM Community Wellness

In many jobs, sitting is common and makes sense. When we sit down, we relieve our legs and feet of the weight of our bodies. Sitting consumes less energy and creates a more stable position for precise work than standing. Believe it or not, sitting isn't entirely restful for our bodies (especially when you sit for most of your day)! Our bodies aren't made to stay in one position for long periods of time. Have you ever noticed that after a few minutes of sitting, your body feels the need to squirm? You shift positions, cross and uncross your legs, flex your back and shoulders, or find a reason to get up and walk around.

Read the full article for more information.

Benefits of Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Screenings

UNM Community Wellness

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that all adults ages 20 or older get a fasting lipid profile every five years. However, you may need to have your lipid levels checked more often if you have total cholesterol over 200 mg/dl, are a man over 45 or a woman over 50, have a HDL is less than 40 mg/dl, or have other risk factors for heart disease or stroke. Other risk factors include family history of heart disease, being a smoker, high blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity, and/or being overweight or obese. If you don't know your total cholesterol or HDL, now is the time to have it checked.

For more information, please read the full article.

Healthy Recipe - Tuscan White Bean Salad on Crostini

Tuscan White Bean Salad on Crostini

Learn more about this healthy recipe by click on "Read the Full Article."

Controlling Blood Pressure & Cholesterol with Lifestyle

What You Need To Know About Trans-Fats

For many years, health professionals advocated a low-fat diet to reduce cholesterol. Today, the recommendations have changed as research has revealed that not all fats are the same: some are good and others are not. The recommendation is now a low-saturated fat and limited trans -fat diet. To learn about the effects of lifestyle factors on your cholesterol, as well as blood pressure and your risk of heart disease, come to Shelley Rael's (MS RD LD, EHP Sr. Clinical Nutritionist) class entitled “ Controlling Blood Pressure & Cholesterol with Lifestyle.” Read the full article for more information.

Reducing the Risk of Osteoporosis with Lifestyle

UNM Community Wellness

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and weak causing an increased risk of fracture. People tend to think about osteoporosis only when they are older, or they think that it is a disease of older females. Regardless of age or gender, osteoporosis is something that everyone needs to think about and prevent. Join us Tuesday, May 12 for Reducing the Risk of Osteoporosis with Lifestyle. Learn more about this class as well as risk factors, specific diet, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations to keep bones healthy by reading the full article.

Lifestyle Habits and Cancer Risks

UNM Community Wellnes

What can you do to reduce your risk of cancer? Today, diet is second only to tobacco as a preventable cause of cancer. In 2008, it was estimated that nearly one-third of cancer deaths were related to being overweight or obese, physically inactive, or from poor nutrition habits. Since these factors are controllable, these deaths could have been prevented. Read the full article for more details.

Healthy Recipe - Summer Squash Soup with Pasta and Parmesan

Summer Squash Soup with Pasta and Parmesan

Try this healthy recipe tonight. Read the full article for the ingredients.

Facts About Cholesterol

UNM Community Wellness

Knowing the facts about cholesterol can reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. Everyone should know their numbers. Understanding cholesterol, and how it affects your health, is important. To learn more, including the next cholesterol testing opportunity provide by Employee Health Promotion (EHP), please read the full article.

Are you getting enough sleep?

UNM Community Wellness

There are a number of everyday tasks that depend on you getting enough sleep. Learning, memorizing, and other mentally challenging tasks are maximized after a good night's sleep. Read the full article for more information.

Also, please join us on March 18 at 12:00 pm for Sleep: Understanding the Basic Health Benefits. For more information, contact Rhonda Miranda at 277-4996 or rmirand1@unm.edu .

Wellness Champion - Congratulations Annie Glisson

Coordinator of Admissions, Anderson Advisement Office

Annie took a seat on the weight loss train a couple of years ago. This adventure began by having to endure a crash diet in preparation for surgery, then going through the distress of gaining all the weight back.

Sleep and Recovery from Exercise

UNM Community Wellness

While it seems to be common sense that getting enough sleep is important for optimal sports and exercise performance, there hasn't been much evidence to support this theory -- until now.

Healthy Recipe - White Bean Enchiladas

White Bean Enchiladas

This is a fantastic meatless enchilada dish for three. If you need it to be for more people, it can easily be doubled.