In the coming weeks, you’ll be hearing a lot about wellness at MCC. Why? It may sound a bit corny, but honestly, MCC is concerned about wellness because we’re concerned about you. The college’s quality, strength, and future depend on each member of the MCC community (in other words, you!).
MCC takes a broad lens when it comes to defining wellness, but if there’s one overarching concept in the initiative, it is balance. How can we find balance in and between our work and our lives? A glance at the news confirms we’re living in stressful times—especially when the emails, texts, and live feed updates never end, so this is an important question to consider. It seems we’re constantly in motion, running on a treadmill, but maybe not in a way designed to promote our health and fitness. MCC’s wellness initiative asks all of us to stop and think about how we can treat ourselves a little better.
Next week Sunday, March 14, the college kicks off its involvement in Eat Well/Live Well (see https://www.eatwelllivewell.org/). In the past, more than 500 members of the college community participated in the program, and we’re hoping that even more take part this year. The Eat Well/Live Well program is a significant part of our overall wellness initiative. The EWLW program runs eight weeks and is simple and straightforward. To participate, you agree to . . .
1. Count and record your steps each day with a pedometer
2. Count and record the number of cups of fruit and vegetables you eat each day
3. Make at least one meal a day follow the “half plate guide” (fill half your plate with veggies and fruit)
4. Know and track your blood pressure
I encourage you to start an EWLW team or join one. Any one of the three wellness co-chairs--Craig Rand, Donna Mueller, Alberta Lee--can help sign you up. I’m practicing what I preach here, so know that I’ll be there with you. I know I’m happier when I feel healthier, and my guess is that you do, too.
In addition to EWLW, you’ll be seeing information about a whole range of activities. I’ve seen a number of you heading to the PAC each day to walk during lunch, and we’ll soon be starting walking groups to promote using this incredible resource. If you would rather talk than walk at lunch, look for brown bag discussions on the full spectrum of wellness: mind, body, and soul. And, throughout each week, you can always access the PAC Center, the fitness lab, a Zumba or yoga class, or our meditative labyrinth. Whew! Truly something for everyone.
So, I hope you will find something in the Wellness initiative to engage you. Is there an activity we should add? Let me know on the blog, <<https://www.monroecc.edu/blogs>>
Anne Kress
President's Office
03/10/2010 |