Syracuse University is home to more than a dozen registered dietitians spread across the , , , and the . Recently, they started meeting as a cross-campus coalition.

The group came together through Molly Morgan, associate director of in Human Resources, who joined the University last year and quickly realized that dietitian colleagues were embedded across a range of schools, colleges and units.

She floated the idea of regular meetups, and the response was unanimous. The coalition’s goal: foster collaboration, align on best practices and amplify the collective impact of their work across the campus community.

As we celebrate in March, six dietitians with wide-ranging expertise share the myths they spend the most time correcting—and the tips they wish more people would actually try.

Myths Worth Busting

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The word “natural” on a label feels reassuring, but it’s an overgeneralization. Plenty of natural substances—lead and arsenic among them—are anything but good for you (remember the apple juice scare of 2024?). Meanwhile, some artificial additives serve real purposes: extending shelf life, improving texture or boosting a food’s nutritional profile. The takeaway? Read the full label, not just the buzzword. — Nikki Beckwith, M.A., RD, CDN, director of the master of arts in nutrition science program, Falk College

Carbs Are the Enemy

A lot of people think that carbohydrates make you gain weight, but in reality they are the body’s main energy source. Whole carbs like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains deliver fiber, vitamins and sustained energy. The real issue isn’t carbs themselves; it’s the type and quantity people reach for. — Ashley Russo-Leone, M.A., RD, CDN, CNSC, assistant director of nutrition management, Campus Dining

Your Body Needs an Annual Detox or Cleanse

A common myth is that you need to detox or do a “cleanse” at least once per year. The human body has its own detoxification crew working around the clock: the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system, colon and skin. Most healthy bodies do not need help eliminating toxins and harmful substances. They need consistent, balanced nutrition. — Ashley Russo-Leone, M.A., RD, CDN, CNSC, assistant director of nutrition management, Campus Dining

A ‘Nutritionist’ and a ‘Registered Dietitian’ Are the Same Thing

In most states, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist—no degree, no exam, no oversight required. Becoming a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), on the other hand, requires rigorous education, supervised practice hours, a credentialing exam and ongoing continuing education. If you’re managing a health condition, navigating food allergies or fine-tuning athletic performance, that distinction matters. — Molly Morgan, RDN, CDN, CSSD, associate director of health and wellness for faculty and staff

Tips Worth Trying

Think 80/20, Not All-or-Nothing

Dietitians are not the food police. A more sustainable framework: about 80% of the foods you choose should align with your health goals and nutritional needs, leaving 20% for flexibility. Perfection isn’t the point, consistency is. — Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

Push Back on the Protein Hype

From protein coffee foams to meat add-ons at every counter, today’s marketing makes it seem like more protein is always better. It’s important, sure, but excess calories from protein can lead to weight gain just like excess calories from anything else. Most people can meet their daily needs without the extras, and over-focusing on protein can crowd out variety and other essential nutrients. Unsure how much you actually need? A registered dietitian can help. — Nikki Beckwith, M.A., RD, CDN, director of the master of arts in nutrition science program, Falk College

Breakfast Breaks the Fast—Literally

After a full night of sleep, your body’s energy tank is running on empty. Skipping breakfast extends that deficit and can leave you dragging well into the afternoon. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even a small meal with protein and complex carbs can make a noticeable difference. — Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

Feeding Kids? Stock Smart and Let Them Play

When it comes to young eaters, two strategies go a long way. First, focus less on curating a perfect diet and more on what’s visible and convenient in the house. Kids tend to grab what they see, so keeping fruit, yogurt, nuts and whole-grain snacks at eye level—while limiting ultra-processed options—quietly shapes better habits without mealtime battles.

Second, let little ones explore. Touching, smelling, squishing, and yes, making a mess with food are legitimate steps toward acceptance. Food play is food learning, and pressuring a child to “just take a bite” often backfires. — Maryam Yuhas, Ph.D., RD, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, and Lynn S. Brann, Ph.D., RDN, FAND, associate professor of food and nutrition studies, Falk College

Hungry at Night? Eat. (Just Eat Smart.)

Hunger is hunger, regardless of what time the clock reads. If you’re genuinely hungry at night, eat something, ideally a reasonable portion with both carbohydrates and protein. Protein promotes fullness and helps slow the rate at which carbs hit your bloodstream, which beats the alternative of raiding the chips bag on autopilot. — Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

February marks , a time to spotlight cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. University faculty and staff answered the call, with an estimated 500-plus employees submitting photos of themselves wearing red on , Friday, Feb. 6.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting both men and women. National Wear Red Day serves as a reminder to prioritize heart health through regular exercise, healthy eating, stress management and preventive care.

Below are just some of the photo submissions that were received. Participants were also asked to offer perspectives on what heart health means to them—read on for some of their responses.

Participation from schools, colleges and business units across campus demonstrated that heart health means different things to different community members—but all perspectives emphasize care, connection and well-being.

“Heart health to our team means being there for each other to help manage stress at work,” shared the School of Architecture. “We celebrate when we succeed and we are there with support when we face challenges. We are a small school with a big heart.”

For Art Museum staff, heart health connects directly to family. “Heart health means making sure I’m healthy enough and live long enough to enjoy time with my loved ones,” one employee shared. “My heart is full when we’re together, and heart health keeps us together.”

Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling emphasized their commitment to integrated health, including heart disease awareness and prevention. Meanwhile, Advancement and External Affairs emphasized its focus on investing in physical health to strengthen meaningful connections within the Orange family.

Participants now await the results of a friendly competition: the unit with the highest percentage of employee participation will win a dark chocolate party for their entire team. Winners will be announced on the and in its , which faculty and staff can join by request.

University faculty and staff seeking practical tools to navigate today’s work and life challenges are invited to join upcoming learning sessions focused on helping participants live their best life by prioritizing well-being, happiness and resilience.

The Thrive! well-being series, facilitated by Jaime Weisberg of Northbound Coaching & Consulting, returns to campus with refreshed content, updated research and new strategies drawn from the field of positive psychology.

The program offers 12 monthly sessions, each held twice—once on North Campus and once on South Campus—to accommodate different schedules. Sessions run for one hour during lunchtime and are designed to stand alone, allowing participants to attend as many or as few as their schedules permit.

“This is the kind of program that people usually don’t know they need until they get here,” says Weisberg, who has facilitated the program for higher education institutions, nonprofits and corporations over the past seven years. “It’s for anyone curious about how to live better, feel better, understand how our minds work and eager to put evidence-based tools into practice.”

What to Expect

The sessions cover topics ranging from the science of happiness and optimism change in habits, mindfulness, goal setting and relationship-building. Each session combines research-backed theory with practical application through activities and group work, equipping participants with immediately usable tools.

“I think we’re sold a narrative on happiness that it’s a destination that we might arrive at someday,” says Weisberg. “When we go into the science of happiness and what really makes us thrive, people are surprised that it’s something you can be creating all along, and that the factors that lead to happiness are actually quite broad and can be different for each person.”

Why Now?

The need for these tools has only intensified over the years. Remote and hybrid work arrangements, cultural upheaval and the lingering effects of the pandemic have contributed to skyrocketing rates of loneliness and mental health challenges.

“Our mental health and well-being have never been more challenged than it is at the moment,” Weisberg says. “People are usually adept at seeking out support when they have illness or trauma. There’s also a lot of people who might not feel unwell, necessarily, but just don’t feel as vibrant as they could be—that’s who this program is for.”

The in-person format offers additional benefits beyond content delivery. Weisberg points to the neurological advantages of gathering with others who share similar goals. “We produce oxytocin, the calm-and-connect hormone, when we’re connecting with other people,” she says. “There is an implication on our nervous systems when we’re all coming together to connect and learn together.”

More information about session dates, topics and registration is available on the . As a reminder, the Syracuse University Wellness Initiative provides opportunities, programs and resources to empower faculty and staff to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

The Syracuse WorkForce Run was held at Onondaga Lake Parkway Tuesday, bringing together workers from across Central New York for a night of food, fun, fitness and friendly competition among area employers.

This year’s event, which raised funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York, included 158 University employees. Everyone’s favorite mascot, Otto the Orange, was there to cheer on the runners and walkers and give plenty of high-fives. Jay Hubisz, professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Sascha Scott, associate professor of art and music histories in the College of Arts and Sciences, were the highest placing runners from the University, both finishing in the top 30.

Each June, the in the Office of Human Resources sponsors the University’s participation in the WorkForce Run, as part of their mission of empowering and encouraging employees to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. A special thanks to the Wellness Champions who assisted the wellness team in coordinating this year’s event, including Melissa Chirico Brown, Gianna Mangicaro, Jacqui Smith and Alecia Zema.

All photos below were captured by Amy Manley, senior multimedia producer, Division of Communications.

Join the Syracuse University Wellness Initiative—and everyone’s favorite mascot, Otto!—on Tuesday, June 10, at 6:45 p.m. for the Syracuse WorkForce Run at Onondaga Lake Parkway.

The annual 5K event features a and is a great opportunity to bond with your coworkers, enjoy some friendly competition and promote wellness among faculty and staff.

“In 2022 and 2023, Syracuse University earned the distinction of having the largest team at the event among the dozens of local companies that participate,” says Molly Morgan, associate director, of health and wellness for faculty and staff. “This year, we are looking to regain that title with an incredible showing of our faculty and staff. We encourage employees of all abilities and fitness levels to come out for an evening of fun, movement, socializing and meeting new people from across the University!”

Registration Details

• Fee: $21.50 (the University subsidizes the remaining fee)
• Deadline to join the team: Tuesday, May 6
• Includes: Unisex performance-blend Syracuse University team T-shirt, official race T-shirt and a complimentary Mediterranean buffet
• Link:

T-shirt/Bib Pick-Up

• Monday, June 9, from 2 to 5 p.m., 621 Skytop Road, Suite 1112
• Tuesday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, 228 Schine Student Center

Help Spread the Word!

To help recruit additional colleagues from your office or department, download and print this year’s WorkForce Run flyer [PDF] and hang it around your workspace.

The Syracuse WorkForce Run is for of the University; however friends and family are welcome to join by registering as an individual participant, paying the full race fee of $55 and picking up their own race packet.

Parking is available at NBT Bank Stadium and shuttle bus service is provided. The has detailed parking information and answers to frequently asked questions.

The event is also a fundraiser, with this year’s event benefiting , a nonprofit that provides a temporary home for families with seriously ill children who travel to the region for medical care.

To learn more, visit the or email wellness@syr.edu with any questions.

At the 2023 Syracuse WorkForce Run/Walk/Roll (formerly the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge), Syracuse University held the distinction of being the largest employer represented among dozens of local companies participating in the annual tradition for the second year in a row.

In June, University faculty and staff members will have the opportunity to reclaim that title and enjoy an evening of camaraderie, networking, food, fun and movement. Participants of all abilities and fitness levels are encouraged to join the Syracuse University team. “Campus gets very busy this time of year with Commencement and end of year activities, so this is a fun evening to hang out with people that share the same Orange pride,” says Jacqui Smith, member of the planning committee for the University’s team. “This is also a great chance to get to know other folks from around campus in a low-pressure environment. And there’s food and T-shirts so who can say no to that?!”

Everyone’s favorite mascot, Otto, will also be there again this year to cheer on the Syracuse team—so if you’ve ever wanted to give them a high-five as you cross the finish line, here is your chance!

Interested? Here’s What You Need to Know

• This year’s race begins at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, at Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool.
• The distance is 5K (3.1 miles) and a map of the course is .
• There is a $43 registration fee, half of which is paid by the University. Participants will need to make a $21.50 credit card payment when they .
• The deadline to register is Monday, May 6.
• The registration fee includes a Syracuse University team t-shirt to wear during the event, an official race T-shirt and a complimentary buffet-style dinner (vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available).
• Packet and t-shirt pickup will be held at our tent 1.5-2 hours before the event.
• Parking is available at NBT Bank Stadium, and a complimentary shuttle bus service is provided. The has detailed parking information and answers to frequently asked questions.

The Syracuse WorkForce Run is for  of the University; however friends and family are welcome to join by registering as an individual participant, paying the full race fee of $55 and picking up their own race packet.

“Don’t miss out on this great team building event and opportunity to represent Syracuse University, while getting some exercise with others,” says Erin Schaal, who is also a member of the planning committee.

For any questions about the event, please email wellness@syr.edu.

The Wellness Initiative is pleased to offer three opportunities for faculty and staff to receive their flu vaccine from Wegmans Pharmacy at campus locations this month.

Pharmacists will immunize with the quadrivalent flu vaccine to protect against four strains of influenza viruses, and there will be limited doses of the senior vaccine for adults age 65 and older.

Appointments are required and must be made online in advance. Clinics will be held on the following dates:

Wednesday, Sept. 13
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Raynor Avenue Lot (tented, outdoors)

Tuesday, Sept. 19 (this session is full)

Friday, Sept. 29
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Skybarn
151 Farm Acre Road
South Campus

Step-by-step instructions to make an appointment are available on the Wellness Initiative’s .

Faculty and staff should bring a valid Syracuse University I.D. to their appointment; temporary employees may show an alternate picture ID. Short-term parking is available at the Irving Avenue Garage or Comstock Avenue Garage for the Sept. 19 clinic by letting the attendant know that you are getting your flu vaccine. For the Sept. 29 clinic, parking is available at or near Skybarn.

Please note, on-campus flu vaccine clinics for students, offered through the Barnes Center at The Arch, will be announced at a later date. Additional on-campus faculty and staff clinics are planned for October.

On Tuesday, 173 University faculty and staff members participated in the Syracuse Workforce Run, formerly known as the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge. The event brings together walkers, runners and rollers from workplaces around Syracuse for a night of friendly competition, fitness, food and camaraderie on a 5K course through Onondaga Lake Park.

For the second year running, the University was recognized for having the largest team from a single organization. Everyone’s favorite mascot, Otto, was there to cheer participants on and dole out plenty of high-fives. J. Cole Smith, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), once again served as team captain with staff from ECS helping to organize this year’s event, with support from the University’s Wellness Initiative.

Jon French, assistant teaching professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, took 3rd place in the all-male division with a time of 16 minutes, two seconds. Grace Sciera, marketing strategist in the Division of Marketing, completed the course in 21 minutes, 45 seconds, placing ninth in the all-female division.

Thank you to all who participated and the University hopes to see you again next year!

Except where otherwise indicated, photos are by Randy Pellis.

At the 2022 Syracuse WorkForce Run/Walk/Roll (formerly the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge), Syracuse University held the distinction of being the largest employer represented among dozens of local companies participating in the annual tradition.

Next month, University faculty and staff members will have the opportunity to reclaim that title and enjoy an evening of camaraderie, networking, food, fun and movement. Participants of all abilities and fitness levels are encouraged to join the Syracuse University team, captained for the second year by J. Cole Smith, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Last year, Team Syracuse University was over 100 people deep. We enjoyed some beautiful weather and had a blast hanging out with coworkers from across the University before and after the race,” says Smith, pictured at right accepting the award for Largest Company Team. “Whether you’re an avid runner looking for a personal best time or just want to take a leisurely walk on the course with colleagues, I encourage you to join our team!”

New this year, everyone’s favorite mascot, Otto, will also be there to cheer on the Syracuse team—so if you’ve ever wanted to give them a high-five as you cross the finish line, here is your chance!

Interested? Here’s What You Need to Know

• This year’s race begins at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, at Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool.
• The distance is 5K (3.1 miles) and a map of the course is .
• A has been created for participants to stay up-to-date on the event and connect with other participants.
• There is a $39 registration fee, half of which is paid by the University. Participants will need to make a $19.50 credit card payment when they .
• The deadline to register is Friday, May 19.
• The registration fee includes a Syracuse University team T-shirt to wear during the event, an official race T-shirt and a complimentary buffet-style dinner (vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available).
• Packet and T-shirt pickup will be held on campus the day of the event.
• Parking is available at NBT Bank Stadium and complimentary shuttle bus service is provided. Detailed parking information and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the .

The Syracuse WorkForce Run is for of the University; however friends and family are welcome to join by registering as an individual participant, paying the full race fee of $39 and picking up their own race packet. Email wellness@syr.edu with any questions about the event. We hope to see you there!

February is American Heart Month, a time that promotes renewed focus on cardiovascular health and increased education on the risk factors for heart disease, currently the leading cause of death in the U.S.

It’s not only in February, however, that Syracuse University’s Wellness Initiative, housed in the Office of Human Resources, partners with the American Heart Association (AHA) to offer potentially life-saving training opportunities to the University community.

Since October, hourlong, non-certifying trainings have been offered monthly to faculty and staff, providing instruction for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

AHA facilitators train participants on:

• how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest or a stroke;
• responding with hands-only CPR, which entails using chest compressions but not rescue breaths; and
• the importance of AED usage.

will be held on March 21 in 500 Hall of Languages. More than 350 faculty and staff members have been through the training, with dozens more participating this spring.

Earlier this year, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during a “Monday Night Football” game. His life was saved by the quick administration of CPR and use of an AED to restore his heartbeat on the field, sparking a .

Candace Campbell Jackson, senior vice president and chief of staff to Chancellor Kent Syverud, has been instrumental in bringing these training opportunities to campus, and has requested that all members of the University leadership team take part and encourage their faculty and staff to do the same.

“I’m proud of the way our university leadership and community have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to learn these life-saving techniques,” says Campbell Jackson. “By bringing heart health education to our faculty and staff, we all stand better prepared to save a life at work or at home.”

Jackson also serves as 2023 chair of the , part of a national movement to promote education and action among a population increasingly impacted by cardiovascular disease: women. According to the , heart disease was responsible for about 1 in 5 women deaths in 2020.

“Learning CPR will help save lives,” says Franklin Fry, executive director of the Greater Syracuse AHA. “Each year, there are more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the U.S. Unfortunately, only about 10% of those patients survive. However, immediate CPR and AED use can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival. Each person taking part in these trainings has the potential to be a lifesaver.”

Adam Hepburn, executive director of operations in the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, participated in the training last fall. He found it so effective he went on to encourage colleagues from the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building (NVRC) to participate.

“We have an active building, with lots of students, faculty, staff and community members coming through, including for special and large events,” Hepburn says. “There’s a recognition that we all want to be prepared should an incident occur.”

The Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel, similarly encouraged his team to take advantage of the on-campus trainings to be better prepared in a worst-case scenario.

“The training instructors were insightful and the overall experience was impactful,” he says, reflecting on the experience. “I am thankful that Syracuse University chose to make CPR/AED trainings a top priority, as all people are of infinite dignity, and being better prepared may help to save lives.”

To learn more or sign up for an upcoming training, .

National Nutrition Month, celebrated in March, focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Throughout the month, faculty and staff are invited to join programs from the that will inspire you to eat mindfully, move your body and find inspiration in the kitchen!

Mindful Eating Challenge

Bringing your full attention to meals is easier said than done and takes practice. The seven-day will help you learn and practice key aspects of mindful eating, including bringing awareness back to meals, slowing down and noticing physical hunger cues. Guided by a series of emails highlighting actionable mindful eating exercises/activities, you’ll select one meal a day to eat mindfully. By the end of the challenge, you’ll have multiple new tools in your toolbox.

Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Program

Are you ready to ditch emotional eating and the diet mentality? If your answer is yes, the may be a good fit. Am I Hungry? is a non-diet, weight-neutral approach that empowers individuals to take charge of their decisions about eating, physical activity, health and self-care. The six-week interactive program will help you reconnect with your physical signals to guide what, when and how much to eat, and recognize and cope with triggers for overeating. The program begins the week of March 13.

440 Strong

Strength training is a great way to increase metabolism and boost energy during the day and help you sleep at night. It even helps manage stress! challenges you to complete 440 repetitions of a strength training exercise (examples include push-ups, squats, lunges or planks) over 15 days. That equals about 30 repetitions per day. If you’re up for the challenge, complete 440 repetitions of more than one strength training exercise. !

Find Inspiration

Feeling stale in the kitchen, don’t like to cook or lacking the time to put together a healthful meal at the end of the day? You’re not alone! .

Got Questions? Ask the Dietitian

If you find nutrition labels confusing, have a picky eater at home, or have questions about whole vs. processed foods, sugar, fat, mindful eating, eating out, fad diets or other topics—this is for you! Let the wellness team know what’s on your mind. Please note: While the team doesn’t have expertise in all areas of nutrition, they will do their best to address your questions and/or provide resources that may help!

Two final opportunities are available for faculty and staff to receive a free flu vaccine from Wegmans Pharmacy at convenient campus locations. Pharmacists will immunize with the quadrivalent flu vaccine to protect against four strains of influenza viruses, and there will be limited doses of the senior vaccine for adults 65 and older.

Appointments are required and . Clinics will be held on the following dates:

Thursday, Oct. 6
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Schine Student Center, 304 ABC

Wednesday, Oct. 26
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kimmel Dining Hall
311 Waverly Ave.
North Campus

Step-by-step instructions to make an appointment are available on the Wellness Initiative’s .

Faculty and staff should bring a valid Syracuse University I.D. to their appointment; temporary employees may show an alternate picture ID. Short-term parking is available at the Comstock Avenue Garage for both clinics by letting the attendant know that you are getting your flu vaccine.

Please note, on-campus flu vaccine opportunities for students will be announced at a later date.

From mindful eating to a squat challenge, the wellness programming available to faculty and staff this fall is diverse, robust and responsive to the results of the June 2022 wellness survey. About 800 survey participants provided valuable feedback on topics of interest, virtual vs. in-person programming, best timeframe for participation and more.

“One of the things we learned from the survey is that virtual programming is here to stay; however, we were also happy to see that some faculty and staff are ready to attend workshops in-person again,” says Gail Grozalis, executive director, Wellness Initiative for faculty and staff.

“We are really looking forward to connecting in-person after a long pause of virtual-only programming,” she says. “Consistent with the preferences expressed in the survey, we will continue with a hybrid approach—virtual, on-demand recordings and in-person—so we can reach faculty and staff in different locations, with various schedules, needs and preferences.”

The results of the survey showed that stress management and resilience, physical activity, sleep, healthy cooking and eating, back care, and mindful eating were the topics with the highest interest. In addition, faculty and staff indicated that 30-45 minutes was the sweet spot in terms of length of wellness programming, with a noon-1 p.m. timeframe preference.

“We are grateful for the feedback from the survey. It helped guide our fall planning to meet the needs, areas of interest and preferences of our faculty and staff,” says Kim DeStefano, senior health and wellness specialist for faculty and staff. “We are excited for the fall lineup and cannot wait for faculty and staff to participate in the wellness offerings.”

The wellness team will continue to be responsive to the changing needs of faculty and staff.

“We build new programs around the preferences of our staff and faculty, and we will continue to reach out and respond to their interests and their needs,” says Grozalis. Fall semester wellness programming kicks off the week of Sept. 12. .

Some highlights for the fall semester include the following:

• Focus on Movement: Squatember, a 10-day squat challenge and Back in Balance, a small group, interactive series to learn the Alexander Technique, featuring instructor Kathy Miranda.
• Food for Thought: Nutrition workshops on supplements and fueling young athletes, featuring nutrition professor Dr. Jessica Garay and healthy holiday food demos.
• Health Talks: Webinars covering a variety of health topics from healthy aging to back care to self-care during the holidays.
• Video library: Featuring previously recorded webinars, including cooking demos, physical activity, resilience and bone health.
• : On-demand access to hundreds of hours of content on topics like sleep, anxiety, financial stress, eating and more.
• Feel Like a Million: A board game-themed program to increase energy and help you feel your best with energy-boosting activities and virtual dollars.

For those taking the wellness survey, the Wellness Initiative team put together a gift basket for a randomly selected survey participant. Kira McCrary, in the Office of Student Outreach and Retention, was the winner.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 38% of all U.S. adults live with prediabetes, the precursor to type 2 diabetes, and nearly half (47%) have hypertension, or high blood pressure.

While these statistics may seem quite high, they are also proof that if you struggle with high blood pressure or prediabetes, you are not alone. The even better news is that there is evidence that enacting simple—but not always easy—changes to your lifestyle can help manage these conditions and prevent them from escalating.

Two programs offered through the Syracuse University Wellness Initiative this fall are designed to help benefits-eligible faculty and staff redefine their health and transform their life: the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (BPSM), both launching in October. Read on to learn more about these programs and how staff members have benefited from prior participation.

A Holistic Approach to Diabetes Prevention

When Stefania Ianno signed up for the DPP last year, she was intrigued by the program’s yearlong approach. She knew that for her own success, health and wellness needed to be an ongoing lifestyle and not a yo-yo dieting experiment.

“I was compelled to sign up for the DPP because it approaches health from many angles: movement and exercise; food and nutrition; and the mental/emotional aspects of motivation and discipline,” says Ianno, assistant director of development for Syracuse Stage.

The DPP is a small-group program offered in partnership with the YMCA of Central New York. It requires a 12-month commitment with 26 one-hour sessions over the course of the year. Sessions are facilitated by Stephanie Michaels, a YMCA lifestyle coach, and dive deep into the science of diabetes prevention while also offering participants practical, everyday strategies for eating healthier, increasing their physical activity and losing weight.

The program also includes a free YMCA family membership for the first 20 weeks, which can be used at any of six locations across Central New York. “Access to the YMCA was particularly awesome and very motivating—I was able to get on a better schedule of incorporating movement into my weekly activities,” says Ianno.

She found the resources provided, including education on topics she did not previously know much about and tracking mechanisms for food and activity, to be helpful, as well as periodic check-ins with Michaels to provide a touchpoint on her progress.

The upcoming DPP begins Oct. 11 and meets on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. in the Hall of Languages, room 500. The program is for adults who have prediabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, but who do not already have diabetes. There is a personal investment of $200 that is deducted via payroll and eligible for full reimbursement once the participant has met certain attendance criteria and action items.

Staying Ahead of Hypertension

Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a week may help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. There is evidence that proper nutrition, particularly reducing sodium, can help lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure.

Participants in the Wellness Initiative’s BPSM, also offered in partnership with the YMCA of Central New York, receive a free blood pressure cuff that they can use at home for twice-weekly readings.

Over four months, they practice home self-monitoring and participate in one-on-one check-ins with Michaels on Microsoft Teams, as well as monthly one-hour seminars on topics like lowering sodium intake, shopping, preparing and cooking food for blood pressure management, and heart-healthy eating.

Derek Pooley, assistant director for student success in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, participated in a prior offering of the BPSM and says the program taught him new information that has been key to managing his diagnosis of high blood pressure.

“The different tips and conversations I had with Stephanie got me thinking about different ways to hydrate, sleep and eat better,” Pooley says. “I didn’t realize how much hydration affects blood pressure, so I drink way more water now than I did before!”

Pooley says he saw his blood pressure decrease over the course of the program and he still uses the blood pressure cuff he received to continue his home self-monitoring. “I would absolutely recommend this program to other faculty and staff members,” he says. “I took my blood pressure three times per week, had a weekly meeting to talk about different methods to lower it and tried the suggestions offered. It was simple and effective.”

The upcoming installment of the BPSM begins Oct. 3 and runs through January. There is a $60 personal investment via payroll deduction, with the opportunity for a full reimbursement upon successful completion of the program.

To learn more about the Diabetes Prevention and Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring programs, including qualifying criteria and full schedules for participation, visit the .

Three opportunities are available for faculty and staff to receive a free flu vaccine from Wegmans Pharmacy at convenient campus locations in the month of September. Pharmacists will immunize with the quadrivalent flu vaccine to protect against four strains of influenza viruses, and there will be limited doses of the senior vaccine for adults 65 and older.

Appointments are required and . Clinics will be held on the following dates:

Wednesday, Sept. 14
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
(tented, outdoors)

Tuesday, Sept. 20
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kimmel Dining Hall
311 Waverly Ave.
North Campus

Friday, Sept. 30
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Skybarn
151 Farm Acre Rd.
South Campus

Step-by-step instructions to make an appointment are available on the Wellness Initiative’s .

Faculty and staff should bring a valid Syracuse University I.D. to their appointment; temporary employees may show an alternate picture ID. Short-term parking is available at the Irving Avenue Garage or Comstock Avenue Garage for the Sept. 20 clinic by letting the attendant know that you are getting your flu vaccine. For the Sept. 30 clinic, parking is available at or near Skybarn.

Please note, on-campus flu vaccine opportunities for students will be announced at a later date. Additional on-campus faculty and staff clinics are planned for October.