Wellness Update Archive: GUWellness: Mind, Body, Soul

Wellness Update Archive

August

Originally Published August 1, 2012

Dear Colleagues,

Let me begin with resounding congratulations to all of our participants in the walking challenge. I particularly enjoyed seeing so many faces, new and familiar at our weekly walks. I hope that trend will continue as the challenge ends and the weather cools off a bit. The results of the challenge are below:

Trackingest Team Captains
Amanda Carlton, Laura Masters, Tara O’Toole, and Laura German

Top Teams
Number of Participants:
I am proud to report that my own office, Bounding Benefits, and the Office of Student Financial Services tied with the highest number of regular participants.
Participant Percentage:
The Office of Student Financial Services and Stroke Angels both had perfect, 100% participation almost every week. Great job to these teams, and to their team captains for keeping the motivation and engagement high throughout the challenge.
Clever Monikers:
Leave(y) You In The Dust was a favorite team name, as well as the Wonky Walkers and the Blister Brigade.
Social Strategists:
Team Bounding Benefits was dominant in submitting pictures of their walks, and we also received some great shots from Leave(y) You In The Dust.
Overall Top Teams:
First Place: Office of Student Financial Services (Team Captain: Tara O’Toole)
Second Place: Bounding Benefits (Team Captain: Rachel Bridges)
Third Place: Eurasian Security Team (Team Captain: Christina Watts)
Our office will be in touch with our trackingest team captains and with the Office of Student Financial Services regarding your prizes. I hope that you will all join us for a celebration and a cool, healthy treat before our Weekly Walk this Thursday (August 2). Take a look below for other ways to be well in August as the campus community gears up for the coming fall semester.

August highlights-

Make a Difference: Volunteer with Don Bosco Cristo Rey
It’s that time of the year again and the Department of Human Resources is inviting volunteers to make a difference by sharing their skills and experience with the Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School (DBCR).

DBCR, the newest high school in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC is founded through partnership between the Archdiocese of Washington, the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Cristo Rey Network of Schools across America. DBCR provides earn-and-learn opportunities to students from low-income families, helping urban students continue higher education. Every year, the school hosts a three-week Business Boot Camp to professionally train incoming students. Georgetown University partners with DBCR in various activities, including volunteering at the Boot Camp.

DBCR has requested about 30-40 volunteers from Georgetown University to ensure smooth and efficient outcome at their Business Boot Camp for incoming students this year. Whether you have been involved in the past, or this would be your first time, we are confident you will be pleased by your experience! There is a need for volunteers to help students navigate their way around the DC Metro area using public transportation; interview students to gauge their professional maturity; and, to teach a few classes focused on educating them about work ethic, hygiene, managing time and more.

You can make a difference! For more information on the various volunteering options, visit http://www3.georgetown.edu/hr/cristoreyvolunteering.html If you need more details (not listed on the volunteering web page) or are interested in volunteering, please contact Sandy Wilhelm 7-2396/ sw287@georgetown.edu

Investing 101
Wednesday, August 22, 12 – 1 pm
Leavey Program Room, Leavey Center
Want to take control of your 403(b) investments, but have no idea where to start? Georgetown is pleased to offer Investing 101, a complimentary workshop presented by MetLife that can help you make the most out of your investment strategies.

Learn more about:

Basic investment concepts and terminology
Asset classes
Bull and bear markets
Mutual funds
Other income sources
Don't miss this opportunity! Register today by visiting www.metlifeplansmart.com or calling 1-866-801-3547.

Weekly Walk with Charles
Thursdays at 12:30 pm
Come hydrated! If it's too hot, we'll opt for an indoor route. Meet each Thursday at Healy Circle at 12:30 pm. All fitness levels are welcome to join in and go at their own pace. Pre-walk celebration and treats on August 2, beginning at noon.

Free Yoga for Faculty and Staff
Fridays at 11 am (No class on August 3, special guest meditation teacher August 10)
These gentle yoga classes are sponsored by GUWellness for all faculty and staff; no need to be a Yates member to attend. Dress comfortably. Mats are provided, or bring your own. Please check the GUWellness calendar for any schedule updates or cancellations.

Retirement Orientation for Faculty & Staff
Friday, August 24
Wednesday, September 19
9:30 - 11 am, Leavey Program Room
Do you find yourself worrying abou the "how to's" of retiring from Georgetown University? If you answered yes, we invite you to put your mind at ease by joining the Office of Faculty and Staff Benefits for its newly developed Retirement Orientation. This new program is designed to provide you with an informative, practical and thoughtful orientation on how to navigate the retirement process at Georgetown.
REGISTER

Retirement/Financial Planning 1-1 Consultations Available
with Fidelity, TIAA-CREF and Vanguard (view schedule)
Do you need a fiscal check up? Whether you're looking to create savings strategies for major financial milestones, develop a retirement strategy and understand investment choices available to you or the importance of protecting your assets against inflation or review your current investment allocation, help is here. You can view the updatedschedule and link out to schedule your one-on-one appointment here.

Wellness for your wallet: August discounts through GUAdvantage
Don't miss all the exciting offers through your exclusive employee discount program, GUAdvantage. This month's featured newsletter highlights discounts on restaurants, pet insurance, computers, cars and more.

Course: "Riding your Bike Safely in Traffic"
Available Dates: 8/8, 9/19, 10/17, 11/14: 12:30 - 1:30 pm
St. Mary's Hall, Room G-36
Learn how to ride safely in traffic. Come learn the basics of safely navigating point A to point B in the DC metropolitan area. Taught by League of American Bicyclists-certified instructor, Jason Clock. Jason is also a Georgetown University employee who bikes to work daily and can offer some great practical tips for those considering biking to work for the first time. Free for faculty, staff and students.
REGISTER

Weight Watchers: Choose the option that works best for you!
GU "At Work" meetings held Fridays, 12:45 - 1:30 pm
2121 Wisconsin Avenue, Level C-2 Training Room
Weight Watchers has revamped its "At Work" offering to provide greater flexibility and access to participants. Check out Georgetown University's customized Weight Watchers portal to view options and sign up for an option that works for you. The cost is $39.95/month to attend unlimited meetings with a Monthly Pass (both At Work and community-based are included) and $17.95/month to follow the plan entirely online. Learn more and sign up by logging on to https://wellness.weightwatchers.com and entering Company ID: 42221 and Company Passcode: WW42221. Questions? Contact WW group leader, Carlos Arias, at carlosariasdc@aol.com or GU contact Bettina Stemley at stemleyb@georgetown.edu.

Spiritual Musing from Father Schemel
As summer winds down, Fr. Schemel encourages us not to dwell in the doldrums, but to let our imagination rise into the realm of hope. Check out this month's musing here.

I hope you’re able to take time to enjoy the final days of summer. I know we’re all looking ahead to a busy fall semester, and it’s important to take time for yourself in order to be well and keep up. We have some very exciting wellness programs planned for the coming months, so stay tuned for a wealth of ways to inspire your wellness journey.

Be well,

Charles DeSantis
Associate Vice President & Chief Benefits Officer

July

Originally Published July 2, 2012

Dear Colleagues,

It's hot out there! Given the extreme heat and weather we've been experiencing lately, it seems a good time to turn our attention to the topic of summer safety. Heat-related illness occurs when our bodies can't cool themselves properly. Check http://wellness.georgetown.edu for more summer safety information and be sure to consider these tips from the American Red Cross as temperatures climb this summer:
Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR
Check for ticks. If you're spending time outdoors, you should know that the 2012 tick season is well underway and Lyme Disease continues to be on the rise. (Learn more from the CDC.)
July highlights include -

Weekly Walk with Charles
Thursdays at 12:30 pm
Come hydrated! If it's too hot, we'll opt for an indoor route. Meet each Thursday at Healy Circle at 12:30 pm. All fitness levels are welcome to join in and go at their own pace. Participating in the Weekly Walk with Charles DeSantis is a great way to rack up bonus points toward the Walking Challenge!

Free Yoga for Faculty and Staff
Fridays at 11 am (No class on July 27)
These gentle yoga classes are sponsored by GUWellness for all faculty and staff; no need to be a Yates member to attend. Dress comfortably. Mats are provided, or bring your own. Please check the GUWellness calendar for any schedule updates or cancellations.

Retirement/Financial Planning 1-1 Consultations Available
with Fidelity, TIAA-CREF and Vanguard (view schedule)
Do you need a fiscal check up? Whether you're looking to create savings strategies for major financial milestones, develop a retirement strategy and understand investment choices available to you or the importance of protecting your assets against inflation or review your current investment allocation, help is here. You can view the updated schedule and link out to schedule your one-on-one appointment here.

Wellness for your wallet: July discounts through GUAdvantage
Don't miss all the exciting offers through your exclusive employee discount program, GUAdvantage. This month's featured newsletter highlights discounts on restaurants, pet insurance, computers, cars and more.

Course: "Riding your Bike Safely in Traffic"
Available Dates: 7/18, 8/8, 9/19, 10/17, 11/14: 12:30 - 1:30 pm
St. Mary's Hall, Room G-36
Learn how to ride safely in traffic. Come learn the basics of safely navigating point A to point B in the DC metropolitan area. Taught by League of American Bicyclists-certified instructor, Jason Clock. Jason is also a Georgetown University employee who bikes to work daily and can offer some great practical tips for those considering biking to work for the first time. Free for faculty, staff and students.
REGISTER

Practicing Bike Safety
Available Dates: 7/25, 9/26, 10/24, 11/28: 4:45 - 6 pm
Meet in Healy Circle
A follow-up to "Riding Safely in Traffic," this class takes us out of the classroom and onto the roads to demonstrate skills learned. We will start by working on a few drills(starting and stopping, scanning, and signaling) and then head out onto the streets of Georgetown to demonstrate safe biking habits. Helmets and bikes are required. You will also be asked to sign a liability waiver for the University. We will then hit the streets of Georgetown as a group. Participants are expected to both give and receive feedback about their "bicycle driving." At the conclusion of the class, you should be able to safely navigate the roads and understand the techniques to avoid 90% of crashes.
REGISTER

Spiritual Musing from Father Schemel
The Fourth of July celebrates our national independence and freedom. This month Fr. Schemel is musing on the topic of personal freedom. What defines it and what does St. Ignatius have to say about it? Check out this month's musing here.

Basic Physical Defense for Women: Law Center Faculty/Staff
Friday, July 27: 9:30-4:00 pm (with a break for lunch) and Monday, July 30: 1:00-4:00
REGISTRATION: Contact piercekl@law.georgetown.edu
This is a 12-hour self defense course designed to develop and enhance a woman's options of self defense by providing information on risk reduction and hands-on techniques. RAD Systems is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense tactics. This system of realistic defense is designed to provide women with the knowledge to make an educated decisions concerning resistance. This class is open to female Law Center faculty and staff. Loose fitting clothing or athletic wear required (jeans are too restrictive). Tennis shoes, basketball shoes, aerobic shoes or multipurpose footwear work best; running shoes are not recommended as they do not provide acceptable side to side support of the foot. Space is limited. Contact Karen Pierce at piercekl@law.georgetown.edu for more information and to register.

Kudos to all of you (13 teams in total!) participating in the GUWellness Walking Challenge. This year's challenge is all about supporting each other to get out and move during the work day. Research shows that taking breaks and moving your body can help your productivity and ability to make decisions. Whether or not you're officially participating in the Challenge, I encourage you to check out the suggested routes and other resources being offered on the website. And, of course, stay safe!

Be well,

Charles DeSantis
Associate Vice President & Chief Benefits Officer

June

Originally Published June 6, 2012

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to June - a favorite month of mine because with it comes the June Walking Challenge. This year, we're excited to take on the challenge in a format that will extend the fun over six weeks instead of the usual four, and that will hopefully be especially easy to participate in. I'm excited to get walking, and I hope you'll share in my enthusiasm. Grab your colleagues, build a team, and check out the program details here.

Let me also say thanks to everyone that participated in Bike to Work month. My office will continue to house biking resources such as bike maps and tips for maintaining, protecting and riding your bike responsibly. Please stop by the ground floor of Healy Hall anytime and check it out. Also, if you're thinking of trying the free yoga for faculty & staff this summer, please note that it's being held on Fridays at 11 am.

Take a look below at the wealth of wellness activities we have going on in June. I hope to see you out walking soon.

Walking highlights-

Walking Challenge
Kick-Off: Thursday, June 21, during the Walk with Charles (12:30 pm Healy Circle)
Arrive early for some light refreshments, challenge giveaways, and the chance to discuss the challenge and have any questions answered. Your team will also earn bonus points for attending.
Challenge Dates: Saturday, June 16 - Friday, July 27
Check out the program information at wellness.georgetown.edu. Once you've formed your team, have your team leader send an email to wellness@georgetown.edu with your team name and total number of team members to get started.

Weekly Walks with Charles DeSantis
Thursdays at 12:30 pm; Healy Circle
Join Chief Benefits Officer, Charles DeSantis on his weekly one mile walk. Meet each Thursday (weather permitting) at Healy Circle at 12:30 pm. All fitness levels are welcome to join in and go at their own pace. Participating in the Weekly Walk with Charles is a great way to rack up bonus points toward the Walking Challenge! The GUWellness team will also be on hand during the June 14 walk to answer any questions you might have in anticipation of the Walking Challenge.

Mind-Body Connections: Walking Meditation
Wednesday, June 20, 1:40 - 2:30 pm
Meet in Healy Circle
Come and practice the art of “meditation in motion.” Whether walking to the water cooler, while commuting, or up the stairs of your home, your steps can bring peace to your heart and the earth. Come and learn a simple way of walking with calm and contentment that you can use in your daily living and working. (Bonus points for those who participate in the Walking Challenge!)

Other June highlights-

Self-improvement Book Club
Sponsored by the Department of Human Resources, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
There's still time to join June’s popular book club. Topic: Mindful Eating
Meeting June 12, 19, 26: 12 – 1 pm
HR Conference Room, Healy Hall
Explore “Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life” by Dr. Lilian Cheung and Thich Nhat Hanh. Come and learn mindful strategies for maintaining a healthy weight and bringing awareness and balance into everyday life. Contact Lisa A. McCrohan, MA, LICSW, Wellness Counselor at 7-3599 or lam267@georgetown.edu to register.

Course: "Riding your Bike Safely in Traffic"
Wednesday, June 20, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
St. Mary's Hall, Room G-36
Now that it is warming up, come learn how to ride safely in traffic. Come learn the basics of safely navigating point A to point B in the DC metropolitan area. Taught by League of American Bicyclists-certified instructor, Jason Clock. Jason is also a Georgetown University employee who bikes to work daily and can offer some great practical tips for those considering biking to work for the first time. Free for faculty, staff and students.

Practicing Bike Safety
Wednesday, June 27: 4:45 - 6 pm
Meet in Healy Circle
A follow-up to "Riding Safely in Traffic," this class takes us out of the classroom and onto the roads to demonstrate skills learned. We will start by working on a few drills(starting and stopping, scanning, and signaling) and then head out onto the streets of Georgetown to demonstrate safe biking habits. Helmets and bikes are required. You will also be asked to sign a liability waiver for the University. We will then hit the streets of Georgetown as a group. Participants are expected to both give and receive feedback about their "bicycle driving." At the conclusion of the class, you should be able to safely navigate the roads and understand the techniques to avoid 90% of crashes.

Summer Mass Schedule
Sunday Masses: June 3, 10, 17, and 24:
11:00am, 12:30pm, and 9:30pm Masses in Dahlgren Chapel
Weekday Masses: All month
12:10pm Mass in Dahlgren Chapel

Free Yoga for Faculty and Staff at Yates Field House
Schedule Change: Fridays at 11 am
These gentle yoga classes are sponsored by GUWellness for all faculty and staff; no need to be a Yates member to attend. Dress comfortably. Mats are provided, or bring your own. Please check the GUWellness calendar for any schedule updates or cancellations.

Father Schemel's Spiritual Musing for June
As we approach the height of summer, emotion runs high as well.
Here we are at the edge of summer… Everything seems new and bright. The grass is greener, flowers are springing up all around us. Read more...

Wellness at Yates
Are you a new Yates Member? Contact Meghan Dimsa at mcd75@georgetown.edu for your COMPLIMENTARY Fitness Orientation. Not a Yates member, but still interested in personal training? Personal Training is available to the Georgetown University Community! Visit www.gtupersonaltraining.com or contact Meghan Dimsa at mcd75@georgetown.edu for more information on packages and discount rates! For updated Yates fitness information Like them on Facebook at GUFitness or follow on twitter @gufitness.

Wellness for your wallet: June discounts through GUAdvantage
Don't miss all the exciting offers through your exclusive employee discount program, GUAdvantage. This month's featured newsletter highlights great appliance and technology discounts just in time for Father's Day!

This month I hope you will take part in the Walking Challenge. We're particularly excited to encourage participation within offices and departments. It's a great way to spur wellness in the workplace overall. For more updates, check out http://wellness.georgetown.edu. Also, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay connected with GUWellness throughout the month.

Be well,

Charles DeSantis
Associate Vice President & Chief Benefits Officer

May

Originally Published May 2, 2012

Dear Colleagues,

It's May and the campus is in full swing as we prepare for the semester's end and commencement activities. It's a busy time, but it's important that you take time for yourself. Luckily, there's a wealth of wellness opportunities this month, particularly those focusing on National Bike to Work month. In addition to the many resources and events being offered throughout the DC Metropolitan region, we're offering some special events, classes and incentives to help you consider how you might incorporate biking into your life. If you're out biking for pleasure, to run errands, for exercise, on weekends or for your daily commute- we want to hear about it!

We hope that you'll join us for one, some, or all of the featured activities below. For every biking-related activity that you register for and/or attend (register and attend and your name will be entered twice!), your name will be entered into a raffle for some very exciting biking-related giveaways.

Also, look for new bike racks that will be cropping up around campus in late May, following commencement! Please check out some of the offerings below and be sure to visit http://wellness.georgetown.edu for more biking resources. Also, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay connected with GUWellness throughout the month.

Biking highlights-

Course: "Riding your Bike Safely in Traffic"
Friday, May 4, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
St. Mary's Hall, Room G-36
Now that it is warming up, come learn how to ride safely in traffic. Come learn the basics of safely navigating point A to point B in the DC metropolitan area. Taught by League of American Bicyclists-certified instructor, Jason Clock. Jason is also a Georgetown University employee who bikes to work daily and can offer some great practical tips for those considering biking to work for the first time. Free for faculty, staff and students.
REGISTER

Safety First! Bike Registration and U-Locks
Tuesday, May 8, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
North Gatehouse, Healy Lawn
Drop by and register your bike, purchase a lock, and get some tips on keeping your bike safe on campus. All those who register their bike with DPS during this time will receive a free bike helmet (while supplies last!).

Commuting 101: A conversation with Jesse Lambertson
Wednesday, May 9, 4 - 5pm
Want to commute to work, but not sure how to get here? We will discuss the various laws in DC, MD, and VA as they pertain to a general safety standard. Paying close attention to ones bike can ensure a safe and enjoyable commute. Discussion will cover helmets, lights, and other maintenance best practices. Bring your comments and concerns and join in the discussion.
About Jesse: Jesse is a WABA member and a member of the Georgetown community through marriage, he's the spouse of Valerie Miller in the Department of Public Safety. Jesse has spent five years working in bike shops and prior to moving to DC, Jesse commuted year round in Chicago. Jesse now commutes 12 miles in each direction daily.
REGISTER

Lunch Break Bike Ride to Fletcher's Boat House
Friday, May 11, 12:30 pm - 1: 30 pm
Healy Circle
Come join fellow faculty, staff, and students for a 5 mile (1 hour) ride along the C & O Canal. Leaving from Healy Circle, we will descend past New South and exit campus on Canal Road. We'll get on the C&O trail and head to Fletcher's Boat House a few miles up the canal. There will be a group photo as well as time to enjoy homemade cookies and refill water bottles before heading back to campus. Route Map Here: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/86077397/
Helmets and are required. You will also be asked to sign a liability waiver for the University. There are a few short, but a bit steep, hills along the way; having a single speed bicycle may not be ideal.

BIKE TO WORK DAY (The Main Event!)
Friday, May 18
Yates Field House
Free access to the showers and locker room facilities at Yates today. There will also be bagels and coffee provided to bicycle commuters here.
North Gatehouse
8 am - 9:30 am
Free breakfast and biking info will be provided during this time. Stop over after turning in your CaBi bike or locking your bike to the racks nearby.
Practicing Bike Safety
Friday, May 25: 4:45 - 6 pm
Meet in Healy Circle
A follow-up to "Riding Safely in Traffic," this class takes us out of the classroom and onto the roads to demonstrate skills learned. We will start by working on a few drills(starting and stopping, scanning, and signaling) and then head out onto the streets of Georgetown to demonstrate safe biking habits. Helmets and bikes are required. You will also be asked to sign a liability waiver for the University. We will then hit the streets of Georgetown as a group. Participants are expected to both give and receive feedback about their "bicycle driving." At the conclusion of the class, you should be able to safely navigate the roads and understand the techniques to avoid 90% of crashes.
REGISTER

Capital Bikeshare - Discounted Memberships Now Available
During the month of May, GUWellness will be sponsoring subsidized Capital Bikeshare memberships for new members. Faculty and staff who are new to Capital Bikeshare can purchase an annual membership (regularly $75) for half-price through the end of the month. Stop by the Office of Faculty and Staff Benefits, located on the ground floor of Healy Hall, to take advantage of this great deal! To learn more about Capital Bikeshare and how it works, visit http://www.capitalbikeshare.com/.

Looking to donate an old bike?
Check out Bikes for the World to find a drop off location near you!
Bikes for the World works hard to bring you an alternative to adding to our landfills. BfW works closely with several recycling facilities in the area along with police departments, bike shops, condos, and individuals like YOU to keep unwanted bicycles out of our trash cans and into the hands of people who can use them.
Visit their website for a recycling facility convenient to you.

Send your biking questions to biking@georgetown.edu
Do you have questions about biking in and around Georgetown University? Send it biking@georgetown.edu and we'll strive to answer it for you, or point you in the right direction!

Other May Wellness Highlights-

Georgetown University Farmers' Market
Final two dates: Wednesday: May 2 & May 9
The GU Farmers’ Market runs through through May 9th.

Medstar Blood Drive
Tuesday, May 8, 11 am – 3:35 pm
GE 7 & 9, Med-Dent Building
Sign up online at https://www.donatebloodmedstar.org/index.cfm?group=op&step=2&opid=2925

Diet vs Exercise for Weight Loss
From United Healthcare's Source4Women
Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD
Tuesday, May 8, 12:30 pm
Register at: www.source4women.com
Which is more effective for weight loss - diet or exercise? Learn how to get the best results for your weight loss efforts. This seminar will review success stories of weight loss along with the science that shows the most effective combination of diet and exercise to maximize weight loss. Best weight loss practices and the multiple health benefits of exercise, beyond weight loss, will be addressed.

Take Care of the Caregiver
From United Healthcare's Source4Women
Barbara K. Moeller, RN
Tuesday, May 15, 12:30 pm
Register at: www.source4women.com
More than 65 million people in the United States are caregivers and working to find balance. While caring for a loved one may be emotionally rewarding, it can also be stressful, so it is important to take steps to safeguard your own health and well-being. In this seminar, learn the importance of balancing caregiving with your work, life and health. Practical tips will be given on how to take care of yourself while taking care of others.

Prenatal Education Program
Sponsored by the Department of Human Resources, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
May 16 - June 13
This 5-session program provides individuals or couples who are pregnant or who are thinking about becoming pregnant with information about their own health and the health of their baby. Contact Sandhya Wilhelm at sw287@georgetown.edu for more information or to register.

Five Day Ignatian Retreat
May 23-28
Apply Here
The Five-Day Ignatian Retreat is characterized by a pensive yet liberating silence that seeks to bring the retreatant, by contemplating God’s grace at work in his or her life, into a profoundly intimate experience with God in Jesus Christ. Deep and provoking individual meditation and prayer, spiritual direction, unstructured personal time, the celebration of Mass and option of Reconciliation, and existing in solidarity with the retreat community all create a distinctive balance in this retreat experience. A mix of students, faculty, staff, and alumni retreatants is an important, fruitful, and unexpectedly-moving aspect of this retreat.

Mind-Body Connections: Introduction to Mindfulness
Thursday, May 31, 1:15 - 2 pm
HR/Benefits Office, Ground Floor, Healy Hall
Discover how mindfulness can keep you centered, sane & focused throughout your day. REGISTER

Weekly Walks with Charles DeSantis
Thursdays at 12:30 pm; Healy Circle
Join Chief Benefits Officer, Charles DeSantis on his weekly one mile walk. Meet each Thursday (weather permitting) at Healy Circle at 12:30 pm. All fitness levels are welcome to join in and go at their own pace. Walking and talking has recently been endorsed by President Josiah Bartlet as part of the Every Body Walk! campaign.

Free Yoga for Faculty and Staff at Yates Field House
Thursdays at Noon
These gentle yoga classes are sponsored by GUWellness for all faculty and staff; no need to be a Yates member to attend. Dress comfortably. Mats are provided, or bring your own. Please check the GUWellness calendar for any schedule updates or cancellations.

Relaxation and Mediation Series: 5 Practices, 5 Weeks
Do you and your coworkers need to distress? Bring Wellness Counselor, Lisa McCrohan, to your department for 45 minutes once a week for five weeks. Learn five different types of practices that can easily be incorporated into your daily living and working for a greater sense of calm, concentration, and compassion. Now taking reservations for mid-summer and fall. For further details, please visit FSAP’s website.

Self-improvement Book Club
Sponsored by the Department of Human Resources, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
Register now for June’s popular book club. Topic: Mindful Eating
Meeting June 5, 12, 19, 26: 12 – 1 pm
HR Conference Room, Healy Hall
Explore “Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life” by Dr. Lilian Cheung and Thich Nhat Hanh. Come and learn mindful strategies for maintaining a healthy weight and bringing awareness and balance into everyday life. Contact Lisa A. McCrohan, MA, LICSW, Wellness Counselor at 7-3599 or lam267@georgetown.edu to register.

Wellness for your wallet: May discounts through GUAdvantage
Don't miss all the exciting offers through your exclusive employee discount program, GUAdvantage. This month you can
send all the best Mother’s Day gifts (she deserves it!) and Save 20% at 1-800-Flowers.com®. Maybe you're looking to treat Mom to a Mother’s Day dinner? Restaurant.com is here to help! $25 gift certificates are just $10 and available at over 18,000 restaurants nationwide. From burgers to brunch and steaks to sushi, we’ve got you covered. Go to www.beneplace.com/georgetown to see these and other offers.

With all of these events to choose from, I hope you'll take a moment to think about how you're already being well, or what small changes you could make to do so. Whether you decide to give Capital Bikeshare a try, get out for a lunchtime walk, or dip into mindfulness, GUWellness wants to help you take that next step along your wellness journey. Looking forward to June, let's get geared up for the annual walking challenge!

Be Well,

Charles DeSantis
Associate Vice President and Chief Benefits Officer

Quick Links

Follow @GUWellness

Upcoming Wellness Events

May 20, 12pm-12:30pm: Walking Challenge Kick Off
May 21, 4:30pm-5:30pm: Riding Your Bike Safely in Traffic
May 23, 12:30pm-1pm: Weekly Walk with Charles DeSantis
May 24, 11am-12pm: Free Yoga at Yates Field House

View GUWellness Calendar