Be Well is excited to announce an incredible addition to our virtual cooking classes this fall! In partnership with the UT Culinary Institute, cooking class registration will now include a pre-packaged food kit with everything needed to prepare the recipes being highlighted in class! 

On a first come, first serve basis, the first 25 individuals in each class can request a food kit with their registration. After the food kits have been reserved, individuals may still sign-up to participate in the virtual class. 

Virtual cooking classes are facilicated by chefs through the UT Culinary Institute and last about an hour. Participants are provided with a shopping list, recipe, and zoom details prior to the session. These classes are a great opportunity to try new foods and participate in live Q&A. 

Our next class will be on Thursday, September 17th at 6pm. Click the button below to reserve your spot.

Physical activity is known to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, lower blood pressure, lower cholesteral, and strengthen muscles. Physical activity also has the ability to enhance your mental well-being, which is why it is so critical to get up and moving 150-300 minutes per week. 

There has been an increased need for mental health services since the start of the COVID-19, as many communities have been greatly impacted by the virus. While benefit eligible employees at UTK have access to the Employee Assistance Program which includes a 24 hour hotline [(855-Here4TN) (855-437-3486)] to connect with an abundance of services, we want to highlight the importance of regular physical activity to promote mental wellbeing. 

Physical activity has been shown to improve depression, anxiety, and stress, while building resilience, promoting sleep, and improving self-esteem. "Exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. It relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins" (Robinson et al., 2019) When individuals engage in physical activity the brain releases a series of hormones including dopamine, norepiniphrine, and serotonin -all of which improve your ability to focus and think clearly. This release of hormones can promote concentration and your ability to complete tasks more efficiently. 

You do not have to exercise for hours every day to reap the numerous benefits of physical activity. Even a little amount of physical activity is better than nothing at all. If you do not have 30-60 minutes a day for structured physical activity, try incorporating smaller 5-10 minute blocks during your day. The more you move your body, the easier it will become and you can build to longer amounts at a time. The more you keep at it, you'll start to feel the benefits of physical activity paying off. 

The Wellness Warrior Award is given to individuals across campus who are nominated by their peers for leading by example and inspiring through action as they work to create a healthier lifestyle.

The Wellness Warrior award for the month of September is awarded to Kim Olsen.  Kim works for the Office of Labortory Animal Care within the College of Vetrinary Medicine and has been a part of the UT family for 3 years. During her free time she loves hanging out with her husband, coloring, walking, sightseeing, and learning new things. 

We asked Kim what inspires her to make healthy choices and live a healthy lifestyle and she replied that her main motivation was to reverse her insulin resistance. "It was also to help me feel better about omyself and be healthy enough to start a family in the future." 

In early 2019, Kim was given a diagnosis of pre-diabetic due to high insuline levels. Her doctors advised her that she was still early enough in the process that she could reverse her diagnosis through her diet. Kim cut sugar out of her diet starting in May of 2019 and still remains sugar free today. "I learned how to properly balance my meals and have found ways to be more active." Kim has lost about 50lbs since her diagnosis and feels great!

Do you know someone who you feel is deserving of the Wellness Warrior award? Please fill out a nomination form to have their story told.