Research Fitness and Well-Being Wellness Warrior
Dr. Kevin Masters, a distinguished Clinical Health Psychology Professor at the University of Colorado, has dedicated his career to understanding the intricate relationship between psychology and cardiovascular health. His journey into the field of clinical health psychology was a gradual evolution, as he stumbled upon his passion towards the end of his doctoral training. A pivotal moment came during his residency internship at Duke University Medical Center, where he had the opportunity to work with diverse patients and fully immerse himself in health psychology. Today, he is a well-respected psychologist recognized for his extensive research and contributions to the field.
The CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (AHWC) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Tstreet Kitchen. This collaboration introduces a variety of delicious and healthy grab-and-go wraps, salads, and snacks, aiming to provide nutritious and convenient on-the-go meal options for campus employees, patients, students, and visitors.
Serves: 4
This refreshing Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad with Feta Dressing combines smoky grilled corn, creamy avocado, and tangy feta for a perfect backyard barbecue dish.
Research Fitness and Well-Being Wellness Warrior
Dr. Kevin Masters, a distinguished Clinical Health Psychology Professor at the University of Colorado, has dedicated his career to understanding the intricate relationship between psychology and cardiovascular health. His journey into the field of clinical health psychology was a gradual evolution, as he stumbled upon his passion towards the end of his doctoral training. A pivotal moment came during his residency internship at Duke University Medical Center, where he had the opportunity to work with diverse patients and fully immerse himself in health psychology. Today, he is a well-respected psychologist recognized for his extensive research and contributions to the field.
Summer is the perfect time to embrace the healing power of sunlight, but it's important to understand its benefits and practice sun safety. Let's delve into the science-backed wellness advantages of sunshine and learn essential tips to enjoy the sun responsibly.
When it comes to extracting goodness from fruits and vegetables, the choice between blending and juicing can significantly impact the nutritional benefits you receive. Let's explore why blending emerges as the champion.
Nestled just outside the third floor of the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (AHWC) lies a hidden gem that adds a special touch to our campus environment—The Green Roof at AHWC. This rooftop garden and patio seating area offer a serene setting, perfect for various events and activities, making it a unique departure from typical campus spaces.
Serves: 4
| Smoothies are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to stay hydrated and nourish your body with essential nutrients. |
Grabbing a pint of ice cream and digging in because of a breakup has become so cliché, it’s a common romance movie scene. But for some people, especially if loneliness and isolation affects their lives, turning to food to soothe their emotions can become an all-too-common and real problem.
Danielle Ostendorf, MS, PhD, CEP, serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus within the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes. Specializing in promoting long-term physical activity adherence in adults with overweight or obesity, she has led numerous studies at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, with several published in medical journals. Her research continues to yield findings that advance our understanding and treatment of chronic diseases and weight management.
We recently interviewed Ms. Ostendorf about her journey into this field and her current research endeavors, shedding light on her innovative approach to weight loss and chronic disease prevention.
On April Fools' Day last month, the CU Anschutz Office of Advancement and the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center orchestrated a playful prank that delighted readers of the Monthly Friends Report. A humorous image featuring two individuals in wetsuits joyfully interacting with a dolphin in the CU Anschutz Health & Wellness Center's pool invited readers to swim with a dolphin at the center. This whimsical scene, although digitally crafted by the talented Andrew Vessely from the Office of Advancement, sparked laughter and intrigue among readers.
Education Cooking and Nutrition Healthcare
CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center's Community Nutrition Programs is proud to announce its collaboration with the School of Medicine to introduce a Nutrition and Culinary Medicine Selective for 3rd and 4th-year medical students. This innovative program aims to enhance nutrition education for future physicians, equipping them with essential skills to promote healthier lifestyles and improve patient outcomes.
Springtime gives way to warmer, longer days and observing growth, color, and a fresh season all around us. We see more people outdoors and may feel inspired to consider changing our own routines. Approaching changes, however, can feel both exciting and overwhelming. We often underestimate the time and effort some changes take and can become easily discouraged when they don’t happen quickly or turn out the way we hope they will.
Did you know that strength training could improve your performance in endurance activities like hiking, biking, and running, in addition to improving injury prevention? Recreational athletes are sometimes hesitant to include consistent strength training in their workouts for fear of getting “bulky” or being too sore from lifting weights to perform well the next day.
Serves: 4
This month's featured recipe, Shakshuka, meaning "all mixed up" in Arabic, combines the richness of eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce, boasting a protein-packed and nutrient-rich dish with each egg providing 6-7g of protein and tomatoes offering the highest natural source of lycopene, an essential antioxidant supplying around 80% of lycopene in the US diet.
Milk. A wave of plant-based options has transformed a simple, cow-derived nutritional drink into a worldwide debate. Just going to a coffee shop or the grocery store can set off anxiety about the myriad milk options. Social media is rife with influencers promoting one kind of milk over another, leading to “udder” confusion.
Research Community Health Science Radio podcast
While some pandemic-related stressors have receded, burnout among physicians and other healthcare professional remains at elevated levels. Studies show relatively high percentages of physicians are cutting back hours or are thinking about leaving the profession, meaning potential reductions in healthcare access, quality of care and patient safety.
Wellness Warrior Cooking and Nutrition
As a registered dietitian for the Community Nutrition Programs at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Courtney Kiang, RD understands the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with food. One concept she emphasizes is mindful eating. Mindful eating is not a diet; it's a way of approaching food that focuses on being present and fully engaged in the eating experience. By practicing mindful eating, individuals can cultivate a greater awareness of their food choices, hunger cues, and eating habits, ultimately leading to improved overall health and well-being.
Serves: 4
Enhance your diet with plant-based proteins using this Roasted Tofu and Easy Peanut Sauce recipe. Serve with rice and veggies for a satisfying meal!
In the realm of health and wellness, partnerships often forge pathways to transformative care. One such collaboration, between the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (AHWC) and the Center for Dependency and Addiction Rehabilitation (CeDAR), stands as a beacon of holistic support for individuals navigating addiction recovery. Through a structured program, the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center extends its expertise to CeDAR, offering supervised fitness training tailored to the unique needs of those undergoing inpatient treatment.
Why Welcome Stress?
We all have our ways (healthy or otherwise) to “de-stress” - to soothe and untangle ourselves from the daily pressures of our lives.
What would happen if, instead of trying to get rid of our stress, we laid out a welcome mat when it comes to visit? This idea may sound overwhelming and uncomfortable, but with a few tools, we can learn to approach rather than avoid our stress.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, pressures can easily build up, weighing us down. Whether it's the rush of deadlines, the juggling of personal responsibilities, or the constant demands of daily living, these challenges can take a toll on both our physical and mental well-being. One outlet that many use to help deal with these challenges is exercise. From yoga to strength training, millions of people engage in physical activity daily, with benefits ranging from improved health to a heightened sense of well-being. Yet, in the pursuit of a more effective workout and a means to cope with these pressures, one powerful ally stands on top: music.
In the realm of healthcare, the importance of employee well-being cannot be overstated. Recognizing this, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus Department of Medicine embarked on a mission to boost morale and support frontline clinicians during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the array of programs initiated, one standout success has been the introduction of WellDOM Carts.
In the ever-evolving landscape of fitness and wellness, advancements in technology continue to shape how we approach personal training. One such innovation is Kinotek, a cutting-edge functional movement assessment tool now offered by the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. This sophisticated system empowers personal trainers with objective data to tailor programs that optimize their clients' strength, flexibility, and overall performance.
Inaugurated in 2020, the Colorado Obesity Medicine Training Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus stands as a testament to groundbreaking innovation in medical education. This visionary program, initiated by Dr. Dan Bessesen, marks a pivotal moment in the start of obesity medicine as a distinctive specialty.
Serves: 2
Salmon en Papillote is a delectable blend of flavors designed to boost heart health. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, and olive oil this dish is a delicious way to lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and combat inflammation, reducing the risk of heart disease. Following the American Heart Association's recommendation, indulge in at least 2 servings of 3 ½ oz. of fish per week.
When it comes to nutrition, myths often swirl around topics like fat and cholesterol, leading to confusion and misinformation. Fortunately, the registered dietitians at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center are here to unravel some common myths. By shedding light on these topics, they aim to provide clarity and empower individuals to make informed choices for their nutritional health and well-being.
Patient Care Fitness and Well-Being Wellness Warrior
In the realm of cancer rehabilitation, the journey from diagnosis to recovery is anything but linear. Often, patients go through a number of struggles, experiencing several unprecedented changes to both their physical and mental health. Playing a pivotal role in reshaping this journey is Nicole Gleason, the Program Manager of BfitBwell, a non-profit 3-month-long personalized exercise program for patients diagnosed with cancer. Starting the program from the ground up, Nicole has led the transformation of BfitBwell from just an idea a decade ago, to now a vital resource for cancer survivors here in Colorado.
Community Fitness and Well-Being
When Caro Henauw takes up a new hobby, she doesn’t dink around. She launches in with overhead-smash-style gusto.
Dr. John Michael Taormina is a distinguished obesity medicine provider practicing at the CU Medicine Weight Management and Wellness Clinic located at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, where he contributes to the advancement of knowledge and care in the areas of obesity and wellness. His commitment to advancing healthcare is evident through his numerous accolades, including being recognized as an Outstanding M.D. Instructor/Fellow at the Colorado Nutrition Obesity Research Center in 2023.
Research Patient Care Cooking and Nutrition
Cancer survivors often face unique challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-treatment, especially when grappling with overweight or obesity. Recognizing this need, researchers from the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (AHWC) are launching a new research study called BfedBwell, which is supported by the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Emily Hill, PhD, RDN, who is Principal Investigator for the study states, “The study aims to work collaboratively with a co-design team comprised of program delivery staff, cancer experts, and people who have had cancer to develop and test a survivorship nutrition program.”
Stephanie Manley's life took a dramatic turn after the death of her mother in 2021, leading to weight gain and a life-changing diagnosis. Motivated by change, she embarked on a transformative journey, enrolling in the My New Weigh™ program at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. Stephanie's story was featured in CU Anschutz Today. Now, in her own words, Stephanie tells her inspiring story of strength, hope, and the pursuit of a healthier, happier life.
Serves: 4
The tradition of consuming lucky foods for New Year's is a cultural practice observed in many parts of the world, with each region attributing specific symbolic meanings to certain dishes. These culinary customs often aim to usher in prosperity, good fortune, and positive vibes for the upcoming year. In various cultures, foods like lentils are believed to resemble coins and are eaten to attract wealth, while round fruits, such as oranges or grapes, symbolize fullness and prosperity. Fish, due to its abundance and swift movement, is considered a symbol of progress and success. Noodles, associated with longevity, are popular in some cultures.
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions involves starting or getting back into an exercise program. The usual marketing and social media focus on “getting fit in the new year” can also have unintended negative impacts on those who already struggle with an often-ignored mental health issue called compulsive exercise (sometimes referred to as exercise addiction).
Wellness Warrior Cooking and Nutrition
At the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, one student has found a unique way to blend fun and nutritional education into one. Meet Carly Setterberg, a University of Colorado School of Medicine 2024 M.D. candidate whose health sciences journey took a flavorful turn through the CU Eat Well Cooking Classes at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center.
Situated within the walls of the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, lies BfitBwell, a cancer exercise program with one overall goal—to help promote the quality of life for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Earlier this month, in an effort to expand its mission, BfitBwell partnered up with the Latino Cancer Task Force and the Colorado Cancer Coalition to host the Cancer Support Group Meeting. The collaborative event worked to form a community of those impacted by cancer and provided them with a platform to share experiences and learn more about the program.
In late October, CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center researchers traveled to Dallas, TX for The Obesity Society (TOS) conference during ObesityWeek.® In this annual event, leading experts converge to delve into cutting-edge science, clinical interventions, and policy approaches in the ongoing battle against the obesity epidemic. CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center researchers Danielle Ostendorf, PhD, Mark Ezpeleta, PhD, Matt Breit, MS, RDN, and Emily Hill, PhD, RDN presented groundbreaking studies, shedding light on innovative dietary strategies for weight management, energy balance research methodology, and underlying mechanisms driving weight regain after weight loss. The following is a summary of the research they presented.
Serves: 24
Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of this delightful holiday dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the nuttiness of walnuts, and the zest of an orange. Happy holidays and happy baking.
Fitness and Well-Being Wellness Warrior
In the world of fitness, dedication and passion can lead individuals to accomplish remarkable goals. At the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (AHWC), one such individual stands out as an embodiment of perseverance and achievement. Chad Singleton, a seasoned expert and a five-time Guinness World Record holder, has recently returned to AHWC as a personal trainer. But he's not just your average trainer. He's a record-breaker.
Beginning in December, the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center will offer acupuncture, aimed at enhancing holistic health and well-being for our campus community and beyond.
Serves: 8
Pump up your fiber with Pumpkin Pasta
Most Americans, about 95%, do not consume enough fiber. Studies show we eat less than half the daily recommended amount. This month’s recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to get more fiber into your day with whole grains, broccoli, and pumpkin – all great sources of fiber.
The Statesman
March 21, 2024
Research from the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Centre suggests that exercise may be more important than diet in maintaining weight loss. The study, published in Obesity, found that successful weight-loss maintainers engage in high levels of physical activity to prevent weight regain, rather than severely restricting their calorie intake. This emphasizes the crucial role of exercise in weight-loss maintenance.
5280
March 07, 2024
Chad Singleton, a personal trainer at CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, offers tips on avoiding injury while shoveling snow, turning a tedious task into a safer, more enjoyable experience.
CU Medicine
March 06, 2024
Discover affordable and nutritious global cuisine recipes from the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. Learn about cooking classes and recipes offered by CU Medicine and the center's community nutrition program manager, Anita Bancroft, RD, CC.
CU Medicine
March 06, 2024
The CU Medicine Weight Management and Wellness clinic at the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center provides personalized weight loss and wellness programs. Discover offerings like the 16-week My New Weigh Program and the behavior-focused Weight Loss 4 Life Program for long-term weight maintenance.
Wellness Connections
