May is Global Employee Health and Fitness Month. UTMC wants to make sure their employees remain fit and informed when it comes to UTMC services.  This will be your time to learn more about services offered and take advantage of health screenings. Don’t miss out!   I think the Author John Hall said it best  “Sometimes what you’re looking for is right under your nose and you don’t even know it.” 

Today marks the 2nd year anniversary of my employment as a massage therapist with UT Physicians.  I am so grateful that I can make a living doing something I am so passionate about, and love so much.  I had my first massage when I was in my early 20’s, and knew then that this was something I had to learn.  I obtained certification as a massage therapist and tried making a living at it back in 1979, but massage therapy wasn’t quite accepted by the medical population as a legitimate form of therapy. (Although it was part of medical practice for hundreds of years, prior to the Dark Ages.) I was working at a health food store at the time, as another passion of my mine is natural healing.  At some point, though, I hung up my Shakti sandals and sundresses, and got a job in the real world.  I was successful in my career in business, but always kept my hands in massage therapy, more as a hobby than anything. (Pun intended!)

 Then, when I was 54, I realized that this is what I should be doing.  I returned to massage school part time, while working full time and caring for my family.  I obtained my license, and have been taking classes in different types of massage since.  Then, much to my surprise, UT Physicians advertised in the paper that they were looking for a massage therapist!  I applied, and I got the job!  This time I hung up my high heels and business suits for some comfy sneakers and scrubs.  Oh happy day!  The medical community once again recognizes massage therapy as legitimate therapy.

 I am now one of 45 certified oncology massage therapists worldwide, and will soon be clinically certified in aromatherapy.  I will be spending time at the Dana Cancer Center, providing massage therapy to the patients there, as well as continuing to see clients at UT.  My dream and goals I set for myself back in 2007 are coming true.  

I am grateful to UT Physicians for giving me the opportunity to assist you in your quest for balance and good health.  If you haven’t experienced massage therapy, you should.  There are many benefits to your body, mind and spirit.  From the techniques I use, to the music, to the scents, oils and lighting, every componet is beneficial to your well-being.

 Anything you conceive and believe, you can achieve!  I am proof positive of that!

Vicki

Greetings Colleagues-

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the student experience here at The University of Toledo, the Office for the Student Experience will be tapping into a one-of-a-kind resource: YOU! As a parent of a UT student, you have a unique perspective, both internal and external, on the student experience.

 We will be holding three forums in the month of April to collect feedback on your experience of being a parent of a University of Toledo student. The information we gather from you will include both positive aspects of your experience as a parent and also how we can improve the experience for you and your student in years to come. That’s why it’s so important for you to consider participating. We value you, your student, and your feedback. We hope you will be able to attend one of the following forums:

• Monday April 15^th from 8-9am:  Rocket Room 1530 Rocket Hall
• Wednesday April 17^th from 12-1pm:  Rocket Hall 1569
• Thursday April 18^th from 5:30-6:30pm:  Rocket Room 1530 Rocket Hall

A continental breakfast will be served for the a.m. forum and a light lunch & dinner for the p.m. forums.  Please RSVP by Friday April 12^th via email at tony.urbina@utoledo.edu.  If you have any questions regarding the forums, please feel free to contact Tony Urbina at 419-530-5922 or email:  tony.urbina@utoledo.edu.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Do you want to get involved in something meaningful?  We are looking to get a team together for the Pan Ohio Hope Ride.  It is a 4 day bike race that benefits the American Cancer Society.  The race will be held on July 25-28th.  It is an unforgetable experience.  Don’t believe me?  Here is an account from Jimmy Vassill, a UT law student that participated last year:

“Riding in the Pan Ohio Hope Ride is easily one of the coolest things I have ever done. I have been cycling for a little more than a year. Throughout that time I have always wanted to participate in an event like POHR – which is something very different from the weekly group rides of 25-40 miles which I was used to. My discovery of POHR came about at the perfect time. I was less than a week into the recovery of a broken collar bone and about two and a half weeks from the event. I imagined it would be the perfect motivation to strengthen and speed my recovery efforts.

The event itself was amazing. Everything including the other riders, my teammates, the volunteers, support staff, lodging accommodations, food, and of course the scenery was humbling. I have never before been around such a positive group of people. I am certain the purpose for all of us being there – to fight back against cancer – brought about the best in everyone.”

For more information you can visit the website Pan Ohio Hope Ride.  If you are interested in joining the UT team, contact rachael.whipple@rockets.utoledo.edu.

The Medical Mutual Glass City Marathon is coming to The University of Toledo Main Campus on April 28, 2013!  This race is hailed as one of the fastest courses in the Midwest. The best part is, you don’t have to be a marathon runner to enjoy what this event has to offer as there is an event for every age and every ability for a very affordable rate. From the 5K, to the 5-person marathon relay, to the kids marathon, or half marathon, this weekend event in Toledo, OH is a great Spring run.

All of the events start on UT Main Campus and finish on the field of the Glass Bowl.  Little elevation change, smooth roads, metropark running, a stadium finish, and a great post race party are highlights runners rave about.  As a host and sponsor, the University provides access to its facilities as well as support from a number of departments on campus, including the athletic department, facilities and the UT Police Department.  We encourage student organizations to get involved by volunteering or just coming out to support the runners.  The campus community should also be aware that there will be limited access to parts of campus, including lot closures beginning on Friday April 26th at 10:00pm

To learn more about the event or to volunteer or register online, visit www.glasscitymarathon.org.

As Spring approaches, I reflect on my habits for health.  By the end of the winter, my exercise habits have become less of a habit, because I like to exercise outside, and the weather doesn’t allow it.   I seem to turn to more processed foods due to the lack of fresh local produce.  The TV provides mindless entertainment.  It’s Spring!   I look forward to walking and biking in the sunshine amidst flowers and the trees.  It feeds my spirit. I look forward to the homegrown fruits and vegetables at my favorite stand.

There are ancient concepts of healing which work today.  They are the 5 Elements of Life:

Spiritual Practice

Mental Health

Healthy Eating

Exercise

Life Work

To have life, to be in health, to be at peace is what all people yearn for.  The trick is to apply these concepts in order for them to work.  We do so much in a day that takes away from ourselves.  This will cause disease in the entire person.

Spring is a good time to self assess.  Are you taking time each day to give thanks, pray or meditate?  Are you doing things that keep you in a good state of mind?  Listening to birds, your favorite music, reading a good book, taking a walk, practicing yoga or getting a massage?

Are you eating foods that will give you life?  Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and maybe a little dark chocolate? Red wine is good!

Your life work should give you satisfaction too.  Just what is your life work?  It may not be the work you are paid to do.  Giving to others without expecting anything in return is very rewarding and a great way to relieve stress. 

Take responsibility. Make changes that will help you be the best you can be.  Forgive yourself for past mistakes, and take a step in the right direction.  Baby steps add up!

Have you been to The Andersons lately?  If you have, you may have noticed they have a new program.  The ‘Eat Healthy, Be Healthy’ program helps you shop for healthier options on a time crunch.  The Andersons has been working with the University of Toledo to place a series of tags around the store that quickly help you know what the better option is.  There are certain criteria that each selection has met. 

Not only are there easy, color-coded tags, the University of Toledo is offering nutritional seminars and store tours every 3^rd Tuesday of each month for FREE!  The first seminar/tour is TONIGHT, March 19^th from 7-8PM.  The topic for tonight is ‘Healthy Eating on Any Budget.’

If you want to learn more about eating healthy on a budget, visit The Andersons (the Maumee and Toledo locations) tonight and meet a UT dietician in the Lawn and Garden Department.

It’s been a while since I wrote about my experience with breast cancer. Diagnosed and treated in 2009 – the year of my 20^th high school reunion and my daughter’s second birthday.

Because my tumor was caught early and a “good” one – as far as malignant tumors go – the experience is now in my past and doesn’t occupy much of my mental energy anymore.

But what if the whole thing could have been avoided all together? What if it was caused by something I eat, do, or allow myself to be exposed to? I’d much rather have avoided the whole darned experience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBGXou_KEpQ

Know anybody who feels like me? Or maybe someone whose struggle was way harder? Or someone who lost the battle? Ever say to yourself, “If there was only something I could do!”

Well there is, and it doesn’t require you to open your checkbook.

The American Cancer Society is conducting a national Cancer Prevention Study – CPS3. It’s a long-term study, meaning folks participating will be asked to fill out surveys every few years for 2-3 decades, but we can all check boxes, right?

Locally the ACS is hoping to enroll about 800 people between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer. UT has offered to play a major role in this effort, providing enrollment venues on both the Main and Health Science campuses the week of April 15. Enrollment involves signing a consent form, getting your waist measured and providing a small blood sample.

Want to make a difference? Enroll.

ToledoCPS3.org

On behalf of cancer survivors, their parents, their children, their siblings and their friends, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

(drum roll please)………The Toledo Heart Walk will take place, on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Fifth Third Field, gates open at 8:00 a.m. This is an event that promises lots of fun, activities and food for all. You can even bring your pets!

Last Year our local American Heart Association raised just over $526,000 from their various events held in Northwest, Ohio. Simultaneously in 2012 the American Heart Association gave over $770,000 to the University of Toledo in the form of research grants. That means that for every $1 raised locally, $1.40 is coming back to the University of Toledo.

The University of Toledo’s Fundraising Goal is set at $30,000! In order to make this happen we need your help here at The University of Toledo Medical Center. We are looking for 60 Team Captains from UTMC to raise $30,000 and achieve our goal!

We are looking for each department to be represented by a team. We will be hosting a Team Captain Orientation/Open House on Thursday March 14th, 2013 in front of the gift shop near the Cafeteria inside the hospital from 11:00am-2:00pm.

Enter as a Team Captain for your department and your name will be entered into a drawing!

Thank you so much for your assistance and for your commitment to this very important cause.

If you are interested in being a Team Captain or want to be part of a team, contact:

Andrea Jacobs, andrea.jacobs@utoledo.edu
Jennifer Reynolds, jennifer.reynolds@utoledo.edu