Employee Health & Well-Being
Inspirations
SUCCESS STORIES
Barbara Roberts, Grant Development Coordinator, Miami University Middletown
By: Samantha Friedman, Sophomore, studying Journalism and Health Studies.
Five years ago, Barbara worked as a childbirth instructor in Phoenix, Arizona. She was used to demonstrating on the floor for these lessons. When she moved to Ohio, this kind of work stopped and she became stiff and less flexible. She felt her body become tighter. Her friend who is a personal trainer said that if she didn't start stretching or becoming active again she would be using a cane in ten years. She felt that she had to do something, fast.
When Miami University Middletown Campus started offering Yoga classes through Employee Health & Well-Being, Barbara thought they would be the best way to enhance her health and improve her mobility. This would be her first time taking organized Yoga classes. Now, a year later, Barbara can sit on the floor cross-legged with no problems, which wasn't even imaginable a year ago. She finds herself being more mobile and able to move freely. She has better balance and her blood pressure has lowered. Barbara now goes to Yoga class two times a week at work. She says that the Employee Health & Well-Being classes are much more enjoyable than when she did Yoga on tape by herself years ago. Barbara says that the instructor, Terri, is wonderful.
HEALTHY HOBBIES
Dr. Mike Zmuda, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Systems Analysis
By: Kelley McCormick, Junior, EHWB Student Intern
Swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running a full marathon of 26.2 miles are all difficult endeavors separately, but when combined to create a single race, the intense competition known as The Ironman is created. Athletes from all over the United States assemble to compete in the physically, as well as mentally, demanding triathlon. This past August 2009, Miami Associate Professor of Computer Science and Systems Analysis Dr. Mike Zmuda completed the Ford Ironman in Louisville, Kentucky. The events leading to this incredible achievement began simply with Mike becoming more aware, and subsequently, more proactive about his personal health practices and choices.
Prior to his decision to compete in the Ironman, he decided to make physical activity a part of his lifestyle. He incorporated exercise into his daily routine as well as continuing to eat well nutritionally. Excited about the positive impact that consistent physical activity had on his health and fitness, he decided to sign up for the Ford Ironman. In preparation for the race, Mike began training about a year before it was held, around October 2008. Despite the minor injuries and fatigue he often encountered throughout the year, he stuck with his original plan and completed the Ford Ironman.
In completing the Ironman, he made an important realization; throughout his training, and even while he was completing the Ironman, Mike acknowledged that he was no longer competing with others. He was setting goals and achieving them for himself, not for the benefit of anyone else. This has led him to embrace healthy practices as a part of his everyday life; setting and ultimately completing his goal has empowered him in regards to his personal health, and reflects a positive attitude concerning health that will continue to benefit him throughout his life, whether he completes another Ironman or not.
Contact EHWB if you have a success story or healthy hobbies you would like to share!