Free Health and Wellness Seminars in 2013

Andrea Munson gained confidence in asking local farmers if they use pesticides.

Benetta Walker experienced the joy of thanking her body for everything that works well.

Patty McNally picked up tips for reducing clutter and simplifying her life.

These Duke employees learned more about caring for themselves and loved ones by attending some of the free monthly health seminars hosted in 2012 by DukeWell, Duke's health improvement program. 

In 2013, the health seminar series will continue with 12 classes at the Duke Integrative Medicine Building on the Center for Living Campus. All seminars are from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The 2013 schedule includes popular topics such as the "Buy Green, Buy Local" seminar with Cate Smith, executive chef for Duke Integrative Medicine and Duke Diet and Fitness Center, and experiential seminars on meditation with Jeff Brantley, founder and director of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at Duke Integrative Medicine. 

New in 2013 are seminars on sleep, resiliency and tips for managing diabetes.

"We focus the seminars on common goals for health and well-being that we hear from DukeWell participants, but the seminars are open to everyone in the community," said Christina Crosby, program manager for DukeWell.

Munson, who gained confidence in asking local farmers if they use pesticides during the "Buy Green Buy Local" seminar, said the DukeWell seminars have become part of her ongoing effort to improve her health by reducing stress and eating a diet low in chemicals. 

"If the conversation at work turns to health, I'm always the first to say 'do you know about Duke's benefits to help you stay healthy?' and then talk up these seminars," said Munson, a financial management analyst for the Department of Cell Biology. "I attend as many as I can, because there is always more to learn about staying healthy."