Men's Health Month Archives - Center for Health & Wellbeing

June is Men’s Health Month

CHWB Team — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 13:53:27 +0000

Men’s Health Month is commemorated each June and is dedicated to encouraging men to learn and prioritize their overall health and wellbeing. To stress the importance of Men’s Health Month, we sat with a few professionals who work for various service providers the Center for Health & Wellbeing to hear their take on how men can prioritize their overall health and wellness.

First, we talked with Dr. Trevor Owens, a family medicine physician in the AdventHealth Family Medicine practice at the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Dr Owens shared his tips on preventive care and the importance of mental health during Men’s Health Month.

CHWB: What are five preventative measures that men can take to prioritize health and wellbeing?

Dr. Owens: Five preventive measures that prioritize health and wellbeing are,

1. Developing a healthy lifestyle starts with food intake. We really are (or become) what we eat in the sense that our body is influenced by the nutrients or lack of nutrients we receive. Natural and whole foods such as fruits and vegetables have the most beneficial nutrients as opposed to processed, artificial foods.

2. Exercise. 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week with resistance exercise at least twice weekly is enough to make one feel more energetic.

3. Having a night routine can improve your quality of sleep. Suppose you have a regular bedtime schedule in a cool, dark room with ambient noise, and eliminate distractions including your phone. It can improve your mood and sleep quality and have other positive impacts on overall health.

4. Maintaining healthy relationships with close friends and family is another way for men to prioritize health and wellbeing. Offering people help and having a support group instills purpose and meaning in your everyday life.

5. Eliminate harmful substances such as smoking and vaping and limit alcohol intake to less than two drinks per day, assuming drinking is a daily habit. Less is better.

CHWB: We mostly think about health in the physical sense (fitness, for example), but how important is mental health to the overall health of men?

Dr. Owens: Mental health is just as important as physical health. The body is interconnected by its cells, tissues, organs, systems, mind, and spirit. We become healthier by first deciding to be healthier in our minds. An optimistic attitude towards improving ourselves is imperative at the start. It is only too late to start living a more fruitful life if the heart stops beating permanently. Managing stress has become more difficult in our daily lives. There is an increasing epidemic of anxiety and depression. I encourage patients to be open to speaking with a therapist in addition to taking medication. One does not need to wait until a crisis to speak with a professional who is trained to help one reflect on what is causing current, unsettling conflict. In addition, anchoring oneself when feeling little is in their control is helpful, this can include prayer, meditation, deep breathing, and going for walks.

Trevor Hicks, Senior Director of Clinical Integration at the Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF) coordinates the wellTogether program, a community health initiative of WPHF that is hosted at CHWB. The program focuses on helping participants live a healthier, happier lifestyle through a focus on Fitness, Behavior Change, and Nutrition, and how those pillars work symbiotically towards whole-person health. We asked Trevor why and how he encourages participants to join the program and be active participants if they are feeling hesitant.

Trevor Hicks: I encourage patients from the very first meeting or interaction we have, whether that be the initial call or when meeting them in person for the first time at the Information Session we hold in person. I discuss their journey, encourage them to share their motivation and expectations for a program like this and then I utilize the information they have given me to personalize why I think they are a strong candidate for the program. A lot of people share that their concern is one area or pillar more than another, so I give them feedback on positive changes previous participants have seen. I also explain to them that we will meet them where they are in their journey, hold their hand, and begin to make small but meaningful changes in their daily behaviors that will lead to long-term health and wellbeing.

wellTogether is designed for people who are at risk for or managing diabetes or cardiovascular conditions, or for people who are interested in taking a proactive approach to future health challenges. wellTogether offers a clinically integrated approach to sustainable, long-term health improvement through a focus on three Pillars, Fitness, Behavior Change, and Nutrition. To learn more about the wellTogether program, and to register for an upcoming information session, contact Trevor Hicks, HERE.

Patrick Faulk, Center Director at Crosby Wellness Center, often leads seminars and panel discussions related to health and wellness. We asked Patrick to talk about how he encourages men to take the initiative in prioritizing their wellbeing related to fitness and stress management.

Patrick Faulk: When leading and facilitating talks, I encourage men to prioritize their health by highlighting the long-term benefits of fitness and stress management, such as improved mental clarity, enhanced physical performance, and increased longevity. I share relatable success stories and practical tips about forming healthy habits and setting achievable goals that can be easily integrated into their daily routines. Additionally, I emphasize that they are not alone in their health concerns, and many others feel the same way, underscoring the importance of staying active for their wellbeing and long-term whole person health.

Men, your health matters. Find the care, programs, fitness classes, and nutrition education you need to kickstart your health journey when you visit the Center for Health & Wellbeing and participate in our world-class amenities and services. Prioritize your health & wellbeing during a Community Education program at CHWB HERE.

Dr. Trevor Owens, MD, Family Medicine Physician at the AdventHealth Family Medicine Practice inside the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Trevor Owens, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician. After graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, Dr. Owens went on to earn a medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. Dr. Owens is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and has a passion for providing whole-person health to every patient. To learn more about the AdventHealth Family Medicine Practice, and Dr. Owens, click HERE.

Trevor Hicks, DPT, is the Senior Director of Clinical Integration at the Winter Park Health Foundation. Trevor is a proud UCF alum and holds two degrees from UCF, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Trevor practiced Physical Therapy for more than nine years before joining the WPHF.

Patrick Faulk is the Center Director at Crosby Wellness Center inside the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Prior to joining the team, he spent 13 years with AdventHealth’s Institute for Lifestyle Medicine in Celebration, FL. Starting as a Personal Trainer and Member Services Representative, Patrick advanced to Senior Manager of Clinical and Retail Operations, overseeing the Wellness Center, Executive Health Program, and Lifestyle Clinic. A lifelong resident of Central Florida, Patrick is an advocate for whole-person health and enjoys golfing in his spare time.

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How To Be Our Best, Create Connection, and Communicate Effectively

Jordyn Flannery — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Learn how to align yourself so you can have more energy, regulate your emotions, think more clearly, and handle situations powerfully.

There are times when we have experienced being in sync and flowing with a sense of ease through daily challenges. When we are in a coherent flow, things that come up just don’t seem to get under our skin. We achieve coherence when the heart, mind, emotions and body are all working in sync. Our ability to stay in an inner state of ease and flow is determined by our ability to self-regulate our emotions and stop energy leaks. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to align yourself so you can have more energy, regulate your emotions, think more clearly, and handle situations powerfully when connecting and communicating with others.

Uncover the subtle dynamics of energetic transfers and their impact on communication, unraveling the mystery of mixed messages. Stephanie Veraghen, founder of Show Up Awesome, will guide you in aligning your head and heart for optimal performance while offering practical techniques for creating coherent communication. Whether in personal or professional relationships, these skills are invaluable for fostering harmonious connections, leading to happier, healthier, and more productive work and social environments.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your ability to connect and communicate effectively from the heart so you can elevate your communication skills resulting in creating coherent and impactful connections. If you’re interested in being empowered in your relationships and transforming your communication dynamics, this workshop is for you.

This program is presented by Stephanie Veraghen and hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation.

About the Program Presenter

Stephanie Veraghen is the founder of Show Up Awesome, a certified life coach and HeartMath® Resilience trainer. She holds an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design, bachelor’s degree in Advertising-Public Relations, and master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology, specializing in Leadership and Conflict Transformation which integrates the spiritual and transcendent aspects of the human experience with the framework of modern psychology. She draws on her background to teach people simple techniques for dealing with challenging people and situations using the wisdom of their hearts.

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Increasing Self Compassion and Decreasing Negative Self Talk

Jordyn Flannery — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 22:00:00 +0000

Licensed mental health counselor Jill Hamilton Buss explores how to focus on increasing self-compassion and decreasing negative self-talk.

In this workshop, licensed mental health counselor Jill Hamilton Buss will explore how we can focus on increasing self-compassion and decreasing negative self-talk. If we could all conquer these two challenges (especially for women), we’d be far happier and healthier. There is strong research to show that people who are more self-compassionate have greater health, better relationships and are more resilient to life’s stressors. Hamilton Buss will share tips to gain greater self-compassion and ways to identify and change negative self-talk and cognitive distortions that we are often unaware of (“should”, “catastrophizing”, fortune-telling, etc.).

Program Notes: Participants should be prepared for this program with a journal or paper and a pen for note taking.

This program is presented by Jill Hamilton Buss and is hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation.

About Your Program Presenter

Jill Hamilton Buss is a licensed mental health counselor who works with clients in a holistic way to create optimal wellbeing for mind and body. She offers traditional in-office psychotherapy, life coaching and “Walk and Talk Therapy.” She previously served as the executive director of Healthy Central Florida, an initiative to make our communities the healthiest in the nation. She holds master’s degrees from Rollins College and the University of Florida in Mental Health Counseling and Communications, respectively, and was named one of Winter Park’s Most Influential People in 2016. To learn more, visit her website, jillhamiltonbuss.com or email her at jill@jillhamiltonbuss.com.

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Tai Chi for Beginners

Jordyn Flannery — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Join Crosby Wellness Center fitness instructor Jamie Binkley for this fun and relaxing Tai Chi for Beginners Class.

Tai Chi has been practiced for centuries to promote overall health, balance and cultivation of the life force called Chi. By learning simple breathing techniques, postures and movements, you can begin your journey towards greater health and vitality. Tai Chi is practiced by all ages and is especially beneficial for older practitioners.

Join Crosby Wellness Center fitness instructor Jamie Binkley for this fun and relaxing Tai Chi for Beginners Class. We will begin with standing meditation and progress to basic gentle movements, coordinating breath with movement. Beginners are welcome. Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended.

This program is presented by Jamie Binkley and is hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation in partnership with the Crosby Wellness Center.

About the Presenter: 

After retiring in 2022, Jamie Binkley became certified as a Tai Chi Practice Leader and is now a member of the fitness instructor team at the Crosby Wellness Center. She has studied martial arts for more than 35 years, first in Japanese and Okinawan Martial arts and has studied Tai Chi for several years.

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Brain Health: Preventing Dementia

Jordyn Flannery — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:00:00 +0000

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month and, therefore, a great time to check in on our brain health.

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month and, therefore, a great time to check in on our brain health. While it is true that 30 percent of us carry a gene that makes us more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease, research shows we have the power to reduce our risk for developing this disease by optimizing our diet and lifestyle.

In this class, certified lifestyle medicine physician Laura Varich, MD, will pave the path for brain health by demonstrating which foods and cooking methods are research proven to preserve brain health and help prevent dementia, while also providing a brain-healthy recipe to sample.

While this class will mostly focus on diet, other important lifestyle factors for brain health will also be discussed.

This program is presented by Laura Varich and is hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation.

About the Presenter: 

Laura Varich, MD is a certified Lifestyle Medicine physician, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Fresh Physician (FreshPhysician.com), a website that grew out of a desire to turn the tide on chronic diseases. She is passionate about applying the lessons from scientific research to educate and empower us to live longer, healthier, and more joy-filled lives. Learn more at: freshphysician.com

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Basics of Strength Training

Jordyn Flannery — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Join Crosby Wellness Center group fitness instructor KK Swanson to learn how to create a safe and effective strength training routine.

Regular strength training is a key component to improving your overall health and wellbeing. Some of its many benefits include increased bone density, improved cardiovascular health and it’s a proven mood and mental health boost! In this interactive, activity-filled workshop, Crosby Wellness Center group fitness instructor KK Swanson will demonstrate how to use the major muscle groups of the body to create a safe and effective strength training program.

In this program, you will:

Learn the muscle groups of the upper body, lower body and core.
Learn strength exercises that target the major muscle groups.
Feel comfortable creating a workout program for yourself that will benefit your health for years to come.

This program is presented by KK Swanson and is hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation in partnership with the Crosby Wellness Center.

About Your Program Presenter
Katelynn Swanson, aka KK, has been working in the fitness industry for over 12 years. After attending the University of Florida and earning both her bachelor’s and Master’s in exercise science, KK worked with clients and companies all over New York City. She currently owns a personal training and nutrition business, helping clients all over the US become healthier. KK specializes in strength training, weight loss and nutrition education.

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