Seretean Wellness Center - Oklahoma State University

Kalip Frazier II

Student Union Meeting and Catering Services

THE WELLNESS WINNER!

Eight employees of the OSU Student Union and Meeting Services recently participated in an 8-week departmental fitness challenge. Each employee set specific, individual goals – such as weight loss, decreased body fat, or improved cardiovascular endurance. Individual measurements were taken prior to the challenge and again at the conclusion. The eight participants lost a total of 55 pounds, 26.5 inches, and 16.6% body fat. The overall winner of the challenge was Kalip Frazier. Way to go Kalip!

Pam Ehlers, Director

OSU Career Services

YOGA HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE!

This past July, Mary Talley sent an email inviting individuals to participate in a yoga class taught by OSU First Lady, Ann Hargis. I had always thought yoga would be fun and good for me because I struggle with flexibility and balance. I was skeptical about taking yoga because I thought with such a hectic work schedule I would not stick with it. After three months of practice, I am amazed at how good I feel. I’m also amazed that I haven’t missed but just a couple of classes!

I started out slowly by attending the class that Ann taught once a week. I seemed to feel better on the days we had class, so about four weeks into the six-week class, I decided to join the daily noon classes held at the Wellness Center. After two weeks of doing daily yoga, I began to see a major difference. The first thing I noticed is when I left the Student Union parking garage one day, I could turn my neck and head around to look for traffic behind me without any pain in my neck or back. My flexibility had really increased! I also noticed that I could sit cross-legged without any pain (which is a struggle for me).

About ten years ago my husband Kim and I built a rock garden and I hurt my back. This past year I’ve been seeing a specialist and have had several back treatments, which have somewhat helped the pain. Since starting yoga, I have noticed the largest decrease in back pain. It has not gone away, but it feels so much better! In fact, I called and canceled a procedure I was thinking about having on my lower back, because the yoga has been so beneficial. I want to wait to see if my yoga practice can continue to manage the pain.

I enjoy yoga so much that I plan to start practicing on a daily basis, which means I will have to find a way to practice at home. After three months, I feel I have learned enough to practice alone on some days. I have a long way to go to catch up with several of the members in our class that have been practicing for a long time, but I can feel myself getting stronger and better each passing week. It has truly made a difference in my life.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE O-ZONE FITNESS CENTER OR GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES (INCLUDING YOGA), PLEASE CALL 744.WELL (9355)

The low monthly membership fee to the O-Zone Fitness Center includes group exercise classes, free weights, and all cardio equipment. Personal training is also available for an additional fee.

Susan Bobo, Associate Professor

Cunningham Architecture Library

SAVED BY A ROUTINE PHYSICAL

I want to take this opportunity to thank you and staff at the Seretean Wellness Center for quite literally saving my life.

During a physical last spring, Dr. Sam Ernest questioned me about a breast lump which I had been ignoring for several months and urged me to go get it checked out. The lump did turn out to be cancer and I had a mastectomy in July 2008. Thanks to his old-fashioned, hands on approach to health care, my cancer was caught early and I did not have to undergo chemo or radiation!

Although I only have anecdotal evidence, I think being too sedentary and overweight contributed to the cancer. This experience has been a sort of new beginning for me. I’ve improved my diet, lost weight and started exercising again. I’ve been a regular user of the Wellness Center for several years, attending Wellness Wednesdays, cooking classes and health screenings, just to name a few. The programs and staff of the Wellness Center have given me the information, tools and techniques to pursue health…and the disease gave me the ultimate motivation to change.

Again, my deepest appreciation for all you and your team do. Please feel free to share my story as an example of the many ways in which the Wellness Center benefits the University and Stillwater community.

TO SCHEDULE YOUR ROUTINE PHYSICAL, CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH CLINIC, 405.744.9355

A complete physical exam, including all blood tests, is available in most cases for only $25 (with BlueChoice).

Physicals are conducted by Dr. Sam Earnest, Internal Medicine Physicianand Employee Health Clinic Medical Director, or Kenda Baker by request.

Kim Seagraves, Programming Analyst

OSU Library

A PERSONALIZED EXERCISE PROGRAM IS CONTROLLING MY MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

I always knew I needed to start a regular exercise program, but I just never seemed to get around to it. However, I experienced a life changing event in early 2008 that changed all of that. In January I started having trouble walking. I was staggering and tiring easily. After several tests, the doctors’ diagnosis was multiple sclerosis (MS).

After the initial shock wore off, I knew I had to do everything possible to delay the progression. Research showed exercise makes a big difference. My sister referred me to the Seretean Wellness Center where she has been working out for some time.

Robin Purdie suggested I start a personalized exercise program with Tabi Deal. Since April, Tabi meets with me twice weekly and guides me through hour long sessions in a variety of strength, balance, and cardio exercises. I always walk better the day after exercise and am convinced these sessions are the key to maintaining mobility. Furthermore, Tabi is great. She is both motivating and fun, encouraging me throughout the workout. For that matter, everyone at the Seretean Wellness Center is friendly and helpful.

I would strongly encourage people to use the services at the Seretean Wellness Center. They were there for me when I needed them.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE O-ZONE FITNESS CENTER OR CUSTOMIZED EXERCISE PROGRAMS, PLEASE CALL 744.WELL (9355)

The low monthly membership fee to the O-Zone Fitness Center includes group exercise classes, free weights, and all cardio equipment. Personal training is available for an additional fee.

Joe Ray, Coordinator

Allied Arts and Special Events

A ROUTINE PHYSICAL SAVED MY LIFE

I want to urge everyone to get an annual physical examination. Quite simply, it saved my life. I went to see Dr. Earnest at the Seretean Wellness Center in September 2005 for just such an exam. He recommended that I have a colonoscopy exam because I was over 50 years of age, had a family history of cancer, and one close relative had been diagnosed with colon cancer. The procedure was not nearly as uncomfortable as I had feared because I was sedated and basically slept through it. Unfortunately, suspicious looking polyps were found in my colon. When the biopsy lab tests came back, it was confirmed that one of the polyps was cancerous, and at least one other was in a pre-cancerous stage. Because of the nature and sheer number of polyps present, rather extensive surgery was recommended. I had cancer doctors at the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City scrutinize the medical tests and recommendations that had been done in Stillwater. They wholeheartedly agreed with every diagnosis and recommendation. The surgery was performed in December 2005 at the Stillwater Medical Center. As a precaution, I underwent 6 months of chemotherapy as a follow up to the surgery. Since that time, I have led a normal life with mostly just a scar to remind me of the experience. If anything, I am in better shape physically than I was 4 years ago. I have been cancer-free for nearly 3 years. If I hadn't acted on Dr. Earnest's recommendation as a follow up to a routine physical exam, I would not be here to write about what happened.

It is interesting that when I compare notes with other people who undergo physical exams that I notice something in particular. Dr. Earnest gives a very thorough physical examination by comparison. If there is something wrong, there is a good chance that he is going to find it because of his thoroughness. His insistence upon undergoing additional medical examinations indicated as necessary by his findings and experience is one of the reasons that I am here today.

TO SCHEDULE YOUR ROUTINE PHYSICAL, CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH CLINIC, 405.744.9355.

A complete physical exam, including all blood tests, is available in most cases for only $25 (with BlueChoice). Physicals are conducted by Dr. Sam Earnest, Internal Medicine Physician and Employee Health Clinic Medical Director, or Kenda Baker by request.

Joey Friend, Chilled Water Plant Mechanic

OSU Physical Plant

Over the course of 31 years, I gained 137 pounds. The increase in weight caused severe obstructive sleep apnea, as well as Type II Diabetes. I knew I needed to lose weight, and had even met with Elizabeth Lohrman to discuss a plan; however, I felt it would be too difficult to manage my diet the way it should be. After much prayer, I decided to contact Elizabeth again and try her nutrition plan. We started slowly and I checked in regularly with my meal history and blood sugar history. She was so helpful and encouraging, and I soon began to enjoy the meal plans and the food. I have now lost 63 pounds and have been taken off my diabetes medication. I feel rested and energetic, and I look forward to continued progress. I want to thank Elizabeth and the SWC staff. They are friendly and really care about OSU employees and their health. Don’t wait like I did to do something about your health. The SWC is there to help you reach your health goals.

Pat Darlington, OSU Alumn and Licensed Psychologist

I was really shocked when I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in late January 2008. I considered myself to be pretty active and thought my diet was okay...well, maybe a few too many bowls of ice cream. My first thought was, of course, no way did I have diabetes. My second thought, which was my best, was to call Elizabeth Lohrman. Elizabeth looked at what I was eating already and helped me make changes that were compatible with my tastes and lifestyle. Elizabeth’s knowledge of local food offerings and restaurant menus was really helpful and encouraging. With Elizabeth’s insight, compassion, and encouragement, I have managed my diet and exercise program for about 7 months. I have “reversed” my diagnosis of diabetes, feel good, and know I am healthier than ever.