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UK Health & Wellness April 2010
Last chance! Take the Health Assessment by March 31!
UK Healthtrac Rewards is an easy-to-use, confidential online health improvement program that offers you an overview of your current health status and feedback specific to you. Any UK employee, retiree, spouse or sponsored dependent enrolled in one of the UK health plans is eligible to participate.
 
Be aware: Using Healthtrac may cause desirable side effects such as improved health awareness, handy access to reliable health information, and even improved health. In addition, you may earn up to $180 per fiscal year for participating. Register and complete the Health Assessment by March 31, 2010 to earn $25. You may choose to do more to earn more. Start making good health pay today! For details, visit the Web site.   
Ask the Expert: Burn extra calories at the office 
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Q: I work in an office, sitting at a desk all day. Are there little things I can do during the day to burn extra calories and increase my overall health?

A:
Of course! Sitting at a desk does not help us burn calories, but there are little ways to keep moving and stay active that will help burn a few extra calories here and there. 
 
For starters -- walk! Walk everywhere you can. Need to see a co-worker down the hall? Walk instead of e-mailing or calling. Need to discuss some ideas for that upcoming project? Have a walking meeting. Just because you are walking doesn't mean you can't grab your clipboard and take some notes. How about using the stairs? Try taking a restroom break at the restroom furthest from your desk. If you have to make a phone call, stand and walk in place or march with high knees while you talk. Park farther away from your building and walk the rest of the way. 
 
To increase core strength and balance, replace your regular desk chair with a balance ball chair. They come on wheels with a lumbar support, but even a plain balance ball will work. Utilizing a balance ball chair forces you to hold your posture upright. Remember to squeeze your tummy in as well. 
 
Keep an exercise band in your desk drawer. When you have a 5 minute break, take it out and try some of the exercises listed on the Body Shop Web site. (Try the "Body Weight" workout in the office, or "Office Workout" or "Total Body Resistance Band.") Do you use calendar software? Set a reminder to take a 5 minute break in the morning and afternoon so you remember to do it! Use your lunch hour to visit the Body Shop or take a group fitness class.  
 
Remember that burning calories through staying active is only part of staying healthy. Eating a balanced diet also plays a role. Pack your lunch, keep healthy snacks and say NO to fast food while at work. For more information about eating well, talk to one of our registered dietitians for free! Just call 257-WELL (9355) for more information.    
-- Carrie Davidson, ACSM HFI
Upcoming Events   
 
What Your Poo Is Telling You -- FREE Health Smart Presentation
Join us for FREE Health Smart: Conversations About Your Health. Coming up: "What Your 'Poo' Is Telling You," presented by Lisbeth Selby, M.D., April 28, noon-1 p.m., W.T. Young Library, Gallery Room. Space is limited. Register online today.
 
In a SNAP! FREE Lunch & Learn: Healthy Eating
f you think you are too busy to eat right, then this class is for you! We'll share our strategies for fitting healthy eating into your hectic lifestyle. Join us for "Healthy Eating in a Snap," April 7, 12:10-12:50 p.m., W.T. Young Library, Gallery Room. Register online today
 
Weight Loss Matters: Reality-Based Weight Loss
Weight Loss Matters is a 10-week weight-loss program that teaches you how to eat, rather than how to diet. You'll work toward your goals with the help of our registered dietitians. Classes meet once a week either in-person or online. The initial fee is $50, and participants can re-join subsequent sessions for free as long as they make progress. New classes begin April 27, 28, and 29. The registration deadline is April 23. Register online today
 
Get a therapeutic chair massage -- just in time for Tax Day!
The UK Health & Wellness Program makes therapeutic chair massages available at various campus locations throughout the year. The cost is just $5 for 10 minutes or $10 for 20 minutes (no refunds). Reservations and advanced payment are required. The next chair massage is April 14, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Gatton College of Business, Room 247. To make your reservation, call (859) 257-9355.
Welcome Spring with fresh fruits and vegetables!
 
 

shoppingGinger Beef, Bok Choy & Asparagus Stir-Fry - Serves 4

1/2 lb. flank steak
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. dry sherry
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 lb. thin asparagus
1 medium red bell pepper
1 large bunch (1.5 lbs.) bok choy
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
 
1. Slice steak into thin strips across the grain, then cut into 2-inch pieces and place in a shallow bowl. In a separate small bowl, blend soy sauce, cornstarch, sherry, ginger and garlic. Pour half the sauce over the steak and stir to coat. Marinate in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Set aside remaining sauce.
2. Wash and dry vegetables. Snap off woody ends of asparagus and slice into 1-inch pieces. De-rib and seed the red pepper, and cut into strips. Slice bok choy leaves crosswise into 1-inch strips, removing the tough lower and middle ribs.
3. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add beef strips; stir-fry quickly for two minutes or until meat is just browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Add remaining oil and asparagus to wok and stir-fry two minutes. Add bell pepper and stir-fry two minutes more. Add bok choy and stir-fry another two minutes. Return steak to wok and add sauce. Cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until sauce is heated through and thickens slightly. Serve with a side of steamed rice.
 
NUTRITION FACTS:
210 calories,
19 g protein,
12 g carbs,
11 g fat,
5 g fiber,
3 g sugar,
688 mg sodium 
 
Recipe from Muscle and Fitness Hers.com
In This Issue
Take the Health Assessment!
Burn extra calories at the office
Upcoming events
Tasty bok choy recipe!
Destination Wellness

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Save the date: May, 7, 2010
Destination Wellness: The annual UK Health & Wellness Conference will be held Friday, May 7, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites in Lexington. Online registration is coming soon! Please check our Web site for upcoming details. 
Quick Links
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Editor: Melanie J. Sparks
 
Please Note: Only University of Kentucky employees, retirees, spouses, and sponsored dependents are eligible for UK Health & Wellness services and programs.