Wellness and Health
Spring 2013
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Thinking Critically about 21st-Century Food & Nutrition (VIDEO CONFERENCE)
Day: 5 Mondays Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Dates: 3/11-4/8 Location: UMass Boston, McCormack Hall, Healey Library, Lower Level, Presentation Room 3; and Cordage Park, Plymouth & Hingham Public Library via video conference Facilitator: Joe Carlin Description: It seems that not a day goes by that we aren’t bombarded by the media with the urgency of avoiding one food or consuming another. Michael Pollan’s Omnivore's Dilemma and Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation, which have exposed the soft underbelly of the American food supply, have become best-selling books, confirming that American consumers want to be part of the conversation on this subject. Through assigned readings and discussions, students will be engaged to re-examine their knowledge and beliefs about current food and nutrition topics such as organic and natural foods, food labels, biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, farmers’ markets and more. This course is designed to help us think critically about food and nutrition issues with the objective of becoming knowledgeable consumers of healthy food that also tastes good. Besides assigned reading, students will be encouraged to bring newspaper and magazine articles, advertisements, and food labels to class as a way of getting our teeth into this topic.
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The Brain/Balance Connection: Exercising, Thinking, Planning, and Building Confidence to Prevent Falls
Day: 4 Tuesdays Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Dates: 3/12-4/2 Location: UMass Boston, Wheatley Hall, 3rd Floor, Room 125 Facilitator: Patricia Huffman-Oh Description: More than 1/3 of adults 65 or over fall each year. Many people have either experienced a fall or have known someone else who has had a serious fall, and this can shake our confidence. The fear of falling can be a barrier to safely doing all the things we want to do, and the prevention of falls is vital to maintaining independence. This class introduces simple exercises that can help prevent falls, will explore a variety of fall prevention strategies and will explore ways to build confidence in your ability to prevent falls. Topics include the role of the brain and nervous system in helping to maintain balance, an exploration of how thoughts about falling can increase or decrease the risk of falling, simple and fun balance and strength training, the role vision and hearing plays in maintaining balance, how medications can contribute to falls, ways to stay safe when out and about, what to look for in safe footwear, and how to check your home for safety.
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Tai Chi for Beginners, Level 1
Day: 10 Wednesdays Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dates: 3/13-5/15 Location: UMass Boston, McCormack Hall, 1st Floor, Beacon Fitness Center Facilitator: David Chancogne Description: Tai chi chuan is an internal Chinese martial art embodying Taoist philosophy, and accordingly is extremely beneficial for good health. It is also a method of relaxation, used for increased focus and concentration. Benefits include stress reduction and better concentration, as well as improved flexibility, strength, an enhanced immune system, balance, memory, circulation, and coordination. Limited to 15 participants.
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Tai Chi for Beginners, Level 2
Day: 10 Tuesdays Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dates: 3/12-5/14 Location: UMass Boston, McCormack Hall, 1st Floor, Beacon Fitness Center Facilitator: Joseph Gallop Description: Prerequisite: Tai Chi for Beginners. This class assumes that students already know the first 13 movements covered in Level 1. We will cover an additional 13 movements; new movements will include Repulse Monkey and Waving Hands like Moving Clouds. Limited to 15 participants. Note: UMass student ID is required to enter the Beacon Fitness Center where the class will be held. Please contact the OLLI office for more details.
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Aqua Fitness
Day: 8 Thursdays Time: 1-1:45 p.m. Dates: 4/4-5/23 Location: UMass Boston; Clark Athletic Center, Lower Level, Pool Facilitator: Hanna Mohn Description: Aqua Fitness is great exercise for those with joint difficulty or pain, or for those who simply wish to mix up their usual fitness routine. Using the resistance of the water, each individual maximizes their physical potential as we work through each major muscle group and focus on endurance, while catering to the needs of each and every person. The flat, four foot area of the pool is perfectly suited for a high energy, low impact fitness routine focusing on aerobic exercise and muscle building without the jolts and stresses of an out-of-water workout. Both men and women are welcome. NO SWIM EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. Limited to 15 people. PLEASE NOTE: This course is $20. To register, members must contact the OLLI Office at 617-287-7312 or ollireg@gmail.com, plus pay the course fee, to be enrolled. First come, first served.
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Meditation and Aging
Day: 4 Tuesdays Time: 1:15-3:15 p.m. Dates: 5/7-5/28 Location: UMass Boston, McCormack Hall, 3rd Floor, Room 204A Facilitator: Pat Morris Description: We now have scientific evidence of the benefits of meditation. We will gather and meditate—beginners welcome—and share our experiences as well as information on aging. This is the stage of life to slow down and enjoy life.
