Health and Wellness

As director of the Academy for Population Health Innovation, Michael Dulin operates on the leading edge of the industry, exploring how technology can help communities address their most pressing public health challenges.

Faculty and staff members can try the fitness and recreation areas of Belk Gym for free from Monday, May 15, through Sunday, May 21. Employees should bring their UNC Charlotte IDs to present at the check-in location for this free preview.

Belk Gym will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; noon to 5 p.m., Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m., Sunday. The facility features a fitness center, cycling and group fitness studios, basketball and racquetball courts, swimming pool and locker rooms.

This summer, Recreational Services will offer a new learning series called “Swing into Summer” for UNC Charlotte faculty, staff and students who want to stay active while practicing new skills. Online registration is open for golf and tennis lessons and a Couch to 5K program. Classes are fee-based and not for University course credit.

The Advisory Committee to the Chancellor for Employee Health and Wellness is sponsoring the lunch and learn “Helping Children Develop Strong Ethics and Values” from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, April 20, in the Popp Martin, Student Union, Room 263.

At this event, participants will learn how to identify the values to impart to children and how to teach these values. Register online through HR’s Learning and Development Catalog. After logging in, scroll down to the “Lunch and Learn” section.

Summer is a traditional time when faculty, staff or students may travel abroad, including to countries in Central and South America or the Caribbean.

Travel notices have been issued for many countries in these areas by the Center for Disease Control due to the Zika virus, which has received widespread news coverage in recent months.

People infected with the Zika virus infrequently develop symptoms, and if they do, symptoms are usually mild. Pregnant women are at a greater risk because of the potential for birth defects that have been linked to the virus.

Public health sciences professor Beth Racine is working with a local childcare center to teach young children to eat well and stay active.

The mid-1990s heralded a new Latino South, during which the Charlotte region became a destination for Latino migration. This wave shows no sign of cresting and is expected to continue as a major demographic trend for years to come.

Wednesday, April 6, is National Walking Day as designated by the American Heart Association. The Advisory Committee to the Chancellor for Employee Health and Wellness is coordinating a group walk to encourage faculty and staff members to live longer, stronger, healthier lives. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week for adults and 60 minutes per day for children and adolescents.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., April 6, employees will meet at the entrance of Belk Gym for a 30-minute group walk.

Women and men can be affected by sexual and/or intimate partner violence. To provide a safe, supportive space for individuals who have experienced such violence, as well as a learning opportunity to educate others how to help

Maintaining a focus on exercise and healthy living can be a challenge for employees. At the end of the workday, when others may be headed home, payroll specialist Tahnett Mack can be found at the Belk Gym.

Since joining the newly renovated facility in February, Mack said she’s lost 20 pounds. “I enjoy using the equipment to target different body parts. I also love the instructors for the fitness class, and the staff members are friendly and helpful when I require assistance with the use of a machine I may not be familiar with using.”