Georgetown is officially beginning its 2008 kickoff of GUWellness, a comprehensive set of programs designed to bolster the mind, body and spirit of the community.

The start of clinics, programs and events comes just as some people may be allowing their steadfast commitment to New Year's resolutions fade a bit -- but don't tell that to Charles DeSantis.

"I hate the concept of resolutions. I love the concept of intentions," said DeSantis, associate vice president and chief benefits officer. "Our paths are paved with good intentions, and we can't always meet them, but at least you can intend to do something."

GUWellness aims to turn those intentions into results by creating a culture of wellness around the university. Whether that means a more robust prayer life, weight loss, smoking cessation or learning new relaxation techniques, GUWellness has the on-campus resources to guide employees to better health and wellness. The first monthly theme is "Finding Inspiration and Setting Your Course."

Sponsored by the Office of Faculty and Staff Benefits, GUWellness is a mix of new programs and offerings on Georgetown's campuses, plus a forum to promote existing wellness efforts around the university. GUWellness is partnering with many offices, departments and programs around Georgetown to highlight those ongoing opportunities.

"It's all about making it accessible," DeSantis said. "Many people are embracing what we're doing and saying, ‘Wow, this is something I can integrate.'"

Introductory events took place this past semester to acclimate the Georgetown community to what GUWellness will provide. Those events also allowed organizers to design programs around the issues this community specifically faces. The topics will be incorporated into GUWellness' monthly themes, clinics and speaker events.

"We're having a great start," DeSantis said. "People are excited about wellness and are signing up to do some exciting things with us. They really do see it as being representative of changing the culture here."

Weight Watchers At Work

Recognizing that weight management is a common health concern for some of the Georgetown population, the university will present Weight Watchers at Work later this month. The new program follows the traditional Weight Watchers model, but takes place during the workday.

Cindy Arnold, an executive assistant with the Office of Advancement, will lead the meetings. Arnold has been a Weight Watchers member off and on since the early 1990s and became a group leader in September.

"When I started working here, I was surprised there was no Weight Watchers at Work. With such a huge campus and big community, I thought it would be a good idea to get one started," she said.

Weight Watchers is not a diet, but a lifestyle change, she added. Participants get weekly, confidential weigh-ins to track their progress and then take part in a 30-minute group meeting to discuss strategies and tips for weight loss and management.

Free orientation meetings will be held at 11:30 a.m., Jan. 15, at Yates Field House and at 11:30 a.m., Jan. 17, at 6005 Hotung at the Law Center. Provided at least 20 people participate, meetings will begin the following week on Tuesdays on Main Campus and Thursdays at the Law Center. The cost is $186 for 17 weeks and can be split into payments.

Captain's Kickoff

About 50 wellness captains, spread among the Law Center, Medical Center, Main Campus and off-campus buildings, bring GUWellness efforts to individual departments and offices. The captains will have a half-day retreat on Jan. 28 that includes demonstrations by fitness and wellness professionals on workplace wellness topics, techniques and exercises, an idea swap, giveaways and more.

"Captains are the people who are driving wellness efforts for their colleagues, coming up with ideas for their departments and keeping things spirited and fun," DeSantis said.

Those interested in becoming a wellness captain may still sign up through GUWellness.

Wellness Calendar

Interested in getting your blood pressure checked out, taking time to meditate or going for a lunchtime stroll with President John J. DeGioia? The GUWellness Web site is the portal for learning about these upcoming events and more. A calendar linked from the main page has mind, body and soul wellness opportunities for the Georgetown community.

Some upcoming events include:

• Drop-In Mediation: held at Main Campus, the Law Center, the Medical Center and 2121 Wisconsin Ave. NW. See calendar for dates and times.

• GUWellness Clinics: blood pressure screenings, seated massage and more. See calendar for dates and times.

• Using Mind-Body Skills to Beat Stress and Be Well: Jan. 17, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Leavey Center 338.

• Nutrition 101: Jan. 17, noon - 1 p.m., Village A Community Room.

• Commit to Quit for Smoking Cessation: Jan. 23, noon - 1 p.m., Leavey Center Program Room.

• Stress Management: Feb. 21, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Leavey Center 338.

-- By Lauren Burgoon, Blue & Gray Assistant Editor

(January 14, 2008)