Kelsey Hammersmith’s Story

September 15, 2015RecWell, TestimonialsBrooke Martin

Kelsey Hammersmith, B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies (2015)
Student Supervisor – PFH Facility (2012-15)

I first started working for Recreation and Wellness over winter break my freshman year. I was beyond thrilled to be working at BGSU, let alone in a position that would further my work experience, leadership skills, and eventually help me attain a full-time job.

We will always be falcons and have support from BGSU throughout our lives, and the connections made in this department are a major stepping stone to future success!I started as a Perry Field House (PFH) Front Desk Attendant and was promoted to Front Desk Associate within a month of being hired. Through both of these positions, I gained valuable communication skills while setting up/tearing down from events, and even while training new employees. My hard work and dedication to the department was significantly acknowledged, as that year I was awarded as the Sue Hager Female Student Employee of the Year.

After working in the department for two and a half years, I was then promoted to PFH Student Supervisor. I jumped right into this position, and became more involved within the department, as if I wasn’t already! I continued improving my leadership skills as I was nominated and elected as the President of the Student Employee Board (SEB). While holding this position I oversaw all of the Student Supervisors in the department, as well as the planning of two banquets.

The most rewarding experience was being able to speak at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) Ribbon Cutting ceremony in February of 2015. I’ve never really been a person to want to make a speech in front of a lot of people, but decided that I would take on this responsibility, as I have had a lot of memories at the SRC as a kid, and the Recreation and Wellness department in general. This opportunity was one of my best memories at BGSU and in this department. During the ceremony, Mike Wilcox gave all of us the best advice of “dream big, double it, and do it”!

As I was wrapping up all of my responsibilities and almost ready to graduate, I started reflecting upon my experiences over the past three and a half year in this department. I honestly cannot say thank you enough to everyone in the department who stepped up and helped me grow, not only as an employee but also as a supervisor, student, and person.

After graduating from BGSU, I searched extensively for jobs. I took Mike Wilcox’s advice into consideration as I was already dreaming big. My next step was to double it, and then do it. I recently accepted a Hotel Logistics Coordinator position at a private jet company called Flight Options, in which I will be relocating to Cleveland, Ohio.

This department has offered myself and future students not only work experience, but an experience that can be applied in all areas of life. As I start my career at Flight Options, I wanted to thank everyone in the Department of Recreation and Wellness for providing me with the most rewarding experience for three and a half great years. My biggest advice is to cherish the memories and moments while they are here, because you will be walking across that graduation stage before you know it! Lastly, lets stay in touch! We will always be falcons and have support from BGSU throughout our lives, and the connections made in this department are a major stepping stone to future success!

Terry Carver’s Story

September 14, 2015RecWell, Testimonials, WellAwareBrooke Martin

Terry Carver, Administrative Secretary – BGSU Department of Recreation and Wellness
WellAware and Group X Participant

I was being stubborn about not wanting to change too much in my daily routine or diet, so these programs motivated me to eat right, be active daily and lose weight without a huge time commitment.Recreation and Wellness is now my home away from home, and I have been employed with BGSU over 10 years now. As the years pass, it is more difficult to lose weight and keep it off. However, my attention has changed to what enters my mouth, thus the results of the foods in my body. After participating in and really enjoying the “Strive for Five” Wellness program last summer, my focus was shifted to eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains FIRST. This usually satisfied my appetite without sugar or salty snacks. Plus, the program incorporated 30 minutes of exercise daily, which was easy for me as I can now walk to work. So, without much change in my daily routine, I saw my weight come down and enjoyed eating without having to diet. Two other programs reinforced this success: the “Eat Right For Life” Wellness program in Fall of 2013, and also the Weight Loss Program through Psychology Department in Spring in 2013.

BEST OF ALL, when I had blood work completed at Falcon Health Center as part of the “Eat Right For Life” program, I received the best results I’ve had as a middle-age adult ever! My good HDL’s were high, my bad LDL’s were low, and my cholesterol counts were super! Not bad since I come from a family history of heart disease.

Terry’s Advice for Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Schedule your exercise sessions – Pick a routine time to walk, clean, shovel, bike, swim, whatever, when it does not interfere with time you wish to spend with the family.

Plan ahead – Prepare healthy meals ahead of time, so you eat right and enjoy wellness time at your convenience. And, there are great ideas and recipes online to give you suggestions for nutritious and yummy meals!

Find activities you enjoy doing – Another great way I stay active is participating in the Group X classes through Recreation and Wellness. There are quite a variety of fitness activities, as many as I wish to attend, for one low price. I’ve made use of at least three different classes that keep me returning each semester. They are fun, inspiring, and give me a great sense of accomplishment.

Don’t gauge exercise benefits on weight loss alone – One thing I’ve really noticed is that if I don’t exercise at least moderately (generally walking or swimming) and eat as I should on a regular basis, my mood drops. When I begin again, it’s like the best medicine of all – and life is good! AND, I still have time for family and personal events in the evening and weekends, and also get the family to join me in fun and moving activities!

Learn More about WellAware

Child Passenger Safety Seat Awareness Week

September 10, 2015Press Releases, Safe Communities, WellAwarelona

September 13-19, 2015 is Child Passenger Safety Seat Awareness week. In Wood County, there were no fatalities involving children under the age of 13 in calendar year 2014. Child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers. Car seats are most effective when installed properly in your vehicle and used correctly.

It is essential for parents to make sure their child safety equipment in their vehicles is current with state and federal regulations and is installed properly. Residents of Wood County are encouraged to contact either Wood County Hospital or Safe Kids of Greater Toledo to schedule a car seat inspection.

On Saturday, September 19, 2015, Thayer Chevrolet is hosting a Child Safety Seat Checkup Event starting at 10:00 am. Call Safe Kids of Greater Toledo at 419-219-5993 to schedule an appointment. You can also call Wood County Hospital Obstetrics Department at 419-354-8900 to schedule an appointment at any time.

For More Information:

Jerrod Savidge, 419-352-2481
Safe Communities Coordinator, Sandy Wiechman
419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu

Truth Campaign To Put Out More Than Just Cigarettes

September 9, 2015RecWell, Student Wellness Network, WellAware, Wellness ConnectionJoel Hartman

The American Legacy Foundation has launched another Truth campaign to combat Big Tobacco in the United States. According to the Wall Street Journal, “The anti-smoking youth campaign is for the first time tackling social smoking, hookahs and flavored cigarillos in its marketing efforts as smoking habits among young adults shift away from traditional cigarettes.” The campaign debuted a new spot called “It’s A Trap” during MTV’s Video Music Awards and also released another advertisement called “Finishers 2.0”, which can be seen below, during the Teen Choice Awards in April.

According to Wall Street Journal, the campaign “leverages social media star power and popular memes to highlight the dangers of light or intermittent smoking — say smoking a cigarette or two only during parties. A study published earlier this year in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that 25% of adolescents believe smoking on an intermittent basis poses little to no harm.”

The advertisement below is one of four that is being shown around on Bowling Green State University’s campus. With the Clean-Air Policy in place at BGSU since 2012, this will be another step in the right direction to end it with tobacco.

http://blogs.wsj.com/cmo/2015/08/27/truth-campaign-targets-social-smoking-hookahs-as-cigarette-use-declines/

Sand Volleyball Court Re-Opening

September 9, 2015Intramural Sports, RecWell, Student Recreation CenterJoel Hartman

Twenty-four years after its initial launch, the Student Recreation Center (SRC) has re-opened a renovated courtyard. New features to the area include an outdoor sand volleyball court, gas fire pit, and large gazebo. The sizable courtyard is located on the North-East side of the SRC behind Andrews Pool and is open for rental opportunities to a variety of events such as birthday parties, group outings, and social activities. The courtyard is open for drop-in use during all Andrews Pool operating hours.