The CDRO and UMass Psychiatry Wellness Initiative
Wellness Honorees
Winter, 2011
The CDRO and UMass Psychiatry Wellness Initiative recently recognized seven staff that
inspire and motivate us to be healthy. Here are the honorees and some of their
interview answers.
Sue Alward
I quit smoking when I was 25 and wanted to start exercising seriously & more regularly,
breathing was easier and exercising became a part of my life. My husband and I eat
pretty healthy, but we don’t deny snacks and treats “all the time”, that’s motivation right
there. Let’s face it-- we all look forward to “enjoying” the weekends, time off, etc.
Everything in moderation!
Val Buffone
To stay healthy I eat right (grains, fruits, veggies, limited fried foods, etc.), exercise,
consume water throughout the day, don’t smoke, and drink very little. My advice
to others: Just do it! Unless you want to pay for it later in life, try to keep fit-- if
you don’t gain the weight, then you won’t have to work at taking it off. Why have
health related problems that you can avoid as enough find us that we don’t bring
on ourselves. There are so many ways of getting exercise via the gym, yoga, sports,
swimming, etc. Just try it, you might like it.
Bob Carey
I grew up playing sports. Five years ago I added our weekly yoga class at the
clinic and a couple of trips a week to the gym, as it gets harder to stay in shape in
the twilight years. Our clinic's Stepping Out pedometer project for staff and patients
increases awareness of activity levels. We're approaching the two year mark and I
think I've done over six million steps in that time. My advice for others is to find
activities that are fun to do or at least make you feel better immediately afterward.
Otherwise you'll be unlikely to make them routine, which is a key.
Ann Foley
I have always enjoyed being outdoors but I am NOT very athletic. I just
enjoy simple activities, such as walking and enjoying the scenery. Since
my early adulthood, I’ve joined fitness classes with friends and family.
Initially, there was a social factor for me. However, I feel much better
physically and mentally when I exercise, so that keeps me motivated.
Carole Puleo (right) and her walking buddy Suzanne Howatt
I started working at UMass in 1983 and incorporated walking into my work
week from the start. Walking is something that I have been able to stick with.
My advice to others is to try and get someone else involved. It is much easier
to talk yourself out of exercising but if you have an exercising partner you
tend to feel a little more obligated. Also, since you probably will be chatting
while walking/exercising the time just flies.
Cindy Snell
I feel much better when I exercise so that is my motivation. My advice to others:
You don’t really have to give anything up--just find healthier alternatives and do
some sort of exercise every day, such as walking, taking the stairs, or parking
further away.
Teo-Carlo Straun
I try to do a bit of physical activity every day, even if it means taking the
stairs instead of the elevator, lifting free weights at home, I even just bought
an exercise ball that I’ve been using these colder months. I love to be
outdoors and I love new challenges. I am also committed to having one day
a week "my Sabbath" where I make it a point to rest. During this time I try to
put all my work responsibilities aside and focus on friends, family, and
increasing my relationship with God. These things are all vital to maintaining
a well rounded sense of health. When you diligently invest in yourself
holistically you accumulate assets, just like you would monetarily. These health assets improve your
quality of life and can be passed on (like inheritance) to future generations. You yourself become a
health asset by modeling behavior for friends and family and instilling in them healthy practices.