General Wellness

New program category as of 2023! 

Participating in a university-based general wellness program over a multi-week period (attending at least 85% of sessions over a minimum of 8 weeks) is necessary to be eligible for this incentive. You must complete an attestation form in HCM by Nov. 30 to earn the incentive. 

Why is this Important?

Health and wellness are critical components of overall well-being and can make a significant difference in the length and quality of peoples’ lives. Enhancing the overall wellness of benefits-eligible faculty and staff is a core value of the CWRU Wellness Program and has been identified by Gallup as a critical factor to enhance work performance, productivity, morale and engagement, and to reduce illness and turnover.

Series topics that would fit into this new category include Eldercare, Environmental Health, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, and more. Stay tuned, as we will continue to add new programs in this category.


Personal Self Defense

This 8-week program, taught by the Division of Public Safety, will provide faculty and staff with general knowledge about self defense through a hands-on experience. Participants will learn how to defend themselves and others from bodily harm against hostile actions; develop attack skills, escape techniques, and safe training practices; and foster skills in preventative and situational awareness, applying pressure points and other self defense techniques.

Wednesdays, Jan. 17 - March 6, 12-12:45 pm, at the Veale Recreation Center Multipurpose Room (201)

Register for Self Defense


Brain Fit Series

Over recent years, the evidence for strategies to support cognitive vitality has grown. During this new 8-week series, a variety of experts will explore the powerful impact of lifestyle behaviors to maintain brain health, preserve memories, and lower risk for brain disease. Learn more about how to keep your brain fit and functional through the years to achieve optimal well-being. The Cleveland Clinic's Six Pillars of Brain Health model and Brain Health Index will be shared.

Thursdays, October 5 - November 30 (no class on Nov. 23), from 12:30-1:30 pm via Zoom

Oct. 5 - A Healthy Mind, Body and You - Become an Active Partner in Maximizing Your Brain Health (Katurah Hartley, BS Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health) Session 1 Recording

Oct. 12 - The Power of Nutrition for Brain Health (Lindsay Malone, MS, RDN, LD, Instructor, Jack, Joseph, Morton Mandel Wellness & Preventive Care Pathway, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University) Session 2 Recording

Oct. 19 - Mental Fitness: Strategies to Maintain Cognitive Vitality (Krystal Culler, DBH, MA, Founder and Creative Director, Virtual Brain Health Center) Session 3 Recording

Oct. 26 - Work Smarter, Not Harder: Optimizing Brain Wellness at Work (Krystal Culler, DBH, MA, Founder and Creative Director, Virtual Brain Health Center) Session 4 Recording

Nov. 2 - The Impact of Exercise on Brain Health (Justin Fiutem, MS, E.I.M. credentialed, ACSM-CEP, RCEP, Exercise Physiologist / Research Associate, CWRU / The Congenital Heart Collaborative at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital) Session 5 Recording

Nov. 9 - Clinical Aspects of Brain Health (Peter Whitehouse, MD, PhD, Professor, Case Western Reserve University and University of Toronto) Session 6 Recording

Nov. 16 - The Impact of Sleep on Brain Health (Dennis Auckley, MD, Director of Center for Sleep Medicine, MetroHealth) Session 7 Recording

Nov. 30 - Cultural Aspects of Brain Health, Including Spirituality (Peter Whitehouse, MD, PhD, Professor, Case Western Reserve University and University of Toronto) Session 8 Recording


Holistic Health Series

Evidence supporting holistic health therapies such as meditation, yoga, Ayurveda, Feng Shui, and Reiki has grown through the years. Learn more about the power of complementary medicine applications to foster optimal well-being through this new 8-week series with Judith Eugene, certified yoga instructor, Reiki Master Teacher, and health and wellness educator. 

Mondays, September 18 - November 6, from 12:30-1:30 pm via Zoom

9/18 - Introduction to Holistic Health Care - Session 1 Recording

9/25 - Good Health Through Balanced Energy - Session 2 Recording

10/2 - The Benefits of Reiki Energy Healing - Session 3 Recording

10/9 - Feng Shui for a Healthy Home and Office - Session 4 Recording

10/23 - The Amazing Benefits of Gratitude - Session 5 Recording

10/23 - Meditation Made Easy - Session 6 Recording

10/30 - Healthy Living Through Ayurveda - Session 7 Recording

11/6 - Morning Wake-Up Yoga - Session 8 Recording


Backyard to Kitchen Gardening

Get more from your garden by attending the new Backyard to Kitchen Gardening series! Case Western Reserve University Farmers will share their insights, tips, and tricks that are organic and ecologically forward. Specifically, participants will learn how to build soils for better crops, container garden, identify and manage pests and diseases, build organic matter, use organic growing practices, and overcome common gardening challenges. Participants will be invited to join the facilitators at the University Farm for a final in-person session and tour.

Wednesdays, September 13 - October 25, 12-1 pm via Zoom. The eighth session will be hosted in person at the University Farm, and attendees will have two dates to choose from. Farm staff will host participants in person on Wednesday, November 1 and Monday, November 6. We hope to record a portion of the in-person experience for those who are unable to attend in person.

Session 1 Recording

Session 2 Recording

Session 3 Recording

Session 4 Recording

Session 5 Recording

Session 6 Recording

Session 7 Recording


HEALTHY BACKS & BODIES™: C∙O∙R∙E™ Essentials for The Office Environment

Even the most impactful, solid, ergonomically-sound work setup is only as effective in prevention as the user's knowledge is of how to 'inhabit' their body and position and move it correctly within that ergonomic set-up. Join Tanya (Weiker) Snowden for this 8-week program during which she will share the fundamentals of safe, healthy, efficient positioning and movement. Participants will learn simple actions and movements that they can employ to assist in eliminating back pain before it begins. 

Tuesdays, August 15 - October 3, from 12-1 pm, via Zoom


Eldercare Series

Learning how to navigate the maze of eldercare needs for family members and friends can be stressful. Topics such as insurance, dementia, communication strategies, and others can be challenging to deal with, and it is usually best to learn more from professional eldercare experts. This new 9-week Zoom series will focus on important information faculty and staff may need when eldercare is necessary.

Look for this series in 2024!


Healthy Habits for Life 

Practicing and maintaining healthy habits is challenging for many of us. Our lives are busy, and while we usually have the best of intentions, other commitments can get in the way of our lifestyle change efforts or even block them entirely. Thankfully, a variety of best practices exist and have been used to foster health and well-being through healthy habit implementation. This 8-week series will offer a variety of perspectives and suggestions to maximize your ability to integrate healthy habits into your life. Four different speakers, who each have coaching, development and/or counseling backgrounds, will share their expertise with you. Throughout this series, you will learn about the power of mindset, intention, emotional intelligence, and a step-by-step process that will foster healthy habits in your life.

Program TBD for 2024.