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Friday, June 2 at Embassy Suites

This year, our conference offers the insights and resources you need to approach life—and health—mindfully.  

A mindful approach unblocks challenges around weight, aging, sleep and even public health issues. It also re-energizes motivation for physical activity, participating in the arts and more. Sign up to attend and select four sessions of your choice on these topics led by our University of Kentucky faculty, researchers and staff.  

Event registration is closed.

 

Agenda

8 to 8:45 a.m. - Registrant check-in and light breakfast

9 to 9:50 a.m. - Keynote presentation
Mindful Living for Resilience and Compassion
Presented by Dr. John Patterson MD, MSPH, FAAFP, Associate Professor in the University of Kentucky’s Department of Family and Community Medicine and Owner of Mind Body Studio in Lexington, KY
Mindfulness, meditation and yoga are now being used widely by children, teens and adults in schools, businesses, hospitals, sports, military, and all across society. Modern research into these ancient contemplative practices shows many benefits for health—on physical, mental, emotional, social and environmental levels. All are invited to participate in a gentle, self-care experience including movement, mindfulness, meditation and dialogue (no prior experience necessary).

Morning Sessions

Balanced Eating, Balanced Weight
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the ever-increasing amount of fad diets—or trying to lose weight for good? This talk explores the challenges of eating right in today’s culture, and solutions to feeling good about eating habits. Discover how rejecting the diet mentality can help us approach our daily food choices intuitively. Presented by: Teresa Lee, RD, LD, MS

Navigating Health Changes as We Grow Older
It’s no secret that as we age, the state of our health naturally changes. But it’s challenging to move from being aware of this fact of life to embracing and engaging with these changes. We’ll highlight the importance of staying present and getting involved in activities to maintain your health in everyday life. Presented by:
Megan Jaspersen, MS, Health and Wellness Program Facilitator at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute
Lindsey Catherine Mullis, MS, Health and Wellness Coordinator at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute

Get Smart About Antibiotics
Did you know antibiotics losing their effectiveness is one of the world’s most pressing public health concerns? The good news is we can all play a role in ensuring we have these life-saving medicines for future generations to come. Learn how you can participate in what healthcare professionals are calling “antibiotic stewardship”. Presented by: Katie Wallace, PharmD, BCPS, Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist for University of Kentucky HealthCare

12 to 1 p.m. - Lunch

1:15 to 2 p.m. - Physical activity 
(optional)
Walk on the Legacy Trail or a NIA class with Jackie Hanson - Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) is a fusion fitness class that combines martial arts, dance, healing arts and more.
Wear or bring comfortable clothes and shoes.

Afternoon Sessions

There’s No Place Like Home for Creative Arts Therapy
Does your self-care routine need a boost? Join us for an experiential presentation on art and music therapy where you’ll learn therapeutic techniques used in healthcare settings for your own relaxation, self-discovery and creative expression. Resource bags will be provided to help attendees get started with their new routine! Presented by:
Jason Akhtarekhavari, Arts in HealthCare Specialist and Art Preparator for the University of Kentucky’s Arts in HealthCare Program
Jennifer Peyton, MM, MT-BC, Music Therapist at the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center and Eastern State Hospital
Fran Belvin, Licensed Professional Art Therapist at the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center and Eastern State Hospital

Making Physical Activity Work for You
Get Moving Kentucky! is a physical activity program that encourages all Kentuckians to increase the amount of exercise they participate in daily. Consider this a starting point for connecting in and gaining clarity on how you could integrate more movement into your life, in a way that truly adds value for you—socially, physically, and/or personally. Presented by:
Natalie Jones, MPH, Program Coordinator for Physical Activity in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Office
Nicole Peritore, PhD, Senior Extension Specialist in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Office

How to Beat the Alarm Clock and Feel Refreshed
More than half of Americans use an alarm clock to wake up, which means we’re living against our own internal timing systems. Called a circadian system, this informs when we feel tired, hungry and all processes in the body. Because not being in tune with your own circadian system is linked with health problems, this presentation shares strategies for living in sync with your internal clock. Presented by: Julie Pendergast, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biology in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Kentucky

3 to 3:30 p.m. - Snack break

4:20 to 4:30 - Door prize drawings