Wellness 2021: UTSW community commits to health on and off the job

Published on: February 05, 2021 By: Staff Reports

Woman doing yoga in room surrounded by plants — "During the pandemic, I have focused on nurturing and nourishing. Through plants, I created a nurturing environment where I can enjoy movement and be filled with peace. The opportunity to nourish my green babies has taught me the importance of nourishing my own body, soul, and mind. Just like plants, we all need water, vitamins, and sunshine," said Macie Lieberman, Anesthesiology and Pain Management.

Members of the UT Southwestern community showed us how they are cultivating wellness in 2021. While many turned to the great outdoors or their four-legged friends for a wellness boost, others found joy while breaking a sweat or filling their stomachs with nutritious meals.

Flip through the gallery below for a look at some of the ways people are making their health a priority this year.

Select an image to begin the slideshow.

Dr. Jaclyn Albin, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, and her daughter pose for a selfie just before a weekend bike ride.

Ann Cuddy, Transplant Coordinator for Solid Organ Transplant, practices yoga with the help of her cat, Max.

Deleatha Foster, Transplant Coordinator for Solid Organ Transplant, poses while exercising in her neighborhood. She uses a fitness app to measure her progress and is focused on getting stronger and faster in 2021.

At left, Antoinette Gonzales, Clinical Research Education Manager for the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, takes a picture of the road and her shadow while hiking in Daingerfield State Park. At right, Ms. Gonzales poses while kayaking at Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway.

MaryAnn Griffin, Institutional Compliance, poses while out for a socially-distanced walk.

Keysha Hale, Enrollment Services, poses in her home before heading out for an afternoon walk and some jump rope exercises.

“I am a morning person so I work out during the week at 4:45 a.m. in my ‘gym’ (bedroom with all the stuff I need). I find it keeps me centered and staves off any anxiety I may be experiencing,” said Terri Brown Lamb, Spine Center.

“Quarantine has afforded me the most wonderful gift of exploring the outdoors. It has been incredibly therapeutic and vital to my self-care routines, as being in nature became a sort of meditation and rest for my mind. I am grateful to be attending college at UT Dallas, which has a sprawling campus, and a park close by. I always went out in midevenings to avoid excessive heat, allowing me to catch gorgeous views of beginning sunsets,” said Joy Li, a Neuroradiology Research Assistant.<br />At the bottom, Ms. Li shows off her joy for cooking. “Cooking has never been my strong suit, but quarantine certainly gave me a shove towards learning more culinary skills,” she said. “Cooking is extremely soothing. The use of my hands, patience, and the satisfaction of creation culminates into a therapeutic moment with the reward of a great tasting meal. I look forward to exploring more recipes as 2021 progresses.”

“Hiking at Turner Falls is healing for the soul, providing much needed beauty and restoration. Exploring waterfalls, castles, and caves make a perfect day trip to recharge in a COVID-friendly way,” said Laura McCarthy, Inpatient Rehabilitation.

At left, Jasmine Paden, Animal Resource Center, exercises in her home to help melt away any stress from the week. At right, she says reading and meditating are key activities to maintaining her health and wellness.

“The secret of my healthy life during quarantine is spending time with my dog, Coco. She makes me move more, and spending time in the dog park is a blessing. I walk while she plays with her friends. It makes both of us happy and healthy; it is one of the best things I am doing during the quarantine. She’s such a great companion,” said Neha Sinha, Bioinformatics.

Dr. Joel Wells, Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, poses with his personal protective equipment on – a vital way of staying healthy during a pandemic.