PANOLA COLLEGE OFFERS WELLNESS EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY TO EMPLOYEES 

Faculty and staff at Panola College were offered a professional development opportunity to learn about wellness and how to establish a healthy lifestyle.  Approximately 20 employees took advantage of the program offered through the Office of the Dean of Instruction. 

Included in the activities were both physical exercise and classroom presentations about wellness.  Cheri Lambert, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director at Panola, presented a session on the social and cultural implications of wellness.  She provided inventories and quizzes to help the faculty and staff decide just how well they adhered to a wellness lifestyle.   

Later, Tracey Stellato, Women’s Basketball Coach, assisted the participants in assessing their cardiovascular fitness. Karen Chin, Adjunct Nursing Instructor also spoke to the group about the Healing Touch, providing insight into the healing of mind and body through meditation and touch.   Tracey Stellato followed in the next session with more information and hands-on-work in the Fitness Center. 

During the third week, Dr. Barbara Cordell, discussed nutrition and the part it plays in having a healthy lifestyle. Misty Peace also worked with the participants, familiarizing them with exercising for fitness. 

As a culmination of the professional development project, Manfred Gilow, Hospitality Instructor, prepared a healthy meal and discussed cooking for wellness.  Misty Peace finished the final week with another exercise class.   

“Wellness is vital for a healthy and happy life,” said Dr. Lillian Cook, Dean of Instruction.  “Those involved in this program learned life skills that will benefit them well into the future.”

Manfred Gilow, Hospitality Instructor removes freshly baked bread
from oven as he prepares to address the wellness class.