Lunch-N-Learn Archive

March 2025

Simplified Nutrition: Small Habits That Have a Lasting Impact
Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Ruby Bledsoe presented on how simple, sustainable habits can create a long-lasting impact on our health. She reviewed changes that can be made in our everyday routines, such as hydration, meal-prep, and health-conscious alternatives.  

Presenter: Ruby Bledsoe, Community Health Intern, K-State Research and Extension Douglas County

February 2025

Refresh and Renew: The Essential Guide to Scheduling Your Vacation Days
Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Gail Tiemann helped participants create a practical plan for scheduling their vacation days. She taught taught strategies to overcoming common obstacles and discovering the benefits of regular breaks for employee wellbeing.

Presenter: Gail Tiemann, PhD, Wellness Coordinator, University of Kansas, Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing

January 2025

Move Better, Feel Better: The Power of Movement Breaks for Mobility and Tension Relief
Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Dr. Jeric Toney demonstrated movement breaks to improve posture, reduce tension, and relieve minor aches and pains.

Presenter: Jeric Toney, Doctor of Chiropractic from Lawrence’s Peak Performance Health Center

November 2024

From Workplace to Place
Wednesday, November 20, 2024

In this presentation, we will explore the essential elements that contribute to a positive and productive work environment. Focusing on both formal and informal connections, we will discuss strategies to create engaging and collaborative spaces that foster a sense of community and well-being. Join us to learn practical ideas and insights on transforming workspaces into places where people thrive.

Presenter: Bonnie Johnson, FAICP,Director & Professor in KU's Urban Planning Program within the School of Public Affairs and Administration

October 2024

Learning & Development Resources and Opportunities
Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Have you ever wondered about all of the professional development offerings provided at KU? In this informative session, members of the Learning & Development HR team will share the services and opportunities they have available for KU employees and departments, including Compassionate Communication, Project Leader Certification, Aspiring Leaders, Staff Fellows, and many more. Come hear what trainings and workshops are right for you.

Presenters:
Kathleen Ames-Stratton, Director of Learning and Development
Stephanie Hull, Senior Trainer
Amber Eshelman, Functional System Analyst Sr
Crystal Dippre, Organizational Design Analyst

September 2024

Navigating the Nexus of Technology, Mental Health and Social Withdrawal
Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Dr. Gregory Thomas’s recently released essay critically evaluates tech innovations – AI, VR, Gaming, Robotics, etc. - as escape mechanisms for social anxiety. This recent immersion in technology both contributes to Social Withdrawal Syndrome and provides innovative approaches to therapeutic treatment. Dr. Thomas discusses the ethical and societal implications of his research and its possibilities for guiding future technological and policy developments with the aim of enhancing, not hindering, human connection.

Presenter: Gregory Thomas, Director of the Center for Design Research and Professor of Visual Communication Design at the School of Architecture & Design

March 2024

What’s Trending in Weight Management
Wednesday, March 27, 2024

This presentation will review the foundation of energy balance, highlight challenges, and share some of the latest treatment options in weight management and obesity care, including the pros/cons of medications like Ozempic.

Presenter: Steve Herrmann, PhD, FACSM; Director, KU Weight Management Programs; Director, Clinical Weight Management Division, KC-MORE; Research Assistant Professor

February 2024

Domestic Violence 101
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Willow Domestic Violence Center will provide education on the warning signs of domestic/dating violence, how to best support survivors and how to reach out to local and national resources. We will break down the dangers and obstacles inherent in leaving an abusive relationship. The training will also raise awareness of the Willow and the regional services they provide.

Presenter: Heather Muth, Willow Domestic Violence Prevention Specialist

January 2024

Finding Freedom: Using Breath and Body Awareness to Achieve Mental Clarity
Wednesday, January 24, 2024

KU employee, Melinda Ball, began her yoga journey more than 20 years ago while exploring physical activities to help her recover from running injuries. She quickly noticed how yoga postures made her feel deeply connected to her body as well as relieving the pain of past physical trauma. She will guide you through practical breath control with basic physical postures and a short meditation to cultivate a more clear state of mind.

Presenter: Melinda Ball, Certified Yoga Teacher

November 2023

Two Spicy Holiday Treats to Enjoy and Share
Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Join us for this live cooking demonstration as we prepare two warm and spicy treats: Sweet and Spicy Roasted Mixed Nuts and Yogi Tea - a non-dairy, caffeine free warm spiced drink. You can enjoy these at home or package them up and give as gifts. We’ll demonstrate all of the steps and share helpful nutrition information.

Presenters: Hilary Kass and Sofia Diaz, SNAP Ed Nutrition Educators at Douglas County Extension. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides benefits to eligible individuals and families to buy nutritious food.

October 2023

Strengthen Winter Immunity
Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Cold and flu season is back and it's time to adopt some preventative self-care practices to strengthen the body's immune system. Holistic Nutritionist Ashley Combs of the Atma Clinic will share with you tips on how to build up your natural defenses for battling illnesses during these cold weather months.

Presenter: Ashley Combs, Atma Clinic Holistic Nutritionist

September 2023

Self-Care for Desk-Sitters: Easy Breathwork, Stretches & Self-Massage Techniques
Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Stressed at work? Having trouble getting out of the office chair as much as you’d like? Sometimes small efforts of self-care in the moment can be just what we need to find a sense of calm and recharge during the workday. Please join us as we practice some simple stretches, self-massage techniques and breathwork that can be incorporated into our daily desk-sitting routine. Participants are encouraged to have a tennis ball handy if possible.

Presenter: Sandy Beverly, Owner & Yoga Instructor, Bluestem Yoga Studio

March 2023

Financial Wellness
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Your financial wellness has to do with your relationship with money and feeling secure about your financial future. We use this class to understand the different elements that help you meet your financial needs and the steps to move forward. Topics covered include:

• Understanding different stressors
• Setting up savings
• Fix your money mindset

In this class you will have a better understanding of what ingredients in your financial life you need to work on to get yourself heading towards building wealth.

Presenter: Adriane Shands, VP, Learning and Development Manager, Central Bank

February 2023

Growing as a Community: Seed Libraries & CSAs
Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Come learn about Lawrence Public Library’s Seed Library, gardening resources and nature-related events available to you for free at the library. Stay to hear Karen Pendelton talk about Pendelton’s Country Market, a local family farm, and their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. By signing up to receive weekly bags of fresh, locally grown produce, you can eat healthy and support your local community all season long.

Presenters: 
Terese Winters, Information Services Librarian, Lawrence Public Library
Karen Pendelton, Owner, Pendelton’s Country Market

January 2023

Mindfulness Meditation to Manage Your Daily Life Stress
Wednesday, January 18, 2023

This presentation will provide participants an opportunity to learn the principles of mindfulness meditation and its usefulness in managing daily life stressors. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a meditation practice and learn ways to incorporate mindfulness in their daily life to manage their stress and take care of their mental health.

Presenter: Alex Barajas, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Counseling and Psychological Services

November 2022

Reclaiming Your Space
Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Have you ever thought that your house is becoming more of a warehouse than a place to live? Get rid of what's taking up space and give this presentation a try! Francine Jay, said "Your home is a living space, not storage space."

Presenter: Barbara Oldham, Professional Organizer, The Inspired Home by B