Category: Work/Life Balance

The Art of Sharing Your Art

By Synthia Clark

Do you have an artistic hobby you don’t want to keep to yourself anymore? Ever think about selling your artwork? Have you dreamed of seeing your art on the walls of galleries? How well do you handle rejection?

If you’ve thought through any or all of these questions, this blog post might be for you.

My medium is photography. For most of my life, I was pretty selfish regarding my work. There were several reasons for that. The process of taking photographs meant so much to me, not really the outcome of what I captured. Also, the outcome was mine, not something I wanted to explain to others. Finally, and most embarrassing of all, I was simply afraid of rejection.

Luckily, as I got older my conception of everything grew. I learned more about my craft by joining photography groups, taking courses and working for Austin Peay State University’s student newspaper as an undergraduate. I opened myself, and my work, up to criticism (both positive and constructive). And I began to see the benefit of sharing.

In 2013, after about a year of living in Knoxville, I took my next step by entering the photo contest at a local fair. I was extremely surprised and encouraged when I actually placed in a few different categories.

The next year, I entered more contests and joined the Knoxville-Area Photographers Meetup Group. Last year, I joined the Tennessee Artists Association (TAA) and Camera Club of Oak Ridge (CCOR). Through TAA, I took the leap into art shows. Simultaneously, I dove into my own business, The Little Things Photography.

Camera Club of Oak Ridge

My best advice is to become involved. One way is to join interest groups related to your medium. Doing so will provide you with learning opportunities and a network of individuals who have experience. When you feel ready to start applying (whether it’s a contest, show, festival, etc.), start your research early, read thoroughly and don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you get rejected—which will happen at some point—remember all judging is subjective. Rejection isn’t an acceptable excuse to give up. Oh, and consider your schedule because the art world frequently conflicts with standard working hours.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is how different the process is depending on what you’re doing. Contests, juried art shows, festivals/markets—they all have different methods, rules, timelines and outcomes. I’m still trying to figure out where I want to focus my efforts.

The last couple of years have greatly damaged my bank account, reinforced my time management skills, taught me a lot of lessons and made me feel a wide range of emotions.

I’ve endured everything from utter, devastated resignation when I showed up three hours early to set up at a festival, only to immediately break my tent and not make a single sale all day. To absolute, prideful joy when I made my first sale to a complete stranger.

Ultimately, I’m gratified to be putting myself out there and giving all of this a shot. It’s not easy, but it is interesting figuring out what you really want and meeting so many people along the way.

Synthia Clark Synthia Clark Contact  Website
UT Knoxville

Synthia works in the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling at UT Knoxville as an administrative support assistant and acts as webmaster, writer and photographer. She enjoys staying busy with hobbies like photography, travel and music.

Disclaimer
Posts represent the views, expertise and recommendations of their authors and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by the University of Tennessee. Furthermore, the content of the blog is for informational purposes only. The content of the blog is not, and is not intended to be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Meet the Brimers: Spouses Share the Perks and Cons of Working Floors Apart

By John Lacey and Kate and Adam Brimer

Adam and Kate Brimer met while on assignment for the Knoxville News Sentinel. He was the photographer, she was the writer—and it ended up being a pretty good collaboration, if they do say so themselves. After years of working in the communications field, they are now both employees of the University of Tennessee.

They chatted about what it’s like to be married in the workplace, with offices just floors apart.

Q: How have you handled transportation to and from work?

Kate: We are trying our darndest to carpool because we both work in Andy Holt Tower, and so far it has worked! There’s some planning involved—like when one of us has an off-campus meeting or needs to go in early—but it hasn’t been too complicated. Once spring comes around, Adam will probably get back into his routine of biking to work.

Adam: Biking into work is great when the weather is nice. That involves biking to a bus stop near our house in North Knoxville, loading my bike on the rack, riding the bus from there to a stop close to downtown and then biking the rest of the way to the office. It’s a great way to squeeze in a little exercise on both ends of the workday, and the bus ride provides extra downtime to get some reading done for my graduate program.

Carpooling is convenient, but we spend a TON of time together when you think about it. While it provides an opportunity to talk about work, we try to limit those conversations and be more intentional about our time together.

Kate: I think we both miss having time to independently prepare for the day and decompress at day’s end. I typically use my commute to catch up with friends and family, and that’s harder now.

Adam: And I usually sing in the car during my commute, so that’s out the window. It also affects our eating habits during and after work. Kate’s good about packing her lunch (and remembering to bring it), so that holds me more accountable. On the other hand, it’s easier to talk each other into grabbing takeout on the ride home. Maintaining our healthy eating habits is one of the hardest parts.

Q: What’s social interaction like in the workplace?

Adam: It’s funny having co-workers tell us that they just saw our other half, or the fact that they know a bunch of stuff about you and your spouse that they normally wouldn’t.

Kate: This really comes into play for us because I work in Adam’s former office—literally in his cubicle, which is now endearingly referred to as “the Brimer Suite.” Aside from providing some comic relief, having co-workers who know us both has been flattering and fun.

Adam: It’s a lot of fun getting to see Kate during the day. Every now and then, we’ll eat lunch together or take a walk.

Q: There are lots of perks to working at UT—what’s your favorite?

Kate: Access to University libraries, hands down. As a graduate student I studied in Hodges all the time, but I didn’t have much time to read for fun. Now, Adam and I walk over at lunch and check out books from the leisure reading section. Which reminds me, I need to scope out the Pendergrass Leisure Reading Collection.

Adam: Being able to pursue a master’s degree using the UT employee tuition waiver is a huge benefit to me personally and professionally. I’m currently working on my master’s degree in strategic communication through UT Martin. It’s all online and is completed during personal time outside of work hours. It’s already been a great benefit to my job as a communicator at UT. Studying does eat up time that we’d normally be spending together, but we work around it.

Kate: One perk that we’re both looking forward to is having the same holiday/vacation schedule. Or better yet—snow days!

John LaceyJohn Lacey  Contact
UT System Administration

John is a UT graduate and currently works in the UT System Office of Communications and Marketing as a project manager. When he is not enjoying time with his wife and two children, you can find him riding his bike or dreaming up big ideas.

Adam BrimerAdam Brimer Contact
UT System Administration

Adam is a communications coordinator producing photos and videos for the UT System Office of Communications and Marketing. When he’s not at work, he’s probably baking bread, playing music or going for a run.

Kate BrimerKate Brimer Contact
UT Foundation

Kate is the online engagement coordinator for the UT Foundation. When she’s not at work, she’s coordinating her book club or spoiling their black lab.

Disclaimer
Posts represent the views, expertise and recommendations of their authors and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by the University of Tennessee. Furthermore, the content of the blog is for informational purposes only. The content of the blog is not, and is not intended to be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Redefining the Work-Life Balance

By Jonathan Ruth

Most of us are familiar with the phrase “paradigm shift.” A quick search on the Internet returns the following definition, “a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.” For the purposes of this blog, we’ll concentrate on the “underlying assumptions” part.

Work-life balance. We hear that all the time, don’t we? We admire companies and organizations that seem to promote healthy environments in which to work. Most of us don’t mind hard work, but we also appreciate when our managers understand that sometimes we need to remove our noses from the grindstones, as it were, in order to remain emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically healthy.

When we talk about trying to achieve a work-life balance, we need to be aware that there is a very sneaky implication hidden in the term itself; specifically, that work is on the same level of importance as life itself.

Insert paradigm shift here! We need to start questioning our underlying assumptions. We need to redefine what we’re all trying to achieve.

So how do we start to shift the paradigm? We need to change our underlying assumptions and realize that work is simply a part of life, like any other part. Granted, it’s a large part. For most of us, it takes up the better part of 40-plus hours out of the 168 hours we’re given every week. But work isn’t something you do while you hang your life up in the coat closet, and life isn’t what you do when you’re off the clock.

Work is a part of life.

Family is a part of life.

Rest is a part of life.

Exercise is a part of life.

Community is a part of life.

Laughter is a part of life.

Hobbies are a part of life.

Recreation is a part of life.

What we all need to be striving for is life balance, not work-life balance!

What’s the best way to go about achieving a better life balance? Great question! There are a lot of tools and steps you can take, but here’s one exercise that could be beneficial. Write down any or all of the following words that represent different areas of your life (add your own if you think of others that apply):

  • Work/Career
  • Community (Family, Friends, etc.)
  • Personal Finances
  • Intimate Relationship (Spouse, Significant Other, etc.)
  • Health
  • Personal and/or Spiritual Development
  • Fun (Social Events, Hobbies, etc.)

For each aspect of your life, rate your satisfaction on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is completely dissatisfied and 10 is completely satisfied. Give yourself the time to undergo an honest assessment. Ask yourself hard questions, if needed. Seek feedback from those that know you well. The results may surprise you.

Once you’ve rated each area, take steps to improve the areas that need the most work. Breaking down changes into small steps helps position us for success. It’s also important to find an accountability partner. We need others around us to encourage and challenge us to be our best as we make changes, especially when our desire wanes.

Focusing on the whole of our lives, not just one aspect, provides a fresh perspective. It could be that career is a low number for you when you go through the exercise. If that’s the case, it may be time for some changes. Oftentimes, however, unhappiness in one area of our lives can feed into others. It might just be that your attitude about work improves after you develop better relationships with your friends.

When we realize that work is a part of life – not something that puts life on hold – then we start to bring the balance into focus. This benefits employers, too. After all, a well-balanced employee is typically a happier, more productive one!

Jonathan RuthJonathan Ruth   Contact   Website
UT System Administration

Jonathan is a two-time UT graduate and currently works in the IRIS Administrative Support department. He’s also a life coach and has a passion for helping others. He loves spending time with family and friends and is certain he played on the PGA Tour in another life.

Disclaimer
Posts represent the views, expertise and recommendations of their authors and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by the University of Tennessee. Furthermore, the content of the blog is for informational purposes only. The content of the blog is not, and is not intended to be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

5 Fantastic Children’s Books

By John Lacey

So here we are—right smack in the middle of the holiday season.

It’s time to polish off the Halloween candy and start the jean squats to get that perfect fit. It’s also the time to be thinking about gift ideas for the kids. Yikes! More toys in the house? More toys = more clean up. But take heart. There is one gift that is relatively clutter-proof and can make you feel like a responsible parent, aunt, uncle, half-cousin third removed from your mother’s side: books!

You can never have too many books (you didn’t hear that from me). Especially children’s literature.

Every year, my wife and I pick out several new books to give our kids. And when the shiny exciting toys lose their sparkle, the books will be there, steadfast and ready to entertain and enlighten.

So, I thought I would share a few of our all-time favorites that get read again and again in our home.

Doctor De Soto By William Steig
Recommended ages: 3 to 7

Doctor De SotoDr. De Soto is a dentist mouse who treats animals of all species regardless of size. However, he prefers not working on dangerous animals that eat mice. But that’s exactly what ends up happening when a cunning fox shows up at his doorstep.

We listened to this book on a few vacation trips. The kids asked to play it repeatedly, and we were happy to oblige. Audio books can be a nice alternative to movies, which do not require the children to use their imagination.

Fidgety Fish By Ruth Galloway
Recommended ages: 2 to 5

Fidgety FishTiddler the fish is always fidgeting and drives his mother bananas! She orders him to go out and swim around to burn off some energy. So Tiddler heads out and meets all kinds of sea creatures and even gets into a tight spot.

This book is just a fun read. If your child is learning how to read, this book might be a great one to help boost her/his confidence. We read Fidgety Fish so much that the pages have fallen out, and we need to buy a new one!

The Circus Ship By Chris Van Dusen
Recommended ages: 3 to 6

The Circus ShipThis is one of best illustrated books that I have come across. It’s a tale of circus animals stranded on an island where they meet the local townspeople who are immediately suspicious of them. Eventually the animals win over the people and share the island in harmony.

My daughter loves the page where she has to find all the animals who are hiding from the unpleasant circus master.

 

Ponyella By Laura Numeroff
Recommended ages: 2 to 5

PonyellaPonyella is a reworking of the classic Cinderella story set on a pony farm. Ponyella is picked on by her two stablemates and is forced to do all the chores, like pulling the coal wagon. But redemption comes in the form of a fairy godmare, and all that is wrong changes.

It is such a cute story, and little girls who love ponies and horses will be enthralled, as my daughter was with this book.

 

My Father’s Dragon By Ruth Stiles Gannett
Recommended ages: 4 to 9

My Father's DragonIn this short chapter book, Elmer Elevator is a boy who sets off to rescue a baby dragon being held prisoner on the scary Wild Island. Elmer uses his cunning to outsmart all the fierce creatures and eventually saves the dragon.

Though this is a chapter book, it is short enough to read in a few nights. This books is fantastic at helping kids develop their imaginations, and both my kids absolutely love it!

 

BONUS PICK (Warning, this is completely self-serving)

Smokey Tails By John Lacey

Smokey TailsFor those of you who love seeing Smokey overcome obstacles and outwit his SEC foes, I think you’ll enjoy this book by…me!

Smokey Tails is a southern folklore children’s adventure story about UT’s beloved mascot.

You and your child will enjoy reading about Smokey learning from his grandhound, General Gnawbone, and outdoging rivals, such as the big red elephant Ellie Bamie and the devious gator, Mr. Chomper.

A perfect gift for any young Vol fan.

John LaceyJohn Lacey  Contact
UT System Administration

John is a UT graduate and currently works in the UT System Office of Communications and Marketing as a project manager. When he is not enjoying time with his wife and two children, you can find him riding his bike or dreaming up big ideas.

Disclaimer
Posts represent the views, expertise and recommendations of their authors and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by the University of Tennessee. Furthermore, the content of the blog is for informational purposes only. The content of the blog is not, and is not intended to be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What I Learned from My Grandmother’s Battle with Cancer

By Renata Gillispie

Cancer. When I heard the word a few years ago and when I hear it now, it makes me uneasy.

I used to equate cancer with immediate death, but I now know that having cancer doesn’t always mean you will die or will die quickly.

My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2009. We were devastated when we received the news. The cancer had metastasized to other parts of her body, and her doctors believed she had only months to live. They were ready to give up on her.

Evelyn V. Matthews
My grandmother, Evelyn V. Matthews

There were experimental treatments and drugs to try, but her prognosis wasn’t good.

We opted to try whatever treatments the doctors could do to prolong her life, and my grandmother agreed. She wanted to live.

As my family came to grips with this new reality, my grandmother remained calm.

It was difficult for us to see the drastic physical change in her and watch her lose her ability to do many things for herself. But she always had a smile for everybody. She was always concerned about her family and didn’t want us to worry.

I learned a great deal from my grandmother over the years, but I think I learned the most as she went through her battle with cancer.

We lost her in June 2015, but the amount of time that she lived after her diagnosis was a miracle.

Even throughout her treatments, the doctors were surprised at how quickly she would bounce back each time. She fought through the ups and downs of cancer for almost six years. She was the strongest and most resilient woman I’ve known. She made a huge impact on my life and the lives of many others in her 81 years.

Some of the very important life lessons I learned from my grandmother include:

  1. Always maintain a positive attitude. I don’t think my grandmother would have survived as long as she did after her diagnosis if she had not had the correct mindset. Starting the day off with positive thinking sets the tone for the whole day.
  1. Surround yourself with the things and people you love. My grandmother wanted to be around her family as much as she could, and she enjoyed our company greatly. She hated to see us go. She didn’t like to say goodbye—she preferred to say, “See you later.” She also enjoyed watching soap operas, movies on Lifetime TV, praying and reading her Bible. These were just a few of her favorite things.
  1. Live life to the fullest every single day. Enjoy the simple things, such as nature. When you’re healthy and busy, you don’t take time to stop and smell the roses. When faced with a major health issue, you will see life from a different perspective. Things that used to matter will no longer be a priority. My grandmother enjoyed sitting on her front porch in the early mornings and attending church when she was able.
  1. Help others in the areas where you need help. For example, my grandmother reached out to others who were ill or who just needed some encouragement. She would make a phone call or send food. Not only was she helping others, but she was also helping herself. The reward and satisfaction you get from helping others in need makes you forget about your own struggles.

Renata Gillispie Renata Gillispie Contact
UT Health Science Center

Renata is a coordinator in the College of Graduate Health Sciences at the UT Health Science Center. She enjoys attending church, family, traveling, reading and writing. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing and her master’s degree in leadership from the University of Memphis.

Disclaimer
Posts represent the views, expertise and recommendations of their authors and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by the University of Tennessee. Furthermore, the content of the blog is for informational purposes only. The content of the blog is not, and is not intended to be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Raising Healthy Eaters: 6 Tips and Recipe Resources

By Melissa Powell

Confusion about child nutrition begins early, and conversations about breastfeeding and organic milk can be as polarizing as vaccines and spanking.

As a registered dietitian, former lactation consultant and employee of the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program, and the mother of a 5-year-old picky eater—encouraging and empowering young parents to raise healthy children is one of my greatest privileges.

The vast majority of parents want nothing more than to provide nutritious meals for their children, yet the cards seem stacked against us as Americans.

The standard American diet makes calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods and beverages far more accessible and cost-efficient than whole foods (Grotto & Zied, 2010). And, for those of us living in the southeast, the challenges are even greater.

In fact, a college friend moving from California to Mississippi was warned by her pediatrician about the poor food quality and obesity rates in this region.

Thankfully, the solution to the problem isn’t complicated—whole, fresh, real foods.

My knowledge as a dietitian has influenced my parenting in lots of ways, and I’ve listed a few here in hopes you find them helpful:

Tip 1: Take advantage of your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity. Garden, shop and cook with them. Even let them make some decisions when it comes to the menu. I keep plastic dishes, cheap herbs/spices and boiled eggs in the kitchen so my son can create dishes of his own or peel the egg, while I cook dinner.

Tip 2: Everyone in the family should enjoy the same meal. Try not to accommodate pickiness. Offer one new food at a time and offer new foods with foods you know your child will eat. Last night we had lentil soup—a new food for my son. In addition to the soup, I gave him some easy side options that I knew he would enjoy, like applesauce and bread.

Tip 3: Children should try all foods offered, but should not be forced to clean their plate. The rule at our house is you must try a bite of everything. Right now the 5-year-old eats five bites. That’s one bite for every year. My husband is really good about asking him to tell us which food he likes most and why he doesn’t like something else. This seems to help us focus on learning about different foods, rather than focusing on my son’s picky eating.

Tip 4: Only purchase foods that you want your child(ren) to eat. If you don’t spend your money on it, it won’t be in the house and your family won’t be tempted. I find I worry less about what my child eats outside the home when I provide whole, fresh foods at home.

Tip 5: Teach children to listen to their bodies. No one else will teach your child about moderation. It’s up to you. If my son says he’s hungry, I offer fruits or vegetables. If that doesn’t appeal to him, then he must not be too hungry and can wait until the next meal. If he over indulges at a birthday party and complains about a belly ache, we talk about the links between the food we eat and how we feel, without shaming or policing him. We trick-or-treat, but we don’t keep the candy in our house from Halloween through Valentine’s Day. Once a holiday is over, the candy goes away. I know the time is quickly approaching when he will be making his own food choices, so I want to give him the tools he needs to make healthy decisions.

Tip 6: Teach traditions and manners. Meals should be peaceful and enjoyable for every member of the family. Our family tradition is to light a candle and read a devotion. We love Thoughts that Make Your Heart Sing at our house. I find this calms my son and signals a change in his activity level. He has grown to love this time each night. If someone is misbehaving at the table, they are asked to leave, then welcomed back when behavior improves. We eat as if my grandmother was at the table with us, where fun and laughter reign but manners are a must. Stay seated, napkin in your lap, inside voice, no phones/TV, etc. Because we practice this at home, eating out or at someone else’s house is no problem.

I’ll also share some resources for recipes and other ways of focusing on healthy eating habits for the whole family:

References
Grotto, D., & Zied, E. (2010). The standard American diet and its relationship to the health status of Americans. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 25(6), 603-612.

Melissa Powell and FamilyMelissa Powell Contact
UT Chattanooga

Melissa is a registered dietitian and dietetics lecturer in the Health and Human Performance Department at UT Chattanooga.  She and her husband, Chris, are the proud parents of a playful son, Craig. She enjoys time with her church family, taming her lab mutts–Mabel and Moses—wine with neighbors and traveling south for a beach vacation or visit with her nieces. Her favorite subjects are faith, food, farming, family, friends and football. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Samford University and a master’s degree in health education from UT Chattanooga.

Disclaimer
Posts represent the views, expertise and recommendations of their authors and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by the University of Tennessee. Furthermore, the content of the blog is for informational purposes only. The content of the blog is not, and is not intended to be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Enjoy the Magic of Fall

By Synthia Clark

Fall is magical. I look forward to the crisp air, beautiful colors and leaves falling all around—creating a nuisance for some adults and an opportunity of fun for children.

Some of us are lucky to live where we can get the full experience of the season.

The autumn months signal the beginning of many holidays. I take full advantage of the local festivals and the opportunity to take great photographs.

All photos taken by Synthia at Ijam’s Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee

It’s the perfect time to capture interesting scenes in nature like the unique colors and fun textures. Yes, the colors are the result of a scientific process, but that doesn’t make it any less magical. Plus, not as many bugs are on the attack.

Fall foliage is a beautiful passing with promises of an even greater beginning. So, get out there and experience the magic!

Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the season:

Synthia Clark Synthia Clark Contact  Website
UT Knoxville

Synthia works in the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling at UT Knoxville as an administrative support assistant and acts as webmaster, writer and photographer. She enjoys staying busy with hobbies like photography, travel and music.

Disclaimer
Posts represent the views, expertise and recommendations of their authors and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by the University of Tennessee. Furthermore, the content of the blog is for informational purposes only. The content of the blog is not, and is not intended to be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

“Mama! Daddy’s staring at the box of pasta again!”

By Darren Hughes

Wren came out of the womb screaming and didn’t let up for four months. That’s how long it took us to identify most of the allergies that were making our daughter feel so miserable.

Figuring it out has been a long and frustrating process involving a lot of research, doctor visits and trial and error. Now, two and a half years later, we think we’ve finally found the culprit—gluten.

I know. Believe me, I know. There is nothing more mind-numbing than hearing someone talk about food allergies, especially gluten, which is trendier than cat pics.

I was a skeptic myself. But Wren’s diagnosis—gluten sensitivity rather than Celiac disease, fortunately—was confirmed by a biopsy and the night-and-day difference we’ve seen since eliminating gluten from her diet.

We also learned that gluten sensitivity is often an inherited trait, so as an experiment, I cut it from my own diet, and, sure enough, I feel a whole lot better, too.

But this post is not about gluten. It’s about what happened when relatively late in life (I’m 43), I was forced to start reading—and I mean really reading—food labels.

Groceries became more expensive.
I’m a child of the ‘70s, raised on bologna, Kraft cheese slices, Pop Tarts and Hostess cupcakes. Honestly, that stuff is still comfort food to me. And here’s the frustrating part: pre-packaged offerings like that are relatively inexpensive calories, especially compared to fresh produce. But I now have to avoid those aisles completely. We’ve gone so far as to subscribe to a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program (Fresh from the Farm) that, for $30, delivers a big box of fruit and vegetables every Wednesday. The kids now look forward to digging through it each week.

Wren (left) and Rory checking out the fresh produce.
Wren (left) and Rory checking out the fresh produce.

But there are fewer restaurant bills.
My wife and I were married for 14 years before we became parents, and eating out was an almost daily part of our lives. When Wren’s older sister, Rory, came along, we just bundled her up and carried her with us to restaurants. Now, we cook most of our meals at home, and instead of having long conversations over prepared dinners, Joanna and I spend time together in the kitchen every evening, sharing cooking responsibilities. On balance, we’re spending about the same amount on food every month; it’s just being distributed differently. And we’re washing a lot more dishes, which, frankly, is a drag.

The entire family benefits.
Our dietary changes were provoked by Wren’s health issues, but we’re all benefiting from them. Rory recently had her pre-kindergarten check-up, and her pediatrician was shocked by her low cholesterol numbers. (Apparently cholesterol is a growing problem among American 5-year-olds!) This was music to my ears, as I’ve passed onto both my daughters a strong genetic predisposition for heart disease and diabetes.

I’m losing weight.
Apparently eating fruit, vegetables, nuts and beans instead of sandwiches, pasta, donuts, pizza and fried food really does lead to weight loss. Who knew? I’m now the same weight I was in college 20 years ago, for whatever that’s worth. I’m also sleeping better and feel less anxious.

The Hughes FamilyDarren Hughes  Contact
UT Foundation

Darren lives on a small farm with his wife, two daughters, a couple horses and a whole mess of cats. He’s not sure how that happened, to be honest. When he’s not pulling weeds or mowing, he’s attending film festivals, listening to music or cooking. Darren has had nine job titles and 13 different offices during his 17 years at UT. He currently serves as director of online engagement.

Disclaimer
Posts represent the views, expertise and recommendations of their authors and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by the University of Tennessee. Furthermore, the content of the blog is for informational purposes only. The content of the blog is not, and is not intended to be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Summer Reading: 9 Lessons for a Longer Life

By Melissa Powell

This summer marks a crossroads for my family.

After five years of divinity school and ordination exams, my husband is handing off the academic baton in August to our son, who is starting kindergarten, and me, as I begin work on my doctorate.

As a result, we’re embracing all things summer, especially reading.

I am putting down textbooks, professional journals and student assignments and instead picking up Dr. Seuss, Southern Living magazine and that reading wish list that all teachers have tucked away, collecting dust.

“The Blue Zones, Second Edition: 9 Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest” by Dan BuettnerMy first pick was a throwback to a 2012 bestseller, “The Blue Zones, Second Edition: 9 Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest” by Dan Buettner.

As a dietitian, I often ask myself what normal people are reading about health and nutrition. If you’re looking for a good book, I hope you will consider this title.

Many health-related books leave us feeling guilty, overwhelmed, or worse, lied to. Alternatively, this book made me feel as though I was traveling the globe, making new friends and, in general, hopeful about my health.

Buettner, a longevity expert and National Geographic Fellow, travels the world researching blue zones–communities with exceptionally high numbers of residents who are 100 or more years old.

In one chapter, he asks Okinawan, Japan native, Kamada, her secrete to living to the age of 102.

“Eat your vegetables, have a positive outlook, be kind to people and smile,” Kamada replied.

Buettner’s book allows us to glean from a few of our oldest “fathers and mothers” on the planet about food, activity and social habits that may be key to a full and healthy life. Similarly, Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long…”

“The Blue Zones” will encourage you to make the environment around you more healthful. And, while there is a focus on your plate and activity, it also will gently challenge you to consider how your attitude, the company you keep and even faith may affect your overall health, well-being and chances for longevity.

Melissa Powell and FamilyMelissa Powell Contact
UT Chattanooga

Melissa is a registered dietitian and dietetics lecturer in the Health and Human Performance Department at UT Chattanooga.  She and her husband, Chris, are the proud parents of a playful son, Craig. She enjoys time with her church family, taming her lab mutts–Mabel and Moses—wine with neighbors and traveling south for a beach vacation or visit with her nieces. Her favorite subjects are faith, food, farming, family, friends and football. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Samford University and a master’s degree in health education from UT Chattanooga.

Disclaimer
Posts represent the views, expertise and recommendations of their authors and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by the University of Tennessee. Furthermore, the content of the blog is for informational purposes only. The content of the blog is not, and is not intended to be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Photographing the Little Things

By Synthia Clark

It’s the little things that drive my passion for photography. Things easily missed in our everyday lives, usually receiving little to no thought.

Seeing these overlooked intricacies through my camera lens, my perspective changes. As I slow down and focus, my imagination comes to life.

When photographing tools or gadgets, I wonder how they were used and where they came from. I think about what they have been able to create. I imagine the individuals who have used them, sometimes giving them rich back stories.

In nature, I’m amazed watching plants and insects interact within their ecosystem. I wonder how little bugs got to where they are, where they go and what they do with their days.

It all makes my childhood wonder return along with lessons from Disney songs like “The Circle of Life” and “Colors of the Wind.”

My photos are of little things—intricate, tiny scenes—captured through a camera lens. Photography broadens my perspective. It reminds me to appreciate and live life to the fullest.

So, make time to photograph and appreciate the little things because they add up.

Synthia Clark Synthia Clark Contact  Website
UT Knoxville

Synthia works in the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling at UT Knoxville as an administrative support assistant and acts as webmaster, writer and photographer. She enjoys staying busy with hobbies like photography, travel and music.

Disclaimer
Posts represent the views, expertise and recommendations of their authors and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by the University of Tennessee. Furthermore, the content of the blog is for informational purposes only. The content of the blog is not, and is not intended to be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.