Women on Wellness Retreat

August 18, 2007

Fairmont, Marion County

Women on Wellness (WOW) was an inspiring and fun-filled, one day retreat that nourished the mind, body and soul.  The 2007 retreat was located at the idyllic Heston Farm in Marion County. Women on Wellness enables you to take responsibility for your overall wellness and motivates you to action as you move towards a viable health maintenance plan for life… and a life maintenance plan for health!

Sponsored by West Virginia University’s Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, the WOW retreat introduced participants to a variety of resources and options that helped develop an individual change plan that matched participants preferences and needs.  Participants learned strategies for changing the unconstructive ways they felt and thoutht about themselves and learned ways to identify thoughts and behaviors that kept their health and life potential locked away. At the end of the day participants had a personalized wellness program that they designed to work for their needs. 

Scheduled presenters included: 

• Dr. Julie Smith, Co-Founder of CLG Inc. and LifePath, LLC and author of the “It” Happens program.
• Ann Chester, PhD, Deputy Director of WVU’s Center of Excellence in Women’s Health
• Kimberly Williams of Inner Life Yoga Studios
• Linda Carson of WVU’s “Dance, Dance Revolution”
• Representatives from Betty Puskar Breast Care Center
• Representatives from WVU’s Women’s Stroke Clinic & Cardiology Department
• Stephanie Carlson from BirdSong Massage Therapy
• Representatives from Mary Kay Cosmetics

The day will started with registration and a light-fare breakfast. Dr. Julie Smith lead the starting “Center Yourself” session that helped participants understand the science behind the Women on Wellness program.  Participants were not sitting for long because the next session was designed to get everyone up and moving!  With activities for every skill set, participants used this opportunity to learn more about activities to get them moving and staying healthy.  Lunch was filled with nutritious food and important information regarding nutrition.  Dr. Julie Smith was back after lunch to continue to guide participants on their change journey in the Personal Roadmap session.  Afterwards participants returned to more of the “buffet” style selection of activities.  From Massage Therapy to Yoga sessions, there were activities for everyone to try out.  One final get-together to complete you Healthy Lifestyle Action Plan and then it is time to head home – energized and excited!

See Pictures from Past Retreats