DU / 2023 FALL / COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Advocating For Yourself or A Loved One in Assisted Living or A Nursing Home

HEWE 1005

Wednesday

Dates: 10/4 to 11/8 (no class 11/1) (5 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Diane Carter

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: Central

Most people do not like to consider the possibility that they or a loved one may need to live in assisted living or a nursing home for some period in their life. Because most people hate to believe this could happen, these decisions are often delayed until they must be made under urgent or emergency circumstances. There is no substitute for knowledge and understanding of these environments before you, or a loved one, is looking at a difficult decision, especially when you, or the loved one, may be living in this facility for some period of time. In addition, these decisions are often made murky by the marketing for these organizations. The brochures would have you believe that you, or your loved one, is moving into a resort with first class amenities. They use terms like “The Suites at Belleview Place” and market granite counter tops and laminate floors. Yet these amenities do not address the care issues you will rely on when you, or a loved one, has moved into a facility. These issues include education of professional staff in clinical nursing with expert leadership and management skills. Also, having enough care givers to provide excellent and timely care is crucial. This is why evaluation of the care before you move in is of utmost importance. This class will teach you how to select a facility, what to evaluate about care before the move, and how to work with staff after admission to ensure excellent care.

Ancient Healing Traditions: The Art and Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine

HEWE 1006

Monday

Dates: 10/16 to 11/6 (4 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Joseph Brady, Master Facilitator

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Experience for yourself the accumulated wisdom of centuries with the timeless exercise of T’ai Chi. According to the Harvard Medical Health Publication “Tai chi is often described as meditation in motion, but it might well be called medication in motion”. Designed to be a hands-on learning experience, this class will explore the principles and basic exercises in T’ai chi and the growing body of evidence of its value in treating or preventing many health problems. This introduction to T’ai Chi Ch’uan is both practical and participative. The course introduces you to the basics of T’ai Chi Ch’uan, the skills and principles involved. These exercises can be a powerful complement to medical intervention. Modern studies have reported positive effects of Tai Chi on balance and falls reduction, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, COPD, heart disease, depression and even schizophrenia. Many more studies are underway to explore the medical benefits of this mind/body exercise. Topics for discussion will include the global health care implications of Tai Chi as well as applications in daily life.

An Exploration of Integrative and Holistic Medicine

HEWE 1002

Wednesday

Dates: 9/20 to 10/11 (4 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Joseph Brady, Master Facilitator

Location: 1st Universalist

Class Limit: 20 participants

Sponsoring Site: Central

Welcome to this thought-provoking course that delves into the diverse pathways to a healthy lifestyle. Just as there are countless routes to the summit of Mount Tai, individuals possess unique needs and preferences when it comes to wellness. This lecture series aims to investigate evidence-based choices for a healthy lifestyle and guide participants in incorporating these practices into their own personalized “elixir of 100 ingredients, harmoniously compounded.” As part of the esteemed Oxford study lectures, this course contributes to a long-term research initiative in integrative medicine and lifelong learning. Students have the opportunity to engage in significant research alongside prominent institutions, including the University of Denver’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, the Oxford International Round Table, Harris Manchester College at the University of

Oxford, and Harvard Medical School’s Osher Institute on Integrative Medicine. Through these enlightening lectures, students will be introduced to the latest research findings from the University of Denver’s OLLI. These insights have the potential to shape the future directions of lifelong learning and integrative medicine, not only within OLLI but also globally.

Demystifying Menopause

HEWE 1007

Tuesday

Dates: 10/17 to 11/7 (4 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Gretchen Frey

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

This course will explore the phenomenon of menopause: its basis in physiology, its historic and cultural significance, and the personal experience of the menopausal transition and the years beyond. We will cover long-term health consequences of menopause, impact on sexual expression, and the many options for treatment and symptom relief, including hormone therapy. There will be opportunities to share personal stories, as well as ample time for questions. Resources will be offered for further exploration of the topic and for support in the experience.