Presented by the F&A Culture and Belonging Committee
In collaboration with University Human Resources and community health partners
About the Series
The Pathways to Preventing and Managing Chronic Diseases at Home and in the Workplace series explored how small, sustainable actions can make a meaningful difference in long-term health. Through three interactive sessions, participants learned from UGA and community health experts about understanding chronic illnesses, building healthy habits, and fostering supportive, wellbeing-centered workplaces.
Each session combined education, personal reflection, and actionable strategies for use both at home and on the job.
Catch up on the sessions below, including highlights, photos, and presentation materials.
Session I: Understanding Chronic Illness
The opening session explored what chronic illness is, how it affects individuals and caregivers, and how workplaces can provide meaningful support.
Guest Speakers
- Dr. Lucy Ingram, Department Head, Health Promotion & Behavior, UGA College of Public Health
- Dr. Krupal Hari, Cardiologist, Piedmont Healthcare
- Baileigh Barnes, Assistant Director of Absence Management, University Human Resources
Session Highlights
Chronic illness is widespread.
Six in ten adults live with at least one chronic disease, many of which can be managed — not cured — through consistent care and healthy routines.
Invisible conditions are real.
Symptoms like fatigue, pain, or brain fog aren’t always visible. Empathy and understanding go a long way in creating a supportive environment.
The impact extends beyond health.
Chronic illness and caregiving affect stress, focus, finances, and work-life balance.
Small steps make a difference.
Regular screenings, balanced nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management all contribute to prevention and wellbeing.
Leaders shape workplace wellness.
Supervisors can model healthy habits, encourage breaks, and work with HR to ensure fair, flexible support.
Know your resources.
UGA offers support through sick and annual leave, FMLA, ADA accommodations, the Shared Sick Leave Pool, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
See photos from Session I: Understanding Chronic Illness
View presentations from Session I: Understanding Chronic Illness
Session II: Building Healthy Habits
The second session focused on how everyday food and lifestyle choices can help prevent and manage chronic disease. Participants learned about anti-inflammatory eating patterns, key nutrients that support long-term health, and practical ways to make small, sustainable changes at home.
Guest Speakers
- Dr. Katherine Ingerson, Associate Director of Nutrition Services, UGA Dining Services
- Mariah McDaniel, MS, RD, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, UGA Dining Services
- Jorge Noriega, CEC, Associate Director for Culinary Services, UGA Dining Services
- Peer Nutrition Educators
Session Highlights
Nutrition plays a powerful role in chronic disease prevention.
Dietary patterns like the Mediterranean and DASH diets support heart, brain, and long-term metabolic health, helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Small, sustainable changes add up.
Simple shifts—adding an extra serving of vegetables, choosing whole grains where they taste good, incorporating fruits into snacks—can create meaningful long-term impact.
Anti-inflammatory eating supports whole-body wellbeing.
Fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and plant-forward meals can help reduce chronic inflammation and support immune health.
Nutrients matter.
Vitamins C, D, and E, plus zinc and selenium, all play a role in lowering inflammation and supporting cognitive and physical function.
Confidence in the kitchen makes healthy choices easier.
Practical cooking tips, basic tools (like a rice cooker or toaster oven), and a few simple recipes help make nutritious meals more accessible.
Food is one part of a larger wellness toolkit.
Alongside nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management all contribute to preventing and managing chronic conditions.
See photos from Session II: Building Healthy Habits
View presentations from Session II: Building Healthy Habits
Session III: Employer Support and Enhancing Healthy Habits
The third and final session in this series explored the four pillars of wellbeing—mental, physical, social, and financial—with a focus on physical activity as it relates to chronic illness prevention. Participants also learned more about available wellbeing resources and the employer’s role in supporting and sustaining healthy habits.
Guest Speaker
- Jessie McGinty, Faculty and Staff Sr. Well-being Program Coordinator, UGA Human Resources
Session Highlights
Movement is a powerful tool in managing chronic illness.
Regular physical activity can help reduce pain and stiffness, improve blood sugar control, strengthen the heart and lungs, support mobility, and slow the progression of certain chronic conditions.
Physical activity supports both physical and mental well-being.
Movement can improve mood, lower stress, enhance sleep quality, boost energy levels, and support cognitive function through increased blood flow and endorphin release. Sunlight and outdoor activity can also help regulate mood and stress responses.
Small movements still matter.
Micro-movements like gentle stretching, short walks, seated exercises, standing breaks, and light yoga can make a meaningful difference, especially when managing fatigue, pain, or low motivation.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to movement.
Participants were encouraged to work with their healthcare teams, listen to their bodies, pace themselves, and choose activities that feel supportive and sustainable for their individual needs and conditions.
Consistency and gradual progress are key.
Starting small and building gradually can improve confidence, reduce fear around exercise, and help create long-term habits that support overall health and resilience.
Well-being includes more than physical health.
The session explored the University System of Georgia’s four pillars of well-being—Your Health, Your Mind, Your Finances, and Our Community—and emphasized the importance of holistic support systems.
Support resources are available.
Participants learned about UGA and USG well-being resources, including counseling support, fitness opportunities, wellness programming, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and community support services available to employees and their household members.
See photos from Session III: Employer Support and Enhancing Healthy Habits
View Presentations and Resources from Session III: Employer Support and Enhancing Healthy Habits
