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 explores how small, sustainable actions can make a meaningful difference in long-term health. Through three interactive sessions, participants will learn from UGA and community health experts about understanding chronic illnesses, building healthy habits, and fostering supportive, wellbeing-centered workplaces.
Each session combines education, personal reflection, and actionable strategies for use both at home and on the job.
Upcoming Session III: Employer Support and Enhancing Healthy Habits
When: Tuesday, December 9, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Where: Stelling Family Study (Room A220), Moore-Rooker Hall
Parking: Hull Street Deck — use parking code FWS1234
This session will explore the four pillars of wellbeing—mental, physical, social, and financial—with a focus on physical activity as it relates to chronic illness prevention. We will also discuss available wellbeing resources and the employer’s role in supporting and sustaining healthy habits.
Our guest speaker is Jessie McGinty, Senior Program Coordinator for Faculty and Staff Wellbeing in University Human Resources.
RSVP: Email Bernard Thomas at [email protected] to register for this event.
Catch up on previous 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.
