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Lifestyle changes can yield significant health and wellness results. In the Wednesday, Feb. 4 panel presentation, "Yes, You Can!," three Western Illinois University employees will share their motivational stories about how they have found the will and the way to get healthier with exercise and how they have benefited from their new choices.
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WIU Employees to Share Health and Wellness Motivational Stories with "Yes, You Can!" Feb. 4

January 22, 2015

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MACOMB, IL – Lifestyle changes can yield significant health and wellness results. In the Wednesday, Feb. 4 panel presentation, "Yes, You Can!," three Western Illinois University employees will share their motivational stories about how they have found the will and the way to get healthier with exercise and how they have benefited from their new choices.

"Yes, You Can!" is set from 12:10-12:50 p.m. (Feb. 4) in the University Union Sandburg Theatre. It will feature brief presentations by Susan Czechowski, art professor; Digger Oster, assistant to the vice president for administrative services; and Donna Williams, admissions/records supervisor. The event is open free to the public.

Czechowski, who was born and raised in Long Island New York, will present, "Savor the Moment." She noted, for her, fitness is a journey, not a destination. Czechowski moved to Macomb in 2001 to teach at WIU; she teaches printmaking, art appreciation and design.

"I started swimming in January 2011, and what began as a few laps in the pool, burgeoned to an Alcatraz swim with 2007 Western alumna Sara Hammond, and more recently the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, with a relay team of five other amazing individuals. More importantly is how I feel when I exercise—my mood is elevated, I have increased amounts of energy and I like the way my body feels," Czechowski noted.

Oster will present, "Fear, Comfort and Joy."

"Most of my day is spent sitting at a desk or running from one meeting to the next. Constantly sitting, followed by rushing, was taking a toll on me," Oster said. "I encourage others to find a source of motivation. For me, it was easy...self-confidence and my family. Pick something that will inspire you to make minor changes that will have a significant impact on your life."

Williams, who will present, "Olympic Figure Skater?," has been working in the WIU Office of the Registrar for 28 years.

"My time at work is mostly spent in sedentary activities. My favorite free time activities are mostly sedentary. Biking? Nope, give me a good book any time. Swimming? Nope, just put me in front of my sewing machine. I got to the point that climbing stairs was a huffing and puffing process, playing catch with my grandkids was exhausting, and just functioning until the end of the day was a chore," she explained. "I joined Leathernecks in Training, where I received the motivation and encouragement to move it, move it, move it. Walking with a co-worker during break times is now a regular part of my day. I also do some easy work outs on my own at home. I have more energy and feel better physically. I would like to encourage others to experience the same changes that I am enjoying."

"Yes, You Can!" is sponsored by the WIU Employee Wellness Committee.

For more information, contact Judy Yeast, Employee Wellness chair and associate director of WIU Campus Recreation, at (309) 298-1670.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing