LEAP Into Wellness Podcast Network

Thriving Through the Holidays: Tips for Teachers - In this episode of 'FIT to Teach', host Dr. Kyle, an associate professor at Eastern Oregon University, and LEAP intern Cole Jorgensen discuss evidence-based health and wellness information tailored for teachers and school employees, focusing specifically on holiday season wellness. They talk about the impact of holiday eating on weight gain, citing a 2017 research paper that reveals the six weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas can account for more than 10% of annual caloric intake and about 50% of annual weight gain. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mindful eating, including strategies like pausing before eating and understanding motives behind food choices. The hosts also touch on the stress and emotional aspects of the holidays, offering advice on managing traditions and pressures to ensure a balanced and enjoyable festive season. They encourage listeners to maintain wellness goals while adapting to the busy holiday schedule and highlight the significance of self-care and adaptability. Additionally, listeners are invited to participate in health assessments at the LEAP Lab to better understand and enhance their wellness journey.00:00 Introduction to FIT to Teach 01:05 Holiday Traditions and Memories 05:37 The Impact of Holiday Eating 10:56 Mindful Eating During the Holidays 21:44 Managing Holiday Stress 30:54 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

In this episode of FIT to Teach, host Dr. Kyle, an associate professor of Health and Human Performance, and intern Cole, delve into personalizing exercise and nutrition for health and wellness. They discuss the importance of finding individualized exercise routines, the benefits of variety in workouts, and how different people respond to different fitness programs. Additionally, they highlight the role of supplements such as creatine and vitamin D in maintaining muscle mass and overall health. The conversation includes practical advice on incrementally adjusting exercise and diet plans to suit one's unique biological responses and fostering long-term healthy habits.00:00 Introduction to FIT to Teach00:36 Weekly Wellness Summary and Action Items01:16 Lab Updates and New Initiatives02:28 Personal Wellness Challenges03:40 Research Paper Discussion08:57 Personalized Training and Diet Strategies13:22 Exploring Variety in Workouts22:51 Deep Dive into Creatine Supplementation32:25 Final Takeaways and Recommendations

Understanding Insulin Beyond Blood Sugar Regulation: Insights and Practical Tips In this episode of FIT to Teach, Associate Professor Kyle Pfaffenbach from Eastern Oregon University and LEAP intern Cole delve into the multifaceted role of insulin beyond glycemic control. They discuss the research paper 'Understanding Insulin Actions Beyond Glycemic Control: A Narrative Review,' explaining the diverse implications of insulin on growth, fat storage, reproductive health, and insulin sensitivity. Key topics include the significant impact of exercise and nutrition on modulating insulin, effective dietary strategies to manage insulin spikes, and emerging therapies for improving insulin sensitivity. The episode emphasizes practical insights for teachers and school employees looking to enhance their health and wellness through informed lifestyle choices. 00:00 Introduction to FIT to Teach 00:35 Understanding Insulin: Beyond Blood Sugar 03:41 Types of Diabetes Explained 08:09 Insulin's Role in Growth and Recovery 15:47 Post-Workout Nutrition and Insulin 21:09 Insulin Spikes and Weight Management 25:19 The Role of Carbohydrates in Workouts 25:51 Understanding Substrate Metabolism 28:55 Insulin and Reproductive Health 31:58 Managing Insulin Through Diet and Exercise 34:28 Genetics and Insulin Sensitivity 38:57 Emerging Therapies and Research on Insulin 41:01 The Importance of Exercise for Insulin Sensitivity 49:21 Final Thoughts and Podcast Information

In this episode of FIT to Teach, host Dr. Kyle and LEAP intern Cole Jorgensen discuss the importance of sleep for teachers' health and wellness. They revisit key insights from the previous episode on self-care and delve into Dr. Matthew Walker's research paper, 'Sleep Loss and the Socioemotional Brain.' They highlight the biological and psychological consequences of sleep deprivation, discuss strategies to mitigate its effects, and explore various sleep stages, including REM and non-REM sleep. The conversation also touches on practical tips for balancing work, self-care, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Updates on the podcast's availability on multiple platforms and a call for listener feedback round out the episode.00:00 Introduction to FIT to Teach00:15 Meet the Hosts: Dr. Kyle and Cole00:40 Weekly Wellness Summary01:40 Updates and New Platforms02:35 Recap of Last Week's Episode03:15 Importance of Self-Care for Teachers05:27 Exploring the Impact of Sleep06:49 Discussion on Sleep Loss and Socioemotional Brain08:10 Strategies to Mitigate Sleep Loss Effects10:54 Personal Experiences and Tips15:54 Forced Breaks and Work Timers18:59 Analogies for Managing Daily Stress21:22 Balancing Commitments and Self-Care24:49 Managing Worry and Self-Reflection27:14 Understanding REM and Non-REM Sleep29:01 The Importance of Sleep Stages33:38 Sleep Deprivation and Decision Making35:34 Genetics and Sleep Patterns37:42 Innovative Sleep Solutions44:07 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

In this episode of 'Fit to Teach', hosts Kyle and LEAP intern Cole Jorgensen discuss the importance of self-care for teachers and school employees based on evidence-based health and wellness information. They focus on a recent research paper titled 'Teachers on Self-Care' from the OMB Integrative and Complementary Medicine Journal. The paper explores the benefits of self-care, the barriers teachers face, and practical strategies for implementing self-care routines. Key topics include the importance of boundaries, the role of community, and actionable self-care practices like spending time in nature, exercise, and mindful breathing. The hosts emphasize the goal of accumulating healthy habits to achieve sustainable wellness in the teaching profession.00:00 Introduction to Fit to Teach00:25 Meet the Hosts: Kyle and Cole00:42 Format and Focus of the Podcast03:33 Discussion on Teacher Self-Care09:26 Themes and Insights from the Study19:22 Personal Experiences and Applications34:26 Conclusion and Announcements

In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, Brett Smith hosts assistant superintendent Scott Carpenter and Dr. Maddie Koenig, principal of Greenwood Elementary. They discuss the intricate preparations required for a smooth start to the school year, focusing on the frantic summer months leading up to the first day of school. Dr. Koenig shares her journey to becoming a principal and her love for Greenwood. The guests delve into the complexities of school schedules, the challenges of having limited preparation time with staff, and the processes of class placement. Highlights include the significance of setting a positive tone with staff and the cooperation needed to comply with new policies, such as the cell phone executive order. The episode concludes with expressions of gratitude towards the school community for their support and collaboration.

In this episode of FIT to Teach, hosts Nathan Marshall and Edgar Romero, both senior exercise science students, discuss the differences between intuitive eating and calorie tracking. They emphasize the benefits of focusing on macronutrients—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—over simply counting calories. Key points include the recommended daily protein intake based on physical activity levels, strategies for including enough protein in meals, and the importance of fats and carbohydrates for overall health. The episode also covers mindful eating habits, such as shopping on the perimeter of grocery stores, eating slowly, and being more conscious of portion sizes. They conclude by advising balance and moderation in dietary habits to maintain a healthy lifestyle.