Southwestern Adventist University's Department of Nursing is hosting a new Wellness Counts event, a 90-day wellness challenge designed to help Johnson County residents conquer their health-related issues such as diabetes and weight concerns.  The Wellness Counts program was designed in response to a county survey, conducted by the Department of Nursing, the results of which stated that Johnson County residents are looking for more health education and assistance.  The program provides a variety of health-related events, often free or low-cost, to the community.

Entitled Full Plate Living: 90-day Wellness Challenge, the newest Wellness Counts event will provide participants with the tools they need to improve their health, such as coaching sessions to formalize personal action plans, hands-on skills, recipe sharing and food tastings, books and other resources.  The participants will meet weekly in the evenings.  The cost is only $45 for an individual and $65 for a couple who would like to share the resources.  

“We want to make this challenge as simple and accessible as possible,” says Dr. Terri Gibson, program director and Southwestern Adventist University nursing professor. “We want to help Johnson County with their health needs and share our resources. I’m excited to work with our community on this project.”

Each participant is asked to coordinate with their doctor on any medication adjustments (reductions) that may be needed as they make lifestyle changes that improve their health and well-being.  The Wellness Counts team wants to make sure that each person’s action plan is practical and supportable.  An HgbA1c check and Health-Age Appraisal will also be included.  This event is hosted in partnership with Texas Health Huguley Hospital, Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church, and HEB.

The event starts with the first meeting on September 11, at 6:00pm, in the Keene Annex Building at 207 S. First St., Keene, TX.  Participants are required to register by visiting swau.edu/wellnesscounts.  Early bird discounts apply through September 3.  For additional assistance, contact Dr. Gibson at wellnesscounts@swau.edu or 817-202-6248.