One Busy R.D.

     On Tuesday, Francie Astrom, the R.D. from WellWorks came to talk to us about her job responsibilities as a dietitian here at Ohio University. WellWorks is currently located in Grover Center on the first floor, however, it was originally located in Peden Stadium on the first floor, with a great view of the football field and overlooking the bike path!

      I currently volunteer for Francie, however, I never realized how much she actually does. I do not know how one person can juggle so many different responsibilities, and do a great job at all of them! She is definitely a role model, and what I aspire to be one day as my career takes off. Francie's salary and budget is supported primarily from University Wellness funds, and partially by WellWorks member fees. Members can enjoy many different programs and have access to a variety of valuable resources. WellWorks provides massages, nutritional counseling, personal training, and as well as numerous other programs at Ohio University and in the community. Programming involves more than just fitness programs and is wellness focused versus a medical-based model. Wellness-focused programming emphasizes ways to live the healthiest YOU can be, keeping in mind individual characteristics such as age, sex, background, family history, and other current conditions. There is no optimal health standard for everyone, and it must be kept in mind that health and wellness plans must be personalized to each individual person.
     Francie is also part of other WellWorks sponsored programs such as HeartWorks; which focuses on cardiac and pulmonary rehab, Risk Reduction, Worksite Wellness; which takes blood pressures of OU employees around campus, and Food For Life; which aims to educate people on moving towards a plant-based diet. There are many other programs and activities that Francie is a part of such as conducting grocery store tours, nutrition analysis for OU sports teams, and Healthy Ohio.
     The R.D. is an integral part to WellWorks, and it was that way since WellWorks was originally established. The R.D. is responsible for keeping up on current health information and literature and educating the community.