Dive into dynamic discussions on preventing and battling burnout, enhancing your mental health, boosting your energy, fueling your body with healthy eating, and building robust wellness cultures. Join us for these informative micro-learning modules and an impactful journey towards a healthier, happier ‘U’ – because it’s all about thriving, not just surviving!
Episode 13
Kindness as a Key Strategy to Enhance Happiness
Boost your happiness and well-being with simple, evidence-based strategies! In this episode of Health and Wellness Briefs, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk, Chief Wellness Officer at Ohio State, explores the power of gratitude and kindness with Tracy Stuck, Director of Community Partnerships. Discover how daily acts of kindness can reduce stress, enhance mood, and strengthen your social connections. Plus, learn how to build a culture of kindness in your workplace or community. Ready to spread happiness and create a ripple effect? Listen now and take the first step toward a better you!
13 minutes
Previous episodes
Episode 1
Building Wellness Cultures in Academic and Healthcare Institutions
In this episode, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk hosts Dr. Megan Amaya to dissect the core elements of a thriving wellness culture. Together, they unpack the crucial “ingredients” essential for building and preserving a robust environment of well-being. They also explore the framework of the Buckeye Wellness Innovator Program, shedding light on its successful strategies driving wellness initiatives on campus.
To learn more about cultures, visit:
To learn more about healthy habits, visit:
Episode 2
Preventing and Battling Burnout: Tactics That Work
In this episode, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk discusses preventing and managing burnout, highlighting key concepts and prevalence, particularly exacerbated during the pandemic. She encourages listeners to assess their own burnout levels, offering guidance based on their responses. Dr. Melnyk emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting emotional boundaries, and adopting positive coping strategies to maintain mental resilience and well-being.
To learn more about burnout, visit:
13 minutes
Episode 3
Fueling Your Body with Health Eating
In this episode, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk and guest Jenny Shrodes, registered dietitian, discuss strategies for healthy eating, emphasizing nutrient-dense foods and portion control. They address misconceptions about the cost and taste of healthy eating, advocating for balance and occasional treats. Practical tips for meal planning, mindful eating, and staying hydrated are shared to promote overall well-being.
For more information on healthy eating, visit:
- Nutrition Information and Find A Local Dietitian
- Sign Up For Diabetes-Friendly Cooking Demo
- OSUWMC Information and Dietitians
18 minutes
Episode 4
Tips for Boosting & Sustaining Daily Energy Levels
In this episode, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk and guest Dr. Brenda Buffington, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and a Certified Exercise Physiologist, delve into strategies for boosting and sustaining daily energy levels. They emphasize evidence-based methods such as prioritizing sleep, staying hydrated with the right fluids, and fueling the body with nutrient-rich foods. Additionally, they discuss the importance of regular movement and exercise in revitalizing both the body and mind. Practical mindfulness practices are also shared to manage stress levels and enhance overall vitality.
To learn more about energy levels, visit:
18 minutes
Episode 5
Busting Alcohol-Related Myths
In this episode of Health and Wellness Briefs, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk and guest Jodie Leister, Associate Director, Employee Assistant Program, discuss the myths associated with alcohol. They highlight the detrimental effects of alcohol misuse and offer strategies and resources to utilize if you or someone you know has an alcohol problem.
To learn more, visit:
- Alcohol’s Effects on the Body
- 10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating
- Alcoholics Anonymous
13 minutes
Episode 6
Celebrating Nurses During Nurses Week!
In this episode of Health and Wellness Briefs, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk, celebrate and thank all nurses for everything they do! She highlights the positive effects of different wellness practice on nurses well being, to make sure they take care of themselves, as the consistenly ensure the care of others. Thank you nurses, for all you do!
13 minutes
Episode 7
Building Movement into Your Life
In this episode of Health and Wellness Briefs, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk and guest Josh Winn, Wellness Program Manager and Certified Exercise Physiologist, discuss the importance of incorporating movement into daily routines. They highlight the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting and offer practical strategies for adding physical activity throughout the day, such as standing desks, shorter meetings, and strategic parking. Furthermore, they explore the benefits of movement beyond physical health, including improved mental well-being and cognitive function.
To learn more about movement, visit:
- Be More Active During Your Work Day
- Physical Activity Breaks for the Workplace, Resource Guide
- 8 Ways to Add More Movement Throughout Your Day
16 minutes
Episode 8
Making and Breaking Healthy Lifestyle Habits
In this episode of Health and Wellness Briefs, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk and Dr. Megan Amaya, Director of Health Promotion, delve into the nuances of making or breaking healthy lifestyle habits. They emphasize the significance of setting realistic goals rooted in personal motivations and offer practical advice for overcoming challenges along the journey. By leveraging social support, monitoring progress, and celebrating successes, listeners are equipped with effective strategies to sustain long-term behavior change for improved well-being.
To learn more, visit:
13 minutes
Episode 9
Evidence-Based Health Care: What You Need to Know
In this episode of Health and Wellness Briefs, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk and Dr. Jackie Hoying, Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice, and Director of Consumer Core Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare, unpacks the core principles of evidence-based practice and its crucial role in enhancing clinical decision-making and patient care. Join Dr. Melnyk and Dr. Hoying for an enlightening conversation on how evidence-based healthcare can lead to better outcomes, improved patient safety, and enhanced clinical practices. Tune in to “Health and Wellness Briefs” for more evidence-based tips for a healthier, happier you
18 minutes
Episode 10
Leading Well
Join us for a special episode of the Health and Wellness Briefs podcast, where host Dr. Megan Amaya interviews podcast creator Dr. Bernadette Melnyk. Dr. Melnyk shares her profound insights on the importance of leading well, both in professional and personal contexts. Learn about the ripple effect of effective leadership, the importance of aligning with people’s dreams, and how nurturing and supporting others can lead to significant personal and organizational success. With heartwarming stories and practical examples, Dr. Melnyk provides invaluable advice on mentoring, transparency, and the necessity of self-care for leaders. Tune in to discover how small, incremental changes can lead to big impacts on health and well-being.
18 minutes
Episode 11
Incorporating Mindfulness and Movement into the Classroom
Unlock the secrets to enhanced student well-being and academic success with Dr. Bernadette Melnyk, Vice President for Health Promotion and Chief Wellness Officer at The Ohio State University. In this episode, Dr. Melnyk invites guest Amber Essman, DNP, APRN-CNP, CLC, assistant professor of clinical nursing, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, to share practical tips and real-world examples of integrating wellness into education.
Highlights Include:
- Mindfulness in the Classroom: Learn how simple yoga practices and breathing exercises can transform student focus and reduce stress.
- Tackling Mental Health: Understand the critical need to address anxiety and depression in students and how wellness practices can make a difference.
- Building a Wellness Culture: Discover how fostering a supportive environment can create a sense of community and improve academic performance.
- Collaborative Wellness Strategies: Explore innovative ways faculty and students can work together to promote a culture of health and well-being.
16 minutes
Episode 12
Preventing and Managing Depression
Boost your mood and well-being with actionable insights from Dr. Bernadette Melnyk and mental health expert Jodie Liester in our latest podcast episode. Discover how to recognize the signs of depression, the simple self-care practices that make a big difference, and the powerful role of exercise in preventing mood disorders. Whether you’re seeking effective treatments or looking to enhance your mental resilience, this episode offers evidence-based tips to help you lead a healthier, happier you.
17 minutes