Sustainability & Wellness

Two campus labs just earned the first Green Lab designations

Undergraduate researchers in the labUndergraduate researchers work in the lab of biomedical sciences professor Dr. Lisa Porter, which recently earned platinum designation through the Green Lab program.(Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Fidalgo da Silva/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott  

Two campus labs have become the first in UWindsor’s history to earn Green Lab designations, recognized for their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency in research and teaching.  

The designations were announced in time for Earth Day.  

Going for gold: Student group earns recognition for Exercise is Medicine initiative

Group of students in front of inflatable running factory bannerThe Exercise is Medicine student club recently received news of their gold-level recognition (PROVIDED BY EXERCISE IS MEDICATION UWINDSOR/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Whether it’s hitting a daily step goal, taking a stretch break at the office or dropping into a spin class, regular physical activity has undeniable benefits. 

Exercise is Medicine (EIM) is a global initiative that aims to make the most of these benefits by encouraging health-care providers to prescribe exercise as part of evidence-based patient care. 

Co-existing on campus with Canada geese

Two goslings and adult Canada geese in backgroundSpringtime brings breeding season for Canada geese on campus (CHERRY THERESANATHAN/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

While warmer spring weather seems to be slow to arrive this year, one of the surest signs of spring on campus is the often-noisy activity of Canada geese. 

Whether honking from the rooftops of tall buildings or nesting in the grass — or occasionally hissing at a passer-by who comes too close — Canada geese are ubiquitous at the University of Windsor. 

New pre-service course centres sustainability in education

A group of people standing next to a poster board about sustainability in educationDr. Chenkai Chi (far left) is the instructor for the service-learning course Interdisciplinary Education for Sustainability, designed by Dr. Shijing Xu (second from left) (ANGELA KHARBOUTLI/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Elementary and secondary teachers play a critical role in building student skills in responsible environmental citizenship. 

That’s why, when the Faculty of Education recently revised its B.Ed. course offerings, it was only logical that one of the new electives focus on environmental sustainability. 

Sidewalk skating: Preventing falls and injuries in winter weather

students walk across the UWindsor campus on a snowy wet dayWinter weather can increase the risks of falls and injuries. (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

While we’ve had a brief respite from frigid polar vortex temperatures, snowy conditions — and with them an increased risk of falls and injuries — may still return this season. 

At particular risk of injury from icy sidewalks and driveways are older adults; however, anyone can fall prey to a sneaky patch of unseen ice. 

Small daily movement changes can help older adults stay strong and independent

three older men do chair stretches across from a UWindsor student with another student observing with a clipboardPhysical activity is key for everyone, including older adults. (MIKE WILKINS/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Just 10 minutes of physical activity a day can be the start many people need to get moving, according to Dr. Paula van Wyk, professor in the Faculty of Human Kinetics. 

Physical activity is especially important for older adults as the aging process can lead to loss of strength and function. 

“In general, people are aware of the potential benefits of engaging in physical activity,” she says. 

Lifting, law and lifelong learning: World record holder studies women’s strength athletes

Jeanine Watt next to a statue of a bodybuilderJeanine Watt is a graduate student, two-time UWindsor alumna and world record-holding powerlifter (PROVIDED BY J. WATT/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Jeanine Watt (BSc ’78, LLB ’88) joined a gym in 2018 to stay active as a semi-retired lawyer. 

“I knew that if I retired, the only thing that would get any exercise was my thumb on the remote control,” she jokes. 

This March, she will take the main stage at the Arnold Sports Festival as a pro competitor in the Arnold Armlifting Championships. 

Leddy Library partners with sustainability office on green initiatives

Roger Reka holding a packet of sugarcane based paperLibrarian Roger Reka is helping to spearhead sustainability initiatives at Leddy Library (JOEL GUERIN/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

From environmental research guides to reducing paper waste, Leddy Library has made recent strides in fostering a more sustainable campus. 

In collaboration with the Office of Sustainability, Leddy has implemented numerous initiatives that demonstrate the major impact of even small changes. 

Cold-weather cardio: HK and Lancers track alumna shares tips for winter running

Brittany Bellemore runs in the snowBrittany Bellemore is an HK and Lancer track alumna now coaching a winter marathon clinic (PROVIDED BY B. BELLEMORE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

With snow-covered sidewalks and plummeting temperatures, lacing up a pair of running shoes and hitting the pavement may seem daunting.

However, with tips from UWindsor alum Brittany Bellemore (BHK ’21, MHK ’23), runners can feel more confident taking on wintry conditions.

Education and early intervention critical to eating disorder prevention

apple on a scaleEating disorder awareness week runs Feb. 1 to 7 each year (stock: Microsoft SharePoint/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Education and awareness are key when it comes to preventing eating disorders. 

Each Feb. 1 to 7, eating disorder awareness week encourages Canadians to learn more about eating disorders, challenge weight and body stigma and become familiar with resources and services that can help those who are struggling. 

This year’s theme is “health doesn’t have a look,” challenging harmful beliefs that suggest being healthy means being thin.