Wellness and Work-Life Blog

Explore what stress really means, how it affects the mind and body, and what you can do to embrace the stress.

Take charge of your grocery shopping by learning how to read and understand food labels. Discover what’s really in your favorite foods and make choices that fuel your health.

Habit change is foundational to all health and wellness goals. Learn how to cultivate healthy habits and how to “habit stack” for sustainable health and wellness.

UA employees fueled their excitement for football season with the Gear up for Football challenge between August 18th and September 5th. 200 people signed up to participate in the MoveSpring app with the goal of increasing their movement and football knowledge. The Challenge: Participants joined a team and were asked to travel around campus to…

We had an incredible time at the Strive for Five Kickoff event! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more, explore the goal stations, and join in on the fun. Participants walked away with valuable tips and resources to help them succeed, plus some great giveaways to support their goals! From interactive activities…

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. I am an archaeologist and an Associate Professor of Anthropology at UA. I study foodways in the past and present. My research focuses on what people eat, how they prepare food, and the cultural meanings tied to those practices. Since arriving at UA, I have…

The 2nd Annual WellBAMA T-Shirt Day was held on Friday, August 15th. On this day, Wellness and Work-Life encouraged all UA faculty and staff to wear their favorite WellBAMA T-Shirt all day and show off their commitment to health and wellness. We received many pictures from individuals and groups sporting their WellBAMA t-shirts from different…

Caring for yourself so you can live a long, healthier life. Taught by certified health and life coach Dr. Abby Horton.

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  My name is Anna and I’m the Administrative Assistant in the COE Dean’s Office! Outside of work, I live on a small farm with horses, chickens, turkeys, dogs and a couple of barn cats! I am very passionate about everything I do and give God…

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  My name is Tricia Demas‑Anderson, and this is my first year working at The University of Alabama. Helping others has always been at the heart of who I am. I’m a people person with experience teaching, mentoring, and coaching people of all ages in a…

Introduces common causes for everyday aches and pains, along with simple solutions for promoting pain-free living. Taught by certified health and life coach Dr. Abby Horton. Additional resources: Hinge Health

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.  As Associate Director of Transportation Services (Transit), I, James Knickrehm, oversee the daily operations for The University of Alabama’s transportation programs, Crimson Ride and Crimson Concierge. My dedicated staff and I work closely with all UA stakeholders to safely transport all campus riders efficiently and…

We’re excited to introduce the newest group of WellBAMA Ambassadors! These faculty and staff members were selected through an application process this summer and will serve a two-year term from August 2025 to July 2027. Ambassadors were chosen based on their interest in promoting wellness, their involvement on campus, and their desire to encourage a…

I’m Dr. Abby Grammer Horton—nurse educator, researcher, and passionate advocate for wellness and the nursing profession. As an Assistant Professor at The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing, I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. I also serve as President of the Alabama State Nurses Association,…

Between June 2nd and June 20th, UA employees had the opportunity to focus on their physical activity and sleep habits with the Summer Steps and Solid Sleep MoveSpring challenge. 283 people signed up within the MoveSpring app in hopes to move more during the day and sleep better at night! The Challenge: Participants were encouraged…

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. My husband retired in December 2022 and we moved to Tuscaloosa. I, Tamara Alexander, continued working at “the other UofA (University of Arizona) until May 2023 and started working at UA in June 2023. We have a daughter in Washington DC and a son and…

How to plan, prepare, and care for challenges related to aging. Topics covered include care giving fatigue, aging-related health concerns, and aging-related stress.

Whether you’re a cat person, a dog person, a bird person, or choose to find companionship with another animal, you know how much a pet can make you smile and laugh. You also know that other people love talking about their pets and sharing pictures. Enter the Legendary Pet Contest! In efforts to encourage connection…

Looking for a new way to make a positive impact at The University of Alabama? Consider applying to become a WellBAMA Ambassador—a unique leadership opportunity for faculty and staff who are passionate about wellness and creating a healthier workplace. What Is a WellBAMA Ambassador? WellBAMA Ambassadors serve as wellness champions within their departments, helping connect…

Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background. Hi! My name is Taylor Patronas and I currently serve as the Coordinator for University Programs. I’m a 2x graduate of UA and have been in Tuscaloosa since 2015. I enjoy being outdoors, coffee and my cats! Describe the starting point of your journey and…