Self-Care September
Practicing practical self-care can be a priority that gets easily forgotten. Balancing everyone else’s needs with the daily stressors of work, life, and social connections often means we do not take the time to nurture our most important relationship—the one we have with ourselves.
This month, make it your mission to invest in you.
Look for our classes labeled with the self symbol to help you do just that!
The Center for Health & Wellbeing proudly hosts educational programs that inspire your healthiest self. Advance registration for all programs is required.
To register, please visit the CHWB calendar at YourHealthandWellbeing.org/events, call 407.644.2492, or stop by the CHWB Welcome Desk.
Practicing Practical Self-Care
Shainna Ali, Ph.D., a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author, and presenter of Community Education Programs at CHWB talked with us about how to prioritize practical self-care in our daily lives.
I encourage folks to think about what self-care means to them, because it does vary from person to person and knowing our personal definitions are key to the practice. The definition that I use is that self-care is recognizing and tending to your needs in the current context.
The truth is that sometimes we are misled to think that self-care is solely for the self. So that means that if you are investing in self-care, your loved ones, your coworkers, and your community suffer, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. When you are investing in yourself, you’re better able to show up in different spaces for yourself and others.
The benefits are so broad. Self-care can better regulate your blood pressure, improve your mood, and reduce stress, just to name a few. It’s really hard to think about what doesn’t get better when we commit to practical self-care practice.
Unfortunately, many of us learn how essential self-care is when we are living with the consequence of not having it.
There is no echelon we can reach where we don’t need self-care. We all need it, and it needs to be practiced, no matter who you are.
I think people approach self-care in bulk, “I took this class, and I ate this way today, I’m good for some time.” I wish it were that simple! In reality, we need to continue to invest in our self-care over time. Something that can help us over the course of our lives is developing our self-care kit. For some people, it’s something literal. And for some people, it’s a little bit more like a list so that when we recognize a need in a certain dimension of our wellbeing, we have a strategy ready that we can go to.
The Center for Health & Wellbeing is a partnership between the Winter Park Health Foundation and AdventHealth.
Wholeness
Meditation + Mudras
Tuesdays, September 2, 10 – 11 AM & September 23, 3 – 4 PM
Relieve stress and calm your nervous system during this deep relaxation class. Under the careful guidance of certified meditation guide and Crosby Wellness Center yoga instructor Nicole Elliott, learn how to incorporate mudras—symbolic hand gestures that link the brain to the body—into your meditation practice. Please bring your own yoga mat.
Edible Plant Workshop
Tuesday, September 2, 11 AM – Noon
Discover the joy of nurturing and using easy-to-grow edible plants all year round! In this hands-on workshop, Melissa Goltermann of Momma G Farms will teach you practical tips for incorporating beautiful, edible plants into your existing landscaping, adding both flavor and charm to your outdoor space. Program fee: $5.
Exercise Your Creativity: Whimsical Collage Still Life
Wednesday, September 3, 1 – 3 PM
Inspire your creative side! In our monthly Exercise Your Creativity art workshops, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to experiment with a variety of mediums and art styles and see how getting creative can improve your wellbeing, particularly your mental health. This month, teaching artist Ann Goodpasture shows us how to make a whimsical vase using paper and fabric. No art experience is required, and all supplies will be provided.
Lunch & Learn: Artists’ Series
Thursday, September 4, Noon – 1 PM
Bring your lunch and enjoy a midday performance from local musician Roselyn Garcia of Central Florida Vocal Arts as part of our monthly Artists’ Series. Roselyn is a musical theater performer who studied in New York and has appeared in beloved shows like Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables, and Legally Blonde. Roselyn is passionate about storytelling and always brings energy and heart to the stage.
Self-Care Toolkit
Thursday, September 4, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Self-care is more than a trend. It's a personalized, practical tool for living well. Join mental health counselor and author Shainna Ali, Ph.D., for this workshop that will help you move beyond one-size-fits-all routines to build a self-care toolkit that's uniquely yours. Learn how to identify meaningful strategies, prioritize your wellbeing, and create a sustainable practice that empowers you to show up more fully in every way. Please bring a notebook or journal!
Manifestation Vision Boards
Monday, September 8, 1 – 2:30 PM
Setting goals does not have to stop in January. The start of a new season is the perfect time to re-evaluate where you are and where you want to go in the months ahead. Join art educator Patricia Byron for an engaging, creative and enjoyable vision boarding experience that will help you cultivate a positive mindset as you define your dreams and intentions.
Sound
Bowl Healing
Mondays, September 8, 3:30 – 4:30 PM & September 29, 3 – 4 PM
Join experienced sound healing practitioner Nicole Elliott, a Yoga Alliance-certified meditation guide, for a relaxing guided meditation and sound healing experience. Research shows that this unique form of therapy can minimize and relieve pain, stimulate the immune system, reduce stress, and improve mental and emotional clarity.
Crystal Bowl Sound Meditation for Community + Connection
Mondays, September 8, 15, 22, & 29, 7 – 8 PM
Join Certified Meditation Instructor Camille Sacco for community + connection in this four-week series focused on self-care. Please note: the first class of each month is free, providing an opportunity for all to experience mindfulness and meditation, but subsequent classes include a $5 program fee.
Tea Meditation
Tuesday, September 9, 10 – 11 AM
In this relaxing session, certified ACE health coach Julie Ward leads a tasting of herbal teas and accompanying meditations, guiding you to notice where the energy moves in your body.
Savor the Seasons: A Live Cooking Demo
Wednesday, September 10, 11 AM - Noon
Celebrate the transition from summer to fall with a vibrant and flavorful live cooking experience! Join Certified Culinary Medicine Professional Chef Edwin Cabrera and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Emily Brantley as they guide you through recipes reflecting the best of late-summer and early-fall produce. Program fee: $40.
Neurographic Art & Art Therapy: Flow Into Calm
Tuesday, September 16, 10 – 11:30 AM
Let your pen wander, your lines meander, and your mind exhale. In this gentle, guided session led by certified art therapist Jean Taras, flowing shapes and mindful marks become pathways to stillness. As you draw, you will soften the edges of stress, weaving color and connection into your own visual sanctuary. All supplies will be provided. Program fee: $10.
End-of-Summer Harvest: Cooking with the Olive Oil of the Season
Wednesday, September 17, 1 – 2 PM
Embrace late-summer flavors while easing into the fall season in this interactive cooking demo led by certified Level 1 Olive Oil Sommelier Sarah Santa. We’ll explore how fresh-pressed olive oils can transform juicy heirloom tomatoes, roasted peppers, tender zucchini, and crisp grapes into unforgettable dishes. Program fee: $15.
Short and Sweet: Mastering the Art of Saying More with Less
Monday, September 22, 1 – 2:30 PM
Join presenter Chris Hicks for an engaging workshop on the art of brevity. Through focused writing exercises, you’ll learn to express big ideas with fewer words—emphasizing clarity, creativity, and impact. Whether you're an experienced writer or just beginning, this session will help you craft concise, compelling work that resonates.
CHWB Book Club: The Let Them Theory
Monday, September 22, 1 – 2:30 PM
The CHWB Book Club is a welcoming place to meet other readers who share a passion for connecting over stories. For our September Book Club selection, practice self-care by reading #1 bestseller The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. This book will help you break free of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The CHWB Book Club is led by Annette Kelly, Ph.D., a local columnist and retired nonprofit founder and nurse practitioner.
Fresh Flavors with Allison: Foods that Improve Your Mood
Tuesday, September 23, 11:30 AM – 1 PM
Did you know there are certain foods that can actually increase your happiness? Mother Nature has supplied us with a fresh bounty of delicious produce that can have powerful effects on our minds. In this class, culinary medicine specialist Allison Harrell will introduce three dishes that won't just feed your body, they’ll nourish your soul. Program fee: $35.
Music for a Joyful Life
Wednesdays, September 24 – October 29, 10 – 11 AM
This fall, join Central Florida Vocal Arts Executive Director Theresa Smith-Levin as we explore the role that music can play in creating a joyful life. Following an introductory program on September 24, these classes will be held weekly. You are welcome to stop in for just one session or enjoy them all. Classes will explore music-making, listening, and understanding. No previous musical experience is needed.
Creative Moving Meditation
Wednesday, September 24, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Join artist and theater professor Rebekah Lane for a moving meditation workshop exploring core composition concepts, such as tempo and spatial relationships. Through a clear and focused structure, you'll engage with ideas of comfort versus discomfort and impulse versus control. This workshop is open to all movement abilities and requires no prior experience. Just bring an open mind and a willingness to move!
Ancient Grains: Rediscovering the Roots of Nutrition
Wednesday, September 24, 5 – 6 PM
Join Chef Edwin Cabrera, CCMP, of the AdventHealth Center for Nutritional Excellence for a globe-trotting cooking adventure. You'll explore grains like freekeh, amaranth, teff, and sorghum—nutrient-dense staples that have nourished civilizations for thousands of years. Come hungry and leave inspired! Recipes and samples of the grain dishes, including gluten-free options, will be provided. Program fee: $40.
Fitness
Core Strengthening for Injury Prevention
Wednesday, September 3, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Building a strong core is key to injury prevention! Your core muscles provide support and stability to your body. Join Crosby Wellness Center group exercise instructor KK Swanson as we learn core exercises that are both safe and effective. Please bring your own exercise mat.
Expression Through Movement
Thursday, September 11, 6 – 7:30 PM
Don’t miss this transformative workshop led by licensed clinical social worker Larissa Humiston, founder of the nonprofit Emotions Dance Company. The program invites you to explore the deep connection between body, mind, and emotion in a supportive and nurturing environment. No dance or movement experience is required, just an open heart and a willingness to connect!
Tai Chi: Balance and Breathwork
Monday, September 22, 1 – 2:30 PM
Ready to tap into your body's hidden potential for peace and healing? Join Crosby Wellness Center's Alan Zemel and learn basic Tai Chi and breathwork techniques rooted in ancient wisdom and supported by modern science.
Lower Body Strength Training
Wednesday, September 24, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
In this empowering class, Crosby Wellness Center’s KK Swanson will walk through your lower body’s major muscle groups and share some of her favorite, most effective exercises for each area. With a focus on form, KK will ensure you take home the techniques and tips to safely work those muscles. Please wear comfortable clothing and proper shoes. All fitness levels welcome!
Medicine
Movement as Medicine
Tuesdays, September 2 & 16, 2 – 3 PM
This class incorporates dance and creative movement to address balance, flexibility, and spatial awareness for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The AdventHealth class is offered twice a month in person. Please join us! Email to register: nsi.brainhealth@adventhealth.com
Dementia Caregiver Connection
Thursday, September 4, 2 – 3:30 PM
These monthly Dementia Caregiver Connection workshops bring together experts from a wide variety of fields to help families and caregivers navigate the challenges of taking care of loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. At this month’s workshop, learn what you need to know to create your care team for dementia. Please RSVP by calling 407-236-9997 or emailing shannon.manning@visitingangels.com.
Baby Bunch
Mondays, 10:30 AM – Noon
Baby Bunch provides a space for moms to connect with other moms postpartum, discussing the highs and lows of their breastfeeding journey and sharing any challenges they are experiencing. This group is for moms with babies up to 12 months old.
Ask the Acupuncturist
Wednesday, September 10, 10 AM – Noon
Acupuncture is a safe, painless, and effective way to address a wide variety of medical problems, including pain, arthritis, stress, anxiety, digestive issues, and more. Carefully selected acupuncture points promote natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, and physical and emotional health. Stop by the Healthy Living Experience to learn more about acupuncture from the team at AdventHealth Sports Med & Rehab. No advance registration required.
Infant/Child CPR
Thursday, September 11, 6 – 8 PM
You’ve covered all the baby basics. Now, learn how to save your children’s lives if they suddenly stop breathing, experience cardiac arrest, or begin choking. This class, led by a certified instructor, will teach you how to handle these emergencies. Register at AdventHealthforWomen.com. Program Fee: $45. Bloodmobile
Tuesday, September 16, 8 – 4 PM
Make a difference by donating blood! The AdventHealth Bloodmobile will be parked outside CHWB. All donations help local AdventHealth patients. No appointment necessary.
Check Out One of Our In-person Cooking Classes!
Key Lime Mousse Parfait
Recipe by Sarah Santa
Sarah Santa is a certified nutritionist and wellness enthusiast with a mission to help others find vitality through wholesome foods and health-forward thinking. Sarah, an experienced culinary educator, is also a certified Level 1 Olive Oil Sommelier and founder of June Crush, a culinary consulting company.
Makes 6 mini parfaits
Ingredients:
• 2 medium avocados
• 3 limes, zested and juiced
• 2 single-serving cups of plant-based vanilla yogurt
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Combine avocados, lime juice, 1 container of yogurt, and salt in a food processor. Pulse for about 3 minutes or until smooth and well combined.
2. Scoop mixture into a parfait glass and layer in granola so that about ¾ of the parfait glass is filled.
3. With the remaining container of yogurt, dollop spoonfuls on top of the avocado mixture.
4. Grate extra lime zest on top and enjoy!
Store in the fridge covered for up to 5 days.
This recipe comes from Sarah Santa, one of our regular cooking and nutrition presenters here at the Center for Health & Wellbeing. The Winter Park Health Foundation, AdventHealth and the Culinary Health Institute offer regular small-group cooking classes perfect for all levels of at-home chefs. We work with a roster of professional chefs to help uncover new skills, discover different flavors and expand your repertoire of healthy cuisine, all in a fun and social environment. Sign up for a future class today!
Join us in welcoming a new educational partner to the Center for Health & Wellbeing: the 4Roots' Culinary Health Institute (CHI)!
Classes presented by CHI will feature fresh, plant-forward recipes and techniques guaranteed to inspire your culinary journey. You can register for CHI’s classes at CHWB, as well as additional classes at the 4Roots Farm Campus in Orlando, at 4rootsfarm.org/events. We’re excited to have CHI join the Center’s community of wellness educators.
Food as Medicine: High Blood Pressure – Control within the Kitchen
Tuesday, September 9, 6 – 8 PM
The Culinary Health Institute at 4Roots Farm invites you to experience the Food As Medicine series in the CHWB Nutrition Theatre. This month’s topic features lifestyle recommendations, culinary tips, a healthy cooking demonstration, and a sampling of a plant-based menu designed to help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. Led by 4-time James Beard Best Chef Semifinalist Chef Hari Pulapaka, Director of Culinary Education at the Culinary Health Institute, in collaboration with Arianna Becker, board certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine with a deep passion for prevention, the evening will be filled with the information you need to take proactive steps to prevent high blood pressure and increase your quality of life. Program fee: $40.
Upcoming classes presented by 4Roots' Culinary Health Institute
Cooking with Confidence: Essential Skills, Flavorful Meals
Tuesday, September 16, 6 – 7:30 PM
The Culinary Health Institute invites you to experience the Cooking Skills & Demonstration series in the CHWB Nutrition Theatre. Join Chef Charles Mallory, owner of Blue Chip Catering, in learning ways to transform your kitchen into a setting for flavor, confidence, and health. Through education and demonstrations, learn skills to master cooking and preparation techniques, refining knife skills, proper sanitation, or kitchen management. Also, learn nutrition insights and enjoy delicious samples that turn simple ingredients into plant-forward meals or snacks that fuel your body with energy, vitality, and health. Whether you’re starting your healthy plantbased eating journey or looking for ways to refresh your skills, this event will open the door to more confidence, creativity, and inspiration in the kitchen. Program fee: $25.
Avoid The Flu.
Wednesday, October 1
9 AM to Noon & 1 PM to 5 PM
The Center for Health & Wellbeing Commons
Walk-ins only. Available until supplies run out! Please bring your insurance card to show the AdventHealth nurse. (You will not be charged.)
Health experts recommend getting your flu vaccine by the end of October. That way you’re protected BEFORE infection rates climb.