By UTMB COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
"Practical Evaluations: Effective Collaborations between Evaluators and Providers,” UTMB’s January health policy lunch/discussion, is Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Levin Hall dining room. Craig Thornton, senior vice president and managing director of the Health Research Division and chief strategy officer of Mathematica Policy Research, is guest speaker. The event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Office of the President, the Office of Health Policy and Legislative Affairs and the Center for Rehabilitation Research Using Large Datasets. Reservations are requested: Becky Trout, rltrout@utmb.edu.
Recycle your Christmas tree
Galveston’s 21st annual Christmas tree Recycling Drive will run through Jan. 19. All live evergreen trees, including flocked trees, along with wood stands, will be accepted. All tinsel, lights, decorations and plastic or metal stands must be removed for recycling. UTMB and the city of Galveston will convert the trees to mulch for use throughout the year. Drop-off sites are located at the open-top trash bin at Lindale Park, 400 Marine Street and the Galveston Eco-Center, 702 61st St. Call Ken Steblein at 409-747-2959 for more information.
Healthy Habits, Healthy Life
UTMB’s Jan. 13 Lunch Bunch program focuses on how to keep New Year’s resolutions that involve adopting healthy new eating and exercise strategies. Family nurse practitioner Tonya Callender and health and wellness specialist Trista Arnold will lead the discussion. The program includes a light lunch and is free and open to the public. It meets from noon to 1 p.m. at the UTMB Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes, 2240 Gulf Freeway South. For more information, call832-505-1600.
Free Rape Aggression Defense Classes
The UTMB Police Department and the Osler Lifelong Learning Institute will offer a Rape Aggression Defense Systems Basic Physical Defense series of classes free of charge to any woman in the community older than 12. The 12-hour course will be conducted by UTMB police officers from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 13, 14 and 15 at the Galveston Island Community Center at 4700 Broadway. The course blends threat avoidance strategies with assault resistance tactics. In class simulations, instructors pose as attackers and students learn how to defend themselves. To register, call 409-763-5604.
Step Up and Scale Down
UTMB’s OLLI program and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension are offering a 12-week Step Up and Scale Down program beginning Jan. 27. The program is based on the USDA’s dietary guidelines, intended to help Americans choose a healthful eating plan within their caloric requirements to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Sessions will include information about how proper dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases. Orientation sessions will be held Jan 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Jan. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Galveston Island Community Center at 4700 Broadway. Call 281-534-3413 or visit Galveston.agrilife.org.