From left: Latoya Lewis, Ruth Sieck (receiving a chair massage), Caitlyn DeCastro and Karen Bruynell

This month, the Brigham Education Institute (BEI) hosted its inaugural Wellness Week in the Knowledge Center. Each day featured a different event to highlight ways people can tend to their well-being and health. 

Activities included a kickboxing class, an ice cream social, chair massages, yoga and a visit from Oliver the therapy dog. All the events take place regularly at the Knowledge Center year-round, and are free and open to all faculty, staff and trainees.   

“Wellness Week was very useful and well worth it, as it forced me to take a quick break to get up from my desk, walk down to the BEI and allow myself the liberty to take a few minutes to take care of myself,” said Ruth Sieck, fellowship program manager in the Department of Pathology, who attended the ice cream social and chair massages. “I enjoyed visiting with the wonderful, warm and friendly staff there. They really care for people, and they are passionate and enthusiastic about what they do to help others.”

Erik Alexander, MD, BEI executive director, said the weeklong series underscored the fact that self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. 

“BEI’s Wellness Week purposefully aligned a diverse set of wellness opportunities, allowing each Brigham employee or trainee to choose what speaks to them,” he said.

Karen Bruynell, MM, C-TAGME, administrative director of the BEI, enjoyed witnessing colleagues unwind together and encouraged members of the Brigham community to take regular advantage of all the educational and wellness programs the BEI offers.

“Many attendees I spoke with said they found the events to be refreshing and positive,” Bruynell said. “Wellness Week gave them the opportunity to take a pause and enjoy a minute to themselves.”

Learn more and view upcoming events at bei.brighamandwomens.org.

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