Little Steps to Make a Big Difference

TTUHSC staff senator impacting overall wellness

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• August 1, 2016

Working as a clinical dietitian for more than 12 years, Allison Kerin had an epiphany. What if instead of helping people after they have been diagnosed with illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease, she could help people understand wellness before they reach serious health issues.

 

Kerin, is a TTUHSC Staff Senator and the director of Employee Wellness and Recognition. Many may know her as the WOW lady. (Workforce Overall Wellness)

 

“I worked helping people use diet and lifestyle changes to manage their conditions,” Kerin said. “Watching patients learn they have been diagnosed with a chronic condition is disheartening. At first, many think it is a death sentence. By the time they leave, they realize they can learn and live with healthier choices.”

 

Kerin also served on a renal transplant committee and witnessed many of those with renal health issues start out because their health digressed due to hypertension or diabetes.

 

“I believe if people could be taught nutrition and overall health earlier, they can have avoided being on a transplant list,” Kerin said.  “My wish is to see how to make an impact on someone’s life before they are at this stage of their life. I might like that more and would have fulfillment.”

 

Kerin began working at TTUHSC in 2012. Her goal was to look at overall wellness.

 

“A lot can go into wellness,” Kerin said. “Many people think you have to do all or nothing but you don’t have to do it all at once. Focus on small things. Overall wellness is about the total picture. If you focus on one part of it like stress, then it is a trickle down effect. Less stress, if you stress less, then you will sleep better and hopefully eat better.”

 

Through the Office of Employee Wellness and Recognition, Kerin has implemented programs like recycling for environmental wellness, financial wellness, stress management, fitness classes, nutrition classes and counseling, and other programs all with the objective of helping TTUHSC employees achieve overall wellness.

 

One of her passions is giving back to others. She is big on volunteerism and said it too contributes to overall wellness. She serves as a staff senator and recently organized a successful blood drive with more than 54 units donated.

 

“I love my job here at TTUHSC,” Kerin said. “Working with employees at all campuses, give me the opportunity to impact overall wellness. I love trying to make an impact just one small change at a time. I tell people that it’s the little steps that make a big difference.”