Dog therapy is part of Stress Free Zone

Dog therapy was part of the UNMC Stress Free Zone on Wednesday. Booner (left), Morgan, Missy and Sophie all were guests at UNMC. Their owners, who also are pictured, are involved with Paws For Friendship Inc.

UNMC/NHS faculty and staff discovered a Stress Free Zone Wednesday on campus.

The four-hour event, sponsored by UNMC’s Center for Healthy Living, Faculty/Employee Assistance Program and Olson Center for Women’s Health, was designed to help build awareness, educate and possibly change behaviors related to stress and its effects.

Through a variety of informational booths, individuals learned how to deal with stress more effectively, as well as relaxation techniques.

Teresa Grutel, left, and Nell Ingraham, employees of the Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders, serve popcorn.

They also discovered dog therapy through Paws For Friendship Inc., a nonprofit volunteer organization whose members visit hospitals, nursing homes, Hospice units, care centers, children’s homes and crisis centers.

Other booths dealt wiith with acupuncture, aromatherapy, back health / lifting techniques, blood pressure, blood sugar, complementary/alternative medicine, faculty / employee assistance program, healing touch, health promotion, massage therapy, sleep disorders / hygiene, spirituality, women’s health, and yoga.