Wellness, Fitness & Sports   

Can certain foods improve memory? Can what you eat actually lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease? In this class, ASU Clinical Nutrition Professor and Registered Dietitian Tina Shepard shares what the latest research says about how food and lifestyle choices affect the brain and how specific nutrients impact cognitive function and overall brain health. You'll leave with practical, evidence-based dietary recommendations you can start using right away.

We're bombarded with advice on how to manage stress, fitness routines, sleep hygiene, meditation apps, diet plans, and more. But somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we forgot one of the most natural antidotes of all: play. Led by Dale Larsen, Director of Community Relations and Professor in ASU's School of Community Resources & Development, this session draws on his four decades of leadership in parks and recreation to revisit the science and joy of play. Rediscover how this "childlike" concept can become one of the most essential tools in your everyday life.

Not all leisure is wholesome. In this thought-provoking class, we explore the darker side of human play, activities that are fun yet transgressive, ranging from social rule-breaking to outright illegal behavior. What drives people toward gambling, vandalism, or other taboo pursuits? Is it the thrill of defiance, a rejection of mainstream culture, or simply boredom? We'll examine the psychology and sociology behind taboo recreation, and audience contributions are warmly encouraged. A candid, fascinating look at what happens when fun crosses the line.

Have you ever wondered why vivid memories from decades ago come easily, yet you can't find your keys five minutes after setting them down? Join Dr. Billie Enz, ASU Emeritus Professor, for this engaging and interactive session. We'll explore how memories are formed, stored, and retrieved and why some last a lifetime while others fade. You'll gain practical strategies for supporting brain health and strengthening memory as we age. Join us for an informative, lively conversation about the fascinating science of memory and healthy aging.

"Just take it easy". It's advice many of us have heard after an injury or bout of pain. But as we age, that guidance can often do more harm than good. This class explores how the body's capacity to heal changes over time and why pain or injuries may persist despite rest, stretching, or conventional treatments. We'll examine the critical roles that strength, movement patterns, and overall physical capacity play in recovery, and factors that are frequently underestimated or overlooked. Rather than chasing temporary relief, this class focuses on what truly helps the body regain resilience, restore function, and move with greater confidence. You'll leave with a clearer, more proactive understanding of how to maintain your activity, mobility, and independence.

For many years, cancer was shrouded in mystery, leaving doctors and scientists searching for answers. Today, that picture has changed dramatically. We now understand the biological hallmarks that distinguish cancer from normal cell behavior and have identified many of its causes. In this class, Dr. Joshua LaBaer will introduce the fundamentals of cancer: what it is, how our understanding has evolved, and, most importantly, the encouraging ways science and medicine are making real progress in the fight against it.

Is a calorie from a cookie really the same as a calorie from a piece of chicken? This class digs into the science behind macronutrients, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and how they affect weight management and fat loss differently. We'll explore what calories actually are, how the body expends energy, what energy balance means in practice, and how to determine your own macronutrient needs. You'll come away with a clearer, more practical understanding of how food choices, not just calorie counts, shape your body composition and long-term health.