Healthy Living Retreat for Women

This May, Stanford will host its 21st Healthy Living Retreat for Women at Stanford Sierra Camp, a mountain resort in Fallen Leaf Lake, California. BeWell spoke with Joyce Hanna, director of the retreat and HIP associate director, about this popular — but little known — health and wellness gem.

What is the Healthy Living Retreat?

While not a scientific conference per se, the retreat features Stanford scientists and staff presenting science-based, disease prevention information on such subjects as nutrition, cancer prevention, and cognitive function.

Is it similar to a spa weekend?

Though not exactly a spa weekend, attendees can join early morning exercises such as yoga, Pilates, hiking; massages; health-conscious meals; and talks on subjects such as body awareness, positive psychology, fitness, and personalized stress management.

What makes it different?

The retreat combines scientific information focused upon total-body wellness and a stay at a serenely beautiful mountain resort. A highlight of the retreat is the very women who choose to come — friendly, intelligent, open, and mindful of new ways of thinking and approaching challenges. All in all, the retreat represents a very dynamic format for sharing, learning, restoring, and connecting.

Is there any quantification of results?

The retreat offers fitness testing and assessments under the direction of HIP Health Promotion Manager, Julie Anderson. Women who come every year (a 50% return rate) speak of the marked changes they’ve made in their blood pressure, strength, and flexibility from following the action plan developed while attending the retreat in a previous year.

Has it evolved over the years?

The retreat, from its inception over 21 years ago, has consistently been filled. Women feel comfortable coming alone or bringing a friend, daughter or mother to enjoy four days of fun and rejuvenation alongside a team of friendly Stanford and guest health experts.

To learn more, visit stanfordsierracamp.org or contact Liz Aiken at 530-542-5600 or eaiken@stanford.edu.