What is your name and what condition-specific team do you work on? 

My name is Jennifer Dunn. I serve as a Health Advisor, as well as the Pack Health Training Manager. My background: First I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science from Florida State University, then I moved to Birmingham and became a Registered Dietitian. I earned my Master’s degree in Exercise Science from UAB. I’m also a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.

Why do you work at Pack Health? What’s your favorite part of your job? Where do you get your inspiration?

When I found Pack Health 2.5 years ago, I was so happy to join a company that is supporting people to make positive behavior changes in order to lead healthier lives! My favorite part of my job is getting to work one-on-one with members and forming a personal relationship with them through our weekly phone calls, texts, and emails. I get inspiration from members who are working really hard to make progress, from my co-workers who are so passionate about their work, from all kinds of experts in the field of health & wellness, and from my family and friends.

What’s your favorite healthy food and why? Share a recipe with us!

 As a foodie, it is very hard to choose just one! I love dishes made with lentils, especially Ethiopian and Indian cuisine, but I’m not experienced enough to share a recipe for any of them. Honestly, I don’t cook with a lot of recipes. I am often just throwing together the foods I have on hand into a stir fry, stew, or egg scramble. But I do LOVE the Superhero Muffins from Run Fast, Eat Slow. I will pair one with a smoothie for breakfast, or take one with me for a snack. I even took one hiking with me once. It was a great pick-me-up!

What’s your favorite way to stay active and why?

 I love long-distance running. I have competed in races since I was a kid. Competing against others, trying to beat my personal best times, and traveling to new places makes it so enjoyable for me that I’m usually motivated to run several days a week. I also love riding my bike as a form of transportation and recreation.

How else do you practice self-care?

 I spend time every day doing something that makes me happy. I love cooking and baking. I love listening to records on my record player and dancing in the living room. Every once in a while I color a picture. I also commit myself to at least one social engagement per week, like a coffee date with a friend or going out to eat.

What advice do you have for someone just joining the program?

 Pick one change that you want to make and focus solely on that. People who are new often want to make multiple changes at once, but they’ll be way more successful making just one change at a time. Try ADDING a new, positive habit before trying to quit a bad habit. And call your Health Advisor! They want to help you!

Share your favorite member story with us!

BlueCross BlueShield sponsors fun, healthy cooking classes at Railroad Park in the warmer months of the year. I always invite all my local members to come out and enjoy the cooking demonstration and free produce giveaway, but I usually attend the events alone. This past year, I had one member come out to two of the classes and we sat together! It was so fun to get to meet one of my members in person after all of our phone conversations. While I’m glad that we make ourselves accessible to everyone by phone and email, in-person interactions are a really nice treat! And she’s been working on cooking more healthy meals at home since beginning the program.

Meet Health Advisor Jen!