Healthy UBC Newsletter March 2010

Reclaiming our Spirit for Spring

Hopefully we will soon see the end of weeks of endless rain with the arrival of spring.  This time of year in Vancouver usually gives everyone a little more enthusiasm.  This year, however, spring in Vancouver will likely feel a little different: after the excitement of the Olympics, we might feel a little tired.  Whenever there is a big event (with big expectations) in our lives, it can make life seem a little dull after the “party” is done.  So how do we replenish our energy, let our enthusiasm blossom and bounce into spring?

Let me share with you my personal “Spring 2010 Recovery Plan”:

• Reflect on and connect with something that I truly believe in (e.g. volunteer for a charity)
• Reach out to my community of friends and colleagues who share similar beliefs or values
• Take time to invest in my favourite activities with my favourite people
• Take long, relaxing walks with my dog
• Refocus on my key goals for 2010 (What happened to those New Year’s resolutions?)
• Celebrate the accomplishments and progress that I have made already in 2010
• Indulge in at least one really great, home-cooked, comforting meal this month
• Find time for playful activities, like riding my bike around Stanley Park
• Going somewhere peaceful during my workday, like a lunchtime visit to Wreck Beach or a walk on the trails with a friend

Here is to the glorious sunshine that is coming our way, to rekindling new hope and passions in our lives, and reclaiming the joys of our beautiful city. Let us relish in all that spring in Vancouver has to offer.

Wishing you good health,

Suzanne

Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program Fund: Applications due March 5

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your workplace healthier: there’s $100, 000 available in 2010.  Find out now how to access funds for your healthy workplace initiative program, as the applications for the Spring round are due March 5, 2010. Find out more.

UBC’s Meals for Meaning and Purpose: Register Now for Your Department or Unit

Invite us to your department or unit so that we can provide a meal and dialogue with two guest speakers about meaning-making and purpose.

These dialogue-based sessions will engage UBC faculty and staff in discussion on how individuals can maintain their sense of purpose in their professional and personal lives.  Dialogue will be facilitated by two guest speakers whose work has focused on meaning-making and ethics with university professionals.  Dr. Robert J. Nash is an Official University Scholar, and has been a professor in the College of Education and Social Sciences for 41 years specializing in religion, spirituality, ethics and education.  Lara Scott, M.Ed is a university administrator at Champlain College, and she teaches in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration program in the College of Education and Social Sciences at the University of Vermont.  Dr. Nash and Lara Scott have presented at numerous national conferences for university professionals on ethics and spirituality.  Both have published articles about ethics and spirituality, and Dr. Nash’s most recent book, “Helping College Students Find Purpose: The Campus Guide to Meaning-Making,” will be available at the UBC Bookstore.

Contact Suzanne Jolly at suzanne.jolly@ubc.ca or 604-822-8762 for more information or to register to have Health Promotion Programs host a meal and dialogue-based session for your department or unit.

Ergonomics Tip of the Month

Laptops, netbooks and cell phones may be the latest and greatest in technology, but they are providing new challenges for our bodies. These portable, handheld devices are hurting our shoulders, arms, backs, necks and even our thumbs.

The technologies we use today affect the upper back and neck most. The biggest offender, the laptop, causes the most grief since its name suggests it is normally placed on the lap for use. Computers positioned on a person’s lap are usually situated too low, which requires the user to strain muscles to type and look at the screen.  This issue is something that should be addressed with UBC staff and faculty as more people begin to telecommute, and thus, laptops would likely be used more often.  Netbooks are likely going to cause even more issues, as they have smaller keyboards which can cause even more misalignment of the body when typing.

With Blackberry being in common use at UBC, it is important to mention that smart phones can become the cause of new wrist pain and “text thumb” issues.  These are especially apparent amongst those that are sending upward of 100 messages a day. The thumbs are not designed for the up-and-down motion involved with texting, as the muscles controlling this digit are spread across the back of the hand. The result of this constant motion is often tendonitis which occurs directly at the wrist.

These new technological challenges to our health put a renewed emphasis on the importance of taking breaks from computers and phones.  Taking a walk away from the phone and computer is important, as it is recommended to get up at least once an hour.  Looking away from the screen regularly and focusing attention on an object in the distance can also help reduce eye and neck strain. Stretching can also be helpful to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.  Remember that your shoulders, wrists, hands, fingers and arms could all use a stretch

Free Healthy UBC Events

Spend a lunch hour with colleagues picking up a new skill. These monthly free events are available to all UBC faculty and staff members. All events are held at UBC Point Grey unless otherwise indicated

• Mondays and Fridays. Power Walking Club. Get away from your desk and meet new people by walking at lunchtime- either on Mondays or Fridays. More.
• 12 Weeks to Wellness. Learn more about this free weight-loss program offered by Human Solutions, UBC’s Employee Family Assistance Program provider.More.
• Simple Office Ergonomics. Jolene Cooper, UBC’s Ergonomics Associate, will teach you how to set up your office properly. More.
• Mental Health First Aid Training. This four week course (3 hours/week) offers a crucial understanding how to deal with mental health crises. More.
• Responsible Optimism. Acquire tools for adopting a more optimistic, positive outlook on life. More.
• Navigating Life Transitions. This workshop will provide a brief overview of some coping mechanisms and practical resources available for dealing with change. More.