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The University of British Columbia
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- The University of British Columbia
- UBC Human Resources
Does anyone else feel like it is a little hard to keep your chin up these days? It is certainly counter-intuitive when the rain is pounding down.
With our hoods up, huddled under umbrellas, arms crossed to stay warm, jackets buttoned up, and heads down to navigate the puddles on the sidewalks, we all look a little less friendly these days.
While fall is a tough time for a lot of reasons, I realized that this general inapproachability might be another reason why the rainy weather brings extra feelings of fatigue and isolation for many of us.
Along with that, vitamin D deficiency and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) could also be coming into play.
While it is hard to get up and look forward to a new day when it is pouring rain outside, if we choose to continue allowing rain to ruin our parade then we are cheating ourselves (and others) from new opportunities.
So I hope you will brave the rain and join us in one of our many programs this month to help make new connections to people and to ideas that will challenge you to be healthier this winter. After all, you’re not made of sugar so you’ll likely not melt in the rain (but I’m sure you’re just as sweet!).
If you can’t make it to one of our programs, and you find yourself feeling down, some of these resources might help:
All my best,
HSE Coordinator (Health Promotion Programs)
604-822-8762
Flu is on everyone’s minds these days.
Please keep informed about UBC community options by checking the Health, Safety and Environment website. It contains the most up-to-date information that we have available for the UBC community.
Finalized plans for seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations are on their way, but we are still waiting on further details from the provincial and local health authorities.
We will update the website as soon as we have more details to share.
Last call for proposals
A bike to work rewards program. Personal wellness handbooks. A health and wellness blog.
These are just of few of the UBC projects that have received funding through the Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program (HWIP) fund.
This fall all UBC Vancouver and Okanagan departments/units have another opportunity to receive funding for innovative healthy workplace practices. Apply by Nov 9, 2009 to access a share of the $100,000 available.
This competition typically funds applications totaling less than $5,000.
For more information on the funding criteria and application process visit the HSE website.
Reminder: Don’t miss these upcoming programs!
Faculty members face unique challenges because of the nature of their work. For example, there are great expectations for publications, research, dedication, teaching and mentorship.
Dr. Kevin Kecskes will address these issues and challenge faculty and staff to recognize the cultural forces that can prevent faculty members from leading a healthy, engaged life filled with meaning. This event promises relevant, interesting dialogue with a reception to follow. Oct. 27, 1:30 – 4 pm. To register.
Only one week left to sign up for the Amazing Race Health Challenge. In teams of three to ten, collect points by competing in a variety of health challenges. These activities include anything from eating a nutritious breakfast to sorting out personal finances.
The team with the most points will receive the “World Title” (and your choice of a Nintendo Wii, 2 massage chairs or a $400 Food Services gift card). Nov. 2 – Dec. 4. To register.
The first annual UBC THRIVE is a week-long series of events encouraging UBC students, staff and faculty to invest in their health. From free gym access to a theatre performance there’s something for everyone to THRIVE. Nov. 2 – 6, all day, every day, all over UBC. To register. Events not to miss:
The Healthy UBC Network is composed of a cross section of faculty and staff who – often on a volunteer basis – develop and coordinate prevention-oriented health and wellness programs in their respective units. Each month we feature the work of one of these members.
Free Mammograms
The Screening Mammography Program mobile service will be at UBC Point Grey on November 25-26 providing free screening mammograms to BC women ages 40 – 79.
To book your 15-minute appointment, call the BC Cancer Agency at 604-877-6187. Doctor’s referral not necessary.
Screening mammograms are for women with no sign of a breast problem – see your doctor immediately if you find a lump or any unusually changes in your breast.
Thanks to Linda Roseborough from Building Operations (and a member of the Healthy UBC Network) for organizing this initiative for the campus community.
Spend a lunch hour with colleagues picking up a new skill. These monthly free events are available to all UBC faculty and staff members.
We are now on Twitter ! Get bi-weekly UBC-specific health tips at twitter.com/HealthyUBC.
Department of Health, Safety and Environment
University of British Columbia
#50, 2075 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Content: Suzanne Jolly, Erin Creak
Production: Erin Creak
