Healthy UBC Newsletter October 2009

My Personal Flu Prevention Plan

Part of my role on campus is to coordinate UBC’s seasonal flu clinics for staff and faculty.

Based on current information it is not expected that a seasonal flu vaccine will be available until January 2010 or later.

If you have any concerns regarding your health and the seasonal flu, please contact your family doctor.

With this in mind, I thought I would mention what I am personally doing to try avoiding the flu this fall:

1. I watched the WorkSafe BC video on handwashing. I can no longer wash my hands without taking a very long time.  In fact, I now play a game every time I reach a sink.  I try to outlast the other person who is at the sink beside me (I’m sad to say that I usually win).
2. I am making sure to stay active to boost my immune system and deal with stress. My activity comes in the form of biking home from work, doing yoga, and rock climbing.  With the first sign of snow on the mountains today, I’m very excited to do some back-country skiing soon.
3. I am focusing on healthy eating such as making meals with fresh garlic and ginger (which are both thought to boost immunity) and a new vitamin C rich smoothie as my breakfast. Email me for the recipe.
4. I am avoiding those who are ill. Sorry, but if you’re feeling a little ill, I plan on rescheduling meetings or doing it all over the phone/email until you feel better.
5. I am continuing to drink plenty of water.
6. I am making sure to still have fun outside even if it means going for a walk or a bike ride in the rain! (with warm clothes on).

Everyone lives different lives, but I wonder what could you add to yours to help prevent yourself from catching the flu this season?  Here’s to all of us maintaining our health this fall/winter!

All my best,

Suzanne Jolly

HSE Coordinator (Health Promotion Programs)

604-822-8762

Event Reminders

Don’t miss these upcoming programs.

#1. Are you Crazy for Comedy? Stand Up for Mental Health

Mental illness can be a serious subject.  So take a break and enjoy unique opportunity to laugh at the lighter side of mental health. Monday, October 5, 12 – 1 pm. Sign up. Or Monday, October 5, 8 – 9:30 pm. Sign Up.

#2. Faculty Culture and Meaning Making

Join Dr. Kevin Kecskes, Associate Vice-Provost of Portland State University as he discusses how culture impacts faculty members’ abilities to choose healthy behaviors. Part of UBC’s Celebrate Learning Week. Tuesday, October 27, 1:30 – 4 pm. To register.

UBC Thrive: Health, Community & Commitment

November 2 – 6, 2009.  All day, all over UBC.

UBC THRIVE is a week-long series of events encouraging UBC students, staff, and faculty to invest in their health and to support their colleagues and peers to choose healthier options.

There are events taking place all over.  Major events include a cooking demonstration by UBC President Professor Toope and UBC Food Services Catering Manager and Chef, Kevin Dueck, a two-day wellness fair featuring interactive activities including free health assessments and Suicide Awareness Day which will include a keynote talk by Lloyd Craig, and two showings of a National Film Board film.

THRIVE empowers UBC staff, students and faculty to lead balanced lives, challenge the stigmas associated with mental health issues and develop new healthy routines.

Sample THRIVE events:

-Breakfast kickoff event featuring a cooking demonstration by UBC President Professor Toope and Chef Kevin Dueck (Catering Manager for UBC Food Services) -A weeklong raffle -Free access to UBC BodyWorks gym, and a free Posture and Back Care class -Suicide Awareness Day (Nov. 3) – with keynote speaker Lloyd Craig and a screening of the film “Drawing From Life ” – a National Film Board of Canada production

-Two-day Wellness Fair in the SUB (with free health assessments and activity-oriented booths) -Mental Health in the Workplace training sponsored by AAPS -An action plan workshop on how to incorporate health changes into your life -Bike to Work Week -THRIVE week menu item at various UBC food outlets

Come be inspired to THRIVE in body, mind and spirit.  Sign up to receive event updates.

Amazing Race Wellness Challenge

Position your starting blocks, as the Amazing Race Wellness Challenge is about to begin! In teams of 4-10 people, compete in this campus-wide, five-week marathon to a healthier you.

Go for the gold by completing health challenges in all five dimensions of wellness: physical activity, nutrition, intellectual, psychological and social/community.

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).

Participation will also be recognized through weekly draw prizes of $100 gift cards.

Good luck in your final month of training and see you all at the starting line November 2, 2009.

Sign up for the Amazing Race Health Challenge or contact Thea Treahy-Geofreda at 604-827-3047 for more information.

Healthy UBC Network

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 Network members.

Noon Fun Runs With UBC REC

In the past, Noon Runs have been competitive and uninviting to the average person. Not anymore. Say hello to the Noon Fun Run for 2009.

Join UBC REC on Thursdays at 12:30 for a free 3-5 km run through many of UBC’s most scenic areas. The event is a non-intimidating activity where a healthy lifestyle is promoted.

Noon Fun Runs are open to staff, faculty and students of all fitness levels.

Meet just outside the Student Recreation Centre.  Contact 604-822-6000 for further information.

Free Healthy UBC Programs

Spend a lunch hour with colleagues picking up a new skill.  These monthly free events are available to all UBC faculty and staff members.

Mondays and Fridays. Power Walking Club. Now you can get your power walking fix at lunchtime on Mondays as well as Fridays.  Get your walk on with walk leaders Debbie McPherson (Mondays) or Arlene Decaire (Fridays). More.

Oct 7. Understanding Mental Health. Prejudice around mental health problems remains. Understand the personal and environmental factors that can impact mental health. More .

Oct 15. Marriage in the Middle Stage. Couples who have been married between 5 and 25 years will get a chance to explore strategies for strengthening a marriage in the middle stages. More.

Oct 21. How to Effectively Manage Your Time. Learn not how to do more in less time but, rather, how to accomplish the right things in the time available. More .

Oct 28. Caregiver Education Information Workshop. Caregivers cope better with stress when they are educated about resources and develop stress management strategies. More.

Oct 30. Resilience:  Learning to Roll With Life’s Punches. Want to be able to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change?  Learn how at this course. More.

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Healthy UBC is a publication from UBC’s Department of Health, Safety and Environment and it provides health promotion information to UBC staff and faculty on a monthly basis. Sign up to receive this monthly newsletter.

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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