Community Health News

Free Events This Month: August 2018

By Melissa Lafrance on August 7, 2018

Nitobe Memorial Garden Guided Walk | August 14 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Join a guided tour of the Nitobe Memorial Garden, a traditional Japanese tea-and-stroll garden located at UBC Vancouver. Enjoy nature while socializing and learning about the many unique features of the garden. Limited spots available. Find out more and register now.   

Office Ergo Rep Training | August 21 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

If your department is looking for more efficient response and support with regards to ergonomic issues for staff, consider taking the three-hour Ergo Rep Training. Learn about basic ergonomic risk factors and assessments, proper computer workstation set-up, and resources to take back to your unit. Find out more and register now.  

Ergo Your Office Tutorial | August 23 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Optimize your computer work environment to improve comfort and reduce the risk of injury. This one-hour tutorial combines a presentation with a practical session, giving you hands-on experience adjusting typical office equipment. By the end of the tutorial, you will know how to set up your chair, keyboard/mouse, and monitor to promote neutral working postures. Find out more and register now.

Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms | August 23 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

This workshop will provide important information about different types of sit-stand desks and platforms available for the workplace. Understanding the pros and cons of each will assist departments, staff and faculty in deciding which option may be most suitable. Product samples will be available for participants to try in order to understand how the different models impact physical positioning and workflow. Find out more and register now. 

Coming up in September…

The Working Mind for Managers | September 18 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Working Mind is a Mental Health Commission of Canada, evidence-based workplace training program aimed at increasing mental health literacy for managers, supervisors, deans, and department heads.

This education-based and solution-focused program is designed to address and promote mental health and reduce stigma in a workplace setting. Participants will enhance their awareness to reduce stigma and negative attitudes around mental health challenges, have a better understanding of mental health and wellbeing, be able to promote mental health in the workplace, and gain confidence, tools and resources to support employees. Find out more and register now.

Community Health News: August 2018

August 8: Yoga on the Mall

August 15: Positive Space Foundational Workshop

August 17: New Staff & Faculty Fitness Membership Bundles (UBC Recreation)

August 23: Community Kitchen at UBC Farm

Photo Credit: UBC Human Resources

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Community Health News: July 2018

By Miranda Massie on July 4, 2018

This Month’s Feature:

July 3-August 30: Summer discounts (50%) on two new UBC BodyWorks fitness classes: Brain Bodyworks and Yoga & Mindful Movement. See brochure for full details.

Other Events and Activities:

Until October 31: UBC Farm Pop-Up Markets (Wednesdays, UBC Bookstore)

Until August 15: Yoga on the Mall

July 18-20: UBC Blueberry Fest

July 19: Fifth Annual UBC Chef Challenge (Discounted tickets for staff and faculty)

July 19: UBC Botanical Gardens Amphitheatre Summer Series

August 1: UBC Pride

Photo: Community Development (UBC Campus and Community Planning)

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Community Health News: June 2018

By Miranda Massie on June 5, 2018

This Month’s Feature:

June 21: UBC Staff Pension Fair

Other Events and Activities:

Now-June 13: Call for QPR Instructors – Applications Open

Now-July 4: Yoga on the Mall

June 6: Doughgirls Summer Harvest Baking

June 7: Happy How-To: From Happiness Research to Happier Cities

June 12: Leading with Emotional Intelligence (for Postdocs and Grad students)

June 16: Garden Days Grow Green Guide Tour (UBC Botanical Garden)

June 21: Special Solstice Opening – Beginning with the Seventies Radial Change (Belkin Art Gallery)

June 22: In a Different Light Opening – Gallery of Northwest Coast Masterworks (MOA)

Photo Credit: Community Development (UBC Campus and Community Planning)

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Community Health News: April 2018

By Miranda Massie on April 3, 2018

This Month’s Feature:

Registration now open for UBC Recreation Summer Camps

Other Events and Activities:

April 3: The Chan Centre Turns 20

April 9: UBC Indian Residential School History & Dialogue Centre Grand Opening

April 19: EDGE Film Festival (UBC School of Nursing)

April 19: UBC Connects with Waneek Horn-Miller

April 19: Emergency: Drug Use and Addiction in the 21st Century (MEDtalks)

April 22: Earth Day Bird Tours and Grow Green Guide Tours (UBC Botanical Gardens)

April 24: Impromptu Rock Choir at UBC

Photo Credit: UBC Communications and Marketing

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healthy snack in the office - plate of fresh fruits

Community Health News: March 2018

By Miranda Massie on March 7, 2018

This Month’s Feature:

UBC Wellbeing: Healthy Beverage Initiatives Survey & Impromptu Rock Choir

March 9: UBC Wellbeing is exploring a healthy beverage initiative at UBC and would like to get your feedback on non-alcoholic beverage consumption on campus. Complete the Vancouver survey or Okanagan survey by March 9 for a chance to win one of five $25 UBC Food Services gift cards. Find out more about this initiative here.

March 21: Lift your spirits with a song! UBC Wellbeing and the UBC Arts and Culture District are bringing Vancouver’s Impromptu Rock Choir to campus each month for a fun and inclusive singing experience. All voices welcome; no experience required. Find out more and register here.

Other Events and Activities:

March 8: Structural Oppression – Male Privilege (UBC Learning Circle)

March 10: UBC Recreation Triathlon Duathlon

March 14: Lead, Succeed, and Inspire: An Evening with Changemakers

March 15: Register for UBC Staff and Faculty Sports Day

March 15: 3 Minutes Thesis 2018 @UBC – Finals

March 19: The Colours of Food Security – Public Reception with Dr. Jonathan Foley

March 22: March Break Nitobe Garden Tour

March 25-28: UBC Recreation Storm the Wall

Photo credit: UBC Communications & Marketing

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Community Health News: January 2018

Community Health News: January 2018

By Miranda Massie on January 11, 2018

This Month’s Feature:

Jan 22-March 25: Join the 12th Annual UBC Walkabout

Walkabout is an annual nine-week health and wellbeing challenge that promotes regular exercise in social settings. Everyone at UBC is welcome to create teams of five or register as an individual. Cost is only $10 per person, and registration is now open. This is a great opportunity to achieve a personal or team fitness goal at the start of a new year! For more details, visit the UBC Walkabout website.

Other Events and Activities:

January is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is filled with events and messages that aim to raise awareness and understanding about sexual assault, and what we, as individuals and the UBC community, can do to help prevent it. Join the conversation and explore ways to become involved.

Participate in a Standing Desk Study

Many office workers spend a high proportion of their work day sitting, often in prolonged unbroken bouts. The Population Physical Activity Lab in the School of Kinesiology at UBC is conducting a workplace intervention aimed at reducing employee sitting time through the provision of a low-cost standing desk.

If you are interested in trying out a standing desk, aged 18-65 years old, and sit at a desk at least three days a week, then you are invited to participate.

This study involves wearing an activity monitor and completing a few surveys – three times over a six-month period. You will receive $60 for your participation and be offered the standing desk to keep.

Click here for more information or if you’d like to sign up for this study, please email Dr. Guy Faulkner, CIHR-PHAC Chair in Applied Public Health, or Katie Weatherson, the Research Assistant at pop_pa.lab@ubc.ca.

January 8-14: UBC Recreation Free Week

It’s that wonderful time of the year when you can check out UBC Recreation classes – for free! Drop in for a fitness, yoga, Pilates, dance, martial arts, boot camp or aquatics class. No experience required. Try as many classes as you like, and register for your favourites!

January 14: UBC Opera Tea Series

Enjoy a concert of opera arias and song favourites in a casual setting. Coffee, tea and light refreshments served. Advanced reservation required.

January 18: Reawakening Ancient Salish Sea Basketry

Participate in an inspirational evening with Suquamish Elder and Master Basketmaker Ed Carriere and wet site archaeologist and ancient basketry researcher Dr. Dale R. Croes. Ed and Dale will present a richly illustrated talk about ancient basket making and invite visitors to interact with the ancient basket replicas they make.

January 19: UBC Winter Classic Hockey Game

This popular annual event sold out last year, so get your tickets to watch the UBC Thunderbirds Men’s Hockey before they’re gone! Family pack and student rate tickets available.

January 20: First-Year Educators’ Symposium

This free symposium will provide opportunities to network and share research and resources related to teaching, learning and community building with a focus on first-year students at UBC. This event is supported by Student Development & Services, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology.

January 26: Arts in Health Research Community of Practice

The Arts in Health Research community of practice aims to be a vibrant collegial space in which members share their work, engage with and learn from the approaches of others, discuss challenges and successes of their research, and explore emerging trends and innovations in arts-based methodologies.  All researchers who are currently working at the intersection between the arts and health research are welcome to attend.

January 31: Suicide Awareness Day

Reach out. Help is available. Reaching out early and preventing suicide requires everyone’s support. On Suicide Awareness Day, January 31, show your support for awareness and prevention. Visit ow.ly/bDae30gVnx4

To request free Suicide Awareness Day stickers for your group, department or faculty, please click here to place your order.

February 1: Wear Your Active Wear Day

On the first day of Move UBC month, you are invited to wear clothes that encourage you to move throughout your entire day. We want to see your lulu’s or your bright running shoes– anything that encourages you to move!

February 1: Bridging the Gaps in Healthcare Practice and Policy

PhDs Go Public Research Talk Series returns in 2018 with the first of six dynamic events, where doctoral students tell their community-engaged research stories in just under seven minutes.

Save the Date: May 4, 2018 – Staff and Faculty Sports Day

Mark your calendars now to ensure that you are available to participate in this year’s event.

Photo credit: Martin Dee/UBC Communications and Marketing

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Community Health News: December 2017

Community Health News: December 2017

By Miranda Massie on December 7, 2017

This Month’s Feature:

Participate in a Standing Desk Study

Many office workers spend a high proportion of their work day sitting, often in prolonged unbroken bouts. The Population Physical Activity Lab in the School of Kinesiology at UBC is conducting a workplace intervention aimed at reducing employee sitting time through the provision of a low-cost standing desk.

If you are interested in trying out a standing desk, aged 18-65 years old, and sit at a desk at least three days a week, then you are invited to participate.

This study involves wearing an activity monitor and completing a few surveys – three times over a six-month period. You will receive $60 for your participation and be offered the standing desk to keep.

Click here for more information or if you’d like to sign up for this study, please email Dr. Guy Faulkner, CIHR-PHAC Chair in Applied Public Health, or Katie Weatherson, the Research Assistant at pop_pa.lab@ubc.ca

Other Events and Activities:

December 7: Night Shift – Supernatural Vibes

Emcee Suzette Amaya curates an all-female line-up of Indigenous spoken word and hip-hop performers from around the Northwest Coast. Supernatural Vibes celebrates Northwest Coast matriarch voices to honour women’s stories, talents and histories.

December 12: UBC Undergraduate Admissions Information Session

Do you have a dependent child thinking of attending UBC?  When your dependent child progresses from high school to post-secondary education, it can be an exciting, overwhelming and confusing time for you and your child.  Staff and faculty who are parents of children thinking of attending UBC are invited to learn more about UBC’s student application process and timelines.

December 13: Winter Bang! Festival

Enjoy electroacoustic music, student capstone presentations and an interactive music and dance concert as part of this free UBC School of Music celebration. Additional event details available here.

Coming in 2018:

Photo credit: UBC Communications and Marketing

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Community Health Events: November 2017

Community Health Events: November 2017

By Miranda Massie on October 25, 2017

This month’s feature:

October 30-November 3: Thrive Week 2017

Thrive is an annual, University-wide initiative for all students, faculty and staff. Join the UBC community by participating in a series of engaging and diverse events, activities and experiences. Visit the full events calendar for details and find new ways to build your positive mental health each and every day.

Highlights in Vancouver include:

Click here for a list of Okanagan events.

Other Events and Activities

October 31- November 9: Flu Clinics

Even healthy people can get sick from the flu and spread it to others. Getting the flu shot is your best protection against the flu bug. Mark the 2017 clinic dates into your calendar now. The clinics operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

November 3: United Way Stretch for a Cause

Support UBC’s United Way Campaign by attending this noon-hour yoga class. Entry is by donation with all proceeds going to the United Way. Don’t miss out on door prizes provided by HotBox Yoga!

November 8: Kinesiology Distinguished Speaker Series

This session entitled, “Action, perception and cognition: a movement psychological perspective”, features Professor Rouwen Cañal-Bruland of Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany.

November 9: Psychology Colloquium with Dr. Sue Frantz

Dr. Sue Frantz discusses learning enhancement, particularly the role that educational technologies play in the classroom.

November 17: UBC Choir Fest

Presented by the UBC School of Music, this aural presentation features the University Singers and the UBC Choral Union and culminates in a finale of 400+ voices.

November 19: The Fabric of Our Land: Salish Weaving (Exhibition Opening)

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the unique design of Salish blankets up close, and to learn the rich history and significance of weaving in this region. Runs through April 2018.

November 25: 20 Years of Brain Health – An Anniversary Symposium

Commemorate 20 years of neuroscience research and brain health discovery at UBC. Meet and mingle with the UBC neuroscience community, including our fascinating faculty, students, staff and alumni, and enjoy special presentations from keynote speakers Dr. Karl Deisseroth and Dr. Catherine Malabou.

Photo credit: UBC Thrive

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Community Health Events: October 2017

Community Health Events: October 2017

By Miranda Massie on October 3, 2017

This Month’s Feature

September 25-October 9: Thrive Recipe Contest

Cook your way to UBC Food Services fame! Submit your favourite healthy (thriving) snack recipe for a chance to win a $50 UBC Food Services Gift Card. The winner and two friends will also work with UBC Executive Chef David Speight to perfect their recipe and have it featured at a UBC Food Services outlet for the whole campus to enjoy. It will also be the feature snack at the University-wide Thrive Kick-off party on October 30.

Other Events and Activities

October 4: UBC Outdoor Art Walking Tour (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

See UBC’s beautiful outdoor art while getting moving! Since the late 1950s, UBC’s Outdoor Art Collection has captured the imagination of visitors from around the world. No need to sign up or register: just meet at the Belkin Art Gallery and bring your friends and coworkers.

October 10-13: United Way Week of Caring

The 2017 UBC Community United Way Campaign kicks off with a Week of Caring. Visit one or all of the amazing events this week and have your passport stamped for a chance to win at the Campus Culture Challenge. Events include the Pancake Race IX (Oct. 10), Turkey 2K Trot (Oct. 11), Arts Food Truck Festival (Oct. 12), and Campus-wide 50/50 ticket sale (Oct. 13).

October 11: Fall and Winter Cycling Workshop (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

This intermediate-level workshop is a great way to encourage warmer weather riders to try biking in the fall. Participants will learn more advanced tips and tricks about biking to work in winter riding conditions, including dressing for the weather; advanced cycling safety and use of your gears; cold weather care for your bike, lights, and visibility; and more. Lunch is included.

October 14-15: UBC Apple Festival

A family event for all ages, the UBC Apple Festival celebrates one of BC’s favourite fruits. From learning about the diversity of apples to tasting rare and unusual varieties, the Apple Festival is a great opportunity to discover more about this delicious fruit.

October 18: Kids Bike Library

Need a bigger bike? Come to the Kids Bike Library at the Bike Kitchen to exchange old kids’ bikes for a better fitting ride. Free kids bike tune-ups from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

October 19: ShakeOut BC (10:19 a.m.)

British Columbia is located in one of the most seismically-active regions in the world with more than 1,200 earthquakes recorded each year. While most are too small to be felt, the risk of a major one causing significant damage is real. Take part in UBC’s annual earthquake preparedness drill.

October 23-29: Bike to Work Week

Get more out of your commute while enjoying fresh air, improved health and a lower carbon footprint. Jump on a bike and invite a friend or colleague to join. You’ll feel great being active, get to where you want to go faster, and save money. Plus you have a chance to win some great prizes, including a cycling tour in Italy or new bikes!

October 27: The Pumpkin Run (2:00 p.m.)

Want to increase your daily step count with a scenic walk outside? Looking to fit a bit of fitness into your day? No problem – take part in this 6km Pumpkin Run (or walk) on the Point Grey Campus. Take part in the event as an individual or as part of a relay team.

October 30-November 3: Thrive Week 2017

Get ready to find new ways to build your positive mental health each and every day. Thrive is an annual, University-wide initiative for all students, faculty and staff. Join the UBC community, including campus partners and volunteers, by participating in a series of engaging and diverse events, activities and experiences.

October 31- November 9: Get Your Flu Shot

Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Getting the flu shot is your best protection against the flu bug. Book the 2017 clinic dates into your calendar now. The clinics will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Weight Watchers at Work (Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m.)

Join the UBC Weight Watchers at Work group today. Conveniently located at the UBC Bookstore, meetings take place upstairs. Program includes personalized food and fitness tracking, 24/7 chat and more.

Photo credit: UBC Food Services

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Community Health Events: September 2017

By Miranda Massie on September 13, 2017

This Month’s Feature

 September 14: Welcome Back Staff BBQ (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

This annual event is an opportunity for UBC staff to enjoy a complimentary lunch, live entertainment, information booths, and the camaraderie of colleagues. Registration has closed, but if you would like to attend, bring your UBC Card to the registration table on the day of the event. A limited number of wristbands are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other Events and Activities

September 1-October 31: UBC Campus Challenge

Discover the Vancouver campus, complete the fun challenges and enter for a chance to win great prizes! Open to staff, faculty, students and alumni.

September 5-22: Still Here Photo Exhibit

Still Here is a collection of photographs and art from queer people affected by suicide. Through their experience and willingness to tell their stories, Still Here participants are helping to raise awareness about depression and suicide in the queer community. Still Here is a project from the Men’s Health Research program at UBC’s School of Nursing with support from community organizations and donors.

September 11-16: UBC Bodyworks Free Class Trial

Staff, faculty and community members new to Bodyworks are invited to try any class at UBC Bodyworks Fitness Centre for free during the start of this month.

September 11-17: UBC Recreation Free Week

New and returning staff and faculty: this is your chance to try any instructor-led classes with UBC Recreation for free. Drop-in to fitness, yoga, Pilates, dance, martial arts, boot camps and aquatics classes . Try as many classes as you like, and register for your favourites!

September 14: Urban Green Spaces & Health Webinar (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Trees and green spaces promote health, but why is this so and how do we use this knowledge? Hosted by and featuring the research of UBC assistant professor Matilda van den Bosch, this presentation will outline pathways and mechanisms behind the health effects from urban natural environments.

September 16: UBC Homecoming

This year’s Homecoming starts with fun activities around campus and concludes with the big game at Thunderbird Stadium. Break out the blue, get out your gold, celebrate the Thunderbirds and show your UBC pride with 10,000 of your closest friends.

September 19-December 19: Tuesday Yoga at MOA (5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.)

Take part in a weekly, all levels Hatha/Flow yoga class in the beautiful grand hall of the Museum of Anthropology. Pay for the program, a 10-class pass or drop in. Please direct questions to jill.lindsay@ubc.ca at the hosting department (MOA) or payments to samanthaburkeyoga@gmail.com.

September 28: Harvest Feastival

Get your friends and colleagues together for a night of food, art and culture. Enjoy a feast featuring fall favourites from the UBC Farm, followed by after-dinner entertainment at one of the many special shows and exhibits planned just for you at UBC’s world-class Arts and Culture District.

Next Month: United Way Community Campaign

October 10: The Great Pancake Race IX

The Great Pancake Race is a community-building, awareness-raising, kick-off event for UBC’s United Way campaign that promises flip-tastic fun for all. Gather your team of four together and vie for the coveted Pan Trophy.

October 11: Turkey 2K Trot

Come out and support UBC’s annual United Way campaign. Enjoy a 2km run or walk + BBQ, bake sale and live music. Door prizes to be awarded as well as prizes for top finishers.. Who will take home the Turkey Trophy this year?  If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please email Indiana Letkemann.

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Community Health Events: August 2017

Community Health Events: August 2017

By Miranda Massie on August 3, 2017

This Month’s Feature

August 3: UBC Pride Picnic (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

Pop by UBC’s first-ever Pride Picnic in recognition of the 15th anniversary of Positive Space on campus. Everyone is welcome to come together for a free, fun and inclusive party outside the UBC Bookstore.

Other Events and Activities

August 11: Scholars at UBC Farm – Outdoor Dining Series (6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)

Enjoy an al fresco five-course, farm-to-table experience under the twinkling lights and live music at the UBC Farm’s beautiful Poplar Grove. Celebrate the bounty of local food and support our continuing work towards understanding sustainable food systems at the UBC Farm. Tickets to each dinner are $80 per person, which includes a five-course family style meal and one beverage of your choice.

August 12: Bike Tour of Outdoor Art (10:00 a.m.)

Wesbrook Village, the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery and More Bikes are teaming up to deliver the definitive campus art tour. No bike? More Bikes (Wesbrook Village) can set you up with a rental. The free tour begins at More Bikes, and will only proceed in dry weather.

August 12: Blackout Night Sky Festival at MOA (5:00 p.m. – midnight)

Explore our connection to the stars during an evening of arts and astronomy. Blackout brings together storytellers, musicians, artists and astronomers to share their relationships to the skies. Witness the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, peer into telescopes, make your own lantern and enjoy stargazing to a soundtrack of ambient beats, punctuated by live music and throat singing.

August 14-18: Summer on the Mall

Main Mall is the place to be for this week-long, noon-time summer celebration. From yoga to outdoor art crawls, live music to petting zoos, there won’t be a shortage of things to do. Get ready to socialize, be active or just relax in the sun.

August 19: Medicine Collective Workshop – UBC Farm (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Join the Medicine Collective, a group of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge-Keepers in workshops that aim to reconnect and restore our relationships to lands and people living on Turtle Island. Workshops are $20 per person and medicines will be available to bring home.

August 21: Solar Eclipse Observation at UBC (9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)

With eclipse viewers and telescopes on hand, join UBC professors and students for the partial solar eclipse (up to 86%). A live stream of the total eclipse and presentations about how an eclipse occurs will be hosted in the Welcome Centre at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre. Viewing will take place on the Plaza between the AMS Student Nest and the Alumni Centre.

September 20: Kettle Bell Swing Workshop (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

TWIST Performance + Wellness is teaming up with the School of Kinesiology’s UBC BodyWorks Fitness Centre to offer a kettle bell swing workshop with lead strength coach Josh Neumann. This is a great opportunity to try something new or improve your technique.

Image Credit: UBC Communications and Marketing

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