Community Health News

Free Events This Month: December 2019

By Halina Deptuck on December 2, 2019

Upcoming workshops:

Ergo Your Office Tutorial │ December 3, 2019 │3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Optimize your computer work environment to improve comfort and reduce the risk of injury. This one-hour tutorial combines a presentation and 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. Register here.

Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms │ December 3, 2019 │1:30 p.m. – 2:30 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. Register here

Relaxation Techniques to Help You Thrive │ December 3, 2019 │12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Our minds and bodies need rest and recovery breaks to allow us to relax and reduce the effects of stress. While everyone has days that are hectic and unfocused, consistently feeling stressed out, rushed, or on-the-go can have a detrimental impact on a person, increasing their risk of experiencing a serious physical concern. This workshop will show participants how to make time to calm down and reduce stress using both proactive and reactive relaxation techniques. Register here

Understanding Your Travel Benefits │ December 11, 2019 │12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

With the winter months fast approaching, many staff and faculty are preparing for vacations both at home and abroad. Medical emergencies while travelling can be a frightening and also a costly experience. Attend this free, one-hour session and Q & A on understanding your travel benefits to ensure that your well-earned vacation is as stress-free as possible.

Note: This session is held at UBC Vancouver, but will also be available via video conference at UBC Okanagan. Register here for Vancouver | Register here for Okanagan

Coming in January 2020:

Mental Health First Aid Training │ January 22 and 29 │9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Mental Health First Aid is a two-day, evidence-based workshop that aims to improve mental health literacy by providing the skills and knowledge to help better manage potential or developing mental health problems in the self, a family member, a friend or a colleague. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, be able to provide initial support to a person who may be developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a crisis, and be prepared to guide a person towards professional help. Register here.

Community Health News: December 2019 and January 2020

December 5 or 10: Try a free lunchtime fitness class at Blusson Spinal Cord Centre (UBC Faculty of Medicine and VCH Research Institute)
December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
December 10: BIPOC Connection Lunch (Equity & Inclusion Office)
January 20-March 22: UBC Walkabout – register before January 28 (Faculty of Education)

Photo credit: UBC Brand & Marketing

Posted in Community Health News, Healthy UBC Initiatives | Tagged Benefits, courses, Ergonomics, free, mental health, Relaxation, stress management, travel benefits, UBC | Leave a response

Free Events This Summer

By Melissa Lafrance on July 16, 2019

50/50 Yoga Pilates Class | August 1 | 11:00 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.

This class presents a cutting-edge Pilates workout designed to sculpt the body and strengthen the core. A 50/50 Yoga Pilates class is a unique combination of 50% standing Pilates work, which integrates Pilates principles into lower-body work, and 50% yoga mat work to strengthen the core with complementary exercises. Find out more and register now.

Creating Balance in Your Life | August 13 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

In today’s environment of competing demands, relentless commitments and feelings of being short on time, balance doesn’t often come easily or naturally. Join us for a session to help you explore how your current choices impact work-life satisfaction and develop strategies to achieve a greater balance in life by identifying your priorities and the things you may not be able to control. Find out more and register now.

Beginner Boot Camp | August 15 | 11:00 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.

This bootcamp is designed to guide you through a variety of core, stability, and functional strength training for a safe and effective workout. Suitable for both beginner and experienced bootcampers. Find out more and register now.

Ergo Your Office Tutorial | August 20 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.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 20 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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 Chair Fit | Available Every Month

The UBC Workplace Ergonomics Program has equipment available for testing, including chairs. If you are looking to purchase a new chair and want to test out some options, book an appointment with the ergo team to learn more, including how to adjust the chairs properly and purchasing options. (Note: A chair fit session does not necessarily mean that your department will purchase a new chair for you. Please talk to your manager before booking a chair fit session.) Learn more and register for a session now.

30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge | Begins Every Tuesday

This free, innovative, evidence-based training is for all UBC staff and faculty looking to incorporate mindfulness into the workplace and in their everyday lives. Content is delivered online via any device, and focuses on simple yet powerful and achievable learning objectives. After just 10 minutes a day for 30 consecutive days, participants will be healthier, more productive and better able to problem-solve and work in a team. Learn more and register for the challenge now.

Community Health News: July and August 2019

July – August: UBC Botanical Gardens Amphitheatre Summer Series

July 17-19: UBC Bookstore Sidewalk Sale and Blueberry Fest

July 30: Staff and Faculty Drop-in Choir (contact UBC Wellbeing and natasha.moore@ubc.ca for more info)

Additional Professional Development Opportunities

Team Building in Nature at The UBC Botanical Garden

Immerse your team in an outdoor experience that promotes teamwork, creativity and fun. The expert guides at the UBC Botanical Garden have a variety of team-building experiences, from one-hour hands-on activities and their Canopy TreeWalk adventure to full-day retreats.

Navigating Difficult Conversations: An Introduction to Conflict Literacy

This workshop (through PD@ UBC) combines Conflict Theatre elements with insightful strategies and tools, vivid examples and practical experience to help you reframe the next conflict or difficult conversation and open up potential for new paths of positive action.

Photo Credit: UBC Brand & Marketing

Posted in Community Health News, Events, Healthy UBC Initiatives | Tagged activities, balance, bootcamp, courses, Ergonomics, events, free, pilates, UBC, Yoga | Leave a response

Free Events This Month: March 2019

By Melissa Lafrance on March 4, 2019

Appointments Available at the Travelling Health Fair | March 12 | Diamond Health Care Centre (VGH)

The Travelling Health Fair is visiting the Diamond Health Care Centre and there are a few appointments left! The fair is open to all UBC staff and faculty. This year, we are focusing on kidney health, so sign up to get assessed and learn how to maintain your kidney health.

Visit the Travelling Health Fair page to reserve your appointment and find out more information.

Ergo Your Office Tutorial | March 13 | 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms | March 13 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Boosting Your Positive Outlook | March 14 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Focusing on the negative side of challenges or issues can greatly affect overall wellbeing and affect performance. Join us for a session that will help you understand this seemingly automatic negative thinking and learn how to tackle negative thoughts effectively and increase your positive outlook. Find out more and register now.

Creating Balance in Your Life | March 20 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Welcoming Change in Your Life | March 27 | 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Change is a natural part of life. You may be aware that a change is imminent, but are uncertain about what it will involve and how it will affect your life. Join us for a session that will address the emotional reactions involved with change and help you learn the coping skills to manage change more effectively. You will understand the different types of change, develop management strategies and learn to view change in a more positive manner. Find out more and register now.

30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge | Begins Every Tuesday

Coming in April:

Office Ergo Rep Training | April 4 | 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Community Health News

Ongoing: Register now for UBC Camps (discounts for UBC staff and faculty)

March 7-9: Turn it Up and Disrupt

Photo Credits: UBC Communications and Marketing, UBC Camps

Posted in Community Health News, Events, Healthy UBC Initiatives | Tagged activities, camps, community, discounts, events, free, learning, personal development, professional development, UBC, workshops | Leave a response

Free Events This Month: February 2019

By Melissa Lafrance on February 5, 2019

Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms | February 13 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Ergo Your Office Tutorial | February 13 | 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) | February 20 and 21 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

UBC Okanagan is hosting a free, two-day workshop on suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Although ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers, participants don’t need any formal training to attend the workshop. Note: You must attend both days in full to get the certificate of completion. To register, please email Sam Larsen at sam.larsen@ubc.ca by February 15.

Beginner Boot Camp | February 21 | 11:00 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.

The Working Mind – Mental Health Training for Employees | February 25 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The Working Mind is a Mental Health Commission of Canada, evidence-based, solution-focused workplace training program aimed at increasing mental health literacy for employees. Designed to address and promote mental health in a workplace setting, participants will enhance their awareness to reduce stigma and negative attitudes around mental health challenges. Employees will acquire a better understanding of mental health and wellbeing, be able to promote mental health in the workplace, and enhance personal mental health and resilience. Find out more and register now.

50/50 Yoga Pilates Class | February 26 | 1:00 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.

Office Ergo Rep Training | February 26 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge | Begins Every Monday

Community Health News

2019 UBC President’s Staff Awards for Wellbeing

Open to all staff on the Vancouver campus with three or more years of service, the President’s Staff Award for Wellbeing recognizes outstanding contributions to the university community, especially the important role staff play in promoting workplace health. Consider nominating a colleague or team. Deadline for nominations is March 15.

Photo Credit: UBC Thrive

Posted in Community Health News, Events, Healthy UBC Initiatives | Tagged activities, education, Ergonomics, events, fitness, free, Mindfulness, personal development, professional development, training, UBC | Leave a response

Free Events This Month: January 2019

By Melissa Lafrance on January 8, 2019

QPR Suicide Intervention Training | January 23 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

QPR Training is an internationally recognized suicide intervention program designed to help you question, persuade and refer. QPR acts as an emergency mental health intervention designed to save lives, much like CPR or other methods of emergency medical intervention. Learn to recognize suicide warning signs, how to approach someone who may be at risk, persuade the person to seek appropriate health services, and connect the person to resources that will help resolve crises. Find out more and register now.

Parenting Tips: How to Talk to Your Kids about Sexual Health | January 23 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The prospect of talking to your children about sex and sexual health can be a difficult one, but these conversations do not need to be feared or avoided. Why not arm yourself with knowledge, age-appropriate information and fantastic resources? Learn how to speak to your children about comprehensive body science and sexual health information. You will also take away a helpful formula for answering questions and discover some fantastic resources for both parents and children of any age. Help provide your children with the tools to keep themselves safe and to make healthy and informed decisions. Find out more and register now.

Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms | January 24 | 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Ergo Your Office Tutorial | January 24 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Self-care for the Caretaker | January 29 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Incorporating aspects of Self-Care 101, this session is designed for those working in front line or helping roles on campus such as advisors, managers, supervisors, faculty and student support staff. In addition to learning about personal self-care (the body’s stress response and how to identify these responses in themselves), participants will explore the benefits and risks of supporting others while identifying ways to create and maintain supportive and safe environments. It offers an opportunity to take a stress index, explore what self-care means and to identify key UBC resources that can be engaged to support work life integration while reducing burnout. Find out more and register now.

The Working Mind for Managers | January 31 | 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.

30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge | Begins Every Monday

Coming in February:

The Working Mind for Employees | February 25 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Office Ergo Rep Training | February 26 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Community Health News: January 2019

January 2-31: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

January 7-13: UBC Recreation Free Week

January 21-March 24: UBC Walkabout (Faculty of Education)

January 21: Lunar New Year celebrations (UBC Alumni Centre)

January 24: Global Health Conference (UBC School of Population and Public Health)

January 26: First Year Educators’ Symposium (CTLT)

January 29: Sing! Sing! Sing! Drop-in Choir (UBC Wellbeing)

January 31: Staff & Faculty Drop-in Choir Practice (UBC Wellbeing)

February 1-28: Move UBC Month

Photo credit: UBC Communications and Marketing

Posted in Community Health News, Events, Healthy UBC Initiatives | Tagged activities, Ergonomics, events, free, mental health, Mindfulness, parenting tips, self-care, The Working Mind, UBC | Leave a response

Free Events This Month: December 2018

By Melissa Lafrance on December 5, 2018

Office Ergo Rep Training | December 18 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms | December 19 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Ergo Your Office Tutorial | December 19 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge | Begins Every Monday

Coming in 2019:

QPR Suicide Intervention Training | January 23 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Self-care for the Caretaker | January 29 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Incorporating aspects of Self-Care 101, this session is designed for those working in front line or helping professions such as advisors, managers, supervisors, faculty and student support staff. In addition to learning about personal self-care, participants will explore the benefits and risks of supporting others while identifying ways to create and maintain supportive and safe environments. Find out more and register now.

The Working Mind for Managers | January 31 | 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.

The Working Mind for Employees | February 25 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Photo Credit: UBC Communications and Marketing

Posted in Community Health News, Events, Healthy UBC Initiatives | Tagged activities, courses, Ergonomics, events, free, mental health, Mindfulness, self-care, training, UBC | Leave a response

Free Events This Month: October 2018

By Melissa Lafrance on October 3, 2018

Protective Effects of Restful Sleep | October 10 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

A good night’s sleep is critical for overall wellbeing. It often impacts how alert, energized and productive we are. This session will focus on the importance of sleep and its protective effects on overall health. Participants will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of burnout, strategies to improve sleep quality and feel better rested. Find out more and register now.

Orientation Webinar: 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge | October 17 | 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Join us for this orientation webinar to learn about the evidence supporting mindfulness and meditation, as well as the 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge, an evidence-based online training, available for UBC staff, faculty, and postdoctoral fellows. Come learn about mindfulness, the science behind it and the practical application in your professional and personal life. Find out more and register for the webinar now.

30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge | Begins October 29

This innovative and evidence-based training is aimed at UBC staff and faculty looking to incorporate mindfulness into the workplace and in their everyday lives. Content is delivered online via any device, and focuses on simple yet powerful and achievable learning objectives. After just 10 minutes a day for 30 consecutive days, participants will be healthier, more productive and better able to problem-solve and work in a team. The challenge is free for all UBC staff and faculty. Learn more and register for the challenge now.

Wellbeing Series Part 1: Self-Care 101 | October 18 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

This session will focus on increasing mental health literacy through self-care. You will learn about the body’s stress response and how to identify these responses in yourself, how to assess your stress levels, explore the meaning of personal self-care, and discover the many resources available for UBC staff and faculty. Find out more and register now.

Click the following links to learn more about part 2 and 3 of the series:

Part 2: Building Resilience (Nov. 1)
Part 3: Workplace Wellbeing (Nov. 22)

Ergo Your Office Tutorial | October 23 | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms | October 23 | 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Stress & Resilience Series Part 1: Bouncing Forward | October 24 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Join Dr. Thara Vayali for a three-part Stress and Resilience Series to explore the stress response, recognize stress levels, build resilience, and discover the connection between empathy and stress.

Resilience is a key component in the prevention of stress and the capacity to cope with and overcome adverse events. This workshop will cover the basics of stress, explain stress burnout, and share tools to become more resilient. Find out more and register now.

Click the following links to learn more about part 2 and 3 of the series:

Part 2: Empathy & Stress (Nov 8)
Part 3: The Stress Inventory (Nov 21)

Office Ergo Rep Training | October 24 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Community Health News: October 2018

This month’s featured event is UBC Thrive week. Hosted on both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, Thrive is an opportunity for staff, faculty and students to explore their path to mental health: October 29 – November 2: Thrive Week

October 9-12: UBC United Way Week of Caring

October 13-14: UBC’s Annual Apple Festival (UBC Botanical Gardens)

October 18: The Great ShakeOut

October 23: Sing! Sing! Sing! Drop-in Choir

October 24-26: UBC’s Annual Flu Shot Campaign

October 29-November 4: Bike to Work Week

October 30: Inclusive Futures Dialogue Series – The Power of Diversity

UBC Okanagan:

Ongoing: Weekly mindfulness drop-ins

Photo credit: UBC Brand & Marketing

Posted in Community Health News, Events, Healthy UBC Initiatives | Tagged development, education, Ergonomics, events, free, health, learning, Mindfulness, resilience, self-care, sleep, UBC, wellbeing | Leave a response

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.

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

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

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.

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

Posted in Community Health News, Events, Healthy UBC Initiatives | Tagged Ergonomics, events, free, mental health, news, Nitobe Garden, positive space, The Working Mind, training, Yoga | Leave a response

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.