Health & Wellbeing

Travelling Health Fair 2018: Feb. 13-23

Travelling Health Fair 2018: Feb. 13-23

By Breeonne Baxter on January 11, 2018

Feb. 13-23, 2018, is the annual Travelling Health Fair for UBC staff and faculty. This free mobile health clinic offers one-on-one health assessments and consultations. Visit our registration catalog to register for a heart health screening.

Can’t make one of our events? Check out the Virtual Health Fair online health assessments.

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Reminder: Search Inside Yourself Training Program: Jan. 15-16, 2018

By Breeonne Baxter on December 7, 2017

In support of UBC’s commitment to workplace health and wellbeing, we are offering a unique professional development opportunity to UBC staff and faculty at the Vancouver campus.

Developed at Google and founded in neuroscience, Search Inside Yourself (SIY) is a unique training program that uses emotional intelligence and mindfulness to optimize performance, build leadership skills and increase wellbeing.

Program Details

  • Two-day in-person cohort-based training taught by SIY-certified instructors (Jan. 15-16, 2018, at the Vancouver campus)
  • Four weeks of follow-up exercises, content and cohort conversations via email (approx. mid-January to mid-February)
  • One-hour debrief session via webinar to integrate learning, answer questions and provide direction going forward (approx. late February)

Registration Information

For more information, including program benefits and what’s included in the program, visit the Search Inside Yourself webpage.

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Search Inside Yourself Training Program (starting January 2018)

Search Inside Yourself Training Program (starting January 2018)

By Breeonne Baxter on November 28, 2017

In support of UBC’s commitment to workplace health and wellbeing, HR is offering a unique professional development opportunity to UBC faculty and staff at the Vancouver campus.

Developed at Google and founded in neuroscience, Search Inside Yourself (SIY) is a unique training program that uses emotional intelligence and mindfulness to optimize performance, build leadership skills and increase wellbeing. The SIY program consists of:

  • Two-day in-person cohort-based training taught by SIY-certified instructors (Jan. 15-16, 2018, at the Vancouver campus)
  • Four weeks of follow-up exercises, content and cohort conversations via email (approx. mid-January to mid-February)
  • One-hour debrief session via webinar to integrate learning, answer questions and provide direction going forward (approx. late February)

Cost: $50 per person (eligible for PD funding). Registration deadline: Jan. 5, 2018.

Spots are limited and are filled on a first come, first served basis. Register now!

For more information, including program benefits and what’s included in the cost of the program, visit the Search Inside Yourself webpage.

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QPR Suicide Prevention Training: Dec. 11, 2017

By Breeonne Baxter on November 28, 2017

QPR Training is an internationally recognized suicide prevention program designed to help you question, persuade and refer. QPR acts as an emergency mental health intervention that is designed to save lives, much like CPR or other methods of emergency medical intervention. Learn to recognize suicide warning signs, 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. Suicide is preventable

Our next QPR training session is Dec. 11, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

At this training, you will learn:

  • How to get help for yourself;
  • Tools and skills on how to prevent suicide;
  • Common causes and warning signs of suicidal behaviour;
  • How to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone at risk;
  • How to get help for someone in crisis; and
  • Familiarity with referral resources both on and off campus.

Register here.

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Reminder: Special Mental Health Funding Available: Apply by This Friday!

By Breeonne Baxter on November 28, 2017

The Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program (HWIP) provides funding support for UBC departments and units that promote wellbeing in the workplace. In October, additional funds were secured and are currently available for a special one-time round of HWIP funding specific to mental health initiatives.

Your department or unit can apply for up to a maximum of $3,000. Funds received should support training that provides key information and tools for understanding mental health issues, increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma or building individual resilience skills.

If you are interested in bringing mental health training or education programs to your department or unit, please apply by Dec. 1, 2017 – this Friday!  For more information, visit the HWIP webpage.

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Special Mental Health Funding Available: Apply by Dec. 1

Special Mental Health Funding Available: Apply by Dec. 1

By Breeonne Baxter on November 9, 2017

In October, additional Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program (HWIP) funds were secured for a special, one-time disbursement to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. The funds can be used to support training that provides key information and tools for understanding mental health issues, increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma or building individual resilience skills.

If you know of a UBC department or unit that would benefit from HWIP funding, please encourage them to apply by Dec. 1, 2017. For more info, visit the HWIP webpage.

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Office Ergo Rep Training: Dec. 19, 2017

By Breeonne Baxter on November 9, 2017

The Ergonomics program at UBC strives to have an Office Ergonomics Representative for each department. We provide the training (three hours) and material required for reps to promote, educate and ensure musculoskeletal health in their departments.

Office Ergo Reps are trained by the Ergonomics Advisor in simple computer workstation set-up, signs and symptoms of injuries from poor ergonomic set-up and control strategies to reduce or prevent symptoms.

At this training, Office Ergo Rep participants will learn:

  • Basic Ergonomic Risk Factors
  • Proper Computer Workstation Set-Up
  • How to conduct ergonomic assessment for minor issues as well as a quick screen for new hires
  • Participants will also be provided with training material which can be relayed to colleagues

Course Information

Office Ergo Rep Training
Dec. 19, 2017, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Tech Enterprise Facilities III, Room 610 [map]
Register online

Questions? Please contact our Ergonomics Advisor.

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Thrive 2017 is Oct. 30 – Nov. 3

Thrive 2017 is Oct. 30 – Nov. 3

By Breeonne Baxter on October 26, 2017

Thrive is a mindset and a week-long series of events focused on building positive mental health for everyone at UBC. This year, Thrive Week is Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, 2017.

Participate In Thrive!

There are many Thrive events taking place this year, and we encourage you to take in which events you can. See a full list of the week’s events here.

Key Events

Oct. 30: Attend the Thrive Kick-Off Celebration

  • Come by the Thrive tents at Lee Square (outside the UBC Bookstore) and help yourself to free coffee and snacks. You’ll also have a chance to listen to free music, enjoy the company of your UBC community, and ask questions about Thrive and mental health.

Oct. 30 – Nov. 3 (daily):  Natural Wellness Garden Tours

  • Tour through the 80 acre Botanical Garden for some forest bathing, view the medicinal garden and breathe in the best oxygen on campus! Meet at the UBC Botanical Garden – 6803 SW Marine Drive.

Nov. 2 (10:00-12:00 p.m.): Pop-up Wellness Lounge: Staff & Faculty

  • Come by a Pop-up Wellness Lounge at during Thrive week for a hot chocolate and tasty treat! You’ll have a chance to take a break, connect with others, and ask questions about Thrive and mental health. (Location: Wellbeing Design Lab (2nd floor), CIRS)

Join the #LetsThriveUBC Social Media Challenge

  • Unable to make one of the events? Participate in the #LetsThriveUBC Social Media Challenge by posting the ways that you thrive each day of the week.

 

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Flu Clinics (Oct. 31 – Nov. 9, 2017)

Flu Clinics (Oct. 31 – Nov. 9, 2017)

By Breeonne Baxter on October 26, 2017

Boost your wellbeing and promote a healthy campus by getting your free flu shot – it is your best protection against the flu. Free clinics will be offered at the Vancouver campus Oct. 31 – Nov. 9, and are open to all students, faculty, and staff.

Clinics start at 8:00 a.m. and run continuously until 4:00 p.m.

Locations:

The Nest (Atrium)
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

  • Tuesday, Oct. 31
  • Wednesday, Nov. 1
  • Tuesday, Nov. 7

Life Sciences Centre (West Atrium)
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

  •  Thursday, Nov. 2
  • Thursday, Nov. 9

The clinics will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember to bring your BC Services Card/BC CareCard. For more information, visit rms.ubc.ca/flu.

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Mindfulness@Work Six-Week Program Begins Nov. 7, 2017

By Breeonne Baxter on October 26, 2017

Mindfulness@Work is an in-person educational program modelling off Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR is an evidence-based training that reduces stress, cultivates physical & mental health and promotes wellbeing. Mindfulness is a basic human quality, a way of learning how to pay wise attention to whatever is happening in your life in the moment. The practice of mindfulness reduces reactivity and promotes greater connection inwardly and outwardly.

Mindfulness@Work specifically focuses on integrating the practice of mindfulness in the workplace to promote effectiveness, teamwork, and communication.

Participating in Mindfulness@Work requires an ongoing commitment to your wellbeing. You will be asked to:

  •  attend all classes, including the one-day weekend retreat,  and
  • to practice daily home assignments for 15-30 minutes a day.

Fall 2017 – Point Grey

  • Tuesdays, Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28 & Dec. 5, 12: 9:00 – 10:15 .a.m
  • Mandatory Retreat: Saturday, Dec. 2: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: $100 registration fee (eligible for PD funding)

Visit our Mindfulness@Work page for more information and to register.

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ShakeOut BC (Oct. 19, 2017)

By Breeonne Baxter on October 12, 2017

Get ready to ShakeOut BC: Oct. 19, 10:19 a.m.

Participate in the 2017 Great British Columbia ShakeOut earthquake drill by practicing DROP! COVER! HOLD ON! Wait for the shaking to stop and count to 60 to allow time for debris to fall, before moving. If you’re outside, stay outside. If you’re inside, stay inside, unless there is a fire or the building is in danger of collapsing. If you’re in a moving vehicle, stop in a clear area, away from falling debris, and stay inside the vehicle. ShakeOut BC is a timely annual reminder for everyone to learn the risks, get prepared, and make a plan in the event of an earthquake.

To learn more about how you can prepare for an earthquake, please visit http://rms.ubc.ca/emergency/emergency-procedures/earthquake/.

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30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge Starts Oct. 16 – Free for UBC Employees

By Breeonne Baxter on October 12, 2017

The 30-Day Mindfulness Challenge focuses on the core skills of mindfulness through evidence-based online training, teaching mindfulness-in-action for everyday life. Participants have found that the challenge helps reduce stress, while increasing joy and peak performance in all areas of life including leadership, interpersonal communication, conflict management, and decision-making in the workplace.

This year, the 30-Day challenge is free for UBC employees. The fall session runs Oct. 16 – Nov. 14, 2017.

Register at https://survey.ubc.ca/s/30DayChallengeRegistration/.

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Earthquake Preparedness at UBC

Earthquake Preparedness at UBC

By Breeonne Baxter on September 28, 2017

This October, Risk Management Services invites you to focus on emergency preparedness, through two events on campus: IBC Shake Zone and ShakeOut BC. Practice what to do when an earthquake strikes, and once the shaking stops. Learn more about emergency preparedness and what to do in the event of an earthquake.

Ride the IBC Shake Zone Earthquake Simulator: Oct. 10 & 11, University Commons

UBC Risk Management Services has invited the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) to set-up a portable earthquake simulator on Main Mall Plaza, by the AMS Student Nest. The Shake Zone is a portable earthquake simulator for riders to experience the “intensity” of a large earthquake. Riders in the simulator will experience about 25 seconds of motion.

Get ready to ShakeOut BC: Oct. 19, 10:19 a.m.


Participate in the 2017 Great British Columbia ShakeOut earthquake drill by practicing DROP! COVER! HOLD ON! Wait for the shaking to stop and count to 60 to allow time for debris to fall, before moving. If you’re outside, stay outside. If you’re inside, stay inside, unless there is a fire or the building is in danger of collapsing. If you’re in a moving vehicle, stop in a clear area, away from falling debris, and stay inside the vehicle. ShakeOut BC is a timely annual reminder for everyone to learn the risks, get prepared, and make a plan in the event of an earthquake.

We all have a role in making our campus safe. Be pro-active, and learn more about emergency preparedness at rms.ubc.ca/emergency.

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October is Ergonomics Month

By Breeonne Baxter on September 28, 2017

Ergonomics play an important role in our safety and wellbeing. The proper ergonomic design of work spaces at UBC can minimize the risk of a wide range of injuries – from eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome, to persistent neck or back pain.

UBC’s Ergonomics Program has resources & workshops available free of charge for all staff and faculty. Please share this information with staff and faculty in your departments.

Workshops:

More information & registration is available online

Online Resources:

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Mindfulness Programs at UBC This Fall

By Breeonne Baxter on September 14, 2017

If you are interested in exploring mindfulness as a way to increase your resiliency at work, we have two programs this fall in which you may be interested.

Mindfulness Programs at UBC – Orientation Webinar

Sept. 25, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

Join us for this orientation webinar to learn about the evidence supporting mindfulness and meditation and the practical application in your professional and personal life, as well as to hear about the two training programs available for UBC staff, faculty, and postdoctoral fellows this fall, the 30 Day Online Mindfulness Challenge and Mindfulness@Work.  Register for the webinar now.

30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge – Free for UBC employees

Two Start Dates: Oct. 16, 2017,  and Feb. 19, 2018

Learn the core skills of mindfulness through evidence-based online training. The 30-day challenge does not involve a formal meditation practice, but rather teaches mindfulness-in-action for everyday life. Learn more and register now.

Mindfulness@Work – $100 for UBC employees (eligible for PD funding)

Two Start Dates: Nov. 7, 2017, and April 5, 2018

For a deeper understanding of mindfulness and/or to develop a meditation practice, Mindfulness@Work offers an in-person educational program experience that uses the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) model. Learn more and register now.

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Register Your Department for the Not Myself Campaign

Register Your Department for the Not Myself Campaign

By Breeonne Baxter on September 14, 2017

Not Myself Today is a national workplace mental health campaign focused on:

  • Building an awareness and understanding of mental health
  • Reducing stigma
  • Fostering safe and supportive work cultures

The deadline for signing your department up for this program is Oct. 9, 2017

This partnership is designed to provide departments with ready-made and easy-to-use toolkits for participating in Thrive Week. Join us in celebrating diversity, community and respect as colleagues at UBC.  Click here to register your department or unit for the 2017 campaign, or learn more about the campaign and resources provided.

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Ergonomics Tutorials in September

By Breeonne Baxter on September 14, 2017

We have two free ergonomics training sessions in September at the Vancouver campus, to which you and your employees are invited to attend:

Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms: Sept. 21

What To Expect:  This workshop will provide participants with important information about different types of sit-stand desks and platforms available on the market. Understanding the pros and cons of each will assist departments, staff and faculty in deciding which option is most suitable.

Product samples will be available for participants to try out in order to get an idea of how the different models impact positioning and workflow.

Workshop participants will also learn proper set-up for sit-stand desks and how frequently to alternate positions. Participants will receive information on UBC’s Sit-Stand Demo Program and process.

This workshop is for managers, purchasing personnel and staff/faculty who are considering getting a sit-stand desk or platform.

Register now

Ergo Your Office: 1hr Tutorial: Sept. 27

What To Expect:

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 now

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Back to School Safety

By Breeonne Baxter on August 31, 2017

The fall semester begins next week, and with the return of fall we will be seeing earlier sunsets and (eventually) rainy weather. Please share this information with your employees, especially those who work outside of standard office hours.

UBC’s Safety Resources

  • You might want to use AMS Safewalk (604-822-5355) to request accompaniment while walking on campus after dark. Safewalk can be used by faculty and staff as well as students.
  • Use the Community Shuttles on campus.
  • Know the location of the UBC Blue Phones. They connect directly to Campus Security.
  • Know your location on campus and be able to describe where you are if you need to call for help.
  • When entering or exiting a locked/secured building, ensure that the door is secured before proceeding.
  • In the event of an emergency, call 911. If you see suspicious circumstances, call Campus Security at 604-822-2222.

Learn more at http://www.hr.ubc.ca/wellbeing-benefits/workplace-health/personal-safety-on-campus/.

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Preparing for Thrive 2017: Not Myself Today Info Session, Aug. 22

By Breeonne Baxter on August 3, 2017

Not Myself Today is a national campaign focusing on helping workplaces achieve better understanding of mental health and reduce stigma. As part of Thrive 2017, the Not Myself Today campaign will be implemented within numerous departments for the third year. UBC departments can easily take part in the campaign during Thrive Week (Oct. 30 – Nov. 3, 2017) using tools and resources to educate their staff and faculty.

Course information

Not Myself Today Info Session
Aug. 22, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Register online

Join us to learn about the campaign: how your department can get involved, discover support tools and resources, and learn about mental health.

Questions?

Contact Melissa.lafrance@ubc.ca.

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Understanding Mental Health Challenges: July 27

By Breeonne Baxter on July 20, 2017

HR is hosting a session for all UBC staff and faculty who want to increase their mental health literacy in situations where they will be helping those in difficult situations.

Course summary: Understanding mental health challenges can be difficult and knowing how to interact with someone who might be in a mental health crisis can be even more challenging. The goal of this session is to increase mental health literacy while providing tools and skills to respond effectively in a caring and respectful way. Participants will learn skills and knowledge to help better manage mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.

Course information

Understanding Mental Health Challenges
July 27, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Michael Smith Laboratories, Room 102 [map]
Register online

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