UNews - 403-332-5217

Maintaining a pain-free environment

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:21:24 +0000

One aspect of wellness is the ability to perform your duties in an ergonomic environment, free of pain. Unfortunately, there are occasions when we suffer injuries, some of which come as a result of repetitive activities related to our jobs.

Last month, RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries) Awareness Day took place, bringing to light the musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that sometimes accompany work-related activity. It is a very serious matter that can severely limit productivity in the workplace. According to Statistics Canada, 2.3 million Canadian adults annually experience an MSD serious enough to limit their normal activities: and the majority of these injuries are caused by work-related activity. Issues such as tendonitis, tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are some common examples of MSDs.

Common symptoms of MSDs include aches, pain, burning, numbness, swelling and loss of joint movement and strength in the affected area(s). These symptoms can progress into chronic disorders, after which no amount of physiotherapy or surgery can completely correct.

The good news is that the majority of MSDs are preventable. Contact the Wellness office (403-332-5217) for an ergonomic assessment, or to establish a Get Fit at Work - Stretch and Strengthen session for your team or department.

March is Nutrition Month, and in keeping with this theme, a number of nutrition Lunch and Learns have been scheduled for March and April. We are lucky to have Diane Britton, the
U of L's registered dietitian, on hand to share her experience.

On Tuesday, Mar. 22, Eat Smart, is the title of the Lunch and Learn event. Bring your lunch and learn how a few small changes in food choices can improve your nutrition. Then, on Wednesday, Apr. 13, Digesting the Nutrition Label will be presented. Both events run over the lunch hour, noon to 1 p.m., in Andy's Place (AH100).

Erin Pinder, a registered dietitian with Building Healthy Lifestyles, contributes to a monthly newsletter and her latest submission offers sound advice.

"We all know that we could make some changes to eat healthier," says Pinder. "There are a few fundamental steps you can take to achieve this. Many people in North America rely heavily on pre-made, pre-packaged foods. We are often unaware of where our food actually comes from. Many children are very surprised to find out that our baby-cut carrots grow in the ground! This month, make a special effort to get in touch with nature and local food sources. Often, the closer the food is grown to your home, the fresher and more nutritious it is. If you have children, get them involved by taking them shopping for foods at your local farmer's market, at grocery stores that supply local produce and meats, or by planting a garden this spring."

Wellness Workshop
Stress Busters – Tuesday, Mar. 15 (Noon to 1:30 p.m., Andy's Place AH100)
Join Lynne Hunter-Johnson in learning useful strategies for resilience while experiencing stress.

Suzanne McIntosh is the Wellness co-ordinator at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.
Contact her at suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca, wellness@uleth.ca
or 403-332-5217 for more information.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

New program tests health levels

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:09:37 +0000

How is your health? Do you have any idea how healthy you really are, or do you just wait until something's wrong?

We've got a new program for students, staff and faculty at the U of L called, Health Check for U. Health Screening is one way to increase your knowledge and, if necessary, get some tips on how to make small changes to improve or maintain your health.

The program is in two parts, with the levels detailed below:

Health Check for U - Level I
Fasting Cholesterol Testing

It's important to know your cholesterol numbers. The Vascular Risk Assessment group will be offering a mobile testing clinic that is available to any ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ department to provide a short cholesterol information session and then test cholesterol and blood glucose levels. The information session takes 30 minutes, with each individual health check taking 10 minutes. For a total of 40 minutes, you can invest in your health.

Health Check for U - Level II
Vascular Risk Screening

This very important program gives you an idea of your vascular risk. It will test your blood pressure and relate it to your weight, height and waist circumference. A fasting lipid and glucose profile will then be developed using a Cholestech machine. The data is then entered into the CV Health Manager, giving you a printout that details your 10-year cardiovascular risk.

The program also includes a one-on-one follow-up education and nutritional information session.

Again, a small time commitment will yield valuable information and help you make smart health choices down the road. The actual screening takes just 15 minutes, followed by the 30-minute follow-up session the next day.

Contact wellness co-ordinator Suzanne McIntosh (suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca, wellness@uleth.ca, 403-332-5217) to schedule a Health Check for U Level I or II session or if you would like more information.

How important is it to take control of your own health? Read this excerpt from an article in the latest Building Healthy Lifestyles newsletter.

February is heart month and since heart disease is the leading cause of death for Canadians, now is a good time to take a look at some facts about heart health.

Most people think of heart disease as one condition. But in fact, heart disease is a group of conditions affecting the structure and functions of the heart, and has many root causes. Coronary artery disease, for example, develops when a combination of fatty materials, calcium and scar tissue (called plaque) builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart (coronary arteries). The plaque buildup narrows the arteries and prevents the heart from getting enough blood.

You can prevent and manage heart disease in large part by controlling the known risk factors that could lead to it. These risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, mismanaged stress, physical inactivity and being overweight.

It is important to know and take control of your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, to reduce and manage stress, and to follow up with your doctor regularly and listen to their advice.

For more on heart health tips and strategies, visit www.heartandstroke.ab.ca.

Suzanne McIntosh is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's wellness co-orindator

For a look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Wellness Week at the U of L

trevor.kenney — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:36:16 +0000

Wellness Week begins Monday at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, with a number of events designed to bring health and wellness issues to the forefront of everyone's mind.

Following is a list of Wellness Week activities, beginning with Monday's mini health fair at Andy's Place (AH100).

Monday, Apr. 26 – mini health fair – Andy's Place – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – exhibits will include non-fasting cholesterol and glucose testing (Health Centre); how to set up your workspace (Ergonomic Connections); Smoking Cessation (AB Health Services), Healthy Recipes and Eating for Weight Loss (Diane Britton, Registered Dietitian); Straighten Up AB Stretching Program (Mcleod Family Chiropractic); find out what's involved in a personal fitness consultation (U of L Fitness Centre); Back care and stretching (Jon Doan, Kinesiology).
Light refreshments will be available. Pick up a wellness passport to enter draw prizes and make sure and register for the Bee Heart Smart challenge as well.

Monday, Apr. 26 – 10 minute chair massages (by appointment only!) offered by certified Massage Therapist Lena Winter, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Health Centre. Contact Suzanne at 5217 to register.

Tuesday, Apr. 27 – PE255 – 11 a.m. to noon - Try a free intro Yoga session – Sophie Verzosa. Please note this intro session will be accessible to all fitness conditions - limited spaces so pre-registration required. Click here to register.

Tuesday, Apr. 27 – Andy's Place - noon to 1 p.m. - Dr. Robbin Gibb will be back to repeat her presentation on Healthy Brains

Tuesday, Apr. 27 - noon to 12:45 p.m. - Join Michelle Cederberg (who was our keynote speaker for Wellness Week 2009) for her first Mid Week Motivation session entitled "Get to the Good Things Even with a Busy Schedule" Register for this free webinar at: http://www.gottoit.ca/resources/webinar.asp

Wednesday, Apr. 28 - Coulee Clean-Up - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Meet at North Entrance Level 6 U-Hall for your bag and gloves. In conjunction with City of Lethbridge and Helen Schuler Coulee Centre. Click here to register. Participating has its benefits! You will be entered in a draw to win the use of an Tent Trailer for a year (courtesy of El Dorado RV). Click here to view the poster.

Thursday, Apr. 29 – 10 minute chair massages (by appointment only) offered by certified Massage Therapist Jarvis Larson from 9 a.m. to noon in the Health Centre. Contact Suzanne at 5217 to register.

Friday, Apr. 30 – Andy's Place – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. - Presentation on Identity Theft by Sonya von Heyking and Darren Schell

Friday, Apr. 30 – Andy's Place- 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - "Straighten Up Alberta" stretching program demonstrated by McLeod Family Chiropractic

Wellness Week savings at the Bookstore "Run, don't walk to the Bookstore and spin for your savings"
Warning: it could be good for your health!"

So come on out and use the opportunity to explore health and wellness resources on campus and in the community. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Suzanne McIntosh, wellness co-ordinator at 403-332-5217.

New service better addresses health issues

trevor.kenney — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:11:31 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has recently signed up with Occupational Injury Service (OIS), a new service for staff and faculty who experience a work related injury or illness.

The OIS program aligns with medical clinics that provide timely and appropriate medical care and disability management services specifically for
occupational injuries, with an emphasis on immediate (i.e., same day) communication with the employer to facilitate a safe return to work.

This service is specifically for non-emergent injuries/illnesses and provides the following benefits to staff/faculty:

• Same-day access to a physician with a background in occupational medicine and WCB-Alberta training (within 15 to 30 minutes of arrival)

• Same-day completion and submission of reports

• Identification and co-ordination of required medical services

• Earlier access to required medical and diagnostic tests, specifically MRI, CT and bone scans

• Earlier access to specialists and surgical procedures

• Completion of disability management reports that detail physical work capabilities and limitations to help determine return to work dates and tasks

• Worker and employer injury management education

• Development of a safe return-to-work plan

• Ongoing communication with the employee's family physician (OIS is a voluntary program). Staff/faculty will be given the option of attending an OIS clinic or other medical care if needed

If you experience a work related injury or illness, follow the incident/accident reporting process as usual. Report any work related injuries or illnesses to your direct supervisor, and complete the online campus incident/accident report form: http://www.uleth.ca/hum/archives/riskandsafetyservices/Services/report_form.html

If you require first aid, contact Security Services at 2345 or other appropriate responder in your area. If you require medical treatment, contact the wellness co-ordinator at 403-332-5217 and the OIS clinic of your choice will be contacted for an appointment (same day in most cases).

The OIS clinics are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If your injury occurs outside of these hours, you would need to access medical services through a walk-in clinic or emergency services at the hospital.
There are currently two service providers for OIS in Lethbridge:

• CBI Health – Dr. Gibb, Bigelow Fowler West; Dr. Ukrainitz, Bigelow Fowler South; Dr. Mellor

• LifeMark Health – Dr. Allen, Piedmont Clinic west; and/or Dynamic Physiotherapy

For those who work on the Calgary or Edmonton campuses, there are service providers for the program in both cities.

Calgary
• CBI Health – Midpark, Deerpark or Sunridge
• Wellpoint Health Corp
• Life Mark

Edmonton
• Medicentres Canada Inc – Westgrove, Ellerslie, Capilano, Castledowns or Millard Health

A few employees have had the opportunity to use this service already and the feedback has been very positive. Statistics show that the sooner someone is treated for an injury or illness, the sooner they are able to get back to work and participate in the other activities that make life enjoyable!

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Suzanne McIntosh, wellness co-ordinator at 403-332-5217.

Life Balance Fair celebrates wellness

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:18:07 +0000

Canada's Healthy Workplace Month is scheduled from Oct. 5 to Nov. 1. The 2009 theme is: Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Work. Feeling Great About Life!

As individuals and employees, we face a never-ending cycle of stress, which is seen as commonplace in our society. The Wellness Committee at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is using this opportunity to increase employees' awareness of the importance of workplace health to personal and organizational performance.

The Life Balance Fair, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the track of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, has been created by the Wellness Committee to help employees find that balance in their personal and professional lives. It is not an either/or proposition, rather, a how much proposition.

The event has a large number of exhibitors – to celebrate all aspects of the theme – mind, body and work. Information on how to keep a healthy mind for you or your family; representatives from the Alzheimer's Society; what to do in case of emergency; and how to enhance your financial situation, are just a few of the topics exhibitors will address.

As well, representatives for treatment and therapy providers, including physiotherapy, chiropractor, massage, acupuncture, sleep and health information will all be available.

The Lethbridge and District Horticultural Society, the Campus Community Garden and Lethbridge Recreation and Leisure Services will also be present as we recognize these activities provide some balance to individuals' lives.

Creating and maintaining a healthy workplace will feature exhibits from U of L Risk and Safety Services, and benefits departments, the kinesiology department, WCB, and St. John's Ambulance.

There will also be ongoing demos of dancing, yoga and other fitness activities throughout the afternoon. And if you've never had the opportunity to try out the gym, there are free tours of the fitness centre.

Everything is designed to be interactive and there will be draw prizes for those who complete a Life Balance Fair passport. Prizes include a Wii Fit Sports Resort game. Open to all staff and faculty, a light lunch will also be available during the fair.

If you have questions contact Suzanne McIntosh, coordinator, wellness programs, at 403-332-5217.

October is Breast Health Awareness Month – remember to see Suzanne to get your card for the 'Health Challenge – Put Yourself First' contest. Every woman who has a mammogram (or pap test) before Oct. 26, 2009, will be entered in a draw for a $100 gift certificate to the Keg.

Healthy workplace the goal of Wellness Committee

trevor.kenney — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:40:32 +0000

Women encouraged to "Put Yourself First"

trevor.kenney — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:29:42 +0000

Women take note, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has entered into the Health Challenge – "Put Yourself First" to encourage woman to get their mammogram and Pap tests.

The Alberta Health Services – Breast and Cervical Health Program, and the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation has teamed up with Meyers, Norris, Penny to present this program. Every woman who has a mammogram or Pap test between May 27, 2009 and October 26, 2009 will have their name entered in a draw to win a $100 gift certificate at the Keg Restaurant. The business with the largest number of women having Pap tests and mammograms will win the challenge and receive a plaque.

Contact team captain Suzanne McIntosh at suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca or 403-332-5217 for more information.

What do I get for participating in the challenge?

You get the assurance that you are taking care of yourself by getting a Pap or mammogram or both. Both of these tests can save your life. Your name is also entered into a draw for a $100 gift certificate at the Keg Restaurant.

Sign up with Suzanne McIntosh, team captain for the U of L. She will give you a card to be signed by the health care professional that has done either the mammogram or Pap test. The card is then returned to Suzanne for entry into the draw at the end of the challenge.

How do I book a Pap or Mammogram?

For a Pap test:

• Call your Family Physician to book an appointment.

• If you do not have a family physician or would prefer to see a female physician for a Pap test, call the Breast and Cervical Health Programs (403-388-6324) to book an appointment to attend the weekly Pap clinic. You will need to provide your Alberta Health Care Number and an appointment will be booked for you.

For a Mammogram:

• Call your family physician and book an appointment. Women aged 50 to 69 can phone Radiology Associates and book a "screening" mammogram, provided they have not had any breast problems.

• The recommended guidelines for having a mammogram are as follows: Women aged 40 to 50 should discuss the need for a mammogram with their family physician based on their health history. Women aged 50 to 69 should have a mammogram every one to two years.

If I have a mammogram and Pap do I get two entries into the draw for the gift certificate?

Yes! Just ensure your team captain gives you two cards to fill out.

Students entitled to WCB coverage

trevor.kenney — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:08:10 +0000

Being a student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge requires a lot of work; in fact it's enough to earn Workers' Compensation Board coverage.

Students registered in and attending a post-secondary institution in Alberta, as outlined in Section 7(1)(c) of the General Regulations of the Worker's Compensation Act, who are enrolled in a vocational or academic program leading to a degree or certification, are considered to be workers of the Government of Alberta and are entitled to WCB coverage.

This regulation applies to all students who are in attendance at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, except those students who suffer accidents while engaging or participating in extra curricular sporting, recreational, social or personal fulfillment activities which are not a current academic requisite or required as a part of the course of study in which the student is registered.

There are many benefits that students enjoy as a result of this coverage entitlement, especially for students whose academic program include practicum, co-op experiences and internships. The coverage however is not specific to only those students but to all students who are involved in their academic endeavors.

If a student is involved in an accident or incident, it should be reported immediately to either U of L Security (403-329-2345) or Risk and Safety Services (403-329-2099) or by completing an on-line incident/accident report.

The Alberta Workers' Compensation Board may not cover distance learners if they do not meet Section 28(1) of the Workers' Compensation Act. For more information contact the Workers' Compensation Board or Risk and Safety Services.

It is extremely important for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to be immediately notified when a student is involved in an accident or incident in the course of their academic experience to ensure that the matter is reported to WCB within the regulated timelines, enabling WCB to review each situation and determine the student's entitlement to benefits.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Wellness Coordinator, Suzanne McIntosh, administers the WCB portfolio at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. McIntosh can be reached at 403-332-5217 or by email at suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca

UNews - 403-332-5217

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