UNews - Jeanine Baxter

Life Balance Fair a wellness initiative

trevor.kenney — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:02:43 +0000

By SUZANNE MCINTOSH

I had a recent opportunity to interview new President Mike Mahon about his vision for wellness here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Mike inspired me with his personal and organizational vision that includes creating an environment and culture to support individuals' own wellness needs, whether those needs are physical, psychological and/or spiritual.

Mike supports enabling individuals to create balance in their lives based on their own definition of wellness. He also feels we have a wealth of opportunities to create this balance both here on campus and in our community.

If you want to know more, you can see this exclusive interview at the Life Balance Fair, Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the track of the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

October is Healthy Workplace Month in Canada and it's a great time to start thinking about what wellness at work means to you, how you can assess your own wellness needs and what you can do about them.

Healthy Workplace Month

Get Fit at Work Stretch and Strengthen kickoff
We have already had two successful 'teaser' sessions in September. I urge you to take advantage of this program. Jeanine Baxter, the kinesiology student who designed the program, and myself are available to come to your department to spend 20 minutes with your staff to try it out.

U-Weekly Contests
Watch for your U-Weekly newsletter each Monday morning and check out contests where you could win an Eat, Shrink and Be Merry cookbook, an iPOD shuffle or a Wii game. To enter, simply answer wellness questions and attend the Life Balance Fair. (Here's a hint: look for 'Get Fit at Work – Did U Know' posters around campus)

Get Fit at Work
On Monday, Oct. 18, a Get Fit at Work demonstration will be held from 1 to 1:30 p.m. in PE152. This is a great opportunity to try out this workplace activity program.
As well, attend the Life Balance Fair and take part in Get Fit at Work sessions that run at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the 1st Choice Savings Centre track.

Life Balance Fair
The annual wellness fair takes place Wednesday, Oct. 27 and includes more than 40 interactive displays, including 15 new to our fair this year. This is an opportunity to get your flu shot, test your blood pressure, try out a chair massage and get screened for oral cancer. There are also loads of prize draws.

The Off Balance Team Challenge offers more chance at prizes for your employees. Prove you are the most 'unbalanced' team on campus by bringing the most departmental employees to the Life Balance Fair and/or to try out the Get Fit at Work demo.

Wellness Café
Vascular risk screening is the subject of this Thursday, Oct. 14 event. U of L nursing students will be on hand to provide information about the vascular risk screening program for employees. A very valuable session, it begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Markin Hall Atrium.

Workplace Walks
Program – Walk Across Canada Challenge
This contest is a great way to promote physical activity on campus. The contest began in early October but you can register (universityoflethbridge.workplacewalks.ca/) at any time.

I hope to see you out for the many events celebrating Healthy Workplace Month. As usual, please send your comments, suggestions or feedback to suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca or wellness@uleth.ca.

Suzanne McIntosh is the co-ordinator of wellness programs at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

Striking a balance

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:27:44 +0000

I had a recent opportunity to interview new President Mike Mahon about his vision for wellness here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Mike inspired me with his personal and organizational vision that includes creating an environment and culture to support individuals' own wellness needs, whether those needs are physical, psychological and/or spiritual.

Healthy Workplace Month

I hope to see you out for the many events celebrating Healthy Workplace Month. As usual, please send your comments, suggestions or feedback to suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca or wellness@uleth.ca.

Suzanne McIntosh is the co-ordinator of wellness programs at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

A perfect time to assess health goals

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:05:25 +0000

It's all about U!

With the start of another new academic year, it is a great time to take stock of your own health and wellness. Over the next few months, there are many opportunities and resources available on campus to help you assess your well-being.

Get Fit at Work Stretching and Strengthening

Do you find your back is sore after sitting at your desk for long periods of time? Maybe you have sore knees or shoulders because you are constantly reaching, squatting or lifting in your job. Or maybe you are like me and feel stiff and sore just getting out of bed in the mornings.

Kinesiology student, Jeanine Baxter, will be leading group sessions for our brand new stretching program. It involves exercises that can be done while you are at work.

Bring your lunch, but be ready to try out some of these simple but effective stretches.

Sept. 20 – 12:15 to 1 p.m., Andy's Place
Sept. 23 – 12:15 to 1 p.m., Markin Hall Atrium
Sept. 28 – 12:15 to 1 p.m., Andy's Place

Take Charge of Your Heart

Find out your general health status, or if you are at risk for heart or other related diseases by taking part in the Vascular Risk Screening program.

There are still limited spots available in this very popular program. New this fall, vascular risk screening participants will have the opportunity to attend three Eating for Heart Health education sessions. They will also receive a free one-on-one lifestyle session with a fitness consultant.

Health and Wellness Resources

U of L Fitness Centre

Arrange a personal fitness consultation or, better yet, bring a friend and get a better deal. Contact the Fitness centre by calling 403-329-2706.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program is a great resource for those who may already be feeling stressed. Contact the EAP at 403-329-2494 or e-mail eap@uleth.ca.

Healthy Eating

If you want to know more about healthy eating, contact registered dietitian Diane Britton through the Health Centre at 403-329-2484. She has excellent nutritional plans for busy, working families.

Blue Cross Health and Wellness Companion

Your Blue Cross companion includes a health risk assessment, comprehensive health library, personal health record and monthly health news updates. It is available at www.ab.bluecross.ca/group_hwc.html

Upcoming events

Oct. 14 | Wellness Café, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Markin Hall Atrium

Oct. 27 | Life Balance Fair, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness track. President Mike Mahon will be 'virtually' available to provide his vision of wellness at the U of L.

As usual, please send your comments, suggestions or feedback to suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca or wellness@uleth.ca

Suzanne McIntosh is the co-ordinator of wellness programs at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

UNews - Jeanine Baxter

Life Balance Fair a wellness initiative

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