February 1, 2019

Welcome!

Be healthy! Join any of our Wisconsin Union Health and Wellness events that can help you achieve your goals and be more healthy and well while here in the Wisconsin Union and in life.

UW-Madison Winter Carnival 

Join in on the annual Winter Carnival from January 31 - February 3 hosted by the Wisconsin Union Directorate, Wisconsin Hoofers, and campus partners. It is 4 days of snow much fun for all! 

UW-Madison's Winter Carnival began in the 1940s as a major weeklong competition with events like downhill ski jumping and ice sculpturing and the Snow Ball. This year's Winter Carnival includes many exciting and healthy activities throughout the four days including outdoor VR, snowshoeing, a hockey tournament, the Snow Ball, and many other family-friendly events! Click here to see the full list of events. 

More Winter Festivities Around Madison:Frozen Assets Festival | February 2 & 3 | The Edgewater & Lake MendotaMadison Winter Festival | February 2 & 3 | Elver ParkDay of Play | February 8 | UW Natatorium  

Fitness Focus: Brennan Bahr  

--By Jason Proctor

What is a way I am focusing on my health and wellness?One example of how I am focusing on my health is by making an effort to bike year round. For me, it is the easiest way to reduce my personal carbon footprint while remaining active throughout the seasons. 

What are challenges and how do I overcome them?For me, time is the largest struggle. I often find it difficult to be a proactive student while at the same time finding time to fit my own health and wellness into my day. I have needed to actively prioritize my own health and wellness throughout my day, instead of just thinking of it as an afterthought.

Additional CommentsFind a form of fitness of wellness that works for YOU and incorporate it throughout the day. Prioritize this activity and make it a significant part of your student life. 

Brennan Bahr is Union Council/Wisconsin Union Directorate Vice President-External

Madison Winter Bike Week

Has morning traffic been grinding your gears? Consider biking to work! Madison has been recognized as one of the most bike friendly cities in the United States and Madison Bikes seeks to make it even more so! 

Madison Bike Week begins on Friday, February 1 and lasts until February 8! Throughout the week there will be photo contests, free coffee, bike stations, and more activities at local businesses around Madison! Additionally, to kick off the week, the Frozen Assets Fat Bike Race takes its course on February 1 in Law Park.  Learn more about Madison Bike Week. 

Enjoy Indoor Yoga at the Memorial Union! 

Outdoor UW continues to host Terrace Yoga classes... indoors! Classes are held in the Memorial Union's coziest spaces through May 4 (skipping spring break). All are welcome and classes are FREE for Union Employees; simply preregister at the Outdoor UW Office or register with the instructor the day of class. Mat rentals are also available on site.

Wednesdays 6:30 PM - 7:30 PMFridays 4:30 PM-5:30 PMSaturdays 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Workplace Workouts at the Union

NEW This Semester

go.wisc.edu/WorkplaceWorkoutsJoin the Workplace Workout at the Union, with a Rec Sports Personal Trainer. All fitness levels are welcome. Wear comfy clothes to move in (tennis shoes are good.) Wisconsin Union employees pay only $15/series (a 50% discount on the price) if registered in advance-- If you didn't signup online earlier you can still get the discount by signing up at a Recreational Sports facility.

MEMORIAL UNION TITU, TUESDAYS 11:45 am - 12:30 pmSpring 1: Feb 5 - Mar 12  Spring 2: Mar 19 - April 23

UNION SOUTH TITU, WEDNESDAYS11:45 AM - 12:30 PMSpring 3:  Feb 6 - March 13Spring 4: March 27 - May 1*After Jan 27, to receive the Wisconsin Union employee discount go to a Rec Sports facility to sign-up.

Mental Health is ImportantBy Courtney Byelich

Earlier this year, 30 full-time Wisconsin Union staff completed Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education, taught by Dan Muxfeld of Journey Mental Health and Carlin Becker of the Madison Police Department. The class focused on ALGEE, which stands for:

· Assess for risk or suicide or harm, 

· Listen Nonjudgmentally,

· Give reassurance and information (not advice!),

· Encourage appropriate professional help, and

· Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

As a reminder to all, Journey Mental Health Center operates a 24-hour mental health crisis line at 608-280-2600.  That line supports individuals struggling with mental health, but also those who need advice on how to help someone else.

University Health Service is another great resource for supporting student mental health.

Winter Walks at the ArboretumGrab some friends and head to enjoy the beautiful UW-Madison Arboretum to explore! With events and walks offered weekly, or on your own, you can get moving and enjoy the beauty of the arboretum!

February Wellness Events on CampusAlthough the winter weather may make you want to curl up and stay inside, it is important to make sure you're maintaining your own wellness! There are several events around campus that are focused on improving personal wellness and self-care routines. Check out the events below and register if you're interested. Remember to take care of yourself throughout the year!

Sleep More Stress Less | February 7 | 12:30 - 1 p.m. | 21 N. Park St.Did you know that the National Sleep Foundation recommends that most adults get 7-9 hours of sleep? This workshop is focused on giving you tools that can help reduce your stress and hopefully improve your sleep. 

Self-Care for Hardworking Humans | February 12 | 2 - 3 p.m. | UW Memorial LibrarySelf-care looks different for everyone, but this workshop is meant to teach you about managing stress with the mind, the body, and the energy body so you can be more productive, happier, and healthier! 

Winter Weather SafetyRecord low temperatures this past week may soon be a memory but winter isn't quite, yet, done. Dressing for the weather is important to reduce the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Remember to cover up as much skin as possible every time you leave the house, even if you aren't walking far. Also if traveling in a car make sure to be prepared in case of an emergency. 

For more tips on how to stay warm and safely commute this winter visit www.cdc.gov.

The Open Seat is a food pantry for UW students run by UW students. If you have a valid Wiscard, you are welcome at The Open Seat -- to serve and to get a meal.  Located on the 4tht floor of the SAC (Student Activity Center), feel free to check it out during the spring hours to learn more

Sunday 2:30 to 6:30 pmTuesday 5:00 to 8:00 pmWednesday 6:00 to 9:00 pm

Food & Financial Assistance is Available36% of students at 66 colleges and Universities do not get enough to eat (2018 study by Wisconsin HOPE Lab and Template University).

Resources include

· The Open Seat (Assist by donating non-perishable food items such as rice, dry beans, grains, cans of food; unopened toiletries: toothpaste, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc.)

· The Campus Kitchens Project

· Food Recovery Network-Free Student Lunches

· UW Campus Food Shed

· Lutheran Campus Center

· Slow Food UW

· FH King - Harvest Handouts

· S.N.A.P. Diall 211

· Badger Fare

The Dean of Students Office provides resources to students struggling with a variety of issues and seeks to be the "go to" spot for student assistance on campus, by phone, in-person, or online.

· 70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700, doso.students.wisc.edu/student-assistance

Enjoy free yoga at the Monona Terrace during the lunch time twice a week! Join instructor Jill Lundberg on Monday's and Thursdays from noon to 12:45 to relax during your workday. 

Monday's and Thursday's12:00 to 12:45 Through February 11

Wash Away the Chance of Getting Sick!

Hand washing is the easiest way we can work together to stop the spread of any germs. In 20 seconds, you can lather away the risk of getting sick! It's a quick and easy  way to  ensure that yourself and your family/friends will stay healthy this winter. So remember to WASH YOUR HANDS after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.

 

UW-Madison Has a New Well-Being SiteCheck out the resources, information and services available to support your well-being.  Check it out.

Take advantage of these free programs and resources! From legal and financial to travel assistance and beneficiary counseling.  Register here.

UW-Madison Employee Assistance Office 

TIMELY ASSISTANCE WITH LIFE’S CHALLENGES

When personal or work-related concerns become difficult to manage, UW–Madison’s Employee Assistance Office (EAO) can provide timely solutions for life transitions, physical or emotional health issues, and relationship challenges.

EAO professional staff offer counseling and consultation at no cost to UW–Madison faculty, staff, graduate student employees, significant others, and family members.

With the help of the Employee Assistance Office, employees and leaders develop the skills they need to understand and cope with challenging issues before they develop into more serious concerns. Services include:

· Personal counseling

· Workplace consultation

· Well-being coaching and training

Schedule a confidential appointmentat  608-263-2987 or eao@mailplus.wisc.edu

 

Employee Assistance OfficeLowell Center, Room #226610 Landon St8am-4:30pm

Silvercloud 

Conduct an Online Self-Assessment

SilverCloud is an online, interactive resource that provides UW–Madison faculty and staff with no-cost, confidential help for mental health issues and stress management 24 hours a day.

SilverCloud offers self-guided exercises to help employees change beliefs and behaviors so they are thinking and feeling better. SilverCloud’s learning modules address anxiety, depression, body image and stress.

Create a New Account

Log In 

Give Blood and Help Save Lives

Thursday, February 1410am-3pmWARF, 614 Walnut Street, Rooms 1419 and 1420Free ParkingWalk-in or schedule an appointment

Mayo Clinic (Paid) Diet ProgramEditor's Note: Some people can achieve their health and nutrition goals more effectively by making a financial commitment to a program. The Mayo Clinic often is very good for health care and wellness they provide. This is a program that costs about $3/week. Here's their information. 

 

Have you tried several diets in an attempt to lose weight? Well, this time can be different. The Mayo Clinic Diet is a program designed to be the last diet you’ll ever need – or want. This diet has been clinically tested. And now we are bringing the science of weight loss and proven results directly to you. Get ready to lose weight with our online diet program and keep it off. 

LOSE WEIGHT NOW!

Cool Tech Tools

Here are some Cool Tech Tools that may be of interest and, potentially, useful.

· Effective studying habits - To reinforce what is working well.

· Quizlet - For creating your study notes. 

· StudyBlue - Compiled study flashcards.

· Study Tips - Videos by Socrates (possibly not by the original one)

· Ambient Background Sounds- Listen to non-disruptive sounds. 

· Spotify.com - To listen to your favorite music

· Workflowy.com or Dynalist.com - Keep track of your lists and connect on all your devices when actually needed. Share with a friend.

· Mint.com - Simply track all of your financials in one location.

See the Union Health and Wellness Events Calendar

Wisconsin Union Health and WellnessJim Rogers (Coordinator),Madison Yachinich and Justice Hadley (Marketing Coordinators),Lizzie Adamec, Jason Proctor, Jennifer Brown,with support from Stephanie Webendorfer, Wisconsin Union Marketing 

Funded by The Wisconsin Union Director's Fund 

Submit Union Health and Wellness items generally by the 10th & 25th of each month.

Click here for the Wisconsin Union Health and Wellness Events Calendar