Wellbeing at Monash newsletter – May
Read about the latest Wellbeing and Monash Sport events, services and activities. Monash aims to assist staff in achieving a healthy work/life balance using a holistic approach – mind, body, spirit and the community. There are some great prizes to win so read on!
- Contact us at wellbeing@monash.edu
In the May edition:
Wellbeing events & news
Register today for the GLOBAL Monash walk/run and support men’s health
All Monash staff are invited to take a step toward better health and participate in the Monash GLOBAL walk/run at their campus.
Delivered in conjunction with Wellbeing at Monash, Monash Sport and Andrology Australia, the third bi-annual GLOBAL walk/run coincides with Men’s Health Week – aiming to increase the awareness and knowledge of men’s health.
Staff can register to participate in the on campus GLOBAL 3km walk or 5km run.
Date: Wednesday 15th June, 12.15pm-1pm
Campus: All campuses
Register online
All participants will receive a Health Smart lunch at the end of the event and go in the draw to win great prizes. Participants are encouraged to make a gold coin donation at the lunch to Andrology Australia which will be used to continue the program’s men’s health research and education initiatives.
Take time out for you! Register now for your free health check
All Monash staff members have the opportunity to participate in free WorkHealth health checks.
The one on one free health checks will take approximately 20 minutes and is a great opportunity to learn more about the state of your health. The checks are delivered by an independent company, your results will remain private and your employer will not receive any personal information about your health.
You will receive immediate results and advice on:
- Blood pressure
- Blood glucose
- Cholesterol
- Waist circumference
- And more
Upcoming campuses include: Parkville, MMC, Box Hill, ISCRR ,Gippsland, Caulfield and Clayton
How to book: Learn when the health checks will be at your campus via the booking system. https://monash.fitness2live.com.au/(you must have logged in with your authcate to view this website)
Forget the excuses, Weight Watchers at work is here!
Monash staff the opportunity to enrol in a new Weight Watchers Program. With the convenience of weekly meetings on campus*, you’ll get the guidance that you need to succeed and stay on track to achieve your weight loss and lifestyle goals.
Weight Watchers promotes healthy habits, a supportive environment and exercise, in addition to making smarter food choices. And what you learn will stay with you for a lifetime. Get ready to make a positive change for life!
About the program: The program will consist of one weekly meeting for 13 weeks and commences in June.
Cost: $233.35 for 13 week program (payment must be made upfront by cash or card at the first meeting). Some private health insurance providers provide a partial refund.
How to register: Attend an upcoming lunchtime information session at Clayton, register online. Staff from:
Peninsula, Alfred, Parkville and Gippsland campus staff send your interest to join a program to wellbeing@monash.edu with your campus in the subject line. A minimum of 12 people required at each campus for the program to proceed.
Peninsula Health Hour events
More than 50 staff are attending Peninsula Health Hour, are you? Following the recent Health Check Pilot Program, Professor Leon Piterman invites Peninsula staff to take time out on Tuesday 17th May and enjoy a free lunch and hear about the new wellbeing programs and services available to Peninsula staff. Register online here. The department with the most staff in attendace will win a monthly fruit box for 3 months!
Free 6 week Movers and Shakers Program: Commencing weekly from Tuesday 24th May at Peninsula, the 30 minute lunchtime classes are suitable for all ages and abilities. Grab a colleague and Register here
Week 1: Circuit class Week 2: Zumba
Week 3: Pilates Week 4: Body Pump
Week 5: Cycle Week 6: Fit Ball
Book your department in to Walk the block!
Workplaces across Victoria are encouraged to step away from their desks and onto their feet in order to combat workplace physical inactivity.
“All we are asking is that workplaces take 15 minutes out of their day to walk the block,” explained Victoria Walks Executive Officer Dr Ben Rossiter. “The aim is to show Victoria’s workforce how easy it is to incorporate walking into their daily routine,” he added.
Recent studies show a direct link between prolonged periods of sitting and increased incidence of cardio-vascular diseases, even for people who are generally healthy.
Dr Rossiter said the sedentary behavior that is common in many workplaces is concerning. “Many of us spend around a third or more of our day at work. This often involves sitting at a desk or in a relatively confined space for hours on end. This is not good for us, our families or employers,” he said.
“Recent WorkHealth Checks showed that 70% of Victorian workers do not get the minimum required daily physical activity,“ Dr Rossiter added. “That means 7 in every 10 workers do less than 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day,” he continued.
Get out and about today and enjoy a stroll around campus! To register your workplace or find out more visit Victoria Walks. Download Monash campus walking maps here. Victoria Walks is a health promotion charity that is funded and supported by VicHealth.
Has your department booked a healthy lunchtime SWAP?
Departments across Monash are registering for the Staff Wellbeing & Activity Program. SWAP has been designed to bring on campus activity to your office! With 30 or 60minute yoga, zumba and pilates classes from just $8 per person, get your colleagues together and organise a class at a time that suits you!
Departments who have participated in SWAP include EResearch, HR, Facilities & Services, ITS, OHS and Medicine.
Download the new SWAP brochure for all pricing and program information.
Is your office ready to go bin-less?
Noticing under desk bins are not used for much more than an apple core or tissue, the OHS branch have recently foregone under-desk bins and will now be using a central bin.
Is your office ready to do the same? Contact Mark Doggett from the Office of Environmental Sustainability for more information.
Free online health programs
Active Care Programs are designed to help you avoid illness or, in the case of existing conditions, manage or alleviate the symptoms. Available free to Monash employees, each Active Care Program consists of 12 online modules that are made available to you over the course of six months.
Active Health Programs:
Active Care Programs:
Cheap DVD Rentals at Clayton
John Medley Library offers a wide range of DVDs for rent to all Monash students and staff. We currently have more than 1000+ titles in our collection! Prices start from as low as *$2/each! Each movie rental is for 2 nights. Come in on Thursday or Friday when you are at Clayton, we’ll let you take it home for the weekend! TV series rentals are out for 1 week. Search our online catalogue
The Bikery is your one stop shop for all your bike needs:
Are you looking for a bike? We sell refurbished bikes at great prices. Do you need spare parts? If we don’t have it we can order it in for you. Does your bike need a service or repair? – Bring it to The Bikery
The Bikery operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am – 4.30pm, visit Building 51 enter via Union Loop Road.
Divided Attention Study
Healthy Males 60-70 Years Old Needed. The purpose of the study is to learn more about the difficulties that Huntington’s disease patients have when they have to do two or more things at once.
The study will involve the completion of some questionnaires, computerised, pen-and-paper and verbal tasks. Testing will take no more than 2 hours. Participants must be males between 60 and 70 years old with no history of neurological, psychiatric or psychological illness. Potential participants will be screened prior to their participation to ensure they are eligible. Contact Ria Vaportzis, Eleftheria.Vaportzis@monash.edu, x53803
How does the brain see?
How does the brain see? Researchers at Monash University are studying how the brain processes visual information and are seeking participants for this study.
The study takes 2 hours, you will see images on a computer screen and press a button to indicate your responses. We will use EEG (electroencephalography) to measure brain activity while you view the images. EEG involves wearing a cap with a number of electrodes on it that record the electrical signals on the surface of the head generated by brain activity.
Participants must be right handed and between18-65 years old. Contact Dr Anastasia Gorbunova (Anastasia.Gorbunova@monash.edu) for further information.
Competition winners and your chance to win
For your chance to win a Village Cinemas movie ticket tell us what you think of the new layout of the newsletter or provide a suggestion for Wellbeing at Monash or Monash Sport (or any wellbeing service you would like to see) Provide feedback via email wellbeing@monash.edu
Monash Sport news and offers
Opportunity to view the Draft Sports Precinct Master Plan
All staff are invited to a consultation/public viewing session for the Draft Sports Precinct Master Plan (Clayton Campus).
When: Thursday 19th May, 2011 between 4.00pm and 7.00pm.
Where: Foyer of Building 1 (Sports Building), Clayton Campus.
No RSVP’s are necessary. Draft planning directions and draft master plans will be on display as well as the opportunity to discuss with, and provide feedback to, Insight Leisure Planning, the lead consultant for this project.
Emer Casey Fun Run – Sunday 22 May
Emer Casey was diagnosed with ovarian/uterine cancer in early 2006 at the early age of 27. Following a short battle with the disease, Emer tragically passed away on 10 June 2006. The life of this brave woman inspired so many that the Emer Casey Foundation was established in her honour and memory.
The Emer Casey Foundation will support the research into ovarian cancer being carried out by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre by hosting its second annual ‘Fun Run’ on Sunday 22 May at Monash University’s Clayton Campus.
Competition options available for participants include the 5km walk or the 10km run, with all proceedings going to the Peter Mac Foundation.
The event includes prizes, entertainment and the opportunity to run with former Olympic champion, Sonia O’Sullivan. BBQ and drinks available for a gold coin donation.
For enquiries about TeamMONASH™ or this event, please contact: participants@monash.edu.au or x58815
Do you value your health like we do?
Get rid of the cost of a coffee and put it towards a membership at Monash Sport. For a limited time only, sign up for a direct debit or 12 month membership and get the first month FREE!
All new members will receive a complimentary joining gift. Salary packaging is also available to staff.
The benefits don’t just end there; you don’t have to look at the fine print for joining fees, as there are none. With unlimited health assessments and program reviews available you’ll always be kept busy.
We’re not your average gym, we offer rewards programs, seminars as well as testing sessions for our members.
Still not convinced? Download a 7 day FREE trial and get a taste of what you’re missing out on. You’ll find that we have a social environment with qualified staff to keep you motivated.
Conveniently located on campus, you can take out the hassle of transportation and walk there. Duck in and out during your lunch break or even in between lectures and tutorials. You’ll come out smelling like roses and knowing you’ve worked hard. Get the endorphins flowing and adrenaline pumping!
Member Seminars- Nutrition: The Tasty Facts
As part of our ongoing service commitment to both our members and the wider community, Monash Sport are pleased to announce the latest member seminar ‘Nutrition: The Tasty Facts!’.
To be held on Tuesday 24 May from 7 – 8pm in the Seminar Room, Monash Sport Clayton Campus, the hour long session will provide participants with an interactive and educational environment to explore their nutritional and fitness journey.
Hosted by Rebecca, dietician for Melbourne Health at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the seminar will include discussion on issues including training methods, breaking and confirming myths about eating and important facts for your future wellbeing.
At no cost to members* and just $10 for non-members, this is an opportunity for everyone to increase their knowledge on current health and fitness issues, whilst also experiencing a motivational and informative guide to nutrition.
For more information visit this link visit Member Seminars
Monash Walkers cover 100kms for charity
The Oxfam Trailwalker is an annual event held over the first weekend of April in which teams of four must walk a distance of 100km to show their support for Oxfam, Community Aid Abroad. As a philanthropic body, Oxfam support poverty stricken nations and provide them with not only the funds, but also with the skills to help build a fully 
functioning community.
This year, the event was held from April 1-3, with Monash being represented by a team of eight from the School of Nursing and Midwifery. The team was comprised of four walkers, Helen Hall, Katrina Recoche, Gayle McLelland and Rebecca Vanerheider, and was accompanied by four support crew, Julia Morpher, Kelli Innes, Jill French and Susan Lee.
Finishing in the small hours of Sunday morning, the team completed the gruelling 100km journey in an impressive time of just over 31hrs, raising in excess of $4,500 in the process.
Monash Sport would like to congratulate the whole team, the walkers for their tremendous effort and the volunteers for their tireless support. Well done girls!
Free fitness classes and demos throughout May at Clayton
Happy Hour at the Pool – 12 May, Doug Ellis Swimming Pool 2:30 – 3:30pm (free entry for students and staff)
Monash Sport is running a special offer for those staff and students who are interested in swimming to come down to the Doug Ellis Pool facilities, free of charge, for an hour long aquatics session.
Fit Camp – 16 May, Menzies Lawn 1-2pm
Fit Camp is a six week fun, social, challenging and rewarding way of training. For those about to embark on their first fitness program or looking for a new challenge Fit Camp is for you!
ZUMBA – 23 May, Clayton campus centre 1-2pm
Calorie-burning, body-energising, awe-inspiring movement. The Zumba program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that anyone no matter what your fitness level can join.
Discounts for staff
Fresh milk, bread, fruit and vegies delivered to your door, Aussie Farmers Direct offer
Monash staff, family and friends, receive $20 off your first order. Aussie Farmers is a 100% Australian owned fruit and vegetables, groceries and organic food, delivered to your door free! Visit the discounts webpage for full details
HBA – corporate health plan offer
Free on campus consultations
HBA will be onsite at Caulfield, Clayton, Berwick and Parkville during May and June holding personal consultations. Appointments available between 8.30am and 4pm. Register now to book in for your consultation. Register for Clayton, Caulfield, Berwick or Parkville
Corporate health plan – one month free health cover
Join the Monash Uni HBA Health Plan and you can enjoy benefits including:
– From May 1, 2011, new Bupa members receive 1 month free and 2 month waiting periods waived on most extras
– Gap-free dental cover for your kids’ until the age of 25. (no out-of-pocket costs on most general dental services like check-ups, teeth cleaning, fillings, x-ray and more
– A great range of selected frames and lenses at a Members First optical provider
Offer ends 31 May 2011. Monash staff who sign up as a new member with HBA on the Monash University Corporate Health Plan receive access to a specially designed corporate suite of Health Insurance products. These products contain built-in savings that are not available to the general public.
Visit a HBA Retail Centre or call 1800 649 406 and quote the Monash University corporate group number – 122265. *Payment must be made by payroll deduction. For detailed information see health insurance discounts.
Lite n’ Easy offer
For weight loss or just the convenience of having your meals cooked, Lite n’ Easy offers food that tastes great, is low in fat and provides all the health benefits from eating a balanced diet.
Staff offer: $25 discount off the first delivery for a full 7 day pack (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Phone 13 15 12 and quote ‘Monash uni discount offer’ to the operator. This offer is available to new customers only. Visit the Lite n Easy website for more information about the program.
Travelling soon? Discounted Airport Lounge access
Sign up for a discounted airport lounge membership and enjoy the benefits! Lounges include
Priority Pass: access to 600+ lounges worldwide
Virgin Blue The Lounge
Qantas Club Lounge
Visit Airport Lounge discounts for more information.
Other discounts available to Monash staff:
VisitMonash discounts for more information