Wellbeing at Monash & Monash Sport 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.
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.
Delivered in conjunction with Wellbeing at Monash, Monash Sport and Andrology Australia, the fifth 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.
Former Olympic swimmer Matt Welsh will be attending the Clayton event, courtesy of the staff health insurance discount offered by BUPA.
Date: Wednesday 13th June, 12.15pm-1pm
Campus: Many 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.
Make a change and join the Monash Health Revolution
Staff are invited to join the health revolution and commit to making a healthy lifestyle change. The Health Revolution campaign launched by Wellbeing at Monash-OHS and Monash Sport will ask staff and students to commit to making a change in one of four key areas: physical activity, mental health, nutrition/food or general health.
The Health Revolution campaign further supports the University’s commitment to providing a healthy workplace and study environment for all staff and students.
For further information and to make your commitment visit the Health Revolution.
Ready to make a change? Join the 8 week Get Well Challenge
If you are you ready to make a change to your health and fitness, now is the time to join the 8 week challenge!
Suitable for beginners, the program will help you to increa
se your health and fitness by participating in two outdoor Get Active sessions per week.
20 Monash Clayton staff recently participated in the launch of the Get Well Challenge with great results.
Darlene McGown from Faculty of Education has enjoyed being part of the program.
“I have really enjoyed each session and working out with a great group of ladies from all across the University. Our instructor has been encouraging us to achieve things that we never thought we’d be able to do and there is lots of support from the group to keep pushing ourselves! If you want to get fitter and more active I would highly recommend you participate in the program”.
Dates: Program commences Tuesday 29th May, 45minute Get Active sessions are held on a Tuesday and Friday 12.15-1pm at Clayton campus.
Cost: $10 per session ($160 payment for 8 week program)
Register your interest: Email wellbeing@monash.edu with Get Well in the subject line, you will then receive more information.
A similar program will be available at Gippsland, to register your interest please email shane.paynter@monash.edu
Step it up a level
For those ready to step their activity up a level and enjoy the convenience of on campus location, join Monash Sport’s six week morning or lunchtime Fit Camp.
Wellbeing at Monash is providing a $25 subsidy for any Monash University staff member who joins Fit Camp in 2012.
Program details:
Clayton campus – mornings: Monday’s and Thursday’s 6.45-7.45am, next camp will be starting soon, check website for updates. Monash Sport member price $155, non member price $175
Clayton campus – lunchtimes: Monday’s and Thursday’s 12.15-1pm, commencing Monday 28 May. Monash sport member price $104, non member price $124
Prices above have the subsidy applied. To obtain the discount a valid staff ID must be presented upon registration. For more information visit Monash Sport Fit Camp webpage
Have you had a health check? Take the next step
More than 2100 Monash staff have recently participated in a free WorkHealth check.
Now you have your results, don’t forget to enter your results into your Wellness Record on Wellbeing at Monash Online.
You can track your progress and enjoy free access to resources including a 7 day meal planner, download recipes and register for programs including weight loss, diabetes, heart and lung health.
Now is time for your team to SWAP to better health!
Are you looking for something to bond your team? Is it time for your colleagues to get active? Get out of the office and energise your body using the Staff Wellbeing and Activity Program (SWAP).
Faculty of Engineering and Education, eSolutions and HR have all participated in a SWAP Program in 2012.
SWAP has been designed to bring on campus activity to your office! With 30 or 60 minute yoga, zumba, boxing and pilates classes from just $8 per person, get your colleagues together and organise a class at a time that suits you!
Download the new SWAP brochure for all pricing and program information.
New Mindfulness at Work programs
Mindfulness involves a series of simple meditative practices and cognitive strategies that help change unproductive thought and behaviour patterns. Mindfulness can also be described as an attitude to living and can enhance your:
- stress management
- work and study performance
- contentment, peace of mind and balance
- concentration and focus in the moment
- resilience
- physical and emotional health
Mindfulness programs and resources available to staff include:
- Mindfulness meditation sessions available during lunchtime
- Half-day program through the Monash Staff Development program for staff and supervisors
- Mindfulness at Work Program running over five lunchtime sessions, this is a group program for staff.
- Introductory Mindfulness facilitated by Dr Craig Hassed is a six-week course that provides staff with an introduction to mindfulness techniques.
- For books, CDs and related links, see mindfulness resources
Looking for a walking buddy on campus?
Fitness Connect is a new online program developed by Monash Sport that allows users to find and get active with someone of a similar fitness level and ability in exercise and/or sport. Exercising with a friend makes working out more enjoyable with many studies indicating the benefits regarding motivation, support and exercise longevity. Find your buddy today on the my.monash.portal
Monash staff and students walk the talk at Oxfam Trailwalker
Oxfam Trailwalker is not just a gruelling physical challenge, each team has committed to raising funds to support people living in poverty around the world. More than $2,355,342 was raised by all teams for Oxfam.
Two teams from the School of Nursing and Midwifery (Peninsula, Clayton and Berwick) competed in the Challenge.
The Monash University Plodders team included Helen Hall, Kelli Innes, Wendy Radcliffe and David Ruebhart, with support crew Julia Morphet, Susan Lee and Jill French. The second team “For the BANGer Sisters” included Rebecca Vanderheide, Gayle McLelland, Jeremy Barren, Michael Vanderheide and support crew Noelleen Kiprillis and Arlene Parry. 
The Water Groupies team from Civil Engineering also participated, team members included Matt Burns, Mike Poustie, Peter Kolotelo and Perrine Hamel. Faculty of Engineering staff and students contributed $800 to the team fundraising.
Congratulations to all staff and students who participated in the Oxfam Trailwalker. Donations can still be made to the teams via the Oxfam Trailwalker website.
Unisuper seminar: Your UniSuper & Centrelink Pension Options
Attend this UniSuper seminar and learn information about the UniSuper pension options available to you, and to help you make the most of your retirement.
A great opportunity to hear from both UniSuper and Centrelink representatives to help you plan for your retirement.
Date: Wednesday 16 May, 5-7pm.
Venue: Building 25, Clayton campus.
Register online
Programs and services available at Monash campuses
Parkville
Free Get Active classes including Boxing: Mondays 5pm at Cossar Hall, Boot Camp: Wednesdays 7.30-8.30am, meet at the Flagpole, Mindfulness meditation: Wednesdays 12-12.30pm, pharmaceutics meeting room, Pilates: Thursdays 5pm, Cossar Hall. Enquiries: Contact Michael Jones, Monash Sport x51073
Gippsland
Get out and about at lunchtime and join the Gippsland Walking Group. Monday and Thursday 12.30 – 1pm, meet at the Knuckle – 1st floor, outside of eSolutions. Leaders: Shane Paynter, Audra Glavas, Vonnie Boreham
Box Hill
Krunchies Boot Camp, Nelson Rd, opposite Box Hill Hospital. Monday and Wednesday 6-7pm, 6 weeks $129, visit Krunchies for more information
Berwick
Free lunchtime meditation class, Tuesday’s 12.30-1.30pm, Building 930, Health and Wellbeing Hub
Peninsula
Have you visited the new Monash Peninsula Activity and Recreation Centre (MPARC)? Facilities include a weights gym and cardio zone, group fitness classes including Les Mills and Zumba, Sport competitions including basketball, Futsal (indoor soccer) and netball (mixed and women’s competitions) and Court hire including badminton, basketball, netball and volleyball.
Monash Short Court Centre – Indian Vegetarian Cooking
The Indian vegetarian cooking class is back to spice up your life!! This two-day course includes simple, delicious and nutritious dishes. The first day focuses on the milder north Indian cuisine whilst the second day covers traditional south Indian techniques and tastes. Participate in, and assist with, dish preparation and tasting. A step-by-step recipe book is included.
Req: Apron, notepad & pen, container to take home samples.
Dates: Saturday 12 and 19 May, 10am-3:30pm. Monash staff $143.
Visit the Monash Short Course Centre for more information.
Parkrun – free, weekly 5km timed runs at Albert Park
Parkrun’s are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. Events take place in pleasant parklands, around lush lakes, and along beautiful beach fronts and we encourage 
people of every ability to take part from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience.
The Melbourne event is a 5km run at Albert Park Lake, it’s you against the clock.
Every Saturday at 8am, see Course page for more details. Entry is free. Visit ParkRun for more information.
Confidential, external employee counselling and new Manager Assist Program
EAP is a professional, external, confidential counselling service available free-of-charge to all University 
employees and their immediate family members.
The service can be of assistance when staff are experiencing work-related, personal and/or health problems. Manager Assist is a phone consulting service available to University Supervisors and Managers, providing practical advice and support.
The service is tailored to meet individual needs when step by step advice or a sounding board is needed. Further information can be found on the University’s EAP website or phone 1800 350 359.
Lunchtime Weight Watchers Program
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.
About the program: The program consists of one weekly lunchtime meeting for 13 weeks
Cost: $18.90 per session 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: Send your interest to join a program to wellbeing@monash.edu with WW and your campus in the subject line. 12 participants are required for the program to proceed.
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
Peninsula campus puts finishing touches on major renovation project!
Monash Sport is stretching their brand to a whole new level with the opening of the $12.8 million Monash Peninsula Activity and Recreation Centre (MPARC) facility. All Monash University students, staff and the general community are now invited to experience this new health and fitness centre and surrounding multi purpose building which complements Monash University’s ‘Healthy Active Communities’ theme.
It offers a large gymnasium, a group fitness and cycle studio and a two-court multi-purpose stadium with viewing platforms. Not only does MPARC promote personal health and wellbeing, a more unique feature about its service is offering students and staff with ambitions for sports careers the opportunity to gain hands-on practice. Expanded social sport programs are now open to the public which include indoor soccer, mixed and women’s netball and basketball.
Find out more about this fantastic leap forward for health and fitness on the Peninsula!
Winter offer for Monash staff!
To celebrate the completion of renovations and improvements across all Monash Sport health, fitness and aquatic facilities, a special offer to all University staff is now on!
At Peninsula campus, the new $12.8 million Monash Peninsula Activity and Recreation Centre (MPARC) is now open. The Caulfield Health and Fitness Centre has been expanded to twice size with the addition of new equipment and the Clayton Sports Precinct has a suit of refurbished activities. These include the newly retiled Doug Ellis Swimming Pool, a refurbished fitness centre and resurfaced multi-sport courts, ensuring Monash Sport remains the centre of health and active lifestyles at the University.
With the cold winter approaching, Director of Monash Sport, Martin Doulton, said “these new fitness facilities are the perfect opportunity to stay warm and active indoor whilst increasing your fitness levels”. The best thing about Monash Sport health and fitness memberships is that ALL Monash University staff get to enjoy NO Joining Fee and get a Free First Month*. To get you started on living a healthy lifestyle, your Monash Sport membership will allow you to experience the following services with an UNLIMITED access:
- Fitness assessments
- Fitness programs designed only for you
- Fitness testing to measure improvements
- Free member seminars from industry experts
For every new member, a complimentary joining gift will be included in the package 7 Day Free Trials are now available online, staff can then redeem their one free month when signing up a direct debit or twelve month membership at Monash Sport main service desk or online.
So take advantage while the offer still lasts!
*Conditions apply. the one free month and no joining fees offer is valid between 16 April – 11 May 2012. For further information please visit the Experience Monash Sport site.
Fit Camp – Upcoming Sessions
Caulfield: Commencing Tuesday 8 May:
Tuesday & Thursday 5.30pm – 6.30pm (2 sessions per week).
Clayton: Commencing Monday 28 May, finishing Thursday 5 July
Monday & Thursday 12.15 – 1pm (2 sessions per week).
Monash Sport has been running Fit Camp for about four years now, and in that time we have developed a loyal following amongst our participants. Fit Camp is designed to give people workouts they wouldn’t get using machines in the gym.
The beauty of working out outside is we can use the grass and terrain to our advantage, which allows us to design a workout in almost any sort of conditions. When the weather is great, the classes are held outside, when it’s cold, dark and wet, the workouts can be modified to be run inside our Fitness Centres.
Fit Camp is also a team effort, and the nature of the program provides support to those who are doing it for their first time. At Monash Sport we can tailor each session to suit anyones fitness level.
For more information on Fit Camp, please see our website.
Upcoming Events!
Sunday 13 May – Mother’s Day Classic
It’s not too late to register to compete with TeamMONASH and support the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Featuring a 4km or 8km walk or run, support the one in nine Australian women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sunday 27 May – Emer Casey Fun Run
A 5km walk or run, or a 10km run around Monash University Clayton campus. The Emer Casey Fun Run raises awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research through the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Run with Olympic medallist and World Champion Sonia O’Sullivan!
Fitness Myth – doing ab crunches will get rid of my belly fat, right?
Don’t believe everything you hear on those late-night infomercials! Whilst an ab-crunching device might “help strengthen the muscles around your midsection and improve your posture,” being able to “see” your abdominal muscles has to do with your overall percentage of body fat. If you don’t lose the belly fat, you won’t see the ab muscles.
But can doing ab crunches help you to lose that belly fat? Experts say no.
“You can’t pick and choose areas where you’d like to burn fat,” says Phil Tyne, director of the fitness center at the Baylor Tom Landry Health & Wellness Center in Dallas. So crunches aren’t going to target weight loss in that area.
“In order to burn fat, you should create a workout that includes both cardiovascular and strength-training elements. This will decrease your overall body fat content,” including the area around your midsection, he says.
If you need a program or want to learn more about cardio workouts or ab exercises please see a friendly gym instructor!
Looking to get outdoors on your lunch break? Visit the new Informal Sport Zone
The brand new Informal Sport Zone facility is now open and features a synthetic surfaced outdoor soccer pitch and basketball court. And the best part of this modern venue? It’s free for Monash staff and students. The Informal Sport zone is located at the Clayton campus tennis court complex on former courts 9 and 10. It’s available for use around the clock with automatic floodlights for late evening sessions.
Sport at Monash Calendar
Don’t know when key events are? There will be no more excuses with the Sport at Monash calendar exclusive to Monash staff. Conveniently feeding times, dates, locations and web links to everything ‘sport at Monash’ directly into your Google calendar, the Sport at Monash calendar is perfect for fitting in a planned or spontaneous sport and activity into even the busiest schedule! To access the Sport at Monash calendar, login into the my.monash portal, select the Sport at Monash tick box and update your subscription. The Sport at Monash calendar will now appear overlaid on your personal Google calendar.
Fitness Connect
Fitness Connect is a service which allows users to find and workout with someone of a similar fitness level and ability in exercise and/or sport. Exercising with a friend makes working out more enjoyable with many studies indicating the benefits regarding motivation, support and exercise longevity. The service can be found through my.monash.portal
Discounts for staff
Corporate health insurance offers from BUPA (HBA)
Monash staff who sign up as a new member with BUPA 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. Corporate benefits include:
- 2 and 6 month waiting period waiver on extras
- Award Winning Corporate Products – not available to the public
- BUPA will waive 1 excess for singles and 2 excesses for families for same day or overnight admissions into hospital.^
- Claim more back – members on corporate extras covers can increase the amount they can claim each year by a set amount for most services for the first six years. As part of Monash University corporate health plan you can start claiming at year 3 Loyalty maximums and will increase each year for the next 3 years.
- A range of discounts and deals from specially selected partners, so whether it’s fitness and sports you’re interested in or rest, relaxation and travel—you can choose what suits your needs.‡
More info: Visit a BUPA 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 pricing information see health insurance discounts.
Questions about health insurance? Free on site health insurance consultation
s
With changes to rebates occurring soon now may be a good time to review your health insurance.
A BUPA health insurance consultant will be onsite at Clayton campus on Friday 18 May and Gippsland campus on Tuesday 22 May for personal consultations and to answer all of your health insurance questions.
Register online for your consultation time for Clayton or Gippsland.
adidas factory outlet – 40% off storewide for staff, family and friends. 14-18 May only
adiCentre is offering Monash staff, family and friends the chance to save 40% off storewide (excluding watches, sungl
asses, golf clubs and miCOACH) from Monday 14th May to Friday 18th May.
When: Factory outlet opening hours Monday to Wednesday & Friday 9:30am-5pm. Thursday’s till 6pm.
Where: adidas Head Office, 767 Springvale Rd. Mulgrave Vic.
Register: Access to the adiCentre is by invitation only. To confirm a booking for yourself or friends and family phone 9263 5276.
Book your winter getaway and save up to 50% at Peppers and Mantra Resorts
Ready to escape the cold Melbourne winter? Staff have access to the exclusive Departure Lounge with discounted rates at selected Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree properties throughout Australia and New Zealand.
These rates can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Rates are best when searching for 3 night stays and at least one month in advance (there is limited availability within the next 28 days).
- June to August specials rates from $96 per nigh at Airlie Beach, Broadbeach, Port Doulgas, Palm Cove and more. Valid for stays 1 June to 31 August
- Qld specials: Gold Coast 2 bedroom apartment $173 or Moolooaba 1 bedroom apartment from $104 per night, valid for stays 1 June to 31 August
To book: Visit Departure Lounge and enter the password: monashstaff
Doncaster MINI & BMW corporate program
Donaster BMW is delighted to offer Monash staff access to the exclusive corporate program. Benefits include:
- Complimentary scheduled servicing for 4 years or 60,000km
- Valet interior and exterior wash after servicing
- A dedicated Corporate Sales Team
- Exclusive overnight test drive of any MINI or BMW
- Program benefits extended to your spouse
Contact: Marior Giannattilio, Corporate Sales Manager, Doncaster BMQ, ph 88480000 or corporate@doncasterbmw.com.au
Feel back or neck pain?
Free initial visit
Are you suffering from: back pain, neck pain, recurrent headaches or sports injuries? You may benefit from visiting a chiropractor. Azari Chiropractic, located in Mt Waverley (5mins from Clayton campus) is offering staff a free initial visit. Ph: 9802 1112 or visit Azari Chiropractics for further information
Lite n’ Easy
Lite n’ Easy offer a $25 discount off their 7-day meal pack to new customers. Call 131512 and quote ‘Monash Uni discount offer’.
Milk, bread, fruit and vegies delivered to your door
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 for staff for full details.
Dell computer specials
Save up to 15% off a great range of products from Dell. The May specials include:
A 23” monitor, Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2010 AND your EPP discount^ on this unique EPP bundle! Includes XPS 15 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM, processor (2.20GHz), Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64bit), 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3 Memory, •1TB 5400RPM Hard Drive, 2GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M, ST2320L monitor, Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2010. Use code 5104EP1AU at checkout.
1) Visit the Dell website and enter the sales code: AUEPP and your organisation name. 2) Start shopping. Use the featured coupon codes to redeem your discount at the checkout. 3) Alternatively, call 1300 730 755.
10% off magazine subscriptions
ACP magazines are offering Monash University staff members a 10% discount on the following magazines titles:
APC, Australian PC User, Australian Geographic, Australian Women’s Weekly, Cleo, Cosmo, Empire, Good Health & Medicine, Madison, Money, Motor, Shop Til You Drop, Wheels.
To receive the 10% discount on subscriptions, visit Magshop or order by phone and quote discount code: P10MUNI
The Convenient Kitchen – We create, We shop, We deliver!
The Convenient Kitchen is a healthy food delivery service. No more thinking of what to cook or where to get the ingredients from. It’s all in the bag. Convenient Kitchen offer a weekly menu of recipes with all their matching raw, market fresh ingredients so you can create healthy, delicious meals at home. They deliver to your home or office a blend of fish or seafood, meat, poultry and vegetarian dishes. Monash staff receive 10% discount off the introductory price of your first bag using the coupon code MONASH. Visit Convenient Kitchen
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: • Avis car rentals • Hot Air Ballooning Visit discounts for staff for more information