Wellbeing @ Monash and Monash Sport newsletter – March 2017
Browse the Timeout newsletter for information on what’s new in Wellbeing at Monash. Read about the latest Wellbeing and Monash Sport events, services and activities. For information about latest events, special offers, discounts, and news, subscribe to the newsletter by emailing wellbeing@monash.edu
In the March edition:
- Wellbeing events and news
- Monash Sport news and offers
- TeamMONASH news
- Employee benefits and discounts
Sign up today for the Global Walk/Run on your campus!
All staff and students are invited to get their walking shoes on and take part in the bi-annual Global Walk/Run event to be held across all Monash campuses and sites on the 29-30 March. The event will commence at 12.15pm with a walk or run and will conclude with a healthy lunch and some great prize giveaways.
The event aims to raise an awareness of preventing violence against women and the work done by the White Ribbon Foundation. Participants will be encouraged to make a gold coin donation at the lunch.
The Global Walk/Run is a great opportunity to connect with your colleagues and get involved with our Monash communities at home in a step toward better health!
So, why not take a step toward better health and be part of the global Monash community.
For more information and to register visit our website. Registrations close Monday, 27th March.
Are you struggling to get a goodnights sleep? 
Did you know daylight savings is on April 2nd and you will loose an extra hour of sleep? Davidson Traharie Corpsych (DTC) is Monash’s Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) and will be delivering a presentation on how to get a good nights sleep.
The seminar will discuss the following topics:
- Learn the facts and beliefs about sleep and understand particular sleep problems
- Overcome blocks to achieving a good night’s sleep
- Discuss practical strategies that will aid good sleep patterns
- Learn relaxation skills and other hints for success
Register for the session today to save your spot!
Worried about the Price increase on your private health insurance?
The team from BUPA are providing 1:1 consultations with their staff to speak with you about changes towards health insurance. The team will be coming to the Clayton and Caulfield campuses on the 27th and 28th of March. To find out more and book a consultation, please visit their website.
How to have a healthy and happy Easter Break
Easter is coming soon and it’s a day of celebration and indulgence. While it’s easy to go overboard at this great time, remember, it’s all about balance.
Here are some great websites to help you maintain that balance during the Easter Break!
- 10 ways to snack smarter over Easter
- A guilt free Easter
- Work off your Easter eggs
- How to avoid the Easter weight trap
- Four Ways to have a healthy and happy Easter
Don’t let the Easter Break stop you in reaching your fitness goals!
Will you have too many chocolates eggs or hot cross buns over Easter? If you answered yes well don’t let this ruin your fitness goals! Get organised and grab your colleagues and register in one of the many wellbeing activities available at the Clayton and Caulfield campuses!
We have many fitness class like boxing, pilates, yoga or high intensity interval training and swimming classes too. New classes will be available on the Health and Wellbeing website soon, so keep a watchful eye as classes will fill out fast!
Alternatively if you want to organise a class for your faculty or division, complete the online form.
Influenza vaccinations
Flu is just around the corner! Commonly known as ‘the flu’, influenza is a highly contagious disease that can be serious, debilitating and affect the whole body.
This year’s Quadrivalent vaccine provides protection from 4 strains of influenza virus and will be available to staff in mid/late April.
Watch out for more information over the next month concerning details of the program.
World Health Day- Friday 7th of April 
The theme of 2017 World Health Day campaign is depression.
Depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries. It causes mental anguish and impacts on people’s ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends and the ability to earn a living. At worst, depression can lead to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds.
Yet, depression can be prevented and treated. A better understanding of what depression is, and how it can be prevented and treated, will help reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and lead to more people seeking help.
Want to show you support this World Health Day, check out the campaign
Are healthy smoothies actually really “healthy”?
Many people choose smoothies as a quick and refreshing way to have a healthy meal, but research has shown that these “healthy” smoothies are not in fact healthy and can sometimes contain more kilojoules than a Big Mac and more sugar than a bottle of soft drink.
Many of these “healthy” drinks are filled which high levels of sugars which can contribute to weight gain and a build-up of toxic fat around your organs, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
To read the full article click here.
Mindfulness for wellbeing, resilience and performance
Mental Health First Aid
If you completed MHFA training before July 2015 it’s time to do it again. This 2 day training course is now an accredited program that last for 3 years and is internationally recognised. It’s a must have for those who supervise others, work with students or have friends or family with a mental illness.
Participants learn about the signs and symptoms of the common mental health problems, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.
Next training session is Thursday 30 March at Clayton campus
Register here if you would like to join
safeTALK, suicide awareness training
Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. This half day workshop teaches participants to recognise these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving mental health support.
Next training sessions are Friday 7 April (Clayton) and Tuesday 2 May (Caulfield)
Register for the course here
Mindfulness Programs
Learn how to reduce stress, be kind to yourself and improve your performance. Mindfulness involves learning to pay attention to the present moment rather than worrying or dwelling in the past. For more information about these course please click on the link
Introduction to Mindfulness– 21st of March at Clayton (1hr session)
Mindful stress reduction – starting Wed 24 March at Clayton (6 weeks)
Essence of Health – starting Friday 7 April at Clayton (6 weeks)
Mindful Relationships – starting at Wednesday 24 May at Caulfield (5 weeks)
Monash Sport News, Events and Offers
New refurbished group fitness room at Clayton!
Our newly refurbished Group Fitness Studio is officially open at Clayton campus! Come and try it out by taking a Group Fitness class!
Pay less, play for more!
For a limited time only receive 3 hours free when you purchase a Court Sport Multi Visit Pass!
Read more.
SummerFest hits Monash Sport
The College Clash and Dive In Movie were great successes during SummerFest last week, check out the full review here. Or watch the short highlights videos for the College Clash and Dive In Movie.
How to stay on top of your fitness goals
Staying motivated to reach those fitness goals is never always easy. Check out these quick tips to help you stay on track here.
Monash Sport Activewear!
We have new merchandise on sale now!Singlets, t-shirts, shorts, gym bags, towels, drink bottles and hoodies are all available from the Monash Sport Clayton Service Desk. Members can have a 10% discount on all apparel items, make sure you don’t miss out!
TeamMONASH News
Monash takes out T20 cricket Varsity Challenge
Monash University and The University of Melbourne played off in the highly anticipated T20 cricket match as part of the 2017 Varsity challenge, in which Monash convincingly took out this year’s challenge by 65 runs.
The victory combined with their bronze medal at the Australian University games in 2016, holds the team in good stead for 2017.
Well done to all involved for put on a great game to watch.
Student profile – Tom Lakic
Current Monash student Thomas Lakic was one of the key players for the Monash 2016 AUG Men’s Football team.
The talented midfielder was one of the driving forces behind the team’s success, bringing his skills and experience to a relatively new side.
Thomas currently plays for Box Hill United SC in the National Premier League 2 (Victoria-East), having previously been part of the Melbourne Victory youth system during 2015-16. His experience at the top level of Australian football proved invaluable as he showed his class game after game during the grueling tournament.
The TeamMONASH Support Crew is a group of volunteers who assist in ensuring that our events and programs run smoothly. It’s a great way to get involved, develop skills, make new friends, and have lots of fun. Volunteer roles include event admin and logistics, being a member of the TeamMONASH cheer squad and much more. All valued members of our support crew receive training, an official TeamMONASH Support Crew T-shirt, a certificate and an opportunity to develop skills. Find out more here.
Get involved in Inter – University Sport!
Inter university sport gives you the chance to represent Monash against other universities. Join TeamMONASH as you pull on the Monash blue at a huge range of events including the Australian University Games, Southern University Games, Uni Battle, Indigenous Games and Australian University Championships. All inter university sport competition is sanctioned by Australian University Sport (AUS), the peak governing body of university sport in Australia and currently has 41 members, representing more than one million students. Find out more here. See our website for more information.
Employee benefits and discounts
Monash staff have access to a great range of employee benefits and discounts including accommodation, travel, travel insurance, airport parking and car hire and plenty more. Read more information in the range of employee benefits and staff discounts
Join Medibank !
Better health made simple with Medibank Monash University has partnered with Medibank, Australia’s largest health insurance provider. Medibank has designed a corporate cover that makes it simpler to use your extras to stay healthy. Benefits include: 
- An ongoing 7% discount*
- Use your extras how you want
- Claim at any recognised provider
- Mix ‘n’ match different hospital and extras covers to suit your needs
- 100% back on optical up to your annual limits
Call 131 680, ask in store or corporate.medibank.com.au/monashuni Note: Waiting periods apply including 12 months for pre-existing conditions. * Discount applies to the premium of your selected cover, and will only apply where your employer has this arrangement with Medibank.
Join BUPA and enjoy the benefits
The team from BUPA are providing 1:1 consultations with their staff to speak with you about changes towards health insurance. The team will be coming to the Clayton and Caulfield campuses on the 27th and 28th of April. To find out more and book a consultation, please visit their website.
For pricing and detailed information: Visit the BUPA Corporate webpage:
- Username: monashunibupa
- Password: healthplan
Or see Cover for Corporate (pdf 3Mb), for more information about benefits see the Corporate Benefits Guide (pdf 388kb).
Join the Travel club
Travel Club is a private leisure club which gives you access to amazing holiday deals and discounts to destinations all over the world. Backed by the global Flight Centre Travel Group, Travel Club offers Monash University staff access to the best deals together with a dedicated, highly experienced consultant.As a member of Travel Club you will have access to specially negotiated holidays, products and services tailor-made for you. And, as a bonus, all Monash University staff who register will receive a $50 gift voucher upfront, and one every year after that, to put toward their next holiday*. With Travel Club’s “Price Promise” you can be sure you’re getting the very best price, Travel club will beat any available quote you find*, that’s how committed they are to ensuring you have the best value experience every time you travel. So register today and start planning your next trip. *Terms and Conditions apply.
Travelling soon? Discounted Virgin and Qantas lounge access
Sign up for a discounted airport lounge membership Virgin and enjoy the benefits! Virgin Australia lounge corporate memberships offer a special price of $200 per year with a $100 joining fee. Visit Airport Lounge discounts for more information.