Wellbeing at Monash Newsletter – March 2011
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 March edition:
Wellbeing events & news
Monash supports healthy employees: Free health checks
To further support and encourage healthy employees, all Victorian 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 Fitness2live, your results will remain private and your employer will not receive any personal information about your health.
You will receive immediate feedback and advice on:
- Blood pressure
- Blood glucose
- Cholesterol
- Waist circumference
- And more
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 when opening a new browser to view this website)
Put your brain to work and it will work for you – Brain Awareness Week
Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is a global campaign to increase public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research.
We’ve all seen the news, we can affect how our brains work. Neuroscience tells us that we can increase our chances of maintaining our mental edge and functional independence throughout our lives.
Free events and resources during Brain Awareness Week:
Attend a free public lecture hosted by the Monash Neuroscience and Mental Health Network and supported by the Australian Neuroscience Society. Presented by Professor Brian Dean, this talk will outline why schizophrenia may result from a brain energy deficit and how drugs may be able to reverse such a deficiency.
Your brain at work – enrich your life, enrich your brain (pdf 1.22mb)
The 10 habits of highly effective brains
Brain Foundation – Healthy Brain Program
Free pilates, zumba and meditation classes
Zumba: Berwick, Monday’s 12pm-1pm, book online 
Pilates: Berwick, Friday’s 1pm-2pm, book online
Meditation:
Gippsland: Thursday’s 12pm-12.30pm, Spiritual centre
Caulfield: Weekdays, 12pm-12:30 pm, Spiritual Centre, Room 1.56, Building B
Clayton: Wednesday’s and Friday’s 1:15-1:45 pm, Religious Centre, Building 9
Parkville: Phone x39635 for class times
How do you sit in the office? Chair adjustment in 90 seconds
Problems with adjusting your office chair? Play the 90 second video to follow the guide to adjusting your office chair.
If you type or sit for long periods, take regular breaks and do some stretching. Set the alarm in your calendar as a reminder to take a break. Use a printer you have to get up and walk to. Refill your water glass several times a day to get you up and moving.
Resources to get your chair and workstation set up correctly:
- Adjust your chair in 90 seconds – video (mp4 8,100kb)
- Computer user guide (pdf 950kb)
- Computer workplace design guidelines (pdf 233kb)
- Download free software* that reminds you to take a break
*This is not an OHS or ITS endorsed program. If the software is used because a person is suffering a possible soft tissue injury an Incident Report should be completed. The software will not assist if poor ergonomics are present at the workstation.
Diversity and Inclusion Week, 21-25 March
At Monash, we are committed to engaging staff and students in an inclusive environment. Diversity and Inclusion Week has an exciting program of presentations, workshops and performances which build on our strengths and celebrate our diverse community.
Read more about the events at your campus
Weekend Farmers Market at Clayton campus, Saturday 26nd March
The Rotary Club of Monash Inc Farmers Market will be held at the Clayton campus on Saturday 26 March from 8:30am – 1:00pm.
The Taste of Gold Association brings to the market the wares of a number of fresh and regional food producers from Central Victoria, and these will be feature stallholders.
The market is a project of the Rotary Club of Monash Inc in co-operation with Monash University. Funds raised will go towards supporting people in need and Community projects in Monash.
Entry to the market will be by gold coin donation. For further information visit Rotary Monash or Taste of Gold
School holidays ideas
Book now for the April school holiday program
Your child will love the fun, exciting activities at MUSHP. Activities include swimming, indoor and outdoor sport, water polo, adventure days, cinema, science, cooking, drama and music, art and craft.
When: The program will run from 11th-21st April. Bookings open Monday 14th March and close Friday 25th March. Visit the booking webpage.
The Monash Science Centre also offers a school holiday program.
Hi-5 coming to Clayton
Hi-5 has a brand new show called Turn The Music Up! The Hi-5 team of Casey, Fely, Lauren, Stevie and Tim are very excited to be joining all their friends for this fabulous new live show.
When: Tuesday 19th April, 2011, 11.30am-1.30pm at Robert Blackwood Hall, Clayton campus. Running Time: 58 minutes with no interval
Cost: Premium:* $45.90, including a Hi-5 merchandise gift valued at $15. A Reserve: $34.90. Infants under 1yr not occupying a seat do not require a ticket.
Contact the Box Office 9905 1111 or email: boxoffice@monash.edu or visit the Academy of Performing Arts
Coeliac Awareness Week
Coeliac disease affects approximately 1 in 100 people in Australia but 75% people don’t know they have it. Coeliac disease is an auto-immune disease, which means that the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues. For people with coeliac disease, this is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats.
Download gluten free recipes, workshops, an ingredient list iphone app and more information from the Coeliac Society of Australia.
Drivers, riders, cyclists and pedestrians needed – Clayton
Participants needed for On-Road Study. The Monash University Accident Research Centre is conducting a study to examine road user behaviour (i.e. drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians).
Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
Reimbursement: $50
For further information visit the study webpage or contact Miranda Cornelissen x54669 or miranda.cornelissen@monash.edu
Struggling with your weight loss efforts?
You are invited to participate in a Monash University research trial, exploring Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for weight loss maintenance and emotional eating.
There are no diets, pills or shakes. Attend a free workshop that aims to provide you with psychological skills designed to help you better handle difficult thoughts and feelings that may be contributing to your emotional eating and weight loss maintenance struggle.
You may be eligible to participate if you are over 18 years old and have recently lost weight.
See Acting on Weight or contact Emma: 0468 548 518 or actingonweight@yahoo.com.au
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
Monash Sport news and offers
Group Fitness Launch – New Music New Moves!
Get ready for some fresh group fitness routines with the launch of the new Les Mills class routines at Monash Sport. Group Fitness is an enjoyable way to improve your fitness in an energised environment.
Launch Dates:
Caulfield and Peninsula – 28 March, 2011
Clayton – 29 March, 2011
For further information about classes, prizes and the launch event please visit the Group Fitness Launch website
Social Sport Competitions – A great way to be active and have fun!
Social Sport competitions are a great way to keep active and have fun while studying at Monash. The sports played vary from campus to campus, but can include indoor soccer, netball and basketball.
Competitions foster a social environment with grades suited to beginners and more competitive teams alike. Get your friends together and make up a team today!
Registrations at Caulfield and Peninsula close on Tuesday 8 March and Clayton on Tuesday 15 March. Please visit the Sport Competitions website for further information.
Pay for 9, Swim for 12! – Special offer on multi-session passes at the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool
When you purchase a multi-session pass at the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool between 14 to 27 March, 2011 you will receive three free swims.
Swimming is a great form of low impact cardiovascular exercise. Take a break and have a dip in the pool. Visit the Aquatics webpage for more information
Discounts for staff
Fresh milk, bread, fruit and vegies delivered to your door, Aussie Farmers Direct offer
Coming soon! Read the April newsletter for a special offer from Aussie Farmers Direct .
HBA – Free month health cover
Join HBA through the Monash University corporate health plan and you can enjoy benefits including:
- New 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 March 2011. Monash staff who sign up as a new member with HBA will also receive benefits including between 4% and 6% discount (depending on products purchased).
Visit a HBA Retail Centre or call 1300 304 549 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 special staff 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.
$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. For more information about the program, see Lite n Easy.
Other discounts available to Monash staff:
- Airport lounge membership
- Avis car rentals
- Rebel Sport
- Acclaim Wardrobes
- Dell offer
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Magazine subscriptions
Visit Monash discounts for more information