Timeout Newsletter

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 August edition:

Wellbeing events and news
Monash Sport news and offers
Discounts for staff

Wellbeing events & news

10,000 Steps Challenge is coming!

The 10,000 Steps Challenge is coming to your office in October! Registrations open from 24th September, keep an eye out for more details.

Start getting your steps up today, take the stairs instead of the lift, download campus walking maps or schedule a walking meeting today.

Make a change for better health

Staff are invited to join the Monash Health Revolution and commit to making a healthy lifestyle change.

The Health Revolution campaign launched by Wellbeing at Monash-OHS and Monash Sport asks staff and students to commit to making a change in one of four key areas:

1. physical activity
2. mental health
3. nutrition/food
4. general health

Win a $20 Myer voucher: Staff who register before Friday 17 August will go in the draw to win a $20 Myer voucher.

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.

‘Like’ Wellbeing at Monash on Facebook and win a $20 Myer voucher

Find out all the latest news about health and wellbeing at Monash by liking Wellbeing at Monash on Facebook.

Like us on Facebook before 14 August and go in the draw to win a $20 Myer voucher.

Register for the Monash OHS Conference, 24 October

All staff are invited to attend the biennial OHS Conference on Wednesday, 24 October 2012 at the Clayton campus.

The conference, through a program of innovative and inspiring speakers, will explore the following topics:

• Workplace Injury Prevention
• Employee health and wellbeing
• Mental health and resilience
• Emerging technology.

Beaconsfield Mine Survivor Todd Russell will feature as a keynote speaker.

For further information and to register visit the Occupational Health and Safety Conference website.

Vice-Chancellor’s Occupational Health and Safety Award

The OHS conference will also feature the inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Occupational Health and Safety Award for contributions to OHS by individuals, workgroups, or both.

The award recognises the contributions of staff who have implemented innovative and exciting ideas to create, improve or maintain a safe and healthy workplace consistent with the University’s OHS Management System and Wellbeing programs.

For further information visit the Occupational Health and Safety Conference website.

Are you sitting on the couch enjoying the Olympics?

Why not try your own games with friends and family. Here’s some great ideas from the Better Health Channel to get started!

Looking for motivation? Register to begin your health kick with the ‘Better health in a hurry’ program on the Wellbeing at Monash online Portal.

Get rid of the biscuits in the tea room, try a healthier snack option

Wellbeing at Monash has secured discounted pricing for fruit boxes delivered direct to your Monash office.

Office Fruit is the Melbourne campuses supplier. Pricing:
Small box – containing 35 fruit pieces $23.45 (RRP $30.00)
Large box – containing 55 fruit pieces $36.85 (RRP $44.00)

How to order: E-mail info@officefruit.com.au or phone 1300 735 848 –quote Monash University, your campus and your department. www.officefruit.com.au. Payment can be made via credit card or weekly invoicing.

Gippsland campus supplier is Manny’s Market.
Pricing: Fruit box – containing 35 fruit pieces $25.00 (RRP $30.00)

How to order Phone 5133 6067 –quote Monash University, Gippsland campus and your department. Payments can be made via monthly invoicing.

New app for healthy snacks

Getting the mid-morning or mid-afternoon munchies? There’s nothing wrong with snacking between meals to keep the hunger pangs away, but the challenge is making sure you’re choosing healthy snacks.

Download the new Snack App. It’s free, and will tell you the full nutritional contents of the snack you’re about to choose. You can also tell the app what you feel like eating, and receive a list of healthy suggestions. It will also provide ideas on how to burn the calories you’ve just consumed.

eSolutions Wellbeing Team wins award

The eSolutions Wellbeing Team was recently awarded an I Contribute Award for exceptional performance and contribution.

The eSolutions Wellbeing Team, formed in 2011 aims to:

• Provide opportunities for staff to form stronger working relationships
• Provide programs to increase physical fitness
• Improve health awareness and healthy eating
• Provide opportunities to increase staff wellbeing

Congratulations to the Wellbeing team members: Kathy Buxton, Megan Luttrell, Angela Tumino, Sam Hudson, Glen Pringle, Rob Jamieson, Darren Bourke, Bryley Sadler, Adrian Ling, Joy Kneale, Tania Horton, Andrew Salib, Katie Game.  Recent additions to the team include Brett Fithall, Amanda Cunningham, Keran Sandhu, Colin Fee, Shiraz Mistry, Nishal Mehta

UniSuper Seminar: UniSuper pension options

Deciding how to structure income in retirement can be one of the most challenging aspects of leaving work. In this seminar, we outline the different UniSuper pension income options available, as well as general information regarding the Age Pension.

These sessions are suitable for members who are planning their retirement and keen to understand their options, including:
•       how superannuation pensions work
•       UniSuper’s range of pension options
•       taxation of pensions
•       eligibility to receive the Age Pension, and
•       Interaction of UniSuper pensions with the Centrelink income and assets tests.

Date: Wednesday 15 August 2012, 4- 5pm
Venue: Science Building 25, Lecture Theatre S4, Clayton Campus
Bookings: Register online
For further information, contact Chandra Yellapragada x29585 or email superannuation@monash.edu

Why Vitamin D really is a little ray of sunshine to our bodies

Cold weather makes it difficult to get outside, but did you know getting outdoors is important for our health?

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, muscles and overall health.  A balanced approach to sunlight exposure can help you avoid vitamin D deficiency, which can have significant health effects.

Read more online at Better Health online

Is it time you ordered healthier catering?

Help make a change in your Faculty or Division by ordering healthier catering at meetings and events. Examples of healthier morning and afternoon tea options include:

• Low fat/fat free yoghurt tubs, fruit platters, individual fruit salads, vegetables with low fat dips, antipasto platter
  
• Fruit scones, bruschetta. low fat muffins (wholemeal, fruit, oats, poppy seed, savoury vegetable), low fat breads and banana bread, muesli, fruit and nut slice and nuts, dried fruit and berries

Panic attacks – symptoms and treatment

Did you know up to 35 per cent of the population experience a panic attack at some time in their life?

Learn how to recognise symptoms and triggers and seek treatment by reading more at Better Health online

eSolutions winter appeal for animal rescue groups

The eSolutions Winter Appeal for the ‘not-for-profit’ animal rescue groups collected more than 150 items including food, bedding, toys, litter, feeding bowls, collars and leads.

Donations were provided to Animal Aid in Coldstream, Canine Companions Dog Rescue and Blue Cross Animal Society of Victoria. These groups are committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing animals.

Angela Tumino from eSolutions can provide more information about how to organise a similar initiative in your Faculty or Division. Contact Angela on x56195

Monash Short Course Centre

Art class taster
An introduction to the fun of painting & drawing that allows you to get a feel for painting and drawing in just one session. No experience necessary. Materials provided. Past participants are not eligible to enrol. Book early – places limited.
Date: Monday 17 September, 10.30am-1pm
Cost: $5 to the tutor on the day

Cake Decorating
Basic course in cake decorating, sugar flower moulding. How to decorate a fruit cake, piping work, the art of butter icing and moulded flowers. ie, forget-me-not, daisies & roses. For the first day students will need a Basic tool kit for flower making and basic Icing nozzles . A list of tools and ingredients will be handed out in the first class.
Dates: 5 sessions: Wednesday 8 August- 5 September or 10 October-7 November , 6-8pm
Cost: Monash staff $143

Vegan Cooking
Discover the secrets of Wholefoods Restaurant from chef Jay as she divulges the recipes of popular dishes such as lasagne, stuffed mushrooms and vegetable stir fry. Assist in the preparation of wholesome dishes based on fresh vegetables, chickpeas, rice, lentils, herbs and spices. Tastings included. Req: Apron, notepad & pen, container to take home samples. (5hrs)
Date: Saturday 4 August or 8 September, 10am-3.30pm
Cost: Monash staff $80

Recipe of the month

Cashew Vegetable Stir-Fry: Looking for new dinner ideas? Trying combining the tang of ginger with the crunch of cashews for this vitamin-rich stir-fry.

Tasty lunch idea: Sweet Potato And Pumpkin Soup With Yoghurt Drizzle. Sensational soup to enjoy with crusty bread!

Read more about the recipes at Wellbeing at Monash online portal. Also try the portal health programs Fitness Express, Back Care, Healthy Ageing, Vegetarian Weight Loss, Weight Loss, Building Resilience, Diabetes Health, Heart Health, Smoking cessation, Interactive Meal Planner

Get active in your Monash office

Now is a great time for your colleagues to get active and energise their bodies using the Staff Wellbeing and Activity Program (SWAP).

SWAP has been designed to bring on campus activity to your office!

With 30, 45 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!

Upcoming planning day? Have your considered incorporating a SWAP program into your staff planning day? Try a 30minute SWAP class or an introduction to mindfulness seminar.

Staff participation in a SWAP program will contribute to the University Wellbeing KPI aiming for 30% participation in wellbeing events and programs.

Download the new SWAP brochure for all pricing and program 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

Mega Swim

Want to raise some much needed money for people living with Multiple Sclerosis?

The 24 hour Mega Swim is a fun way to get a group of friends together and raise some much needed funds for Multiple Sclerosis.  Held over the weekend of 6 and 7 October at the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool at Clayton campus, this event is a great experience for any team of people.

The Mega Swim has also been designed as a competition with points awarded to each team.

To be eligible for prizes, each team must have at least one swimmer in the water for the entire 24 hours. It is then up to the team how they want to swim it. In the past teams have their swimmers swim in blocks of 15 or 20 minutes and rotated through the full 24 hours. Each team is allowed a maximum of 15 swimmers.

Each team will receive 1 point for every $10 raised and 1 point for every 500m swum. The team will also receive trophies and an award to be displayed at Monash Sport!

For more details, or to register online, please visit our website

New Group Fitness Timetable for Semester 2

Semester 2 is back, and this means the launch of our new Group Fitness timetable!

Featuring more classes and more times, this will provide you with more options to add a motivating and energising group fitness class to your fitness routine.

Group Fitness is also an esasy way to get back into fitness, or simply try something different. Some classes that can make the transition into a healthy lifestyle easier include Zumba (and now Aqua Zumba at Clayton), Pilates, and Cycle, all great options suitable for all fitness levels to get started and build your fitness into summer!

To get you started, come to our celebration of Group Fitness on Sunday 26 August from 10.30am. Our ‘Aerobicathon‘ will get you motivated and energised, and give you a great taste of our Group Fitness timetable for Semester 2!

For more information please see our Group Fitness website

Melbourne Marathon

Celebrating its 35th year, Melbourne Marathon is back and better than ever! There are many different event categories to suit all different ages and fitness levels. All participants will have the opportunity to cross the finish line on the grass of the famous MCG.

Held on Sunday 14 October, this is the perfect time to commit to running in the better weather!

Before and after the event you can ‘hang out’ with other TeamMONASH™ participants in our marquee which also offers face painting and a free massage service provided by Recover Sports Medicine.

A free TeamMONASH™ singlet will be provided to all first time TeamMONASH™ participants that are Monash University students, staff or alumni.

For more details, or to register online, please visit our website

Help Aussie Kids in need – ride Around the Bay!

Around the bay is one of the world’s biggest and most popular cycling participation events!

Held on Sunday 21 October, this great event is great way to enjoy some of Melbourne’s most scenic and popular riding routes around Port Phillip Bay and includes the West Gate Bridge, Beach Road and the Bellarine Peninsula. You will also be raising money for a really important charity.  The Smith Family Charity helps over 2,500 disadvantaged kids get the long-term support they need to fully participate in their education.

Around the bay is suited for all ages and fitness levels, below is a list of riding categories to choose from

Ride options:

-The Scenic Bay ride 50km

-The Classic 100km

-135km Geelong to Melbourne (via Sorrento)

-ATB Challenge 210km (4 route options)

-The Legend 250km

A free TeamMONASH™ singlet will be provided to all first time TeamMONASH™ participants that are Monash University students, staff or alumni.

For more details, or to register online, please visit our website

And for anyone wanting to kick start their way to cycling fitness – come and try our ‘Cycleathon’ on Sunday 12 August from 12.30pm at the Clayton campus. A 2 hour cycle class, this is your opportunity to kick start some bike fitness in the lead up to Around the Bay in a Day. For more information please speak to a Customers Service Officer at Monash Sport on the Clayton campus.

Nutrition seminars now available at Caulfield and Clayton!

Take charge of your health one bite at a time! Our new Nutrition service has been expanded to include a seminar series to be conducted at Caulfield and Clayton! This is specifically designed for anyone with an interest in nutrition and a desire to learn more about healthy eating. Whether you are about to commence or have tried a long list of diets, the knowledge available at these seminars is a great simple way to kick start your path to a healthier lifestyle. Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) Rebecca Hall will help you achieve your nutrition goals by covering the following topics:

• Basics of healthy eating
• Portion control
• Fats: the good and the bad
• Weight management
• Reading food labels
• Choosing healthy takeaway options

Cost: Full program is $40 or $15 per session,

Dates: Starting the week of Monday 10 September, places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!

Call Monash Sport at Caulfield for bookings and further information on  9903 2358 or email: fitness.caulfield@monash.edu

Sport at Monash Calendar

Don’t know when key events are? There are 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 here.

Discounts for staff

adiCentre exclusive invitation, 40% off storewide*

adidas has opened  a new and improved retail store and outlet. Monash staff are invited to receive 40% off storewide. *Excluding watches, sunglasses, miCoach & TMaG clubs

When: 6 August – 10 August
Where: 21/35 Dunlop Rd, Mulgrave
Opening hours: Monday –Friday 9am-5pm (Thursday to 6pm), Saturday 1 September 9am-1pm
Where: 21/35 Dunlop Road, Mulgrave, 3170
Register: You must register to attend, phone 92635276

New salary packaging option for staff at the Book & Merchandise Shops

From Monday 9 July Monash staff can now salary package items at the Book and Merchandise Shops.

Staff benefit by receiving a reimbursement of GST paid and can reduce gross taxable income through salary packaging.

Items available for salary packaging include (but are not limited to) all books, stationary, general gifts, cosmetics, Kodak products, Monash apparel, Oxfam and Fair Trade products. Salary packaging does not apply to services including dry-cleaning and special items such as discount movie tickets and gift vouchers.

How can I save? For full and part-time Monash University staff earning within the $37,001-$80,000 per annum tax bracket:

1. Spend $1,000 at Monash Retail
2. GST Reimbursement – $90.91
3. Maximum income tax concession – $295
4. Maximum Saving – $386.36

For more information, and to collect your free salary packaging booklet and receipt holder, visit the Monash Retail website.

BUPA (HBA) health insurance staff discount offer

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 that are not available to the general public.

Corporate benefits include:

• 2 and 6 month waiting period waiver on extras
• Your monthly premium is paid from your Monash pay so there’s no need for direct debit or credit card
• 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. For detailed pricing information see health insurance discounts.

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. Rates are best when searching for 3 night+ stays.

August specials:

• Up to 50% off your next holiday book during August and travel 1st September to 20th December, resorts include:
  – Peppers Palm Cove, Airlie Beach and Magnetic Island
  – Mantra Cairns, Hervey Bay, Mooloolaba, Gold Coast

• Gold Coast holiday: Book during August and travel between 1st September and 24th December and enjoy:
  – Mantra Surfers Paradise 1 bedroom apartment for $104
  – Mantra Circle on Cavill 1 bedroom ocean spa apartment for $125
  – Mantra Sierra Grand Broadbeach 2 bedroom apartment for $140

To book: Download the above brochures for more information.  Then visit Departure Lounge and enter the password: monashstaff

Complimentary Comedy Club tickets

The Comedy Club at the Athenaeum Theatre is offering Monash staff a great range of weekly offers, including complimentary tickets.

View the line up of comedians online. All complimentary tickets are for the show only.  Dinner and show tickets can be upgraded for the discounted price of $35pp (normally $45pp).

Where: The Athenaeum Theatre, Upstairs @ 188 Collins Street, Melbourne
Availability: Bookings are essential and subject to availability. To check availability phone 9650 1977  9.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 10am–5pm  and advise you are from Monash University.

Other discounts available to Monash staff

• Doncaster MINI & BMW Corporate Program
• Qantas Club and Virgin Australia lounge membership
• Feel neck pain, free initial visit
• Lite n’ Easy 7 day meal pack discount
• Aussie Farmers Direct first order discount
• Dell – up to 15% discount
• Magazines – 10% subscriptions
• The Convenient Kitchen – 10% discount

Visit discounts for staff for more information

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