Wellbeing @ Monash and Monash Sport newsletter – April 2016
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 April Edition:
- Wellbeing events and news
- Monash Sport news and offers
- TeamMONASH news
- Employee benefits and discounts
Wellbeing Events and News
Celebrating all things sustainable at the Monash Urban Market
Environmental Sustainability is hosting the university’s first ever Urban Market next Wednesday, 13th April at the Northern Plaza, Clayton from 10am-3pm.
Why not come along and experience great healthy food, music, products and ideas, all with a sustainability flavour!
A broad range of stall holders will be showcasing all things vintage, recycled, upcycled, remade, fair trade and organic. You can grab a crêpe at the Crêpes for Change not-for-profit mobile van and help support homeless youth throughout Australia, or you can pick up a unique piece of handmade, ethically-imported jewellery at SisterWorks, while stocking up on specialty coffee beans at the WithOneBean fair trade coffee cart.
A series of short talks will also run between 12pm and 2pm in the environmental sustainability tent on the lemon scented lawns.
For more information, please visit the Urban Market page.
Sign up now for free and learn if you can use food as medicine?
Interested in learning more about food, nutrition and wellbeing? Professor Helen Truby and her team in the department of Nutrition and Dietetics here at Monash University have developed a free online course helping to address the question- can we use food as medicine?
This course is designed for anyone with an interest in food, nutrition and health and does not require previous knowledge or experience in science or health studies. This course would also be of interest to medical and healthcare professionals looking to up skill their knowledge in food and nutrition, and see what the current evidence is for using foods to improve health. There are two Food as Medicine courses running in 2016, starting:
- Monday 2 May
- Monday 23 October
To learn more about this course, click here To register for the course, click here
Want to become a Wellbeing Champion for your Faculty or Department?
Have a strong commitment to health and wellbeing and want to be an advocate for your area? Then why not nominate yourself as a Wellbeing Champion!
Wellbeing champions have a key role to play in actively contributing to the Wellbeing at Monash Program, whilst also promoting the program and the many benefits of participation.
This a voluntary role which provides you with the opportunity to have input into wellbeing programs and services offered to staff. Meetings of the Wellbeing Champions Forum, will be commencing shortly. These forums will provide an opportunity for cross university collaboration, networking and engagement.
If you believe you’re suitable for this role, more details can be found here.
It’s time to get out of your seat and “Rise & Recharge”!
Rise & Recharge is based on scientific research showing that regular movement at work reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.
Sedentary behaviour, defined as periods of inactivity whilst sitting, contributes to negative cardio metabolic health outcomes and premature mortality. Studies have indicated physical inactivity as being the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.
Approximately 6% to 10% of deaths from non-communicable diseases can be attributed to physical inactivity. Baker IDI and Vodafone have developed an app that sets reminders for you to get up from your desk and go for a walk.
A small amount of steps can make a difference to your health.
More information on the app and the science behind the research can be found here.
Join the H30 Challenge
Want to get healthy for free? 
Why not join the H30 Challenge and get rewarded!
The rules are simple: switch from sugary drinks to water for 30 days and reap the rewards. It’s not a fad diet and it costs nothing to take part. Signing up is easy and you can start whenever it suits you. All you have to do is commit to switching sugary drinks for water for 30 Days and we’ll help with the rest.
Challenge yourself today and find out how easy it is to feel better in just 30 days.
To register for the challenge and find out more information, click here
Mental Health and Wellbeing Apps
Earlier this year, VicHealth identified ten apps that can be used to improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals. Many of these apps have been tested on two categories:
- Functionality – is the app user-friendly?
- Affect user behaviour – does the app help users to adopt new activities to achieve a healthier lifestyle?
Many of these apps are free and listed below according to a star rating, details on the below apps can be found here
- Get some headspace
- ZenFriend-Meditation Timer and Guided meditations
- Way of Life- The ultimate Habit Maker and Breaker
- Healthy Habits TM
- Commit
- Health Habits Premium TM (a health and happiness app)
- Rare Candy- Epic Habit and Goal Mastery
- Meditation Timer Pro
- Habits Pro-Organizer for Goals, Tasks and Health Tracking
- Juice
Have you made the time to chat?
Tip of the Day: Make time to hang out with your friends and family. When you find out someone’s having a tough time, show support by making time to hang out or chat to them. Give them a call, send an email, or offer to visit. Don’t let them face their struggles alone. Ask them RUOK? More information is available on the R U Okay page
Participate in Wings for Life World Run
Join Monash University staff in running for those who can’t on May 8th you have the chance to be a part of a truly unique global race event. Runners across the world will take off simultaneously at 34 locations to see who can outpace the moving finish line – the catcher car.
It’s all for a great cause. 100% of the entry fee goes to spinal cord injury research and the search for a cure. Our local run will take off in Melbourne at 21:00 AEST on Sunday 8th May. Register yourself at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com Once registered, make sure you join the ‘Monash University staff’ team or feel free to create your own team and invite your family and friends to join you in running for those who can’t! If you do create your own team, please let us know your team name via email to wellbeing@monash.edu.We hope to see you at the start line!
Mindfulness for wellbeing, resilience and performance
Refocus over lunch
Lunch-time meditation – 30 minutes Mindfulness meditation is an effective way of learning to focus your attention and staying engaged with what you are doing. Monash University strongly encourages all students and staff to practice mindfulness as it has been shown to:
- reduce stress
- improve brain performance
- enhance wellbeing.
Free for all Monash students and staff – there is no need to book – just come along and experience the benefits of mindfulness for yourself.
Lifestyle program
ESSENCE of health– 6 x 60-minute sessions A comprehensive lifestyle program underpinned by enabling strategies such as mindfulness, enhancing motivation, goal setting and behaviour change. This practical course enables participants to apply the ESSENCE model to personal and professional life including setting and working towards healthy lifestyle goals. Register online.
Relaxation and emotional health
Mind Body Medicine– 4 x sessions (60 – 90 minutes) Using a combination of presentations, discussion and practical exercises to promote emotional health and relaxation.
Monash Sport News, Events and Offers
Monash AFL Tipping: It’s Not Too Late!
Join our footy tipping competition right now, and you will automatically receive the average score from previous rounds. So you are still a competitive chance to win! New to footy tipping? Find out all you need to know here. Or register for free via the website here.
Benefits of Using a Steam Room and Sauna
The Doug Ellis Swimming Pool has a recently refurbished sauna and steam room, but what are the benefits of using them? Find out here.
Monash Circuit Update
Construction has begun on the Monash Circuit around the Monash Circuit sport precinct on Clayton campus. See the full track map and more information here.
Carmen’s 5 Health Tips
Find out 5 easy ways to make your daily life more healthy here. They’re not as hard as you think, as our Health and Fitness Instructor Carmen explains.
Video: Monash Sport – Active bodies, vibrant minds
View this short video to see how we want to help you to maintain an active body and a vibrant mind.
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! – Singlets $25 – T-Shirts $25 – Shorts $35 – Gym Bags $30 – Towels $10 – Drink Bottles $14 – Hoodies $55
How was your experience with us?
The Business and Economics Faculty at Monash is currently investigating customer experience in the service industry, and is interested in learning about your customer experience. Have your say and let us know! Take part in this short survey to give us your thoughts about your experience with Monash Sport.
TeamMONASH News
Monash Attempts Limbo World Record!
Monash will attempt to break the current Guinness World Record for the Largest Limbo Dance in partnership with the Oaktree Foundation on Wednesday 20 April at Clayton campus.
The World Record attempt, called ‘Limbo Below the Line’, needs 2000 staff and students to dance below the limbo pole, which will be set at just one metre high.
‘Limbo Below the Line’ will kick start Oaktree’s flagship awareness campaign ‘Live Below the Line’, which encourages event subscribers to live on $2 a day (the Australian currency equivalent of the globally-recognised economic poverty line) for the five days between 2 and 6 May.
Team MONASH Director Martin Doulton said the idea for the Guinness World Record attempt was raised by Monash students, who are also Oaktree volunteers. They thought it would be a good way to raise awareness of the ‘Live Below the Line’ campaign while also attempting a World Record, which Monash has never done before.
“This event is important to generate exposure within the Monash community for something we should all be conscious of – extreme poverty – and while we can’t fix the big issue today, at least we can take part in increasing awareness,” Mr Doulton said.
“Limbo Below the Line is a completely free activity. We do, however, encourage you to participate in the Live Below the Line campaign. There are two options – to take the full five-day challenge or the two-day Small Change Challenge. You can also take part by supporting friends and family that take part in this challenge.”
Sign up for Limbo Below the Line and take part in the University’s record-breaking attempt. You can also sign up for Live Below the Line by following the links and joining the Monash University network. View the Facebook page for Limbo Below the Line.
Sign Up for the Mother’s Day Classic
Join TeamMONASH at the Mother’s Day Classic and support those fighting to find a cure for Breast Cancer. With options to run or walk the 4km or 8km track, nothing is stopping you from
getting involved. TeamMONASH will be there at the UniHub, where we will be offering a free cloakroom, massage, refreshments and a place to chill out, and first time students, staff and alumni get a free TeamMONASH singlet! Read more and register here.
2015 Sport at Monash University Annual Report
Did you know that Monash University is ranked 1st in the GO8 for the total number of VOLUNTEERS that support University Sport activities? AND we are ranked 1st in Australia for total number of STUDENTS that represented their University in varsity sporting events in 2015?
In 2015, Sport at Monash played a larger role in student and campus life at Monash than ever before. To provide these opportunities to the Monash Community, two departments at Monash University (Monash Sport & TeamMONASH, both a part of the Campus Community Division) work collaboratively with students to enhance the campus experience.
Monash University continued to perform exceedingly well across varsity and community engagement events. With the support of 973 volunteers, TeamMONASH assisted 6,065 individuals to represent the University in a range of sporting, artistic and community engagement activities. This places Monash as the number one ranked university in Australia for student representation in Varsity Sport. In addition to this the formalisation of a number of community relationships based on actions led to a closer connection between local, national and international not for profit organisations, local Government and the University. Importantly, Monash University is home to a diverse and thriving array of competitive sporting clubs with 4,202 members and 652 club volunteers administering and supporting these clubs.
See our full report regarding Sport at Monash University in 2015. The report highlights the pivotal role that sport plays at Monash to enhance student engagement and experience.
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!
Join Medibank Corporate Health Cover by April 30th and get one month free, plus we’ll waive the 2 & 6 month waiting periods on extras, and as Monash University employee, you can get a 7% discount. Call 131 680, visit a store or got to www.corporate.medibank.com.au/monashuni. Introducing GymBetter – as a Corporate hospitals & extras member, you have access any participating Fitness First, Anytime Fitness or GoodLife health club for only $8.50 per gym visit nationwide. With no contracts and no joining fees, a Medibank Corporate membership will be the only gym membership you’ll need, Simply visit the Apple App store (for iPhone) or gymbetter.com.au (for Android Smartphones).
Get BUPA hospital and extras and choose one of three gifts?
Get Bupa hospital and extras cover before May 31st 2016 and choose from a New Balance Voucher, Bupa Optical Voucher or Bupa owned Members First dental clinics voucher. To receive your gift, mention your company
code when you join. Details can be found here.
Bupa provides staff access to the Monash Corporate Health Insurance Plan, with: You can look forward to competitive corporate premiums and benefits such as:
- A 5% discount off your health cover.
- Loyalty maximums – each year we increase how much you can claim by 20% of the initial amount for most extras services (up to 6 years). On Monash University health plan, you can start at year 3 loyalty maximums.
- If you need hospitalisation, the excess will be paid on your behalf on selected covers.
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.
Other discounts available to staff
- Green Thumbs Gift- 10% discount on flowering plants and herbs
- Lite n’ Easy – 7 day meal pack discount
- Hot Air Ballooning-15% discount