EAP sponsored events and services are open EMPLOYEE …1).pdf · 2011-08-02 · FEBRUARY 2011...
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FEBRUARY 2011 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EAP‐sponsored events and services are open to UAlbany & Research Foundation faculty, staff, family members, UAS employees, retirees and GSEU members. UAlbany Employees’ Monthly Link to Resources for Health & Well‐Being Journal Your Way to Wellness EAP E-NEWS Can you remember how many unhealthy snacks you consumed in the past week? Do you have any idea how many calories were in the sand‐ wich you just ate? If you answered “no” to either of these questions, you’re probably not keeping a food journal. Here are a few reasons why recording your food intake and calories consumed is good for your overall well‐being. Weight loss: Not surprisingly, weight loss and keeping a food journal go hand in hand. In fact, according to a recent study by Kaiser Perma‐ nente, overweight individuals who kept a daily food journal lost twice as many pounds as those who did not keep a log. When you write down not only what you eat, but the calories and portion size, you are more likely to make healthier decisions. This action will point you in the right direction for weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. Awareness: Even if you are not attempting to lose weight, it is still good for your general health to be aware of what you’re putting into your body. A food journal can indicate patterns, such as eating while stressed or upset. Many people have no idea that their emotions can trigger eating. Individuals can become more aware of this once they keep track of what they have eaten on those more stressful days. Money Savings: Besides the toll that fast food and vending machine snacks take on your waistline, they also add up in terms of cost. A large “value meal” at a fast food restaurant can cost upwards of $8.00. Five fast food lunches each week will cost you $40.00 and countless calo‐ ries. Writing down the food you’re eating and where you’re getting it can help you identify when you’re frivolously spending money on un‐ healthy products. Knowing this can help you decide what you need to do to save money and calories, such as packing a healthy lunch the night before. To help you journal your way to wellness, EAP has Food and Fitness Trackers available for interested members of the UAlbany employ‐ ees. These journals have many help‐ ful features, including a calorie and serving size guide and an exercise log. If you would like to receive a FREE Food and Fitness Tracker, please email Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator, and provide your cam‐ pus address. [email protected] Article Resource: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/25573436/ns/today‐today_health/ Article submitted by Emily Tracy, EAP Committee - UAS Representative
Transcript of EAP sponsored events and services are open EMPLOYEE …1).pdf · 2011-08-02 · FEBRUARY 2011...
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EAP‐sponsored events and services are open to UAlbany & Research Foundation faculty, staff, family members, UAS employees,
retirees and GSEU members.
UAlbany Employees’ Monthly Link to Resources for Health & Well‐Being
Journal Your Way to Wellness
EAP E-NEWS
Can you remember how many unhealthy snacks you consumed in the past week? Do you have any idea how many calories were in the sand‐wich you just ate? If you answered “no” to either of these questions, you’re probably not keeping a food journal. Here are a few reasons why recording your food intake and calories consumed is good for your overall well‐being. Weight loss: Not surprisingly, weight loss and keeping a food journal go hand in hand. In fact, according to a recent study by Kaiser Perma‐nente, overweight individuals who kept a daily food journal lost twice as many pounds as those who did not keep a log. When you write down not only what you eat, but the calories and portion size, you are more likely to make healthier decisions. This action will point you in the right direction for weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. Awareness: Even if you are not attempting to lose weight, it is still good for your general health to be aware of what you’re putting into your body. A food journal can indicate patterns, such as eating while stressed or upset. Many people have no idea that their emotions can trigger eating. Individuals can become more aware of this once they keep track of what they have eaten on those more stressful days. Money Savings: Besides the toll that fast food and vending machine snacks take on your waistline, they also add up in terms of cost. A large “value meal” at a fast food restaurant can cost upwards of $8.00. Five fast food lunches each week will cost you $40.00 and countless calo‐ries. Writing down the food you’re eating and where you’re getting it can help you identify when you’re frivolously spending money on un‐healthy products. Knowing this can help you decide what you need to do to save money and calories, such as packing a healthy lunch the night before.
To help you journal your way to wellness, EAP has Food and Fitness Trackers available for interested members of the UAlbany employ‐ees. These journals have many help‐ful features, including a calorie and serving size guide and an exercise log. If you would like to receive a FREE Food and Fitness Tracker, please email Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator, and provide your cam‐pus address. [email protected]
Article Resource: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/25573436/ns/today‐today_health/
Article submitted by Emily Tracy, EAP Committee - UAS Representative
Page 2 E M P L O Y E E A S S I S T A N C E P R O G R A M E ‐ N E W S
There are times when taking care of an elder parent or family member that “transitioning” to a different living and care‐giving environment will take place. How do you make the best of this situation for everyone? What do you need to know to facilitate the best move possible?
A resource for helpful information is the Next Step in Care website. There you will find educa‐tional guides and checklists for family members to use to prepare and facilitate the transition process.
The EAP website’s Links to Resources page has several elder care listings to explore for as‐sistance as well.
Starting in March, EAP will sponsor a FOUR session lunchtime elder care support group. Check the EAP calendar for details. Enrollment is limited to 10 employees, so register early!
Do you have your health care proxy completed? It is recommended that all of us over 18 years of age appoint a health care agent to make decisions in the event that we are un‐able to do so. The NYS Dept. of Health web‐site has information and free forms avail‐able. Click Here.
Health Care Proxy
Let your loved ones know what you would want them to do for you if you cannot speak for yourself. A health care proxy helps give some piece of mind during a difficult time when making difficult decisions is
required.
Caring for an Elder
The transfer of current vital medical information to medical emergency personnel helps save lives. Make that information readily available through the use of a Vial of Life. The Vial of Life is a plastic container that is kept in the home’s refrigerator. Inside the vial is a com‐pleted form outlining pertinent medical information. Stickers alerting medical personnel about the Vial of Life are placed at the entrance to the home and on the refrigerator door.
Program
To receive a free Vial of Life, contact St. Peter’s Health Care Services Volunteer Auxiliary 525‐1515. Vials are available for the elderly and for those individuals with medical conditions.
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If you would like to schedule an appointment for an Assessment & Referral
session with Brenda Seckerson,
UAlbany EAP Coordinator,
call 442-5483
or email
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. ~ Winston Churchill British Statesman (1874-1965)
If you are finding it difficult to be as productive as you used to be, perhaps a stressor in your life is impacting your abil‐ity to be successful at work. The Employee Assistance Pro‐gram’s Assessment & Referral Service might be the answer! Take advantage of this free vol‐untary confidential employee benefit. Support, information, and referrals are available to assist you in finding a way to address your concerns.
HELP IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY!
UAlbany EAP received the good news that it has secured a grant from NYS EAP to purchase 200 pedometers. We are in need of four ‐ six employees from each campus to volunteer to assist in developing and launching work‐place walking programs on the Uptown, Downtown, and East Campuses starting in March/
April. Get involved in supporting EAP’s mission to pro‐mote health and wellness at UAlbany! For more infor‐mation about the committees, contact Brenda Seck‐erson, EAP Coordinator. [email protected]
Spring Semester Workplace Walking Would you like to be on the organizing committee for your campus?
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Our Five Senses Can Help Us Relax and De‐Stress Throughout the Day
Come to Your Senses
When was the last time you “stopped and smelled the roses” either literally or figuratively‐speaking? Years ago this was a commonly used statement people made to each other when they thought life was moving too fast. Little did we know what the future would bring in terms of the “pace” of life! Actually, this funny, little phrase was really a wise thing to say. Tuning in to our five senses can be a simple and delight‐ful way to deal with our day‐to‐day stress. Taking time throughout the day to focus on our senses provides opportu‐nities to stop and be fully present in the moment. Taking a few deep breaths during a “senses break” also helps to relax and energize us. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the sensory input that we find appealing. So, your first step is to start figuring out what sights, smells, sounds, taste, and touch (textures) feel good to you. Get in touch with the child you once were who discovered the world through the senses!
♦ Look at cherished photos or mementos
♦ Buy a plant or flowers to bring the outside into your space
♦ Enjoy the beauty of nature
♦ Surround yourself with colors that make you feel alive
♦ Close your eyes and imagine a place that brings you com‐fort and peace
Sight
♦ If you drink coffee or tea in the morn‐
ing, breathe in the smell of your freshly brewed cup
♦ If you tend to “zone out” when stressed, keep energizing scents nearby, e.g., citrus, ginger, cinnamon
♦ If you tend to become agitated under stress, look for scents that are calming to you, e.g., lavender , rose, vanilla
♦ When outdoors, breathe in the fresh air and take in the smells of the season
Smell
♦ Pay attention to what you experience when you eat your favorite piece of ripe fruit, drink a refreshing cold
beverage, savor a piece of dark chocolate, sip your hot cup of tea, or enjoy a healthy, crunchy snack like celery, nuts, or carrots.
♦ Eat “mindfully” focusing on the feel of the food in your mouth and the taste on your tongue . “Savor” the moment!
Taste
♦ Wrap yourself in a warm blanket
♦ Pet your cat or dog
♦ Hold a comforting object
♦ Soak in a hot tub
♦ Wear clothing that feels good against your skin
♦ When outside, explore the textures of nature, tree bark, blades of grass, soft‐ness of a rose petal
Touch
Article Resource/Excerpts: Helpguide.org
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/quick_stress_relief.htm
♦ Experiment with music and other sounds that are calm‐ing and soothing to you
♦ Hang birdfeeders outside and tune in to bird chatter and songs
♦ Hang wind chimes near an open window
♦ Place a small fountain in your home/office to enjoy the soothing sound of water
Sound
E M P L O Y E E A S S I S T A N C E P R O G R A M E ‐ N E W S Page 5
To Diet or NOT to Diet?
W H A T A Q U E S T I O N !
More people than ever before are on diets and yet the obesity rate is rising. What’s going on? Come and take part in a discus-sion about diets, denial, and departure. It may be just what you need to achieve your own healthy weight!
Presenter: Nina Marinello, Ph,D., is the Coordinator of Sports Nutrition for UAlbany’s Department of Athletics. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and has received ADA Certification of Training in Adult Weight Management. Dr. Marinello also answers nutrition and wellness questions in a bi-weekly column, “The Healthy Professor” in the Times Union.
U P T O W N C A M P U S F E B R U A R Y 2 1 2 - 1 P M C A M P U S C E N T E R R O O M 3 7 5
TO REGISTER, GO TO: http://www.albany.edu/eap/event_sign-up.htm
E A S T C A M P U S F E B R U A R Y 3 1 2 - 1 P M S P H R O O M 1 1 0 A
Lunchtime Wellness Program
The Uptown Campus program is postponed due to weather. We will re-schedule ASAP.
D R O P I N A N Y T I M E D U R I N G 1 2 N O O N – 1 : 3 0 P M
T W O “ O P E N S T U D I O S ”
S C H E D U L E D !
Collage Card-Making Workshop
Take an “art break” during your lunch break. Tapping into your creativity can be fun, relaxing, and rejuve-nating. Participants will use various collage items to design their cards. No art experience necessary, just your willingness to explore!
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
LUNCHTIME WELLNESS PROGRAM
E M P L O Y E E A S S I S T A N C E P R O G R A M E ‐ N E W S Page 6
UAB/MSC Location
Friday, February 4
UAB 320
Academic Podium
Wednesday, February 9
Terrace Lounge,
Campus Center
12 noon — 1:30 pm
“Open Studio” — Drop in to
fit your lunchtime break
Facilitators:
Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator &
Kathy Zazarine, Health Benefits Administrator
To Register: http://www.albany.edu/eap/event_sign-up.htm
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How to Use EAP in the Workplace This program is designed for those individuals
serving in a supervisory role.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a negotiated benefit and is supported by both labor and management. The pro-gram’s primary goal is “to help maintain workplace productiv-ity by assisting NYS employees manage personal issues which may be adversely affecting their job performance”. Join us as we discuss UAlbany’s EAP and explore how those in a supervisory role can utilize the program more effectively in the workplace.
Topics will include:
*Overview of Employee Assistance Program
*Identifying and Managing Performance Issues
*Making Referrals to EAP
Thursday, February 24
10:00 — 11:30 AM
UNH 306
Registration Deadline:
Tuesday, Feb. 22
To Register Contact: Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator
CALL 442-5483 OR CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE
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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1
Tuesday, March 1 12 noon — 12:45 pm
University Art Museum
To Register Contact: Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator [email protected]
CALL 442‐5483 OR REGISTER ONLINE
HTTP://WWW.ALBANY.EDU/EAP/EVENT_SIGN‐UP.HTM
Employee Assistance Program-sponsored events are open to UAlbany and Research Foundation faculty, staff, family members, UAS employees, GSEU members, and retirees.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LUNCHTIME WELLNESS PROGRAM
Lunchtime “Art Break”
Join us for this semester’s “Art Break” with University Art Museum Director, Janet Riker.
We’ll explore the current exhibit featuring two multi-media artists:
Eunjung Hwang - Three Thousand Revisits Ati Maier - Event Horizon
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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1
6-Hour Defensive Driving Class for UAlbany Employees
Uptown Campus
Thursdays, March 17 and March 24
5:30 - 8:30 pm Campus Center
Room 375
This 6‐hour class can help to reduce your
insurance fees or deduct points from your license.
NYS requires attendance for the full 6 hours to receive credit.
Course Fee: $30 Paid at the time of registration R E G I S T R A T I O N D E A D L I N E :
F R I D A Y , M A R C H 1 1
Make check payable to: Gateway Driving Center
Send to: MSC #200
To Register Contact:
Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator
CALL 442‐5483 OR REGISTER ONLINE HTTP://WWW.ALBANY.EDU/EAP/EVENT_SIGN‐UP.HTM
Employee Assistance Program‐sponsored events are open to UAlbany and Research Foundation faculty, staff, family members, UAS employees,
GSEU members, and retirees.
Page 10 E M P L O Y E E A S S I S T A N C E P R O G R A M E ‐ N E W S
Are you caring for someone over 60 years old? Take time for your own “care” and join this lunchtime elder care support group!
This 4–session program providing an open discussion about elder caregiving will be conducted by Mary Moller, MSW, Elder Caregiving Support Group Facilitator from Catholic Charities Caregivers Support Services. Bring your questions. Bring your concerns.
Elder Care Support Group
4-Session Program
This program is provided by Catholic Charities Caregivers Support Services and is sponsored by Albany County Department of Aging, New York State Office for the Aging, The Administration on Aging, and the United Way.
♥Caregivers Support Services welcome all persons regardless of race, creed or lifestyle.♥
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LUNCHTIME WELLNESS PROGRAM
Thursdays, 12 noon - 1 pm
March 17, 24, 31 & April 7 Campus Center Room 370
Program Fee: $20 Make check payable to:
Catholic Charities Caregivers Support Services Registration Deadline: March 14 Group limited to 10 participants.
EAP-sponsored events are open to UAlbany and Re-
search Foundation faculty, staff, family members,
UAS employees, GSEU members, and retirees.
To Register Contact:
Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator
CALL 442-5483 OR REGISTER ONLINE http://www.albany.edu/eap/event_sign‐up.htm
