Category Archives: Wellness Initiative

Campus Walking/Jogging Route Maps

New maps are available to help you get outside and get moving!

The Retriever Activities Center has created maps for walking/jogging routes on campus. Five different routes have been mapped out, ranging in length from one to five miles. The maps are available on myUMBC in the the “Fitness and Wellness at the RAC” group under “Documents.”

The geography and environmental systems department has updated the Conservation and Environmental Research Area (CERA) trail map and added a printable Guide to the Interpretive Path. The total length from the True Grit statue in front of the RAC, through the CERA Trail and back to True Grit is 1.94 miles. This is a beautiful walk in the forest; if you’re quiet you are likely to see deer. Get the map and guide at: www.umbc.edu/cera.

Workplace Ergonomics: Increasing Efficiency, Morale and Physical Well Being (3/16)

Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of employees. These principles are used to improve the “fit” between the worker and the workplace. Learn a practical approach that shows the match between the person, the equipment they use, the work processes, and how it fits into the work environment. The instructor will use a combination of slide presentation and a desk/computer model to demonstrate an appropriate way to arrange your workstation. Over the course of this session, you will learn the varied benefits of an ergonomic setup and how to set up an effective workstation for your needs.

The workshop will be Wednesday, March 16, 2-3 p.m., in the University Center, Room 312.

Register by Tuesday, March 8, at www.umbc.edu/training

Get a flyer with details at www.umbc.edu/hr/T&OD/schedule.htm

Freedom From Smoking (1/31)

“Freedom From Smoking” is a free seven-week course designed to help you quit smoking. All faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to attend. The first class will be held Mondays starting January 31, noon-1 p.m. in the Commons Room 332. For more information and to sign up, contact Mickey Arora at parora@umbc.edu or ext. 5-3752. Freedom From Smoking is sponsored by University Health Services and the Baltimore County Department of Health.

Practices for Cultivating Healthy Relationships

January’s new relationship practice is “Speak for the sake of the listener.” Click here for more information.

Meditation Boot Camp (3/1)

If you are tired of letting circumstances in your life rule you and are serious about embodying peace, this is the program for you. Over the course of this eight-week transformational program you will learn the basics of mindfulness meditation, a powerful healing modality that focuses on being in the present moment. Meditation has proven effective for lowering blood pressure, improving immunity, improving creativity, improving productivity, improving sleep quality and decreasing chronic pain. Over the course of this program you will learn deep breathing for regulation of the central nervous system, Mindfulness Meditation for releasing stress and anxiety, Lovingkindness Meditation for improving outlook and relationships; and practices to make life more peaceful and fulfilling.

The program sessions will be held on Tuesdays, March 1-April 19, from 4:45-6 p.m. and Thursdays, March 3-April 14 from noon-12:30 p.m. All sessions to be held in the Women’s Center, The Commons 004.

Note that this program has attendance requirements and other assignments that are designed to enrich participant learning. For more information about the program call Jill Weinknecht Wardell at ext. 5-1442 or jwardell@umbc.edu.

Register by Tuesday, February 1, at http://www.umbc.edu/training/community.

Get a flyer with details at http://www.umbc.edu/hr/T&OD/schedule.htm.

Ways to Keep Your Immune System Strong

Research has validated the link between moderate, regular exercise, healthy eating and a strong immune system. Throughout the winter season, taking care of ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally can help ensure a healthy immune system—one that is capable of withstanding the winter onslaught of upper respiratory infections. The Wellness Initiative website is filled with resources, tips, music, and inspiration. Check out the “Tips and Articles” page on the Wellness Initiative website to find links, articles, and tips on these and other topics. Visit http://www.umbc.edu/wellness now!

Practices for Cultivating Healthy Relationships

December’s new relationship practice is “Let go of the steering wheel.” Click here for more information.

Great American Smokeout (11/18)

Thursday, November 18, is the Great American Smokeout. Join University Health Services (UHS) on Commons Main Street from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. as we celebrate and encourage smokers to quit for just one day. Resources and information from UHS and the Baltimore County Health Department will be available at the table. Free quit kits, information about our free nicotine replacement therapy products at UHS and information about our free smoking cessation support class will be available as well. For more information, contact mdark1@umbc.edu.

Practices for Cultivating Healthy Relationships

November’s new relationship practice is “Acknowledge emotions as your teacher.” Click here for more information.

Great Nutritional Tools at Your Fingertips

Check out www.dineoncampus.com/umbc to create a personal nutritional journal and keep track of your daily food intake. In addition to the journal, there are useful calculators that will help identify resting metabolic rate, body mass index and even calculate how many calories you burn during a specific activity.