Libraries News and Information

Submitted by Alicia Perkins:

COPEC, the non-profit organization and host of the Retirement Decisions Workshop series, is offering a no-cost Financial Wellness Fridays webinar educational series. The series is offered on select Fridays from 11 a.m. – noon EST. A wide variety of topics will be covered, including estate planning, wills and trusts, understanding 403(b) and 457(b) plan options, social security & medicare, understanding vital documents, budgeting, financial planning for long term care and many others.

Register online>>

Submitted by Quanetta Batts:

The University Libraries Wellness Innovators are pleased to restart our Wellness Workshop Series. Please join us on June 21 from 1-2 p.m. for Wellness 101 presented by Megan Amaya, PhD (view Megan’s bio). The session will be held in 150 Thompson Library or you can join us via Zoom.

https://osu.zoom.us/j/94947906180?pwd=Z2pKcFRvOThZSHhlUzZqRDdTcWcvQT09 

Meeting ID: 949 4790 6180
Password: 241296

Add to calendar >>

This workshop will highlight the nine dimensions of wellness, with a special focus on the foundational physical elements of physical activity, healthy eating and sleep to achieve a higher quality of health and living.

We would like to host a session every month for the rest of the year. If you have topics that you’d like to learn about or know a speaker, please send that information our way.

University Libraries Wellness Innovators
Lila Andersen
Alison Armstrong
Quanetta Batts
Ash Faulkner
Christina Moore

Submitted by Quanetta Batts:

From April 19-June 14, University Libraries faculty and staff are encouraged to take a 15-minute break (on the clock) for a wellness walk.

There are three ways to participate:

1. Meet at the Thompson statue OR near the front entrance of the Tech Center at 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday. There is no formal “leader” for the walking group, so whoever is gathered at 11:30 should feel free to get started.
2. Join the Virtual Walk at 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday from wherever you are. Virtual walkers can log in to Zoom to engage with one another, although they will be walking from different locations. Use this link to join the virtual walk.
3. If 11:30 a.m. is not convenient, take a 15-minute wellness walk at any time on Tuesday.

Please help us track our walking activity and engagement by logging your information each week at go.osu.edu/ulwalklog.

Stay tuned to NewsNotes for more wellness announcements and programs. If you have an idea for a wellness program or event, please let us know!

Your University Libraries Buckeye Wellness Innovators,

Lila Andersen
Alison Armstrong
Quanetta Batts
Ash Faulkner
Christina Moore

Submitted by Ash Faulkner:

Valentine’s Dinner Food Demo
February 11, noon – 12:30 p.m.

This Friday, join OSU Health Plan Health Coach Lindsay Atwood as she cooks a healthy and delicious Valentine’s meal for you!  Leave with recipe ideas and healthy cooking tips to feel confident to make a special Valentine’s meal for you and your loved ones.  Learn more and register on the YP4H website.

Make Your Mondays: Movement & Mindfulness Series
February 14, 8:30 – 8:40 a.m.

Join Buckeye Wellness in the Office of the Chief Wellness Officer live every Monday morning from 8:30-8:40 a.m. for a movement and mindfulness break. Taking 10 minutes at the beginning of your day for self-care will help you stay focused and contribute to living healthy.  Learn more or register on the YP4H website.

Mental Health First Aid
February 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Join the Arts and Sciences MHFA course in February to learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Learn more and register on the YP4H website.

Family Taxes & You
February 15, 11:30 a.m. – noon

Tune in for a refresher on tax basics,and for an overview of important developments in tax policy that could impact your family. Understanding your family’s taxes can help you keep your finances in order. Learn more or register on the YP4H website.

Submitted by Christina Moore:

Covid Boosters and Testing

To help control the spread of the omicron variant, The Ohio State University is encouraging all those who are eligible to get their COVID vaccine boosters. Appointments can be made through the MyChart app. There is no out of pocket expense for either students or employees. While the booster is optional, the University does require all employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or to file for an exception.

For more information and to check your booster eligibility, please visit the Wexner Medical Center Website.

You can also use the MyChart app to make appointments for asymptomatic COVID testing. Walk-up testing services are not available. If you are symptomatic, please arrange testing through either your healthcare provider or by calling 614-293-4000. For more information, please visit safeandhealthy.osu.edu.  

Virgin Pulse Transform

If you have or are at an elevated risk of developing diabetes, you may qualify for the Virgin Pulse Transform program. The yearlong program includes coaching via either phone or text, a free mobile app, monthly self-guided learning modules, a chance to earn both a Fitbit scale and Inspire activity tracker (upon reaching milestones) and a bonus HRA incentive (if eligible). Members can enroll at any time but must meet specific criteria to participate.

To see if you qualify and for more information visit the YP4H website or the Virgin Pulse app.

MyStrength

If you struggle with issues that impact your emotional health, Your Plan 4 Health now offers a program that can help. MyStrength offers evidence-based support for physical and emotional problems that many face, providing helpful tools and resources as well as one on one support from a dedicated coach. If you are interested in reducing stress, improving sleep, managing depression, managing anxiety, mindfulness, meditation, balancing intense emotions, pregnancy and early parenting issues or managing chronic pain, check out this program. You can earn a bonus HRA incentive for participating in this program (additional criteria must be met to earn this incentive).

For more information and to register visit the YP4H website or the Virgin Pulse app.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, many people have attempted to cope with unhealthy eating and increases in alcohol use. Physical activity also has declined and there has been an increase in high blood pressure across the U.S. With 2022 upon us, it is a good time to re-commit to living a happy and healthier lifestyle!

On January 1, many Americans set a new goal—a habit that they would like to make or break, such as eating healthier, engaging more regularly in physical activity or managing stress better. However, without support, most people slip back and give up on that new goal by January 31.

This New Year, we challenge you to participate in the Chief Wellness Officer/Buckeye Wellness Make It or Break It Challenge! This eight-week program will include messages designed to help you be healthier. Participants will be randomly assigned to a research study group, which includes education and support for behavior change. 

The program begins January 10, 2022. Participants will be asked to complete a brief survey at the beginning and end of the study to track program effects. Please click here to consent and complete the pre-program survey.

We believe you can make 2022 your healthiest year yet.

Don’t give up on your goal; your health and well-being are worth it! 

Submitted by Lila Andersen:

Prevent Holiday Stress

During the holidays, people experience increased stress. Reduce your stress by prioritizing your self-care and taking mini recovery breaks during the day to practice mindfulness, meditation, deep abdominal breathing or to take a brisk walk. Physical activity is a great stress reliever; even 11 minutes a day has health benefits. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep can help reduce stress. Take your Vitamin G (Gratitude) every day to improve your mood and optimism.

How to set successful New Year’s wellness goals

It’s time for fresh way of thinking when setting your wellness goals!  First, you’ll want to write a specific goal statement.  Secondly, define how you’ll measure your progress. After this, you will want to ask yourself “Is your goal attainable,” and “Is your goal relevant?  Lastly, ensure that your goal is time-bound.  

When setting a New Year’s resolution, keep in mind these effective tips: 

• Start small; make a resolution you can keep. 
• Only change one behavior at a time; to do otherwise can be overwhelming. 
• Share your resolution with family and friends. 
• Minor missteps when reaching your goal are normal; don’t give up.
• Accepting help from those who care about you will help you to be more resilient and reach your goal.