Libraries News and Information

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.

Submitted by Lila Andersen:

Healthy Holidays in 1-2-3!

1. Stay active even when temperatures dip. It can be tempting to put your activity and exercise habits into hibernation when the colder weather comes around—not to mention that during holiday time, schedules are usually a little busier with family activities leaving us feeling deprived of available time to exercise. Rather than skipping physical activity all together, think about ways to work around weather barriers or involve the family to build new active holiday traditions.
2. Watch portions or put a healthy twist on those favorite holiday foods. One of the best parts of the holidays is the traditions. For many of us, our favorite memories are often tied to a special dish or dessert that is passed down through the family. To keep weight and health in check, try ingredient swaps to make the recipe a bit healthier. Alternatively, use this portion guide when grabbing your favorite item at dinners or parties!
3. Stop to pause and practice gratitude. While holiday time can be fun, it can also be stressful. Wellness also includes taking care of your mental and emotional well-being as well as your physical health. Take some time to slow down, breathe and practice being thankful or grateful. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can help lower stress and boost happiness. Try writing down three things you are grateful for each day or put them on note cards in a jar for the family to pull out and share later. You can also go screen free for a day and connect deeper with those who are important to you.

Looking for support and tips to stay healthy during the holidays? Sign up for individual Health Coaching by emailing healthcoach.osuhealthplan@osumc.edu. Health coaching is a free service for all benefits-eligible faculty and staff as well as their adult dependents enrolled on the OSU Health Plan.

Submitted by Lila Andersen:

Mindful Minutes: Simple, Everyday Strategies

Join health coach Amanda Fox for a four-session series all about mindfulness! In this session, we’ll discuss what mindfulness is and what it isn’t, explore strategies for common challenges with mindfulness and share tools and exercises that can help us develop mindfulness in everyday life. Participants will have an opportunity to practice mindfulness exercises during sessions – a great way to take a break and reset midday!

This is a four-session series on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m., starting on December 7 and ending on December 16. You will be automatically enrolled for all four sessions (12/7, 12/9, 12/14 & 12/16) when you register for the first session.

Metro Parks 49th Winter Hike Series December through February

Walk under the twinkling lights at Battelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods, Highbanks, Homestead and Inniswood during the month of December. Enjoy hot chocolate every Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at these parks. Consider dropping off canned food donations for Mid-Ohio Foodbank as well. Come out to Chestnut Ridge for special evening lantern walks and hot chocolate on Friday, December 17 and Saturday, December 18. Visit the Metro Parks site for more information.

Submitted by Quanetta Batts:

Staying healthy during the holidays is usually a lot easier said than done. Everyone feels a little overwhelmed during the holiday season with the pressure to be a social butterfly and purchase the absolute perfect gifts for your friends and family. The holidays are undoubtedly the busiest time of year for a lot of people, which can make it hard to stick to your healthy lifestyle and wellness goals.

Since the holidays are considered the season of giving and thinking of others, it can be way too easy for you to lose yourself in the fray. Holiday stress can easily get you down, and ruin what’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. Don’t let it overpower your holiday cheer, though. Fortunately, these stress-free holiday tips are a great place to start on your journey to better mental and physical health. If you’re planning on traveling to see loved ones this holiday season, here are some useful wellness travel tips to help you keep your eyes on the healthy prize!

Prioritize “Me Time”

Taking some much-needed “me time” isn’t selfish; it’s a necessary component to leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Amidst all the hullabaloo, it’s important to set aside some much needed “me time” to help you cope with the chaos of the holiday season. “Me time” can be whatever you want or need it to be during that moment. Do some yoga, take a relaxing walk, schedule a personal spa day by yourself or simply take some time to catch up on some reading. Bottom line: taking time to de-stress, detoxify and take care of yourself is one of the best mental wellness tips we can give. Your mental health will thank you for it.

Read More >>

Submitted by Quanetta Batts:

1. Stay active even when temperatures dip. It can be tempting to put your activity and exercise habits into hibernation when the colder weather comes around—not to mention that during holiday time schedules are usually a little busier with family activities leaving us feeling deprived of available time to exercise. Rather than skipping physical activity all together, think about ways to work around weather barriers or involve the family to build new active holiday traditions.

2. Watch portions or put a healthy twist on those favorite holiday foods. One of the best parts of the holidays is the traditions. For many of us, our favorite memories are often tied to a special dish or dessert that is passed down through the family. To keep weight and health in check, try ingredient swaps to make the recipe a bit healthier. Alternatively, use this portion guide when grabbing your favorite item at dinners or parties!

3. Stop to pause and practice gratitude. While holiday time can be fun, it can also be stressful. Wellness also includes taking care of your mental and emotional well-being as well as your physical health. Take some time to slow down, breathe, and practice being thankful or grateful. Read more here.

Looking for support and tips to stay healthy during the holidays? Sign up for individual Health Coaching by emailing healthcoach.osuhealthplan@osumc.edu. Health coaching is a free service for all benefits-eligible faculty and staff as well as their adult dependents enrolled on the OSU Health Plan.

Submitted by Quanetta Batts:

Investiture Week: All Staff Wellness Event

USAC and the Office of the Chief Wellness Officer are excited to offer an all-staff wellness event on Tuesday, November 16 at the RPAC (and also live streamed) from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. to celebrate the Investiture of Kristina M. Johnson, PhD, as the 16th President of The Ohio State University.

This event is free and open to all University and Wexner Medical Center staff, and it’s a great way to earn YP4H Points too. Buses will be available for staff to take them to/from this event.

Register here >>

More Information >>

Submitted by Ash Faulkner:

Stay Calm & Well Part V: Rejuvenate & Renew

October 27, 12:30-1 p.m. (series)

This six-part series, brought to you by the Chief Wellness Officer and Buckeye Wellness, will focus on strategies and best practices to help you rejuvenate and refresh after a difficult 18 months.  Part-five presentation is on “Stop Dieting & Start Living With Intuitive Eating”.  Learn more and register here.

Mindfulness/Meditation Group

October 29, 8:45-9:30 a.m. (series)

Each Friday morning at 8:45, this group will feature a short introduction (about 5 minutes) to different types of meditation and highlight some related OSU Wellness Resources. No registration is necessary.  There will be 45 minutes of mostly self-led time to practice the featured meditation technique of the week or follow a different recording from your own meditation app or YouTube video. Participants may choose to leave their webcams and mics muted.  Learn more here.

Exercise Your Way Through The Holidays

November 3, 11:30 a.m. – noon

Join health coach Alison as we discuss how exercise can help you to hurtle holiday time challenges such as weight gain, stress and travel!  Roll into 2022 with an exercise plan that already works for you. This is a four-week series taking place on Wednesdays starting on November 3 and ending on November 24 from 11:30 a.m. to noon. You will be automatically enrolled for all four sessions (November 3, November 10, November 17 and November 24) when you register for the first session.  Learn more and register here.

Don’t Wait to Complete your Biometric Screening

To reduce your cost for health care and earn the 2022 premium credit, complete a verified biometric screening and the Personal Health and Well-being Assessment by December 31, 2021. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment on campus or with your primary care provider. If you are working on campus, screening appointments are available and new appointments are added daily.