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Wellbeing at Monash Newsletter

Issue #8 - October, 2009

Proudly presented by Monash Sport and Wellbeing @ Monash, you can now read about the latest wellbeing events, services and activities happening at Monash. Monash aims to assist staff in achieving a healthy work/life balance using a holistic approach – mind, body, spirit and the community. There are some great prizes to win so read on!

In the October edition:

Wellbeing events & news

Monash 10,000 Steps Challenge commences Wednesday 7th October!

Get ready to walk for the soul and log your steps for the 2009 10,000 Steps Challenge.

More than 2000 staff and students have registered to participate in the 5 week challenge. Commencing on Wednesday, 7th October participants will walk a virtual walk from the Prato campus, Italy to the London campus, finishing on Friday 13th November.

Participants will not only measure the number of steps they take each day using pedometers, but also experience the many benefits that physical activity has on mental health. Teams of up to 8 people, consisting of Monash staff, family, friends and students will each aim to clock up at least 10,000 steps each day.

Help us evaluate the 10,000 Steps Challenge! We invite you to complete the online 10,000 Steps Challenge evaluation survey.  The survey aims to evaluate the 5 week 10,000 Steps Challenge. Data will be collected twice, pre and post event. The evaluation results will be used to further improve and tailor workplace wellbeing programs and interventions. Click here to complete the short 3 minute survey . Prizes include Boxing Day Cricket ground tickets, $20 Coles Myer vouchers and much more!


Together we can improve our mental and physical health as we walk for the soul. For more information visit the 10,000 Steps Challenge webpage.

Free morning tea and lunch events

All staff and students participating in the 10,000 Steps Challenge are invited to attend a morning tea or lunch event held at their campus. For a full list of events visit the 10,000 Steps Events webpage

Monash Mental Health Week - Take the next step for a positive mind and body

Staff and students are invited to participate in the great events planned at each campus as part of Mental Health Week. From October 4 to 11, Mental Health Week aims to activate, educate and engage Victorians around mental health and related issues through the organisation of a huge variety of events by individuals and organisations across the state.

The theme for Monash Mental Health Week 2009 is Take the next step to a healthy mind and body

Wednesday 7 October is Stess Less Day - a day where staff are encouraged to wear casual clothes to work with a gold coin donation toward the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria. Stress Less Day also encourages staff to arrive on time to work, get out of the office and take their lunch break and leave work on time!

Read about what's on during Monash Mental Health Week here. Staff and students are also encouraged to read about Mental Health resources available at Monash.

Confidence to Commute - Bike Education Training

Ever wanted to get to Monash by bike but a bit worried about riding on the road? The Confidence to Commute cycle training course is aimed at people who need a helping hand to get pedalling again, or simply a confidence boost to cycle in traffic.

We'll help you:

  • Learn the basics of safe cycling and road rules
  • Build the confidence to cycle in a variety of traffic and weather conditions
  • Decide on the best bike lock to buy to suit your needs, and what cycling clothing to choose to keep you riding comfortably, whatever the weather
  • Pick up tips for route selection

Course Dates:

  • Tuesday 6th October 1pm - 4pm Monash Clayton Campus
  • Wednesday 14th October 10am - 1pm Monash Clayton Campus
  • Wednesday 21st October 1pm - 4pm Monash Caulfield Campus

Course cost: $10 per person

Booking details: Numbers are limited! Please visit the Confidence to Commute webpage, proudly presented by the Office of Environmental Sustainability.

Sailing for relaxation or competition

Royal Brighton Yacht Club began as a chance race challenge between two men cleaning their boats on the beach in 1875. Today the Club provides a modern clubhouse, marina facilities for boats, and caters for a range of sailing for Juniors, high performance dinghies, one class designs and racing and cruising keel boats. RBYC has a gym and is home to many of the Brighton Icebergers who swim all year round.

Come and try sailing: Wednesday Twilight Sail, short friendly race starting at 6.15pm. Every Wednesdays during daylight saving (1st session is October 6th). Visitors are always welcome.

Open day: Sunday 8th November. Please mention the Wellbeing at Monash Newsletter. Visit the RBYC website or email sailing@rbyc.org.au for further information.

Your chance to win and monthly competition winners

For your chance to win a $20 Coles Myer voucher tell us what you think of this edition of Wellbeing at Monash (or any wellbeing service you would like to see) Send your feedback here

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Monash Sport news and offers

Starta Sports

The Starta Sports is a Monash Peninsula based program that introduces children aged 2-6 years old to a variety of different skills. The structured and age appropriate programs offer a safe and fun environment that helps improve coordination and ball skills whilst offering a head start into socialisation through sport.

Term 4 begins from Monday 12 October and runs for 9 weeks. For further information please call 9904 4496.

Tennis Hot Shots

The Tennis Hot Shots program is designed to help children under 12 years of age make friends, develop new skills, and techniques in a friendly and fun environment. A combination of compressed tennis balls combined with smaller racquets and courts enables children to grow and develop in a scaled down environment

Nex term starts 12 October 2009. For more information visit the Monash Sport webpage

Swim Into Spring

To help you swim into Spring and shed those winter kilos before Summer, Monash Sport are offering you a great deal on casual swim passes.

During the Month of October pay for 9, swim for 12. Receive three swims for FREE when you buy a 10 pass.

Promotion Finishes 31 October 2009. For more information please visit the Monash Sport webpage

Trips and Tours

With two amazing trips planned for the remainder of October, Monash's Trips and Tours are having a very busy month. Trips include:

For all the trips, itineraries and full details, check out the Trips and Tours website!

Using your commute to lose a few tonnes

Using active transport methods can benefit your health and the environment.

A group of students and staff are set to take part in a new study to promote active transport at Monash University launched during the University's Sustainable Transport Month starting 22 September.

The study, will run until the end of the year, has been initiated by the University's Office of Environmental Sustainability in partnership with Monash Sport and Health Wellbeing and Development. The study aims to promote active transport to and from the participants' place of work or study as part of an overall health and fitness improvement program.

Follow participants personal experiences, health improvements and environmental footprint reductions via the Monash Sport web page

Upcoming Fit Camps

Monash Sports fit camps are a great way to get fit for summer or to keep fit during the off season. The six week camp offers a challenging and rewarding experience in a fun and sociable atmosphere.

The six week camps are comprised of twelve one hour sessions, and are run out of the Peninsula, Caulfield and Clayton campuses.

  • Clayton: Monday & Thursday 6.45am. Next camp commences Monday October 5
  • Caulfield: Tuesday & Thursday 5.30pm. Next Camp commences Tuesday November 9

For more information visit the Monash Sport webpage

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TeamMONASH™ events

Melbourne Marathon, Sunday 11 October

The Melbourne Marathon is fast approaching. The Melbourne Marathon is fun for the whole family with a range of distances allowing participants the opportunity to run, walk, or stroll around some of Melbourne's unique landmarks.

The event aims to raise funds for the cerebral palsy education centre, so if you can't participate we strongly urge you to sponsor a team or TeamMONASHTM runner.

TeamMONASHTM will be there participating in all the fun and activities and we hope you can join us. More information can be found on the Monash Sport webpage

Around the Bay Just Around the Corner, Sunday 18 October

After winning the award for ‘Largest community Team' at last year's Around the Bay in a Day. TeamMONASHTM are aiming to win back to back crowns.

The ride takes in some of Melbourne's most scenic bike paths including the West Gate Bridge, Beach Road, Port Phillip Bay, and Bellarie Peninsula before finishing at Alexandra Gardens. However, if you feel that the 250 km distance might be pushing your riding skills there are also a range of shorter distances for even the most inexperienced riders.

The event, now in its sixteenth year, aims to raise funds for The Smith family- Learning for Life Program which assists disadvantaged kids living in Australia stay in the education system. So if you can't make it there on the day show your support by sponsoring a team or individual TeamMONASHTM rider.

This year riders are given the option of 250km, 210km, 100km, 80km or 50km. For further information please visit the Monash Sport webpage.

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Discounts for staff

Adidas Factory Outlet special offer

All Monash staff, family and friends are invited to receive all products at the adiCentre factory outlet at 40% off RRP (excludes watches and sunglasses).

No booking = No entry. You must phone and make an appointment to visit the store, 9263 5276 or 99263 5250 (open 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday). Valid 1st October to 30th October. Location: adidas Head Office, 767 Springvale Rd, Mulgrave

ACP magazine subscription discount

ACP magazines are offering Monash University staff members a 10% discount on the following magazines titles:

  • APC
  • Australian PC User
  • Australian Geographic
  • Australian Women's Weekly
  • Cleo
  • Cosmo
  • Empire
  • Good Health & Medicine
  • Madison
  • Money
  • Shop Til You Drop
  • Wheels

To receive the 10% discount you must purchase the magazine subscription via this link.

Acclaim Wardrobes - free quote and movie tickets

Tired of not enough wardrobe space or the kids leaving clothes on the floor? Acclaim Wardrobes is an Australian owned company with 19 years experience in wardrobe, kitchen installation and design. All products are manufactured with the latest equipment ensuring satisfaction from their clients around Melbourne. Acclaim design and install to suit most budgets and take great pleasure in maximising space and utilising storage needs in the wardrobe, kitchen, bathroom or laundry.

Monash staff can contact Rob at Acclaim Wardrobes to receive a free quote & 2 free movie tickets with every order. Phone 9768 3448 / 0407 680 087 or email your request to: acclaimwardrobes@netspace.net.au.

Wellbeing at Monash has sourced great discounts including;

  • HBA health insurance
  • Subway
  • Dymocks
  • Rebel Sport
  • Ashcombe Maze
  • Holidays – flights and accommodation
  • Dell computers
  • Acclaim Wardrobes
  • Magazine subscriptions
  • Lite n Easy
  • Virgin Blue Lounge & Qantas Club
  • Physiotherapy
  • Hot Air Ballooning
  • more info about the discounts

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Healthy living info and news

Overweight/obese and interested in weight loss?

A combined research team from the Monash University Department of General Practice (Obesity Research Unit) and Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute are seeking men and women to trial a new oral device designed to alter eating behaviour and assist with weight loss.

The device is a custom-made oral volume restrictive device, worn whilst eating to reduce bite-size. Comprehensive dietary/lifestyle advice will also be provided throughout the study.

Eligibility:

  • Aged 18-50 years
  • Overweight or obese - women (if average height) approx 75 to 90kg / men (if average height)approx 86 to 110kg
  • Good dental health (no dentures/retainers/dental appliances)
  • Able to attend appointments at the Alfred Hospital during business hours, fortnightly for approximately six months

For further information contact: Toni McGee +61 3 8532 1242 Email: toni.mcgee@bakeridi.edu.au Website: Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute website

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Previous newsletters & useful links

WIN a $20 Coles Myer voucher

We value your feedback. Tell us what you think of this edition of Wellbeing at Monash (or any wellbeing service you would like to see) and you could win a $20 Coles Myer voucher. Send your feedback here