April / May 2024
Each month, MBU’s Director of Wellness Initiatives Christine Flory will share events, insights, and strategies on a variety of health-related topics with faculty and staff.
See below for the latest health and wellness news, and reach out to Christine at x7167 or [email protected].
You can follow MBU health and wellness on Instagram, and access additional info on the MBU health and wellness website.
April’s Anthem EAP webinar addresses how to take control of your finances. See more details below, and join the campus watch party at 12:30 p.m. on April 9 in the Nuthouse. Photo credit: Campaign Creators via Unsplash
National Stress Awareness Month
April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, and can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues.
It’s critical to recognize what stress and anxiety look like; take steps to build resilience; and know where to go for help.
- Read this article from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that has valuable resources to help you manage your stress.
- Take the stress screening from Mental Health America.
- Practice strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness practices, time management skills — or whatever you think would best benefit your stress reduction.
Important Dates in April
Apr 7, 2024: World Health Day
The World Health Organization holds an annual day each year to draw attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. This year’s theme is “My health, my right.”
April 22: Earth Day
Join the MBU community for a Campus Clean-Up from 10 to 11 a.m. Meet at Blakely House.
Learn more about environmental initiatives you can participate in on the Earth Day website.
New Wellness Portal for Faculty/ Staff: Health Advocate
As of January, Health Advocate has replaced the WebMD wellness portal for faculty/staff.
You can create your account and backlog any activities that qualify you for the second quarter wellness incentive (April 1, 2024- June 30, 2024).
Quarter two deadline to earn and log incentives is June 30.
Questions about the new portal can be emailed to Christine at [email protected]
Please take a few minutes to watch this video, which provides a comprehensive overview of the new wellbeing portal and how to log incentives.
Anthem EAP Webinars
View on demand
To view a seminar on demand, go to anthemeap.com and enter your company code: MBU
You’ll find a link to these and other seminars on the homepage.
View the seminars anytime, anywhere. Submit a question and receive a response via email. Questions are logged in a FAQ section, so you can browse and learn from the questions of others.
NEW: Group watch parties
Join MBU wellness and Christine to watch, listen, and learn during a group viewing party each month. Locations will change month to month, so stay tuned via the MBU announcements and Instagram. Bring your lunch, and light snacks will be available.
EAP Webinar Recordings
- February: Procrastination
- March: Nutrition Navigator
April Webinar: April 9 at 12:30 p.m.
- Topic: Take Control of Your Finances
- Webinar Information:
- Attendee Link: Here
- Audio conference: To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the event, or call the number below and enter the access code.
- United States Toll: +1-408-418-9388
- Webinar Password: m32PvnuW3wm
- Facilitator: Greg Berlin
- Greg is a requested speaker because of his ability to speak on various topics and subjects. In addition to financial seminars he has delivered seminars on parenting and caregiving issues, general business topics, and personal wellness. He also represents work life providers and EAP’s at health fairs and visibility events educating employees on their benefit plans.
- Greg is an experienced Certified Financial Planner™ serving individuals, families and businesses throughout Northwest Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio in all aspects of financial planning, retirement planning, and investing.
Talkspace
Don’t forget you have access to EAP and Talkspace!
These services provide in-network virtual EAP support for counseling and therapy.
Talkspace offers private and convenient mental health support on your schedule. Engage in counseling, therapy, and medication services from the convenience of your device (iOS, Android, web).
All care is delivered virtually by a behavioral health clinician or medical professional. Talkspace’s network includes thousands of licensed, insured, and verified therapists and prescribers who can treat a variety of needs.
Upcoming Health and Wellness Events
Flower Power
- April 3, noon to 1 p.m.
- Murphy Deming
- Plant seeds in a mini planter to celebrate Earth Day
Play-Doh Power Hour
- April 8, 9 to 11 a.m.
- Murphy Deming
- De-stress during April with a wide selection of Play-Doh and essential oil add-ins
EAP Webinar: Take control of your finances
- April 9, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
- Nuthouse for those viewing on campus
Celebrate Success
- April 10, 12 to 1:30 p.m.
- Hunt Dining Hall
- A fun, feel-good event to celebrate your successes this year at MBU. Cupcakes and treats provided.
TimelyCare Demo
- April 11, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- Blakley House (Health Center upstairs)
- Learn about the mental health app, and how to use it. Food will be provided.
Last Day of Class All-Levels Yoga
- April 12, noon to 12:30 p.m.
- MBU Track
- All levels welcome; class led by Christine Flory
Coloring and Coffee
- April 17, 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.
- Hunt Dining Hall mezzanine
- Art supplies and coffee provided for students to take a study break
Earth Day: Campus Clean Up
- April 22, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Meet at Blakely House
Summer Selfcare Master Class
- May 7, noon to 1:30 p.m.
- Hunt Dining Hall mezzanine
- Learn how to develop a sleep routine, time management skills, find new ways to prioritize your mental health and wellbeing. Food will be provided.