Department of Human Resources & Equal Opportunity

Note: All sessions are free to faculty and staff. 12:00-1:00 sessions are Brown Bag - feel free to bring your lunch.

Come to this session and learn about prevention of cold weather stress and environmental injuries such as hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter months.

Andrew Kimball is an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist with UMD Environmental Health and Safety Office and a certified instructor in CPR, AED, First Aid, HazMat, Defensive Driving and Fire Safety.

Mon, 2/1
12:00-1:00
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Employee Wellness Program

To create a culture that fosters and supports the health and wellness of employees and their dependents is the mission of the Employee Wellness Program. Are you taking advantage of the wellness resources available to you? Attend this session to learn about the wellness initiatives and outreach programs available to you.

Wellness programs FREE for faculty and staff:

• Tobacco/Smoking Cessation Program
• Health Improvement Program (HIP)
• Losing Battle Challenge
• Farmers Market at UMD
• Wellness Workshops
• Wellness Initiatives
• Health Fair
• Employee Assistance Program

UofM Wellness Program (some programs require UPlan coverage*):

• Weight Watchers at Work
• Fitness Reward*
• MEDEX*
• 24-hour Nurse Line*
• Wellness assessment*
• 10,000 steps
• Healthy Living Programs*
• In-person or over-the-phone health coaching*
• Employee Health & Wellness Center
  • Health Coaching*
  • Medication Therapy Management Clinic (MTM)*
  • QuickCare Clinic

Facilitators: Lita Wallace is Wellness and Training Coordinator with UMD Department of Human Resources. Lita works closely with the University of Minnesota Employee Wellness Program in promoting wellness initiatives on the UMD campus. Keri Naglosky of MTM;Pat Trachte, Nurse Practitioner with QuickCare Clinic; and Rachel Gilbertson, UPlan Health Coach, will discuss the outreach programs available through the Employee Health & Wellness Center.

Tue, 2/2
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): Valentine's Day - The Healthy Way

Get ideas for healthy gifts, activities, and recipes you can use to show your partner how much you care.

Tue, 2/9
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): Ways to De-Stress

Join Dori and Heather for tips on practical exercises and foods that can help you to de-stress

Wed, 2/10
12:00-1:00
Garden Room

Losing Battle Challenge 2 Info Session

As part of the UMD Employee Wellness Program initiative, "The Losing Battle" Challenge is being offered again. Participation is FREE for
UMD faculty and staff. Come to this session to learn more about the challenge. The term "losing" in this phrase is used as one's effort to lose those extra pounds or inches with a goal of winning the "battle" to lose them. Weekly health tips and wellness workshops are available.

"The Losing Battle" Challenge is a 10-week challenge to get motivated in losing weight and staying healthy! Participants are comprised of team of
two. An incentive reward will be awarded to all participants.

Facilitators: Rachel Gilbertson is the UMD UPlan Health Coach.

Tue, 2/16
12:00-1:00
Ballroom A

Health Improvement Program (HIP): Losing the Belly! Pilates and Core

Learn basic core exercises designed to tone and slenderize the mid-section.

Tue, 2/23
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): The Importance of Breakfast

Your mother always said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The American Dietetic Association agrees!  Despite the healthful benefits, breakfast may be the meal that is most often neglected or skipped.  Learn about the health benefits of breakfast along with fast and easy recipes!

Tue, 3/2
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): Emotional Eating - Taming the Feast Beast Book Review

Taming the Feast Beast, by Jack Trimpey, focuses on changing thoughts and emotions about food.  This system of recovery from food addictions offers dieters the tools to overcome overeating by identifying the compulsion to overeat, feeling worthwhile, valuing themselves, and eating sensibly.

Thu, 3/4
12:00-1:00
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The "Dash Diet"

Dietary advances to stop hypertension -- the "Dash Diet" has been shown to be as effective as many medications in the control of high blood pressure. Come and learn the basics of this eating plan.

Tue, 3/9
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): Fruits of the Orient

Fruits are an important aspect of tropical Asian diet. The richness of aroma, texture, color, nutrient and flavor is plentiful. Lita will introduce you to the different fruits of the orient. Get ideas on how to prepare or cook them with recipes to share. Depending on availability, we will have samples of fruits.

Facilitator: Lita Wallace is Wellness and Training Coordinator with UMD Department of Human Resources.

Wed, 3/10
12:00-1:00
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Peak Performance: How to Become Your Ultimate Best!

Do you feel as though you need more energy? Do you question if you are performing at your best? Do you ever wonder if you are truly realizing your full health potential? Learn what it means to live optimally and the 6 steps that can get you there.

Thu, 3/11
12:00-1:00
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Fad Diets & Weight Loss

Does grapefruit juice really burn fat? Do you lose weight faster by eating more fat? Does the color of foods play a role in weight loss? Come and compare notes about currently popular diet plans. Find out the scientific facts behind weight loss and maintenance.

Tue, 3/16
12:00-1:00
Ballroom A

Health Improvement Program (HIP): Using Exercise Band

Exercise bands or resistance bands offer a portable workout solution.  Learn about the benefits of bands and how to use them in this exciting class.

Wed, 3/17
8:30-12:30
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The Department of Human Resources and Environmental Health and Safety Office offer this Defensive Driving Course 4 classes for FREE to UMD faculty, staff and their spouses and partners, of any age.

A certificate will be issued upon completion of the course. For those 55 and over, it is advisable to check with your insurance company if completion of this course will qualify you for a discount on your insurance premium.

DDC 4 is a fast-paced, four-hour driver improvement program that also makes an ideal refresher course. In just four hours, DDC 4 offers practical strategies to reduce
collision-related injuries, fatalities, and costs. It addresses the importance of
attitude in preventing accidents, and reinforces the good driving skills students
already have. Most importantly, DDC 4 shows students the consequences of the choices they make behind the wheel, and puts defensive driving in a personal context. Topics include:

* Aggressive driving and road rage
* Fatigue and drowsy driving
* How driver behavior and mental conditions affect driving
* Defensive driving techniques
* The crash impact on passengers
* How to avoid a collision and case study scenarios
* Personal driving style evaluation
* Hazard recognition and collision avoidance
* Emotional impairment, common driving irritation and "Pet Peeves"
* The "Fatal Four" causes of a crash
* Driving skills inventory and assessments
* Occupant protection laws and graduate driver's licensing
* Vehicle malfunctions and maintenance

Facilitators: Andrew Kimball is an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist with UMD Environmental Health and Safety Office.

Thu, 3/18
12:00-1:00
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Distracted Driving: At What Cost?

This workshop introduces the current recommendations on distracted driving, with an emphasis on cell phones, PDAs and other wireless mobile devices. Specific topics include the concept of distracted driving, the dangers of using a cell phone while driving, how cell phone-related distractions affect drivers and safety tips to prevent distracted driving. During the session, participants also will have an opportunity to take a short assessment to determine their own exposure to distractions.

Tue, 3/23
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): Learning About Diabetes, Prevention and Treatment

What is Diabetes? Diabetes affects the body's ability to use blood sugar for energy. The main types include type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Learn more about Diabetes, how it is diagnosed, prevented and treated.

Facilitator: Pat Trachte is the Nurse Practitioner with QuickCare Clinic. Pat graduated from Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing, Philadelphia PA and received Masters in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner track, from CSS. Have worked in Family Practice and Cardiology as a nurse practitioner. Nursing experience includes general medical-surgical nursing, oncology, intensive care, dialysis, and Home Care.

Wed, 3/24
12:00-1:00
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Bad Credit Good Credit

This session will discuss credit and resulting debt management issues, how to make certain you're getting the best credit card for your situation, how to best use credit and how to know when you're in credit trouble.

Thu, 3/25
12:00-1:00
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Through a Parent's Eyes

As parents you want what’s best for your children. You teach them to look both ways before crossing the street. Warn them about talking to strangers. Anything that will allow them to live a long, happy and productive life becomes your top priority. But have you ever really thought about what the simplest actions and decisions that you make on a daily basis can mean for your child’s health, both now and far into the future? From nutrition to exercise, ADHD to obesity, immunity to vaccinations, we’ll break it all down and take a look at what it means to grow up healthy...through a parent’s eyes.

Tue, 3/30
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): The Importance of Sleep

Is sleep deprivation the missing link for being overweight? Find out how sleep deprivation affects weight gain and overall health. Learn tips on how to sleep better.

Wed, 3/31
8:15-12:15
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National Safety Council CPR/AED for Lay People

The NSC CPR/AED course is designed as part of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification training. CPR and First Aid on a choking victim will be taught through demonstration and practice of mannequin and use of AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) will be demonstrated.

Maximum of 10 people

Tue, 4/6
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): Starting a Garden

This session will discuss an overview of the basic steps to starting a garden and your own seedlings.

Wed, 4/7
12:00-1:00
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Learn self and partner stretches as well as different self-massage techniques to keep you flexible and comfortable. Techniques to help your neck, shoulders, back, hips and to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will be covered.

Facilitator:Dr. Lisa Vogelsang is a university professor, photographer, massage therapist, book author, researcher, and presenter at many national/ international conferences in the area of photography and health.

Thu, 4/8
12:00-1:00
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Thyroid Hormones: The Highs and the Lows

This session will provide a general overview of thyroid hormones, review of how the thyroid works, symptoms of high and low thyroid levels including effects on weight and energy levels, and brief overview of treatment.

Tue, 4/13
12:00-1:00
Ballroom A

Health Improvement Program (HIP): Fit for Free

No home gym? No problem! This wellness activity will show alternative ways to create your own home gym. We will use a stimulus package of tools including basic household items in a group fitness class designed from beginners to advanced. Leave this workshop with a wealth of ideas and a new investment in your health!

Wed, 4/14
12:00-1:00
Kirby Rafters

Laughter Yoga

Laughter Yoga is an exercise routine. Anyone can Laugh for No Reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. Join Adam and find out how to look funny but feel better.

Thu, 4/15
12:00-1:00
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Menopause: Can Someone Turn Down the Heat?

This session will provide a general overview of menopause, what changes are occurring, symptoms and available treatments including lifestyle modifications.

Mon, 4/19
5:00-9:00
Griggs Center

-The Department of Human Resources and Environmental Health and Safety Office offer this Defensive Driving Course 4 classes for FREE to UMD faculty, staff and their spouses and partners, of any age.

A certificate will be issued upon completion of the course. For those 55 and over, it is advisable to check with your insurance company if completion of this course will qualify you for a discount on your insurance premium.

DDC 4 is a fast-paced, four-hour driver improvement program that also makes an ideal refresher course. In just four hours, DDC 4 offers practical strategies to reduce collision-related injuries, fatalities, and costs. It addresses the importance of attitude in preventing accidents, and reinforces the good driving skills students already have. Most importantly, DDC 4 shows students the consequences of the choices they make behind the wheel, and puts defensive driving in a personal context. Topics include:

* Aggressive driving and road rage
* Fatigue and drowsy driving
* How driver behavior and mental conditions affect driving
* Defensive driving techniques
* The crash impact on passengers
* How to avoid a collision and case study scenarios
* Personal driving style evaluation
* Hazard recognition and collision avoidance
* Emotional impairment, common driving irritation and "Pet Peeves"
* The "Fatal Four" causes of a crash
* Driving skills inventory and assessments
* Occupant protection laws and graduate driver's licensing
* Vehicle malfunctions and maintenance

Note: feel free to bring your dinner and snack. Coffee will be provided.

Facilitators: Andrew Kimball is an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist with UMD Environmental Health and Safety Office.

Tue, 4/20
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): Inside My Pyramid

Learn how to use mypyramid.gov to get the latest information on nutrition and physical activity from toddlers to adults. Explore how to make a customized MyPyramid Plan and track your food with the menu planner tool. Feel free to bring your laptop to follow along!

Wed, 4/21
12:00-1:00
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Parents Need to Take Care of Themselves, Too

Parents tend to self-sacrifice in some ways that aren’t healthy for themselves or for the people they’re taking care of. Parents who sacrifice their own needs for others innocently send an unhelpful message to their children and others. This workshop will address the problems created by unhealthy self-sacrifice, and will offer ample opportunity for discussion of participants questions and concerns.

Mon, 4/26
12:00-1:00
Kirby Terrace
(outside Kirby Student Center/
above Solon Campus Center)

Portable Fire Extinguisher Training

Fire extinguishers are only valuable safety devices when you know how to use them. This course is designed to alleviate any questions about the use of fire extinguishers. It will also provide information to help you learn about the ABCs of fire extinguishers, how to perform visual inspections and decide whether or not to attempt to fight a fire.

Family members and student employees are welcome to attend this session.

Tue, 4/27
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): Cooking Demo

Do you know that when you cook stir fry, you can make different dishes with it? Join Lita in today's session where we will learn to cook Pancit (rice noodle, similar to lomein) in an authentic Philippine style. We will also learn other ways to prepare the stir fry for other recipes such as fried rice and a dish using coconut milk.

Facilitator: Lita Wallace is Wellness and Training Coordinator with UMD Department of Human Resources.

Wed, 4/28
12:00-1:00
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Reducing Stress Through Understanding Your Camera's Functions

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the technical features of your camera? Bring your camera and instruction manual to this workshop and learn what all those little pictures on the controls mean as well as how to use them in order to get your best shot.

Facilitator:Dr. Lisa Vogelsang is a university professor, photographer, massage therapist, book author, researcher, and presenter at many national/ international conferences in the area of photography and health.

Thu, 4/29
12:00-1:00
Bagley Nature Area

Reducing Stress & Gaining Joy with Photography

Bring your camera to this workshop and practice using its different functions in the beauty of Bagley Nature Area. Skills learned in the previous workshop will be reviewed and practiced to see how much joy one can have by producing the shot you want.

Tue, 5/4
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): Bagley Nature Area Hike

Explore the beautiful Bagley Nature Area on this HIP Hike. Bagley Nature Area is a wonderful place to go to get out of the office, get some fresh air and get activity in! If inclement weather, we will walk indoors.

Tue, 5/11
12:00-1:00
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Health Improvement Program (HIP): Spring Into Activity - Ways to Get Active in Duluth

Learn about the fitness opportunities in the Twin Ports area. Find family-friendly events: hiking, biking, swimming, skiing and much more on Fit City Duluth website. Learn about local resources and health tips all in one place.