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September / October 2024

Each month, ����Ӱ��’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 540-887-7167 or cmflory@marybaldwin.edu.

You can , and access additional info on the ����Ӱ�� health and wellness website.

Learn about developing a “nature break habit,” a healthier way to take a break from your tasks by enjoying the outdoors. Image credit: Photo by Nils Nedel on Unsplash

Take a Healthier Break: Go Outside!

The type of breaks you take matter: If your go-to break when you’ve finished a task is to scroll through your phone or flip on the TV, consider going outside instead. Aim to develop a “nature break habit.”

Studies show that spending time outside can:

• Enhance moods. Just looking at plants or green space can lift your spirits!��
• Promote clearer vision. Rest your eyes by focusing on the tree line on the distant horizon for about 20 minutes to help relieve blurry vision or headaches from staring at screens.��
• Boost your attention. Nature offers many cues to slow down and just “be.” Pause and notice fluttering leaves or the flight of a bee — this can be an in-the-moment form of meditation, helping you return to your day more focused and refreshed.��
• Increase feelings of social connectedness. Stepping outside brings you closer to other people in your community. Human contact promotes good mental health, even if you’re just saying hi to a neighbor.

September Health Observances

There are a number of important health observances happening in September. Here is a variety of resources so that you have quick, easy access to tips and information.

����Ӱ�� Wellness Monthly Health Tip

Limit distractions to streamline your day: Information overload can cause you to feel stressed and unfocused, affecting your productivity.

Streamline your day by

• taking control of your notifications,
• limiting time spent on social media, and
• reducing distractions on your phone.

Faculty/Staff Support Through TimelyCare

TimelyCare provides a dedicated phone line for faculty and staff to reach the
TimelyCare team for guidance and support in cases of student distress.

You can access Faculty and Staff Support by calling 833-4-TIMELY. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Wellness Portal for Faculty/ Staff: Health Advocate

Health Advocate replaced Web MD wellness portal in Jan. 2024.

Quarter 3 deadline to earn and log incentives is Sep. 30.

To earn the incentive you need to earn and log 100 points in the wellness portal.

Question about the new portal can be emailed to Director of Wellness Initiatives Christine Flory at cmflory@marybaldwin.edu.��

Please take a few minutes to watch this video, which provides a comprehensive overview of the new wellbeing portal and how to log incentives.

Health and Wellness Webinars

Upcoming webinars for the fall

September 19: Coping with Grief and Loss
This webinar will be presented in both English and Spanish

• English registration links: ��
• Spanish registration links: ��

October 10: Domestic Violence Awareness

• ��

November 14: Holiday Game Plan: Handling Holiday Stress

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Anthem EAP Webinars

To view a seminar on demand, go to  and enter your company code: ����Ӱ��

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.

September Topic: Emotional Intelligence

• Date/Time: 9/10/2024 12:30 PM, America/New York
• ID: ATHM108572
• Webinar Information:
  • Attendee Link:
  • 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 Access Code:
  • Webinar Password: k6X5Jy5ecae

October topic: Breast Cancer Awareness��

• Date and login information to come��

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.

New Resource: VapeFreeVA.org

The Virginia Department of Health’s Tobacco Control Program launched as a one-stop resource guide for teens, young adults, and their support circles (parents, guardians, coaches, educators, and physicians).

While Virginia’s “Live Vape Free” texting program has been phased out, the website will continue to connect Virginians to our new page with cessation information and additional support to quit vaping.

Free help to quit tobacco: Quit Coaches available for support

A free 24/7 service for all Virginians, 13 and older for all types of tobacco/nicotine:

• 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669)
• Text READY to 34191

Upcoming Health and Wellness Events

The Split Banana Co. Suicide Prevention Fundraiser

• Wednesday, Sep. 11
• 5 to 10 p.m.
• Split Banana, 7 West Beverley Street in downtown Staunton

Join the community for the annual Split Banana Suicide Prevention Fundraiser. 10 % of all sales go directly to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or go to .

����Ӱ�� Flu Shot Clinic

• Sep. 23
• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Staunton Campus: SAC club room

��Save the Date for October Events

• Apple Day: Oct. 1
• Wellness Week: Oct. 7-11��