Health & Wellness News
UW-Madison Identity & Inclusion
March 2021
Be Healthy
Focus on your mental health, your physical health, and our communities’ health! Giving and sharing with others can also help our sense of well-being as we recognize what is truly important in life. Choose to do what works well for you, and possibly be inspired with what follows in this newsletter.
Wellness Events & Activities
Find many more UW-Madison health and wellness events on UW-Madison’s wellness calendar.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Summit
March 11-12
Join UW-Madison’s first Mental Health & Wellbeing Summit, a series of workshops and activities for UW–Madison students to take a break and care for their mental and physical health. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, licensed psychologist, speaker, and host of the wildly popular mental health podcast, Therapy for Black Girls, kicks off the event Thursday, March 11, at 6 p.m. CST with valuable tips and insights to manage your mental health. On Friday, March 12, join live events and access on-demand offerings that fit your needs, whether it’s dropping in on a live yoga class, learning the ins and outs of better sleep, or picking up new skills to manage procrastination and stress. #TakeCareUW
Badgers Week of Self Care
March 15-19
It’s been a long, tough year, and most of us need a break —a chance to recharge. UW–Madison Student Affairs invites you to participate in a grassroots, weeklong campaign to promote self-care and community well-being among UW—Madison students, faculty, and staff right where they are. The week of community and self-care will follow UW–Madison’s first Mental Health & Wellbeing Summit, taking place on March 11-12. #TakeCareUW
Generational Diversity
Monday, March 15
10-11 AM CST
For the first time in history there are four different generations in the workplace. Learn how to value the new ideas and embrace the change that each new generation brings. Register here.
COVID-19 Vaccination at UW-Madison
Wednesday, March 17
12-1 PM CST
UW-Madison experts discuss COVID-19 vaccine efforts on campus. Topics include eligibility in the campus community, questions about vaccines, and next steps to get faculty, staff and students vaccinated. Find out more here. In addition, anyone who meets state eligibility may also make vaccine appointments through their health care providers or other vaccination providers in the community.
Free Wisconsin Union Meal for Students
March 23-25
The Wisconsin Union is once again offering a free meal to any UW-Madison student. The dates for this month’s meal are March 23-25. Students need to pre-register here.
Budgeting After College
Tuesday, March 30
4-5 PM CST
There are many changes after graduating. You might have a new job, maybe you’re moving, and it might be the first time you’re completely in charge of your finances. Learn how to keep a healthy budget, and much more during this introduction or refresher to budgeting. Find out more here.
Articles
UW-Madison Maintains Biking Platinum Level
See the rankings of top universities for biking friendliness here.
UW-Madison Student Health Survey
University Health Services is partnering with the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) to survey a randomly selected group of UW-Madison students (approximately 1 in 4) about their health behaviors, risks, and needs. Students who receive the survey on March 15 are encouraged to complete it as responses will help guide the improvement and equity of policies, programs, and services that promote health and well-being for UW–Madison students and the campus community. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Incentives for completion include prize eligibility. Results from UW-Madison’s 2018 participation led to UW System President Tommy Thompson proposing a $10 million increase in funding for behavioral health across the UW System, with an emphasis on increasing counseling and psychiatry staffing and diversifying staffing based on trends from NCHA survey data. Further information is here.
Be Creative with Wheelhouse Studios
Join Wheelhouse Studios for open studio use, for virtual workshops and courses and more. Find out more here.
Employee Well-Being Resources
Find much useful information at the employee well-being page. You will find monthly lunch and learns hosted by LifeMatters, campaigns (i.e. America Saves Week) and other opportunities.
WedMD Well Wisconsin $150
How health coaching can help you earn $150. For University employees with State health insurance, you can check off the “well-being activity” portion of your Well Wisconsin incentive by completing three coaching sessions via phone call of online Coach Connect chats. REMEMBER: You earn $150 by completing a well-being activity, a health assessment, and a health check. Visit webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin for more details.
Is Savoring the New Mindfulness?
Beautiful places, kind people, and great food aren’t just nice things to experience—they’re key to good mental health. Read more.
WellWisconsin: Stress Less with the Anti-Anxiety Diet
Foods to Fight Anxiety
If you struggle with anxiety, a diet rich in the right foods can help. Some research shows that the following ingredients may have a positive effect on reducing anxiety:
- Antioxidants: beans, berries, turmeric, ginger
- Magnesium: leafy dark greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds
- Omega-3 fatty acids: salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds
- Probiotics: yogurt, pickles, sauerkraut, kefir
- Zinc: legumes, beef, cashews, egg yolks
Join the All of Us Research Programs Advancing Research
Join the All of Us Research Program to help advance medical research and improve the future of health in Wisconsin and beyond.
Healthy Students May Do Better
Data from the 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey continues to show a significant connection between better student grades and healthy dietary behaviors and physical activity, although it is important to remember that these associations do not prove causation.
COVID-19 & Immunizations
Information about UW-Madison vaccine eligibility and other resources can be found at uhs.wisc.edu/medical/covid19vaccine. Checking with your physician’s office and local pharmacies is also recommended. What is useful to know about COVID-19 vaccines? Read more about COVID-19 vaccines and variants here (courtesy of People’s Pharmacy).
Resources
- Take a virtual RecWell group exercise class, or try a new recipe with a loved one on Facetime or Zoom.
- Employee Assistance provides no cost confidential counseling and referral.
- The Office of Child Care and Family Resources provides one-on-one consultations in addition to many other resources to support your family during this time.
- LifeMatters, a free resource to UW-Madison employees
- The Center for Healthy Minds offers a free guided medication on appreciating friends and loved ones.
- Many more UW-Madison employee well-being resources are here and student resources are here.
- Here is a list of 10+ resources to assist students with mental health and well-being.
- Here is information on UW-Madison’s applications for student emergency financial support.
- Find a variety of UW-Madison student Basic Needs Resources (food resources, mental health, technology, employment, child care and more) here.
Safer Badgers App
Find the latest information, FAQs, and related campus messages on the COVID Response website. Campus testing sites are drop-in. Learn how to “pool your drool” and avoid a rejected saliva sample.
Eat Well
Eat These Foods to Support Your Immune System
To support a strong immune system, pack your diet with whole, nutrient-dense foods. Eating a varied diet that includes foods rich in immune-boosting nutrients—think vitamins A, D, E, C, selenium, zinc, and antioxidants—combined with proper sleep and exercise can help keep illness at bay. Certain fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, have also been associated with immune health benefits, according to a review published in the International Journal of Molecular Science.
Here are 10 Quick and Easy 500-Calorie Dinners able to be made in a snap.
Minced anchovies and garlic butter deepen this seared salmon’s flavor.
Health and Wellness News
Credits: Jim Rogers and Co-editor Kalli Anderson