Lauren MacLean is president of the Red River College Students’ Association. She is completing her second year of Business Administration with an accounting major. After receiving her RRC diploma she plans to continue her studies towards a Commerce degree. 

Over the past year I’ve met many Student Executives from across Canada through my involvement with the Red River College Students’ Association (RRCSA). One thing I’ve discovered throughout my travels is that the same thing is on all our minds – mental health!

From discussions about our personal experiences with mental health to how students on campus are affected by it to what we could do to increase awareness, it’s is one of the biggest priorities on many campuses and this year the RRCSA is fully committed to keeping the conversation going.

Building on student efforts from last year, the RRCSA is partnering with the college’s Healthy College, Healthy Minds initiative to bring students a Mental Health Awareness Week from Oct. 14 to 17. During this week, students will learn skills to help them understand how to take care of their mental health and know what to do if they are struggling with a mental health issue.

We’re bringing dogs of all sizes and ages to campus to help ease some of the tension that tends to come with studying for midterms. We are also going to help students unleash their creative side with painting and drawing activities and hold a sweats and sweater day to encourage everyone to get comfy and relax.

Mental health is vitally important and it’s important that we all learn how to stay mentally healthy while during school so we can continue these good habits when we enter the workforce.

The fact is that everyone has their own way of de-stressing that works for them, because each of us encounters stress in different ways. One person’s experience is not more or less valid than the next person’s. We simply all need to pay attention to ourselves (and each other) and learn to use resources that are there for us.

Whether it’s talking to a classmate or counsellor, taking time for a quick stretch or limiting the amount of time we spend in front of the computer, there are lots of ways to be mindful of our mental health and plenty of room for discussion about all the different techniques! I for one am very excited to hear about this from students and to keep talking about mental health.

Faye Armstrong is a life coach based in Winnipeg who is passionate about living life to the fullest and helping others do the same. For a little motivation or to learn more about personal coaching, visit www.fayeaarmstrong.com

Before I started the Creative Communications program at Red River College, I asked for advice from some friends who had taken the course before me. I got three gems of wisdom: don’t hand in your assignments late, quit your part time job and dump your boyfriend. I managed to handle the first one (for the most part) but I took the other two with a grain of salt and figured, I’ve got this.

I mean, was I really going to be that busy with school that those other areas of my life would suffer? The short answer is yes, I was. Balancing classes, assignments, friends, the boyfriend, work and life in general was a bit of a challenge.

As a life coach, a lot of my clients struggle with achieving balance in the busyness of life. Whether it’s school-life balance or work-life balance, it can be tough to find that happy place between getting stuff done and still enjoying life while you’re at it. And to be honest, there’s no magic formula, but there are a few things you can do to keep things in check.

1. Determine what balance means for you
Lately we hear so much about “finding balance”, it can start to lose meaning. Balance means different things to different people, so instead of making “balance” your goal, figure out exactly what you want to feel and experience in your life. Do you want to have more fun? Do you want more passion? To feel more accomplished? Like a good friend? More spiritually connected? Identify the feelings that translate to what your vision of happiness is, and then find ways to experience those feelings each day- even if it’s in a small way.

2. Schedule time for yourself
Make yourself a priority. Just like you would schedule time to finish an assignment, catch up with a friend or pick up a shift at work, set a specific time for you to recharge. To use a bit of a strange analogy but one that works nonetheless, think about why flight attendants always tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself before you go helping the people around you.

Self-care is an important part of reaching your goals. If you want to be a better student, employee, friend — whatever it is that you want to be — if you don’t take care of yourself and spread yourself too thin, you end up doing a disservice to yourself and those around you by not being able to give your best.

3. Assess and re-assess
Chances are, there isn’t going to be one set schedule that you can come up with that will forever help you achieve perfect balance in your life. It’s good to have a routine, but there are going to be days when your friend really needs you to be there, when you need to lock yourself in a room and get into major homework mode, or when you need to take a time-out for yourself. Know what your priorities are and realize that those priorities might shift and flux as life tends to.

Also keep in mind that as you move through different phases of your life, your priorities will probably change too. Balance isn’t so much a destination to work towards, as it is a state of being, and it takes work to stay in that state. Check in with yourself every once in awhile to re-evaluate your priorities and how you’re doing in keeping your life aligned with those.

College is all about learning — some of it inside the classroom, and some of it through the life experiences you will have throughout your time here. Consider the hectic schedules, friend drama, heartbreak, excitement and everything else you have on the go as a crash-course in learning the fine art of life balance. And when all else fails, take a deep breath and remember: you’ve got this.

Nobody wants to work out next to the sweaty meathead who smells worse than week-old gym socks. Make sure you’re not the one who’s turning heads for all the wrong reasons by following some simple rules of gym etiquette.

Rule #1: Always wipe the equipment after use.

No one wants to sit in a puddle of your sweat, and they shouldn’t have to. The Loft(and all gyms) provide paper towels and spray bottles to clean equipment after use. Not only is this more hygienic, but it shows consideration for others.

Rule #2: Never rest on the equipment between sets.

When waiting between sets, do not sit on the equipment, let other members work in. Not only are you not using the equipment but, neither is anyone else. Get up and stretch between sets to give others a chance to work out while you recover.

Rule #3: Don’t dress like you’re on a beach.

Although this usually applies to women who wear short shorts and tiny, cropped tops, guys are equally guilty with their mesh or stretched out tank tops. Dressing in this fashion is not only distracting, but could make those who are just starting to work out feel awkward or intimidated. What ever you do make sure you wear clothing that covers all valuables. Also remember to wear proper footwear. Sandals not only put you at risk of a toe-crushing injury, they’re inconsiderate if you’re plagued by smelly foot syndrome.

Rule #4: If you smell, do something about it.

We all sweat. We all smell when we work out. However, some people sweat and smell a little worse than others. If you’re one of those unfortunate souls, invest in an extra strength deodorant for the sake of those who have to work out near you.

Rule #5: Don’t work out in packs.

It’s great to have friends. They can help push you to a higher level when working out, spot for you and keep you motivated. However, surrounding yourself with too many friends when you train will only annoy others.

Rule #6: Let people work in with you.

Some people like to circuit train or do giant sets in quick succession. This is fine if the Loft/EDC is basically deserted, but during the peak periods (before and after classes and at lunch), it is just a pain. Why should one person monopolize all that equipment, especially when there are people waiting? Be considerate. Let people work in with you.

Rule #7: Always return your weights to the stacks.

When using free weights or plates, always return them to the stacks when you’re done. Leaving weights on the floor is a safety hazard. They’re the perfect height for people to trip over. Leaving weights loaded is not fair to other members who either have to spend effort and time unloading the bars, or possibly even skip the apparatus because they can’t manage the heavier weights.

Rule #8: Obey time restrictions for cardio machines.

Everyone’s concept of time is different. When you ride the exercise bike, it might seem like you’ve only been pedaling for five minutes, when in reality it’s been over 30. In the LOFT and at EDC people have to sign up for the cardio machines, especially the popular equipment such as treadmills, and elliptical riders. It’s damn annoying when people blatantly ignore their time restrictions, reset the timer, or place their towel over the control panel to feign ignorance if questioned.

Rule #9: Don’t create a scene.

We all make noise when we work out, whether it’s breathing hard during a cardio workout, or the occasional gasp when lifting weights. However, loud grunts, groans, and obscenities are not welcome. Emitting these types of noises only makes you look like an idiot, or a show-off just begging for an audience. If you find yourself grunting like you’re passing a stone, then maybe you’re lifting too much.

Rule #10: The  Loft/EDC is not TYC or Whiskey Dix’s.

Though there are many attractive members, chatting them up during their exercise routine is poor timing at best. They don’t have time to be distracted by lonely singles looking for dates.

These 10 rules are designed to make your life at the gym better. Imagine a world where you can work out without drowning in other peoples’ pools of sweat, where boneheads don’t think they own the joint and the equipment is accessible any time. Well, the good news is that this utopia is actually easy to achieve. All that is required is for people to think of others, or at the least, follow this easy list.  For more information on the Loft and other on campus recreation facilities visit the Recreations Services website at http://blogs.rrc.ca/rebels/.

by Mario De Negri, Fitness Coordinator For Rebel Athletics and Recreation Services

I came across this blog when I was feeling a fair bit of turbulence in my life. I personally was doing great. Everything was in line, I was working at my best, and being my best self which warrants recognition as that’s something I have failed to do in my past, and can image others feeling something similar in their lives. This was affecting my life from the outside and I had the choice to sit there and take it or stand up and step to the side. I had made some tough decisions to try to keep myself on a healthy path but I couldn’t help shake the pain in my heart. Sometimes clarity of the mind doesn’t mean you’ll find peace in the heart right away. Sometimes the aches in the heart are real but just growing pains we must endure for our own personal growth as a person. Every time I look back at times this has been true I can feel peace in my heart now, but wasn’t so in the moment at that time. This blog brings to lights some of those tough self-questions we need to be asking ourselves to see if we are on our true path. So many of the points highlight quite directly some of the fears about myself I had to face and to accept if I was to move forward on my path. Hopefully they can bring some insight onto you as they have re-affirmed in mine.

Check out the blog here;

http://www.lifebuzz.com/just-stop/

by Cole Skinner, Athletics and Recreation Cooridantor

With exams currently taking place, and the rush to get summer jobs, this is often a busy and stressful time for Red River College Students. Rebels Athletics and Recreation Services has a great way to relieve stress, get fit for summer, and be at your best for exams and job interviews! RRC Athletics and Recreation Services offers Group Fitness Programs suited to all interests and fitness levels. Our highly trained and enthusiastic instructors will lead you through a fun and challenging workout suited to you. Use these classes to get a leg up on your personal fitness goals, with summer right around the corner, why not get active and have fun in the process. We offer a wide variety of classes that can help relieve stress, and improve your personal wellness.

Registered Programs For 2014 Spring Term

Yoga with Amanda on Mondays from 4:15 to 5:15.

Rapid Revolution Spin with Lesley on Tuesdays from 11:05 to 11:50 and Thursdays from 11:05 to 11:50.

Dynamic Core with Leslie on Tuesdays from 12:05 to 12:50 and Thursdays from 12:05 to 12:50.

Cardio Complete with Ming on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 4:45

Boot Camps with Karly on Fridays from 11:05 to 11:50

Stott Pilates with Karly on Fridays from 12:05 to 12:50

Regular classes will start April 28th and run until June 27th.

Drop in cards for 4 or 8 classes per term can also be purchased. An unlimited Full Fitness Pass can also be purchased, allowing to attend as many classes as you want.

Register

To register for a class download the attached form, fill it out and take it to the Student Service Centre to make a payment. 2014 Spring Fitness Classes Registration Form

Although there is a vaccine for influenza, there is no vaccine for the nasty stomach flu or norovirus as it may be called. It causes serious illness, can incapatitate for a number of days and is contagious (you can shed the virus and spread it). Children and elderly are high risk for complictions but everyone is susceptible and anyone can spread it.

It is the one that causes nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea to the point where you want to be in bed, curled up in a ball and as close as possible to a toilet. It hits quickly and hard.

Did you know that just using alcohol santizer instead of washing your hands does not protect you  the same as with some flu and cold strains?  Why? This type of virus does not have the same cover or “envelope” around it which is what the alcohol santizers help destroy in some cold and flu strains, so it is not that affected by the alcohol. It is however, senstive to bleach.

Can I prevent it? Yes and with a basic and easy routine.

Wash your hands with soap and water! Often. When cleaning hard surfaces use a bleach based product following manufacturer directions. Many such wipes are on the market now.

A CDC study in health facilities found those who mostly used hand sanitizers instead of washing with soap and water were 6 times more likely to have stomach flu (gastro) outbreaks  in their long term care facility over facilities whose staff washed with soap and water.

Tips

• Food preparation areas need constant cleaning and if handling food, washing hands often is a must.
• If you have a dishwasher use it even for small loads as it has higher temperatures then can be tolerated by hand washing.
• If you must hand wash, put on rubber lined gloves and use as high a heat as possible.
• Don’t share. If you have a person in the house who has the stomach flu, isolate that person and what they use.
• Wash affected laundry on high heat. You can also run the machine on its own with some bleach to keep cross contamination at a minimum.
• Clean clean clean any surfaces a person who is ill may or could touch. A bleach based product whether liquid or wipe is best.
• Do a routine wipe down of things like keyboards, phones, remote controls and any other items that people share.
• To prevent a bout of stomach flu going around the office, class, meeting rooms, lunch rooms or coffee areas; Institute a routine of wiping down hard surfaces. Wash hands with soap and water even if you wore gloves while cleaning.
• The virus sheds from an infected person 1-2 days  before that person even knows they are sick.
• The virus can live for days on hard surfaces happily waiting for someone to pick them up.
• Drinks lots of fluids- water, milk white or chocolate and real fruit juices. It keeps you hydrated which allows your body to function at its best.

• Eat foods that replenish your system needs, protein, vegetables, grains and reduce those that put stress on the body such as energy drinks and sugars.

From Health Services

Many students struggle with budgeting and managing their finances while going to school. It’s a normal part of student life as not many students can pay for their education without taking out a loan or line of credit, or working at least part-time during the school year.

This can be a significant source of stress for students and certainly does nothing for our focus and concentration!

If you’re worried about your finances, here are some ideas for helping you take control of the situation so you can feel less stressed (preferably sooner than later!):

• Create a plan. 

When it comes to finances, information is power. So take avoidance off the table as a coping strategy. Make a date with yourself to sit down and go over what you spent in the last month and plan a budget going forward. Force yourself to look at the hard numbers and keep in mind that money comes and goes. You will (presumably) be working and making money eventually so you can worry about the details of paying back any money you owe then. For now, you need to think about how much money you have to work with for the remainder of school.
• Enlist the help of an expert. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed going through your finances (or even just thinking about starting to), see if you can make an appointment with a financial advisor where you do your banking. Don’t be nervous — they meet with clients all day, every day so this is hardly something new for them! Just be honest about your concerns. You will likely feel much better after talking with them and coming up with a plan.
• Look into student-specific resources

. Red River College’s Student Awards and Financial Aid office offers a number of scholarships and bursaries that you may qualify for. If you don’t have a student loan already, it could be worth looking into Manitoba Student Aid (you can apply for a student loan throughout the year). Manitoba Student Aid also offers grants and loans that don’t require immediate repayment while you are a full-time student.
• De-stress. 

After trying one or all of the above, it’s a good idea to do something fun or relaxing to help reduce your stress levels. There are lots of things that you can do that don’t cost money. It can be as simple as getting some fresh air with a friend or using the fitness facilities at RRC. You can also check out the free entertainment and events happening downtown or in your area.
• Talk about it

. Don’t ignore the stress you’re feeling. The problem and your uncomfortable feelings won’t go away until you work through them. If you need some help figuring out what steps you should take first, the Counselling and Accessibilities Services can help. To book an appointment, fill out the online intake form and someone will contact you to set up an appointment.

When I went to university I had a difficult time making the transition.  During my first year, I reached the half-way point and I still hadn’t found that feeling of being “in stride” with it. I understood the routine of getting up for classes and making sure I caught my bus at the same time every day.  I also felt the stress of the workload piling up on me and I barely had any free moments to relax and not think – to be young and having fun.

I thought my January resolutions would’ve held out … but who was I kidding. I knew it would be the same pattern as before, and just thinking that way had already set me up for failure. I knew that if I was to succeed with what I wanted out of life I had to really take a good look at myself, really see who I was and face some of the unwanted answers to the question “Who am I?”. I would have to make some tough decisions, and change the way I live by recognizing my personal patterns (both good and bad).

Here are some tips that helped me back then and continue to help make my life one that I design for myself and not something that others have programmed for me.

1)     Just Do It

One thing that stops most of us is our inability to just do something, anything. What should I do? How should I do it?  Just the momentum of movement will lead us to answers we seek as long as we remain detached to the outcomes and remain focused on ourselves. Energy creates energy. Fears will be there and barriers will come but by taking a simple step towards what you want you will bring yourself closer to that bliss we all chase.  This one step will also create emotions within ourselves which, when they are in line with our true path, will lift us up and carry us further down the path of our dreams. However if you deal with any type of anxiety this can seem like a huge deal. It’s easier said than done. Work on being gentle with yourself and working on non-judgment. If you can find yourself at a point where you can forgive yourself for doing nothing you are on the right track to getting into doing something. There is no race in life. You are on your own timeline which can give you that sense of freedom and relieve some of the pressures on ourselves.  Read More →

Parents may be used to having their homes toddler proofed, however, with the festive season many go out visiting and we could use a short refresher on keeping our little visitors safe. Here are a few tips from Parachute who have great injury prevention tips and reminders.

• At the start of get-togethers, agree on who is going to watch the kids and for how long. Otherwise, family and friends may believe someone is watching the young ones, when no one is doing so.
• Toddlers are curious and active so it’s natural for them to want to explore a decorated tree and its ornaments. It’s safest to have your tree out of reach (e.g., a tabletop tree) or in a room with a safety gate so the child can see but not touch it. Even for preschool children, it’s best to have soft, unbreakable decorations, such as those made of felt.
• Candles are one of the most common causes of household fires. If you must use candles, place them in sturdy holders that won’t tip, away from flammable materials and well out of the reach of children. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room.
• Keep purses and bags away from toddlers reach as they may hold dangerous items, such as medicines or a lighter.
• Gas fireplaces can burn little hands when the glass barrier is touched. Safety gates can keep your child at a safe distance. Consider not using the fireplace when young children are around.

From Health Services

With the flu clinics over at the Notre Dame Campus there are still numerous ways to receive the flu shot. The flu shot is still available on a walk in basis at the Health Centre in room HM-08 on the NDC campus.

You can also get your flu shot on a walk-in basis at the Health Office based at 306 Paterson Global Foods building.

The Health Centre recommends that staff and students print and complete the immunization consent form (sections A-D) that is available at on the Health Services website. It is also recommended to phone the applicable Health Centre ( NDC 632-2238, PGF 631-3386) before coming in for a flu shot so that they can advise you on when it is best to come in. Remember as with any clinic depending on circumstances you may have to wait if the clinic becomes busy and there is a 15 min waiting period after you shot.

Although WRHA Winnipeg Mass Flu Clinics are now closed, it is not too late to get the flu shot from your regular health care provider or from your local community health office. A list of locations and phone numbers of public health offices that can give you the flu shot is available on the WRHA webpage (http://www.wrha.mb.ca/healthinfo/a-z/influenza/clinics.php).

If you are looking for more information to help you make the decision whether or not to receive the flu shot this year, please visit the following blogs found on the RRC Wellness blog page (http://blogs.rrc.ca/wellness/). These blogs address common questions and concerns regarding influenza and vaccination against the flu in an easy to read and compact manner.

• “If you think flu season is coming up…you’re right!”
• “How is the flu vaccine made? Is it safe?”
• “Myth or fact? – What is the truth behind flu season?”

According to the Government of Manitoba the peak incidence of influenza occurs during the months of December and January each year. Although it is only October it is always a good idea to get the vaccinated against influenza early in the flu season, as it may take up to two weeks to build the required antibodies that will protect you against the flu.

From Health Services Practicum Nursing Students Alexis and Thomas