With the wonderful idea and motivation set in place by The Wellness Committee with the February’s Wellness Get Movin’ challenge, office C517 actually took it “one step” further and created an Office Challenge, with a collective monthly goal of 2 000 000 steps. We had a wonderful response to our “steppin’ challenge” and we are now seeing that we have underestimated the energy and determination of our office mates. What started out as asking each of our 12 members to maintain an average 5800 steps per day for the month, has turned into us now witnessing daily postings of 10 000 to 20 000. Oh, we are a competitive bunch!

The first week was quite exciting and we had a few laughs with all the “trash talk” and even the thought of competing against each other. In the end, we decided that next year we will expand our group idea and maybe try to compete against other offices, or even if each member entered a small donation to start and the combined winner at the end of the month would have the total donated to a charity of their choice. So many ideas for next year…but all I know now is that I watch our team mate’s eyes when they first arrive in the morning scanning the board, and excitedly write in their numbers before even removing their jackets. It’s fun, it’s exciting and it has definitely brought our team closer together.

BRAVO to C517, not all our numbers are in for the first 11 days, and we are well on our way to meeting our goal!

We may have to raise that bar another 2 000 000….

The Wellness Committee is hosting its first ever “Get Movin’ Challenge”. For the entire month of February, challenge yourself, your co-workers and fellow students to stop sitting and start moving.

Dates:
Participation- February 1-29
Prize Day- Thursday March 3

Signing Up!
Sign-up by email at wellness@rrc.ca

Counting Your Steps!
It’s easy! Use your smartphone, fitness band or a pedometer

Smart phone Apps Examples:
IPhone- Steps, Pacer, Pedometer
Android- S Health, Google Fit, Pedometer
BlackBerry- Casca/Sports Run Tracker Pro, Sports Tracker, Endomondo

Step Conversion Chart

Some activities do not allow for a pedometer to be used, or perhaps you would rather count your steps/exercise/activity without one. No problem. You can use the following Step Conversion Charts to mark your progress! Below are to separate but similar conversion charts, use whichever one that works best for you and get active!

Purdue University Activity Converter

Step Conversion Chart

Incentives/Prize Structure: Participants will gain entry into each prize category if they complete a specific minimum number of days in which they achieve 7,000 steps per day. There will be 3 prize levels:

Bronze Level-10 days completed: Prizes included- Gatorade bottles, Gatorade towels, Gatorade powder tins, yoga mats, Rebels swag, Ladderball Set, Gym Bag

Silver Level– 15 days completed: Prizes included- Manitoba Moose tickets, Free Rec Services Fitness Class, Free RRC Gym Membership, Free Massage session with Jason Mtthes @ AAA Mobile Massage Therapy, Free Athletic Therapy Session with Andrea Wazney @ Rebels Athletics, Free Athletic Therapy Session with Stephanie Smith @ Rebels Athletics

Gold Level– 20 days competed: $250 Gift Certificate from Sport Chek, Thermea Spa Package, (2) Fitbit Wristbands

Example: If Jill reaches 7,000 steps per day for 21 of the days, she is entered once in each level draw. If Joe reaches 7,000 steps per day for 17 of the days, he is entered once into the Bronze and Silver levels.

All participants will be self-reporting.

Get Movin Challenge Booklet

Get Movin Challenge-PDF Tracker

Prize Day

Will occur Thursday March 3rd 12:00-12:45pm, at the Cave on NDC. Participants will hand in their log books to the committee, which are then entered into the various prize categories. Persons who cannot attend in person can submit results beforehand by email to wellness@rrc.ca. 

The cutoff to enter results in person is 12:30pm, Thursday March 3rd. 

Cutoff to enter results via email is 3:00pm, Wednesday March 2nd. 

The draw will commence at 12:30pm, Thursday March 3rd with the winners announced.

Ways to Get Movin’!

The more days you achieve your goal, the better the prizes. Use a wide array of physical activities to reach your goal, walking, running, biking, dancing, swimming, etc. It’s all about being active! Try using the stairs instead of an elevator, have a walking meeting rather than sitting, park a little farther from grocery store. It all adds up!

Upcoming Submission Deadline!

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you to submit your 2015 claims to your Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) by March 31, 2016.

2015 claims must be received by Great-West Life prior to March 31^st, 2016 to be claimed against your 2015 HCSA dollars. Any unused 2015 benefit dollars remaining after this period will be forfeited.

The HCSA can be used to cover a range of benefits not normally covered under other types of group benefits plans or by provincial medical plans.

What are covered expenses?

You are covered for 100% of eligible expenses that you incur while you and your dependents are covered, up to the total amount of dollars in your HCSA.

The Income Tax Act governs the types of expenses that can be reimbursed under the HCSA. This includes medical or dental services provided by a:

• Licensed medical practitioner;
• Dentist; or
• Public or licensed private hospital.

Please visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca and search on medical expenses for a complete list.

When does my HCSA refresh?

On January 1^st, 2016 your HCSA refreshed based on the Flex Option you have chosen and part-time/full-time status where applicable. Please visit www.greatwestlife.com to review your claims history and obtain your HCSA statement including balance.

What happens if I have excess claims from 2015?

Under the HCSA, you can carry forward claims up to 12 months from the date of service. This means if you had more 2015 expenses than you had 2015 HCSA dollars, you can carry forward those claims for reimbursement against your 2016 HCSA balance.

Great-West Life online!

GroupNet

GroupNet for Plan Members gives you access to a world of secure, user-friendly services:

• Submit many of your claims online
• Sign up for Direct Deposit – claims paid directly into your bank account
• View your claim status and Explanation of Benefits for the past 24 months
• Access our Health & Wellness site for topics that are important to you

Visit www.greatwestlife.com to register and login for the first time if you have not already done so.

GroupNet Mobile app

GroupNet for Plan Members is now available through the free GroupNet Mobile app available for Android™, Blackberry® or iPhone.

• Submit claims online
• Access information about your benefits, coverage balances, claims and more
• View card information
• Locate the nearest provider for Provider eClaims, through built-in GPS mapping tool
• Search for medications by drug name or Drug Identification Number (DIN)
• See if a drug is covered and what percentage
• Access a library of drug information

eClaims

Great-West Life’s Provider eClaims offers on-the-spot claims submission at approved providers, including chiropractors, physiotherapists and acupuncturists.

Your provider will need to know your group benefits policy/plan number and your member ID number to submit claims using Provider eClaims.

GroupNet Text

Get instant access to your benefit details with GroupNet Text! Sign up on GroupNet for Plan Members under the Your Profile tab.

To utilize this feature, you text a keyword to 204-289-1667 and you’ll receive information on your benefit coverage inquiry. For a complete list of key words, text Help. For a description of the type of information a key word provides, text Help and the keyword.

DrugHub

DrugHub lets you use your iPhone to:

• Search thousands of medications – ingredients, interactions and side effects
• Set reminders for you and your family to take medications on schedule
• Know when you’re running low, when to order refills and more!

Supporting Your Wellness

The LifeWorks website contains useful tools and articles to help you achieve your goals. Check out the new podcast Achieving Your Goals and other resources and seminars at www.lifeworks.com.

Remember your EFAP User ID and Password:

User ID: rrcefap                                Password: efap

Thank you to all RRC students and employees who dropped by and participated at our ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ Wellness Event last week at NDC and EDC!

The ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ theme was evident by the interaction and participation at our various stations. Over 50 people relaxed at the Adult Colouring station and many took a coloring sheet back with them to finish their artwork! We received rave reviews over the tasty cookies and hot chocolate – what a nice treat on a cold winter day!

Our guest Marc Forrester, from Winnipeg Insight Meditation Group, enjoyed sharing his knowledge! 64 students and employees indicated an interest in finding out more about meditation.

The Therapy Dogs and owners were a special treat. The smiles on everyones faces during their interactions speaks volumes as to the benefits we gain from being around these lovely animals.

There was a renewed interest in what Lifeworks – the RRC employees Employee and Family Assistance Program – has to offer. We navigated the pages within the Lifeworks.com website to find interesting articles, information and tips on a diverse number of topics including quitting smoking, child care information, Will kits, finance sections, where to call to speak with a consultant or counsellor. Click here to access the LifeWorks website.

Look for the LifeWorks posters over the campuses too!

The Wellness Committee will donate 3 books to the Library – The Path of the Yoga Sutras; The Relaxed Mind and The Kundalini Yoga Experience.

Stay tuned for more Wellness Events including the ‘Get Movin’ Challenge’ for the month of February.

Finally, Congratulations to the prize draw winners!

‘How to Meditate’ books – Paul Brady (NDC) & Judyta Szacilowski (Roblin Centre)
Adult Coloring Books – Gurpreet Kaur (NDC) & Virginia Wark (Roblin Centre)

Thanks for your participation! The Wellness Committee

Calm mind brings inner strength & self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health – Dalai Lama

 Join the Wellness Committee on January 21 at NDC and January 22 at Robin Centre where you can de-stress and rejuvenate for 2016. 

Meet us in the hallway for hot chocolate and cookies, and while taking a break from the computer screen, you can unwind and clear your thoughts with a favorite pastime, colouring…

Yes! Research has shown that colouring for adults is a great way to reduce stress and clear your thoughts.   

After colouring, wander over to meet our meditation expert who will share with you the proven scientific benefits of meditation: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Next, visit Lifeworks.com, the RRC Employee and Family Assistance Program website to navigate and find resources to help in managing stressors in your work and personal life.

 End your break by visiting our therapy dogs who will brighten your day and lift your spirits!

 Staff and students – please drop by!

 January 20, 2016 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – NDC Library Hallway

January 21, 2016 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Roblin Centre Atrium

For more information, contact wellness@rrc.ca.

Red River College 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.

Registered Programs For 2016 Winter Term

Here are some the classes already scheduled for next year!

Boot Camps with Jesse on Mondays from 12:05pm to 12:50pm and Wednesdays from 11:05am to 11:50am.

Yoga with Amanda and Shannon on Mondays from 4:15pm to 5:15pm and Thursdays from 4:15pm to 5:15pm

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

Cardio Fusion with Ming on Tuesdays from 4:15pm to 5:00pm.

20/20 Stack Training with Lesley on Wednesdays from 11:05pm to 11:50pm

Spin with Lesley on Thursdays from 11:05pm to 12:50pm.

Fitness Classes Now Free for Students!!!

Starting in 2016, all Fitness Classes are free to use for RRC Students. Students can fill out Fitness Class registration form, minus payment, and drop it off or email to Recreation Coordinator Cole Skinner @ coskinner@rrc.ca or GM20 in the North Gym. Students are also welcome to drop in the fitness classes as well, provided space available.

Info

Regular classes will start January 25th and run until April 11.

Drop in cards for 5 or 10 classes per term can also be purchased.

Free Week

Not quite ready to sign up? Want to try a class but not fully commit? Then Free Week is for you! January 18-22, all of our Fitness Classes are free to try for everyone. Bring a friend and have some fun!

Register

To register for a class download the 2016 Winter Fitness Classes Registration Form , if your staff, alumni or community user fill it out and take it to the Student Service Centre to make a payment.  If you are a student, please complete form and drop off at Front Desk at the North Gym.

****EDC/Downtown Students and Staff.

Sport Manitoba is offering Fitness Classes this year that will also be open to RRC Students and Staff. With the Sport For Life Centre only a few blocks away in the exchange, this is an excellent option for those working/studying downtown and looking to participate in Fitness Classes.

Click Here for more information.

Minimize your stress this holiday season![1]

Preparing for the holidays comes with increased demands on our time and activity. Stress results when demands exceed our ability to cope. The holidays are events out of the ordinary that we often expect to be extraordinary. Finding the perfect gift, preparing the perfect meal or hosting a family gathering with no setbacks or conflicts may not be a realistic expectation, for yourself or for others. When expectations are too high, when they are not met or things happen that are out of our control, we can end up feeling disappointed or frustrated and stress is a likely result.

Everyone has a different way of coping with stress and some can make the situation better or worse. Here are some positive ways to cope with holiday stress:

• Review your expectations for the holidays. Make sure your expectations are yours and not someone else’s and make sure that they are realistic. What you can do and want to do might be very different.
• Make sure that you are expecting something over which you have some control. Make sure that you plan an event that you can make happen.
• Let others know what you expect of them and don’t forget to ask for help if you need it.
• Only take on what you can manage. Spending more than you can afford or inviting more people to an event than you can accommodate is likely to lead to stress and frustration.
• Review or plan your coping strategies before a special event. Time out for physical or relaxation exercise, a walk or hobbies can be great coping mechanisms for stress and are good lifestyle practices in general.
• Focus on what really matters. Think about what is more important to you – the perfect gift, a turkey cooked perfectly and on time or enjoying time with family and friends.

Your Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) through LifeWorks also has plenty of recourses to assist you with managing holiday stress. Visit the LifeWorks website to view some helpful articles.

Individual Health, Dental and Travel

Individual Health Dental Travel (HDT) Insurance plan assistance, offered through HUB International STRATA Benefits Consulting, is a service that aims to provide additional coverage for an Employee who is already covered, or provide coverage for a dependent who is not otherwise covered for benefits.

Individual insurance is all about you. The insurance carrier, plan level and options are all chosen based on your wants, needs, and budget. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you can apply for plans that offer non-medical applications provided you apply within a certain timeframe of terminating your Group coverage.

This program is 100% voluntary for any Employee requiring additional coverage, leaving the Group Plan, or in need of coverage for a family member; simply contact HUB STRATA for your initial Needs Assessment.

Contact HUB STRATA at 1-866-787-2826 or at emerge@stratagroup.ca to discuss your post-group health, dental and travel needs.

Supporting Your Wellness

The LifeWorks website contains useful tools and articles to help you and your family. You even have access to seminars at www.lifeworks.com.

If you’re a family caregiver, you may be struggling to balance the demands of your many roles. This month, LifeWorks will feature their resources on caring for older dependent loved ones. Check out these resources:

• Podcast – Facing a Terminal Illness
• New Seminar – The Sandwich Generation

[1] Cohen, Dr. K.R. 2014. “Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Holiday Stress. Canadian Psychological Association. http://www.cpa.ca/docs/File/Publications/FactSheets/PsychologyWorksFactSheet_HolidayStress.pdf

Out-of-Country Emergency Travel Health Coverage

Eligible Red River College employees and their eligible dependents have 100% Emergency Travel Health Coverage for trips up to 90 days.

What is an out-of-country medical emergency?

The definition of an out-of-country medical emergency is “a sudden, unexpected injury or acute episode of disease”. You will not be covered if you are travelling against medical advice.

What to do during a medical emergency out-of-province/country?

When traveling abroad, it is important to carry your Great-West Life ID card. Your card includes the toll-free numbers required to obtain assistance during a medical emergency. In the event of an emergency call Global Medical Assistance (GMA) as soon as possible. The call can be made during or immediately following a medical situation, such as:

• You are hospitalized or about to be hospitalized.
• You need assistance in locating proper medical care.
• Physician and/or Hospital requires insurance verification (confirmed through GMA directly).
• You are involved in an accident requiring medical treatment.
• You have a medical problem and require translation service.
• Emergency evacuation is deemed medically necessary (arrangements will be made through GMA).
• Any serious medical problem arises.

Be prepared to give the name of the person covered, the group and contract number and a description of the problem.

For more information or to print your ID card, log in to the Great-West Life Member Portal with your Great-West Life user name and password.

Global Medical Assistance (GMA)

The Global Medical Assistance program through Great-West Life provides medical assistance through a worldwide communications network which operates 24 hours a day. The network locates medical services and obtains Great-West Life’s approval of covered services, when required as a result of a medical emergency. Coverage for travel within Canada is limited to emergencies arising more than 500 kilometers from home. You must be covered by the government health plan in your home province to be eligible. For a list of covered services, see your benefits booklet.

Supporting Your Wellness

The LifeWorks website contains useful tools and articles to build resilience and develop relationships by volunteering and committing to your community. You even have access to seminars at www.lifeworks.com.

Check out these resources:

• Podcast – Giving Back
• Seminar – Happiness: Learning from Positive Psychology

Remember your EFAP User ID and Password:

User ID: rrcefap                                Password: efap

STRATA Select Voluntary Benefits

Through the Voluntary STRATA Select Program, you are eligible for discounts on a variety of products and services such as:

• Hotel Bookings
• Home & Auto Insurance
• Home Telephone
• Home Security Systems
• Hospital Cash
• Individual Health, Dental and Travel
• Long Distance Savings
• MyCare (Medical Access Plan)
• Personal Safety Monitoring Devices
• Pet Health Insurance
• Travel Discounts
• Vehicle Rental Discounts (National / Enterprise)

Log on to your STRATA Select website for more information.

Login: rrc              Password: voluntary

Preferred Vision Services (PVS)

Preferred Vision Services is a service provided by Great-West Life. PVS entitles you to a discount on a wide selection of quality eyewear and lens extras including scratch guarding and tints when purchased from a PVS network provider.

You can also obtain a discount on laser eye surgery and even hearing aids!

You can use this discount as often as you like for yourself and for your dependents.

Refer to your group benefits booklet for more information. You can also contact the PVS Information Hotline at 1-800-668-6444 or visit the PVS Web site at www.pvs.ca for information about PVS locations and the program.

Supporting Your Wellness

Are you missing out on the resources and support your Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) has to offer? RRC’s EFAP through LifeWorks is a resource to help you stay healthy, reduce stress, and be happier at work and at home.

Remember your EFAP User ID and Password:

User ID: rrcefap                                Password: efap

LifeWorks is available any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone, online and by mobile application.

Your EFAP provides:

• Toll-free access to qualified, professional consultants for confidential, expert help with work, life and everything in between;
• Telephonic, face-to-face or video counseling live via webcam with Master’s level counselors across Canada;
• Customized research to assist you in addressing your particular issues;
• Information about resources and support agencies located in your community; and,
• Access to hundreds of educational materials including articles, booklets, audio recordings/CDs, toolkits and assessments, and more.

NEW! Try the LifeWorks mobile app available for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry devices. This FREE app provides the convenience of EFAP access via your smart phone!

NEW! Now you can chat confidentially online with a qualified LifeWorks consultant. You can even access counseling services through the chat feature. You can launch a chat session on the LifeWorks website. A personal account is required to access the chat feature as well as self assessment tools and action plans. Visit www.lifeworks.com and click ‘REGISTER’ at the top right of your screen to register for a personal account. Personal account information and usage is confidential.

ORIENTATION WEBINARS! To provide you with more information on services available, LifeWorks provides 24/7 access to a pre-recorded program orientation webinars, and conducts scheduled live program orientation webinars throughout the year.

To view the pre-recorded program orientation webinar click here.

The next live program orientation webinar will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 1pm EST, to register click here.

Check out these recommended LifeWorks resources:

• Podcast – Quick Stress Reducers
• NEW full-length audio recording/CD – Brief Exercises to Help Reduce Stress
• Seminar – Relax the Body, Calm the Mind

It is influenza season again. We want to protect our friends, family, colleagues, and any with whom we interact who could become seriously ill. See  below for different myths that are “busted” .

MYTH: The flu shot gives you the flu.

FACT: The flu shot cannot cause the flu. It’s normal to feel tired, feverish, and achy for a couple of days after the flu shot. The real flu lasts 1-2 weeks.

MYTH: I never get sick, so I don’t need a flu shot.

FACT: You can give other people the flu even if you don’t have symptoms yourself.

Kids, elderly persons, and people who have chronic illnesses (e.g. diabetes, cancer, people who are on special medications) can get extremely sick from the flu.

MYTH: The flu shot will protect me from the stomach flu.

FACT: The flu affects your lungs, not your stomach. The flu shot is for a type of infection that affects your lungs only. The stomach flu is different and caused by different germs.

MYTH: You only need to get the flu shot once.

FACT: The flu shot only protects you for about 6 months. You need it once a year.

MYTH: Getting the flu shot is the only thing I need to do to not get sick.

FACT: You still need to wash your hands and cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing to prevent the spread of germs

Developed by Health Services 4th year Student Nurses who are here on practicum from Univeristy of Manitoba.