McMaster Student Wellness Centre

06/02/2020

Black lives matter. We are listening and always here to support you. #blackouttuesday

06/01/2020

Walk in Nature Session

Dr. Nathan Cooper is hosting this week's Walk in Nature session. This week's meeting takes place on Wednesday from 12:30-1:30 with the theme of flowers.

Go on a walk and observe any flowers you may see, and then join our zoom meeting for a de-brief and conversation surrounding nature and mindfulness.

For more information check out the Walk in Nature sessions on our website.

05/30/2020

Cooking Session: Parsnip fries

Our food shares that went out this week, so here's a simple recipe that uses all of the ingredients. Stay tuned throughout the next couple of weeks for more cooking videos! If you make the recipe, send us a photo and share your creation!

05/29/2020

Share your #SoBiStories!

Tag @McMasterStudentWellnessCenter and use #SoBiStories

Hamilton's bike share (SoBi) is at risk of becoming unavailable June 1st as Uber which operates the system told the city they'd be pulling out of their contract early. Demonstrating your support, signing Cycle Hamilton's Petition and writing to your local councillor can help encourage the city to ensure ongoing operations beyond this contract!

Comment why biking is important to you or share with your own photos or a graphic that applies to you!

05/28/2020

Today tomatoes, basil, kale, and bok choy were planted at our community garden! This means all summer long we will have fresh produce that we will distribute through a food share.

Sign up for this food share by sending us a DM that you’re interested.

Our first produce bundle is going out tomorrow afternoon, which includes parsnips, green garlic and fresh oregano! Message us ASAP so we can set your share aside!

05/27/2020

Our Stress Less wellness webinar is running tommorow at 1:30. This webinar will help you distinguish the difference between stress, anxiety, and fear, as well as learn existing strategies for managing stress. To sign up, check out the link below!
http://alumni.mcmaster.ca/s/1439/17/event.aspx?sid=1439&gid=1&pgid=9391&cid=16929&ecid=16929&crid=0&calpgid=737&calcid=1522

05/25/2020

Self-care is an important aspect of our daily life, but maintaining a routine that satisfies our needs can be difficult.

Join us for our 5-week work shop, Steps to Self-Care, which explores how to optimize the effectiveness of our self care practices.

This online workshop will take place on Web-Ex. For more information click the link below!

https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/program/steps-to-self-care/

05/21/2020

Our campus community garden is begging to flourish, with lots of early spring vegetables ready to harvest. Although the garden isn’t open to the public, we have a few things in the works.

A virtual gardening series, virtual cooking classes and food shares are all coming soon!

Learn more about how to join some of the virtual programs or how to access a food share if you live close to campus on our program page. https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/program/food-for-thought-cooking-class/

05/15/2020

The Student Wellness Center will be closed Monday, May 18th for Victoria Day. Services will resume as usual on Tuesday, May 19th. Enjoy the long weekend and #staysafe !

05/14/2020

Whether you’re someone prone to regular self-isolation, or you know someone who is, make sure you’re checking in with others, whether by phone, text, video call, or your preferred social media platforms. Read the full article below: https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/understanding-social-distancing-and-the-importance-of-social-connection/ #COVID19 #socialdistancing

05/04/2020

We've updated our hours! Reception has extended hours from 8:30am - 4:30pm. Call to book your virtual medical or counselling appointment! Appointment times vary outside of reception hours, some evening counselling appointments still available.

For more information about our programs and services, visit https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/

04/14/2020

Walk in Nature Sessions - Drop-in - Student Wellness Centre

Join us tomorrow at 12:30pm for a virtual post walk meet-up! The theme will be TREES. Take a picture of a tree in your neighbourhood as you go on a walk or connect with nature from a window or in your home, then join us online for a group discussion.

Email [email protected] for the zoom link!

Visit our programs page for more information.
https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/program/wind-walk-in-nature-days-drop-in/

Connect with nature and leave your worries behind as you unwind on the trails with others in a positive, mutually supportive environment. Meet inside the Wellness Lounge (PGCLL 201). Open group – no registration required. We have a secure spot to leave your bags for the duration of the hike. Jan 8...

04/09/2020

Covid-19 Isolation Relief Support Line

If you're looking for someone to connect with through a call or text - a new line has become available in Hamilton. The COVID-19 Isolation Relief Support Line is a mixed bag of volunteers from the Hamilton, ON community who aim to provide relief from isolation due to COVID-19.

Read more about what support they are able to offer and their limitations on their page!

Feeling isolated due to COVID-19? Call or text 289-804-2343 from 6-9 PM ET. This Hotline is run mixed bag of volunteers from the Hamilton, ON community. We are not a funded or registered organization, and cannot provide crisis or counselling service.

04/07/2020

Have you entered the SWC Wellness Challenge yet? Whether it is cultivating good sleeping habits, staying active, spending time doing creative work, or some combination of the above, SWC has got your back during these challenging and odd times.

Click the link below to participate and set wellness goals for yourself to accomplish in the next 2 weeks. You'll be entered in a draw to win 1 of 3 $25 giftcards! wellness.mcmaster.ca/program/wellness-challenge/

04/06/2020

Wash your hands while using this meditation mantra

Practice mindfulness handwashing using this loving-kindness meditation mantra: https://youtu.be/WR_WV-VYOQg

UC Berkeley clinical social worker, Amber Jaiza Jones, LCSW, describes her hand-washing ritual. University Health Services (The Tang Center) https://uhs.berk...

04/06/2020

Faculty-based student navigators are available to virtually support you through self-isolation. For more information, visit McMaster University Student Navigators or https://www.instagram.com/macstudentnav/

04/06/2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks - Canada.ca

Get trusted information about COVID-19. Learn more about:
-How coronavirus spreads
-Difference between quarantine (self-isolate) and isolate
-Preventing coronavirus
-Risks of getting coronavirus
-False and misleading claims

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html

How COVID-19 spreads, ways you can stop or slow the spread, who is at risk and about false and misleading claims.

03/31/2020

Help us create a healthier campus! Check your McMaster email to participate in the Canadian Campus Wellness Survey. For more information, visit ccws-becca.ca or McMaster Okanagan.

03/30/2020

Tomorrow is the last day to enter for a chance to win 1 of 3 $25 gift cards. Comment on your experience with the SWC to enter. Visit https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/survey/ to participate.

03/25/2020

Examples of supporting friends while physical distancing!

Are there any other places that you're reaching out to or helpful ways to stay connected to people in your classes or friends that you would normally see?

This unprecedented time is a challenge for all of us. For those living in unsupportive or unsafe homes, it can be especially challenging, and as friends we may be at a loss for how to support while physical distancing.

Use or modify these templates, or share the resources if you aren't sure how else to help.

03/20/2020

Need to change your name or gender marker? Drop-in to Hamilton Community Legal Clinic Saturday, March 21 from 12 - 2 PM.

03/17/2020

Services Update!

Appointments can only be made by calling 905-525-9140 x27700. Reception is only available between the hours of 10am-2pm. Most appointments will be via online and telephone platforms for any appointments that do not need to be in-person. If you already have an appointment, you will be contacted with further information.

All events and group programs are not being held until further notice.

For more information about these updates, please check out our website for all the info: https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/updates

03/17/2020

Meditation Circle today - ONLINE with McMaster Open Circle!

Tuesday, March 17, 3:30-4:20

Breathing into Fear: Join us for a breathing practice from Tara Mohr that helps to move through fear. Choose a particular fear and pay attention to where it shows up within your body, noticing how it shifts as you breathe into it. We’ll take some time afterwards to write about our experiences, and then discuss what we noticed. No experience needed!

Join the circle online through https://mcmaster.webex.com/mcmaster/j.php?MTID=m37bf438aad767dc712cdd9a95ac8135e

Image Credit: Marybeth Leis Druery, https://www.marybethleisdruery.ca/.

03/16/2020

Canada, here’s how we are going to survive this pandemic together

If you have a cough and/or fever AND you or someone close to you has travelled abroad in the past 14 days, or you have interacted with someone with COVID-19, call Telehealth (1-866-797-0000) or Hamilton Public Health Department at 905-546-2424 ext.7970 for further direction and testing. To avoid the spread of infection, do not go to a clinic or hospital before calling first and be ready to self-isolate if necessary.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canada-heres-how-we-are-going-to-survive-this-pandemic-together/

Social solidarity is needed now more than ever, and one senses that it is building

03/13/2020

wellness.mcmaster.ca

Update: March 16, 2020. 1:00pm.

The Student Wellness Centre is open, with some changes as noted:

-Appointments (Medical & Counselling) – Appointments can still be made by calling 905-525-9140 x27700. We are moving many appointments to online and telephone platforms for any appointments that do not need to be in-person.
Please read the full disclaimer on our website for online and phone appointments. https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/service-update-swc-remains-open/

-Group programs (Counselling & Wellness Education) – Group programs and events will now be cancelled until the end of April.

-On-going screening– To ensure the health & safety or our students, we will continue screening prior to appointment as per the Ontario COVID self-assessment tool. https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment

-Cleaning protocol- Our regular health and hygiene practices provide the best defence against the spread of contagious illnesses. We will be taking extra care to prevent the spread of infection.

Other resources:

-Managing your anxiety surrounding COVID-19; preparation and prevention without panic
https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/managing-your-anxiety-surrounding-covid-19-preparation-and-prevention-without-panic/

-Information about how to maintain personal health & safety including how to self-monitor, how to self-isolate and cleaning & disinfection are available through Public Health Ontario.
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus/public-resources

-Latest information and updates about COVID-19 (coronavirus) from McMaster University
http://covid19.mcmaster.ca

Tips to stay healthy and help prevent the spread of infections:
-Wash your hands often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if water is not available
-Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands -Avoid close contact with people who are sick

03/13/2020

A surgical mask doesn't protect you from the corona virus: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health/surgical-mask-wont-protect-you-coronavirus

03/11/2020

Spook Sacks are back, but with a shamrockin' twist! On Thursday, March 12 from 12:30-4:00pm in the MUSC Marketplace, we will be holding a Harm Reduction Fair with FREE fanny packs that you can fill with goodies! Complete 2 out of 4 fun wellness activities, and the fillable fanny pack is yours! We can't wait to see you at the event!

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/197581871338896/

03/09/2020

Join SHEC and Residence Life for a fun game night this Tuesday, March 11th from 6:30 - 8 pm at PGCLL Great Room (3rd floor)! For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1137337343264855/.

03/06/2020

Tour the Pulse with a Pulse personal trainer this Tuesday, March 10 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm! Meet at DBAC WB111 to learn about proper form and how to incorporate strength training into your workout. Register at https://bit.ly/2HQhTh7.

03/05/2020

When and how to use masks

Masks are designed to prevent you from infecting someone else with your germs. The masks DO NOT prevent someone else’s germs from infecting you.

03/03/2020

ISP Solidarity Statement: unequivocal support to the land defenders of the Wet’suwet’en Nation

ISP Solidarity Statement: unequivocal support to the land defenders of the Wet’suwet’en Nation

On behalf of the students, staff, and faculty of the Indigenous Studies Program at McMaster University, we are writing to express our unequivocal support to the hereditary leadership and land defenders of the Wet’suwet’en Nation and to all those that have responded to the calls for action across...

03/02/2020

McMaster University

Still important: Washing your hands and staying home when you’re you’re sick helps prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses!

Good news: A McMaster student who was being tested for COVID-19 following a trip to Europe has received their test results: They do not have the coronavirus.
We encourage our community to continue washing their hands and monitoring their own health.

03/02/2020

Make peace with food and your body. Learn how to identify your specific triggers and control cravings. Registration required. For more information, visit https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/program/break-free-from-binge-eating/

03/02/2020

Snyder Funeral Homes

Acknowledging another person’s pain can help them more than just telling them to cheer up

A powerful video narrated by Megan Devine of Refuge In Grief. Tell us about a time you were like the bunny (a friend) or the bear (someone grieving).

02/26/2020

Upcoming workshops to help you stay physically active!

Introductory Fitness Session
Tues, March 3 - DBAC WB111 (1:30-3:00PM). Explore the basics of body weight exercises working on strength, balance and flexibility in a comfortable setting. Register at https://bit.ly/3a3KMSS.

Tour of the Pulse
Tues, March 10 - DBAC WB111 (1:30-3:00PM)
Learn about proper form and how to incorporate strength training into your workout. Register at https://bit.ly/2HQhTh7.