October 2022
Mental Health for the Whole Family
Family relationships can have both long- and short-term effects on one’s mental health. Many people spend the most time with their family members than anyone else. These relationships have the potential to be your greatest support system. Those caring for children, elderly parents, or family members with chronic conditions often feel responsible not only for their own mental health but for the mental well-being of those in their care as well.
Mental health issues among children and adolescents is a growing public health concern. Parenting styles, as well as a parent’s experience with anxiety or depression, can greatly affect a child’s mental health. In blended families, parents and children are at a greater risk of depression. Family members may be more likely to notice when their loved ones are experiencing changes in mood or behavior, so be sure to know the signs and seek resources to help equip your family for all of life’s challenges.
Join Employee Wellness this month for webinars on substance abuse awareness and prevention and foundational truths about life in a stepfamily. Complete the Impact Solutions scavenger hunt to learn about how the university’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can support mental health, eldercare, and more for you and your family. Plus, discover opportunities to practice mindfulness during the workday.
OCTOBER PRESENTATIONS |
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Learn strategies for creating and maintaining healthy habits straight from the experts. Browse our October webinars below. These sessions are open to all full and part time employees. For those participating in the wellness rewards program, each session is worth 10 Tier 2 points. |
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Oct. 4 12-1 p.m. Webinar |
Substance Abuse Awareness and PreventionJoin Ria Dark, MS, LSW, SAP, MHFA, as she explores common myths and facts about substance abuse and how to identify people in trouble. Attendees will learn about the stages of addiction and the impact to the workplace. Ria will discuss how to constructively address concerns with someone you believe is abusing substance, eliminating stigma, and promoting help seeking. Register to attend the webinar "Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention" |
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Oct. 12 12-1 p.m. Webinar
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Foundational Truths about Life in a StepfamilyBlended families - A topic that touches so many yet isn’t addressed enough. Marriage and parenting books are not effective tools for a stepfamily or a stepparent because they don’t address the complexities and dynamics unique to stepfamily life. Join Heather Hetchler, MA, as she presents powerful truths, tips, and encouragement for anyone navigating stepfamily dynamics. Register to attend the webinar "Foundational Truths about Life in a Stepfamily" |
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MINDFULNESS OPPORTUNITIES |
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Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that, instead of being overwhelmed by them, we're better able to manage them. Join mindfulness expert, Daron Larson, for Mindful Monday on Oct. 3. Register for the Oct. 3 session Learn more about Mindful Mondays |
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Kent State of Well-being (KSoW) also provides mindful opportunities for the KSU community, including Meditation Across Campus (free, facilitated, 30-minute meditation sessions, including a virtual option) and Koru Mindfulness & Meditation training. |
MOBILE MAMMOGRAMS |
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Employee Wellness is pleased to sponsor onsite 3D mammography screenings at the Kent campus. The Women's Diagnostic Center will offer annual routine digital mammograms, Oct. 3 - Oct. 6, in the Heer Hall parking lot at 635 Loop Road (near the ice arena). The mobile coach contains a check-in desk and private changing area. Results are available within 3-4 business days. Visit the registration page to schedule your appointment as well as download required forms. Visit the Mobile Mammograms web page more information about the Women's Diagnostic Center and their services, including FAQs and COVID-19 procedures. In collaboration with the Office of Sustainability and the Women’s Center, we will also be accepting used bras as part of the 10th Annual Bra Recycling Drive. Clean, used bras can be dropped off in the donation bin near the Mobile Mammogram coach between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Oct. 3-6. |
HEALTH SCREENINGS AND FLU VACCINES |
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As part of the employee wellness program, all full-time, benefits-eligible staff and faculty are invited to attend a complimentary onsite Know Your Numbers health screening this fall. For your convenience, we have arranged flu vaccine clinics to align with health screenings at all campuses through December 2022. For information about eligibility for these services, upcoming screening dates, and how to schedule an appointment, visit www.kent.edu/hr/wellness/health-screening-dates. Need a flu vaccine but can't make it to the health screening/flu vaccine event, flu vaccines are available daily at DeWeese Health Center's Immunization Clinic. |
Impact Solutions Scavenger Hunt
Managing your work, personal, and family needs can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why Kent State provides the Employee Assistance and Work/Life program through Impact Solutions, which offers mental health support and other services for all Kent State employees, as well as their spouse/partner, household members, dependents in and away from home, and parents/parents-in-law, free of charge. Did you know that you can earn Tier 2 points for completing an online scavenger hunt to learn more about Impact and their services?
Walk & Talk: Ecosystems
Join Employee Wellness for a walk & talk on October 7 to explore different ecosystems and wildlife habitats on the Kent campus with Kent State’s Outreach Recycling Coordinator, Leah Graham.
Learn more and register for the Ecosystems Walk and Talk
Kent State Farmers’ Market
Kent State University has partnered with Haymaker Farmers' Market bring an on-campus farmers' market experience. The market offers over 20 vendors offering locally sourced fresh produce, crafts, and more to the Kent State community. Stop by the Student Green on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 4-7 p.m. to meet vendors, shop, and enjoy! The markets are open to all employees, students, and community members.