National Health Education Week was created in 1995 by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) to focus on increasing national awareness on major public health issues and promoting a better understanding of the role of health education.
Inspired by SOPHE, the USM Training Committee came together last year in partnership with GuidanceResources® Online to provide all USM employees at no cost health education workshops to address the physical, emotional, and mental health challenges we all face today. This year the committee met and discussed managing stress and anxiety as the most important topics for their employees. So they got together with GuidanceResources® Online to put together the following line-up of workshops for this year’s National Health Education Week:
10 am: Tools to Handle Stress
2 pm: Managing Worry and Anxiety
10 am: Healthy Food Choices on the Go
2 pm: Living With Change
10 am: Running on “E:” Adding Energy and Fun to Your Life
2 pm: Mindfulness: Being Present in Your Work and Life
Today's talk is The secret to giving great feedback by LeeAnn Renninger. Humans have been coming up with ways to give constructive criticism for centuries, but somehow we're still pretty terrible at it. Cognitive psychologist LeeAnn Renninger shares a scientifically proven method for giving effective feedback.
Today's talk is The benefits of expressing your emotions (constructively) by Artūrs Miksons. Every culture assigns stigma or value to different styles and levels of emotional expression, creating an instinct to repress or reject feelings associated with discomfort. Psychotherapist Artūrs Miksons lays out the benefits of discarding unhelpful social stigma and explains why expressing our emotions constructively can help build resilience to endure trying times.
September is Sexual Health Awareness month! Sexual health is about more than sex- it’s being able to recognize and maintain healthy relationships, understanding your body, exploring your sexuality, promoting healthy sexual behaviors, and preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. There is a lot that falls under the comprehensive sexual health umbrella.
Here are a few tools to help you learn more about your sexual health:
The first step to any sexual activity is always to obtain Consent with a sexual partner(s)
You must ask someone if they want to have sex or be touched (kissing, hugging, etc.)
If someone says “no,” then you must stop immediately. Remember, the absence of “no” does not mean “yes”.
Once you have consented/receive consent, you must now protect your self and your partner(s). Contraceptives work exceptionally well to prevent STIs and/or pregnancy, when used correctly.
If you choose to engage in sexual activity, use condoms (external or internal) or dental dams (for oral sex) every time.
Abstinence is the only 100% contraceptive method that can prevent pregnancy and STI transmission.
Birth control prevents pregnancy but does not prevent STIs - condoms and birth control work together.
Retriever Integrated Health (formerly UHS and the Counseling Center) has condoms (internal and external), lubricant, and dental dams available for all students free of cost.
If you are sexually active, it is CRITICAL to know your status and your partners.
Get tested regularly for STIs. Find free (and confidential) testing sites here.
If you ever experience itching, burning, bleeding (outside of menstruating), or discolored discharge in your genital area, then see your health provider immediately.
Sexual health also includes having open conversations with your friends and partners about healthy relationships and behaviors.
Know the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Practice healthy communication skills with everyone in your life - romantic and platonic.
Remember, it is your responsibility to protect yourself and your sexual partner(s) from STIs. This month (and beyond), challenge yourself to have open conversations with your friends and sexual partner(s) about all things sexual health. Remember, sexual health is about more than just sex!
If you would like additional information, check out the resources listed below:
Learning more about Sexually Transmitted Infections -https://www.cdc.gov/std
UMBC Pride Center - https://i3b.umbc.edu/spaces/the-pride-center/
LGBTQIA+ Health https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/index.htm
Today's talk is What kids can teach adults about asking for help by YeYoon Kim. Do you need some help? It's OK to ask, says YeYoon Kim, a former kindergarten teacher who learned from her students how powerful and courageous it can be to reach out for support. Sharing the story of one of the most difficult periods in her life, Kim explores the happiness and joy that can come from leaning on those you love in times of need -- and encourages the rest of us to start asking for help more often.