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EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

UAlbany Employees’ Monthly Link to Resources for Health & Well-Being

EAP E-NEWS

New Faculty and Staff -

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a New York

State joint labor/management program that is a nego-

tiated benefit for employees. Faculty members and

staff from the various unions (CSEA, UUP, PEF, GSEU,

and NYSCOPBA), Management/Confidential (MC), and

other employee affiliations on campus (the Research

Foundation, UAS, the Albany Foundation) are eligible

to use EAP services and attend EAP-sponsored pro-

grams. UAlbany EAP strives to enhance the mainte-

nance of a healthy and productive workforce. We hope

you’ll enjoy receiving the monthly EAP E-News and will

take advantage of the services and programs that are

offered.

for more information, check out the

EAP WEbsite

EAP Calendar

For those of us who work in a school setting, the start of an academic year is like New Year’s Day! A fresh start is upon us. With this feeling of a “new begin-ning” in the air, now is a perfect time to try out a few ways to make the most of our time during our work day. Perhaps there is a technique or two that can be integrated into the way of doing things that can assist us with dealing with the stress of a busy day. Here are a few tips to consider:

Want to learn more tips? Request a copy of the brochure titled 21 Ways to Save Time published by

Personal Best Publications. (article resource)

Contact EAP Coordinator, Brenda Seckerson.

T H E S T A R T O F A N

A C A D E M I C Y E A R

Making the most of your work day

Get a strong start. Save important tasks for when

you’re most alert.

Stop procrastinating. Gather your resources, set a

goal and a deadline, and get started!

Prepare the night before. Lay out your clothes and

pack snacks and lunch for work. Organize your

work materials so that everything is ready to go

before you need to leave for work.

Prioritize. Separate tasks into high, medium, and

low priority.

To the

UAlbany Community!

Are you finding that a stressor in your life

is affecting your ability to be as productive

as you used to be? Family and relationship

issues, work stress, interpersonal difficul-

ties, substance abuse or dependency, ag-

ing parents, therapist referrals, legal mat-

ters and financial concerns are just some

of the reasons employees seek confiden-

tial assistance from EAP.

To schedule an appointment for an Assessment & Referral session with

Brenda Seckerson, UAlbany EAP Coordinator

Call 442-5483 or email

bseckerson@albany.edu

Confidential support, information,

and referrals are available to assist

you in finding a way to address

your concerns.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

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The Times Union website has two articles

of interest:

“Tips for Applying to FEMA”

“How to Help”

Hunger Solutions New York - Households that have

lost food due to flooding or power outages may be

eligible for Replacement Food Stamp Benefits.

http://hungersolutionsny.org/foodstamp/

fsppolicyalerts.htm

Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA)

New York Hurricane/Tropical Storm

Irene - Applying for Disaster Relief

http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?

id=15533

New York State Division of Homeland Security and

Emergency Services http://www.dhses.ny.gov/

Northeastern New York American Red Cross

For disaster relief services and volunteering

opportunities.

NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Services

Local Departments of Social Services

http://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/dss.asp

New York Farm Bureau - Tropical Storm Irene Relief

Information http://www.nyfb.org/resources/

topic_detail.cfm?ID=413

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Article written by Emily Tracy, EAP Committee Member,

UAS Representative

Disclaimer: The material and links in this newsletter are presented

for educational and informational purposes only and do not serve

as any endorsement by EAP. This information is not intended to

replace the advice of your qualified health professional.

A good

problem

will gather you up at your tender,

growing edge and change who

you are.

~Robert Kegan (1946-)

Psychologist, Author, Lecturer

With summer coming to an end, many of us are using the last of our

fresh vegetables and herbs from our gardens. These fresh foods are a

great way to get the necessary nutrients and vitamins in order to stay fit

and healthy. Some people may raise their nose at the thought of a bowl

full of vegetables, but there are many ways to incorporate these fresh

foods into appealing, filling meals. Instead of ordering out pizza, here is a

healthier option that is simple, fresh, and delicious.

Place pita bread on a baking sheet. Top with

fresh tomatoes, followed by fresh basil and mozzarella. Drizzle olive oil

over all and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt. Bake in

pre-heated 350 degree oven until the cheese is melted, approximately 8-

10 minutes. Cut into quarters before serving. Enjoy!

2 Whole Wheat pitas

1 cup tomatoes, chopped

Fresh basil, torn into pieces

Sliced fresh mozzarella

1 Tbsp. olive oil

See page 6 for

information on

the upcoming

EAP Lunchtime

Wellness

Program titled

Savor the

Flavor . You’ll

learn how to

use fresh herbs!

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Note to Supervisors...

Want a good way to support your staff’s health and well-being? Encourage your employees to take advantage of the noontime EAP wellness program offerings when topics are of interest to them. By now we all know that it is a myth to think that not taking a lunch break and working practically non-stop throughout the day will al-low more work to be done. The body needs to stretch and move. The mind needs a change of scenery to help us re-fresh and keep on keeping on. Getting away from the work area during lunchtime (instead of eating at your desk or work station all of the time), meeting other employees, and gaining new information designed to support well-being can help to promote productivity AND boost morale. Remember that the EAP Lunchtime Wellness Programs can provide a great way to help accomplish this. And don’t forget to attend a program that you are interested in, too. EAP wellness programs are a benefit for ALL UAlbany employees!

The difference between school and life?

In school you’re taught a lesson and then

given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson. - Tom Bodett American author and radio host (1955- )

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So often as faculty and staff we end up staying in our “own little

worlds” and don’t have the opportunity (or don’t TAKE the op-

portunity) to learn about some of the great resources we have here

on campus. There are amazing people who work at UAlbany do-

ing some pretty fascinating things! And there are many “unsung

employees” keeping the campus up and running who go unnoticed

working behind the scenes.

To help bring employees together, highlight the unexplored, and

enhance the quality of life on campus for employees, EAP has cre-

ated a special lunchtime tour series for the 2011-2012

academic year called Get to Know Your Campus. Take advantage of these tours on your lunch break to meet other employees and discover

the unexplored right here at UAlbany!

The First Get to Know Your Campus Tour:

The University Libraries’ Preservation Lab

Tuesday, September 27

12—1:00 pm

3rd Floor Science Library

What IS preservation, you wonder?

What happens if a library book is returned with ripped pages? What if a

book is found to contain BUGS? What if a book is coming unbound? Does

the University Library just toss the materials? Think again!

Our research libraries acquire information, organize it, make it available,

and preserve it, regardless of format. The Preservation Department is

charged with coordinating efforts to prolong the useful life of the libraries'

collections and the information they contain through in-house programs, e.g., book and paper repair and

conservation treatment. Additionally, the department coordinates vendor services and special cooperative

projects with the ten other major research libraries in the state.

Print collections are threatened by premature deterioration from being published on poor quality paper,

careless handling, or inappropriate storage conditions. Electronic resources are also at risk, especially from

software and hardware obsolescence and a lack of much needed standards to help ensure files are main-

tained for the long term. Preservation Librarian Karen E.K. Brown, a professional paper con-

servator, and Anne Kearney, Collections Conservator will be your tour guides. Come visit a spe-

cial place in the University Libraries for a demonstration of the specialized work of library

preservation! To register, go to: http://www.albany.edu/eap/event_sign-up.htm

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Savor the Flavor

WANT TO KNOW HOW TO USE HERBS TO ENHANCE FLAVOR?

Join us as we Savor the Flavor! Learn all

about herbs and how to use them in a

delicious way. Cathie Gifford, an Albany

County Master Gardener with Cornell

Cooperative Extension, will share the

value of using fresh herbs in your cooking,

and even better – the benefit of growing

your own herbs! A communal taste-testing

will occur to entice taste buds and

imaginations. Samples of foods

complemented with an exciting dash and

blend of herbs and spices will be

presented.

To Register Contact:

Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator

bseckerson@albany.edu CALL 442-5483 OR VISIT

www.albany.edu/eap

12 noon — 1 pm

East Campus

Monday, September 12

Room 110A

Uptown Campus

Monday, September 19

Room 375

Campus Center

Uptown Campus

Monday, September 26

Room 375

Campus Center

Register Early!

Limited to 20 people per presentation!

Session is full!

2nd session

added on 26th!

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Tai Chi & Qi Gong for

Health & Healing In China, the history of Tai Chi and Qi Gong

can be traced back thousands of years. These

slow, meditative forms of movement are a

means of promoting wellness and relaxation.

Shifu Jianye Jiang returns to UAlbany this

semester to help employees experience the

flow and grace of these Chinese movement

modalities. Please dress comfortably.

Increase your

flexibility &

strength!

11-Week Class in the

Science Library’s

Standish Board Room

Mondays*

Sept. 12 - Nov. 28

*No class on Oct. 10

12 noon - 12:45 pm

Registration

Deadline:

Sept. 8

Course Fee: $55.00 (pre-paid w/ registration)

Make check payable to:

Jianye Jiang

To Register Contact:

Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator

bseckerson@albany.edu

CALL 442-5483 OR REGISTER ONLINE www.albany.edu/eap

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So you don’t think you can get a great work

-out during a half-hour walk? You CAN if

your walk is guided by fitness expert Diane

Hart! She’ll get your heart rate up and

maximize your walking experience. Diane

will share great tips on posture, footwork,

legwork, hip action, stride length and arm

work along the way. Get a great work-out

and be re-energized and ready for your

afternoon! You must wear sneakers to

participate. For your safety, no

exceptions allowed.

NOTE: Employees attending this EAP lunchtime pro-

gram represent that they are physically capable of

participating in a walking exercise. Please consult

your physician.

Facilitator Diane H. Hart, Nationally Certified Fitness Professional and Health Specialist, has designed and implemented fitness and workplace wellness programs in the Capital District for more than 20 years.

To Register Contact:

Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator

bseckerson@albany.edu

CALL 442-5483 OR REGISTER ONLINE HTTP://WWW.ALBANY.EDU/EAP/EVENT_SIGN-UP.HTM

*NOTE: A 10-participant minimum enrollment needed in each

session to conduct the program.

Two times to choose from!

T U E S D A Y S ,

S E P T . 1 3 - O C T . 1 1

( N O W A L K O N S E P T . 2 7 )

1 2 N O O N — 1 2 : 3 0

O R

1 2 : 3 0 — 1 P M

P R O G R A M F E E :

$ 1 2 . 0 0

M A K E C H E C K P A Y A B L E T O D I A N E H A R T

* R E G I S T R A T I O N D E A D L I N E :

S E P T E M B E R 7

M E E T I N G L O C A T I O N :

S M A L L F O U N T A I N O N

P O D I U M I N F R O N T O F

T H E C A M P U S C E N T E R

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How to Use EAP in the Workplace This program is designed for those individuals

serving in a supervisory role.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

is a negotiated benefit and is support-

ed by both labor and management.

The program’s primary goal is to help

maintain workplace productivity by

assisting NYS employees manage per-

sonal issues which may be adversely

affecting their job performance. Join

us as we discuss UAlbany’s EAP and

explore how those in a supervisory

role can utilize the program more ef-

fectively in the workplace.

Supervisors,

Do you know about all of the services that

EAP makes available to you and your em-

ployees? Meet your EAP Coordinator at this

presentation and find out!

Topics will include:

*Overview of Employee Assistance Program

*Identifying and Managing Performance Issues

*Making Referrals to EAP

Thursday, Sept. 15

2:00 - 3:30 pm

University Hall

(UNH) 306

To Register Contact:

Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator

bseckerson@albany.edu

CALL 442-5483 OR REGISTER ONLINE

www.albany.edu/eap

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EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

LUNCHTIME WELLNESS PROGRAM

Elder Law: Understanding Medicaid

and Medicare Long-Term Planning Important information for helping our elders and

planning for our OWN future!

Join JulieAnn Calareso, Esq., Elder Law

Attorney with Burke & Casserly, P.C., for an

informative discussion on Elder Law

Basics. An overview of Medicare and Medi-

caid will be offered along with general infor-

mation on the importance of adequate legal

documents for long term care planning.

Bring your questions on any

topic relating to long-term care

planning

To Register Contact:

Brenda Seckerson, EAP Coordinator

bseckerson@albany.edu

CALL 442-5483 OR CLICK HERE:

HTTP://WWW.ALBANY.EDU/EAP/EVENT_SIGN-UP.HTM

Thursday, October 6

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Campus Center

Room 375