Author: fizur-philip@cooperhealth.edu

Washington officials are turning to strong social distancing measures, likely our best shot at curbing transmission, giving our health-care system and infrastructure time to adapt, and protecting those most vulnerable to severe COVID-19. But without its own mitigation plan, this new way of life could also have harms, by diminishing social contact and disrupting daily life. Losing daily routines, along with Washington’s now-shuttered recreational facilities, could also worsen the physical inactivity crisis, already contributing to nearly 1 in 10 U.S. deaths. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of at least moderate-intensity activity and two days of strength training weekly, a benchmark too few of us achieve.

Read More at SeattleTimes.com

Yes, it’s official. Covid-19 is now a pandemic. But even as this disease spreads from country to country, infecting people and taking lives, it is also robbing countless others their peace of mind, livelihood, and humanity. Covid-19 is a scary disease, made scarier by the reactions it is eliciting in the public psyche. You can read more about managing distress regarding this situation at Thrive Global.

Anxiety thrives on uncertainty. And, as the coronavirus spreads, our unanswered questions can make us feel vulnerable or fearful. “Will it come to my community” or “Am I at risk?’ But there are steps you can take to push back against the communal anxiety. Learn more from NPR and the CDC.

This workshop, taught by Allen Miller, PhD, offers practical tools useful for planning and implementing treatment for patients with a variety of chronic medical conditions. Participants will learn to conceptualize clients according to the cognitive model, use motivational techniques, develop treatment and action plans, integrate relaxation and mindfulness techniques, and encourage clients to make healthy lifestyle choices. Techniques will be presented to help patients respond to dysfunctional beliefs related to hopelessness, discouragement and unfairness—and other cognitions that undermine their motivation and sense of self-efficacy. This interactive workshop includes case discussions and experiential exercises. This workshop is designed for mental health and allied health practitioners, including physicians, nurses, and psychiatrists who treat patients in a medical setting.

Details at https://beckinstitute.org/workshop/cbt-for-chronic-medical-conditions/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=FB_Chronic_Medical_Conditions_March_2020

In recognition of the global protests for leaders to take climate action, today we highlight environmental wellness as a key aspect of our overall wellness. As physicians, we offer an important perspective on how climate affects health of our patients and us.  

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Cooper is pleased to offer a Wellness Incentive program to all employees enrolled in the Cooper Basic, Core or Standard PPO plans. To be eligible, you must complete all the steps in the program listed below between November 1 and October 31. Upon successful completion, Cooper will waive one bi-weekly medical premium deduction by the end of the calendar year. Details are available at http://wellness.cooperhealth.org/wellness-incentive-program/

There is a GME Wellness event February 18, 2020 from 11:30-1:30 in the conference center. There will be chair massages, therapy dogs, arts and crafts, a selfie station, food and more! Please drop by and feel free to share!

Celebrated on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day has grown in popularity each year. It is celebrated by individuals, groups and organizations, nationwide, to encourage acts of kindness. It is a favorite day to many, as people everywhere are enjoying doing these acts of kindness. YOU’RE A WORLD CHANGER. WE CAN TELL. JOIN THE #RAKTIVIST MOVEMENT

So, you want to be a RAKtivist™? Your awesome status and street cred just skyrocketed. RAKtivists are the limbs of our organizational body. You are the daily doers, movers and shakers; reaching out to others and not just talking the talk, but using those limbs to walk the walk.The world needs more people like you.

The Office of Student Affairs sponsored several events to ensure the CMSRU community starts off 2020 on the right foot!

• On Thursday, January 2, students were welcomed back to classes with free coffee or tea in the lobby from 7:30 -9:30 a.m. This is for students, faculty and staff.
• Students had the opportunity to earn Advisory College Cup Challenge Points during “Family Feud” on Thursday, January 2, 12:30-1:30 p.m., and Friday, January 3, 3-4 p.m. This is a student-only event.
• Fitness classes are returning in in 2020! 
  • Beginning the week of January 6, “Fitness with Emelia” will take place Mondays at 3 p.m. and Fridays at 2 p.m. 
  • “Zumba with Shalanda” also returns that week and will be on Thursdays at 5 p.m. Fitness classes are open to all students, faculty and staff

The Cooper Wellness website is now live! This site will be a repository for all materials related to the Cooper Wellness Initiative. In addition, you will find links to helpful resources, including articles and videos to help you extend your own wellness efforts. Stay tuned for more!