May 2008

If you wish to receive the optional “Stepping Up to Better Health” booklet, the “Ramp It Up Record Sheet” (for those who aren’t currently doing 10,000 steps but want to build up to that) or the “10,000 Steps Log Sheet” (for those who are generally near the 10,000 step level), let me know at mstimmin@iupui.edu .

We will have a walking challenge kick-off speaker, Dr. David Marrero, on Thursday, May 1st from 12:05-12:55 in the NIFS auditorium (white building with red stripe just south of Natatorium). A faculty colleague who has heard Dr. Marrero speak sent me an e-mail to me to say (about Dr. Marrero), “He is a very interesting speaker, and I think people will enjoy his sense of humor. His enthusiasm is very contagious.” So come catch the contagious walking bug (a very beneficial insect).

All IUPUI staff, students and faculty who register and attend the kick-off will receive a pedometer (Thanks School of Physical Education & Tourism Management!) and a 14-day NIFS pass. Visit www.hra.iupui.edu/signup to register or get details. If you need detailed directions on how to register, select the appropriate item below:

* If you want to register, and have NOT set up a user profile in the SignUp system:

Go to www.hra.iupui.edu/signup, then click just below the SignUp HR logo where it says, “Click here to login” (upper right). When the next screen appears, go to the bottom menu, select “How to Register” and follow the instructions that appear. Once you’ve set up your profile, refer to directions below for signing up for the session. Please direct any inquiries regarding registration to Lynnell Lindle at 274-8932 or hratrng@iupui.edu.

Go to www.hra.iupui.edu/signup, then click just below the SignUp HR logo where it says, “Click here to login.” Go to the menu on the left and scroll down to “Work/Life.” The menu of Work/Life courses will appear on the right. Click on the Walking Challenge Kick-Off session. When the description appears in the box below, click on the tab that says “Sections and Registration.” At the next screen click on “Enroll Now,” enter your user name which is your entire e-mail address (e.g., yourusername@iupui.edu), then enter the password you used when you created your profile and click on “Log In.” At next screen, click “Checkout.” When you get the next screen, since this series has no cost, just click on “Next.” Although you will receive an e-mail confirmation, you can also click on “Student Record” on the screen that comes up after you hit the “Next” button and, when your student record comes up, click on “Printable Version,” at upper right. The e-mail confirmation that you automatically get looks like gibberish at the beginning, but if you scroll down it does give you a confirmation number. It does not, however, tell you the title of the workshop or the date, so you might want to write that on and put it in your tickle file. Please direct registration inquiries to Lynnell Lindle at 274-8932 or hratrng@iupui.edu.

If, at any time, you want to check your course history or the courses you’re registered for, go to www.hra.iupui.edu/signup, then click just below the SignUp HR logo where it says, “Click here to login.” At next screen, click on the “My Account” tab at middle right, then click on “Jump to Profile” link. Type your entire username (i.e., yourusername@iupui.edu) and the password you used to set up your profile to log into the system. To print the course registration screen, go to upper right and click on “Printable Version.”

If you are concerned that you can't walk to the session, take the 50-minute class and then walk back to your office in an hour and are in a department where this might be a concern, consider asking your direct supervisor if you can do a trade-off - agree to come in a few minutes early or stay a few extra minutes later to make up for the extra minutes that you might use at lunch time. If coverage of your area is required, see if you can line up a coworker to handle that in your absence.

Departments sometimes take pride in being lean, but what are the signs that a department may have become too lean? Lisa Halloran of Retention Partners (Sydney, Australia) offers this list of clues: (1) increased use of sick leave (2) more complaints and team conflict (3) more hours being worked (4) more customer complaints received and (5) higher turnover. Slower project completion time can also be a sign.

Staff climate surveys and exit interviews can help you gather information about what the problems are, and frank discussions with employees to gather their suggestions can help address the concerns. If you want some ideas for questions to ask on a climate survey, contact me.

Work/Life programming is about wellness, career/personal enrichment, dependent care, education on things that affect your everyday life (finances, home maintenance, family legal issues, etc.), employee discounts, information for families, ideas for better balancing your work and life and more. In a nutshell, it’s about providing information that you, as a whole person need/want. Since HRA’s Work/Life office cannot meet all these needs, we are happy to let you know of work/life-related opportunities that other organizations on campus are offering or other general information.

Friday, May 16, is Bike to Work Day and a variety of events are planned. FMI about how to join in on a leader-led bicycle ride into downtown from various neighborhoods, visit

If you want to bicycle to the circle for Bike to Work day events that morning on your own and want more information about those events, visit http://bicycleindiana.org/page.cfm?PageID=188 .

Melanoma Monday--Free Skin Cancer Screening

The IU Department of Dermatology is sponsoring FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING on Monday, May 5, from 7-9:30 a.m. Screenings will be offered at IU Dermatology Clinic, IUPUI Health Services in Coleman Hall, and Regenstrief Dermatology Clinic. Call 630-6833 to schedule an appointment. Even if you have an annual physical, your doctor often does not do skin cancer screening so, to improve your chances of catching any problem you might have early on, take advantage of this free screening.

Eat Local . . . Eat Fresh

Want to eat tomatoes that were picked green, shipped across country and then gassed to make them red (pink?) or would you rather eat tomatoes and other produce that is locally grown, picked ripe and on your table within a few days of picking? If you want to learn about farms, farm markets, community supported agriculture programs (where you pay a certain amount to get fresh produce for x number of weeks) and more, visit http://www.localharvest.org . You can enter your town and state (under the map at the Web site) and get information for only those near you.

Here’s how the Harvard School of Public Health answered the following question:

“I've heard that iceberg lettuce has limited nutritional value. Are some vegetables better than others?”

You've heard correctly. Iceberg lettuce has very little nutritional value; it is mostly water and a small amount of fiber. Vegetables that are better for you

tend to be richer in color. For example, compare iceberg lettuce to spinach; spinach is better for you since it is rich in iron and folate.

Indeed, iceberg has a small amount of vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, calcium and carotene, but when compared to romaine (which has the same number of calories) and many other lettuces and vegetables it is a much less nutritious choice. So choose romaine or other more nutritious vegetables when you can. To access the Harvard information about the difference between iceberg, romaine and other vegetables (along with answers to a bunch of other FAQs), visit http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/faq.html .

A 5-mile run and 5k run/walk to benefit melanoma/skin cancer education and research will be held Saturday, June 7, 7:00 p.m. in downtown Indy. Visit www.outrunthesun.org for details and registration information.

IUPUI Environmental Health & Safety has a great Web site on emergency preparedness. It even contains tips for PERSONAL preparedness (including that all important piece about communication), along with information about campus emergency preparedness. Visit http://www.ehs.iupui.edu/ehs/emerg_Plan.asp .

Midwest Sport Complex is looking for sand volleyball teams for their next 10-week season which starts in early May. There are competitions for teams of two, teams of four and teams of six. FMI and fees, visit http://www.midwestsportscomplex.com/user_files/sand%20vball%2008.pdf . Do it quickly as the season starts May 5th.

Children up to six years of age in Hancock, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties are eligible to enroll in United Way of Central Indiana's new Early Readers Club. Click here FMI .

University Extension Services recommend that to help shade out weeds and make your lawn more heat/drought tolerant, you mow as high as your mower will let you (usually 4 inches). A sharp mower blade, leaving clippings on the lawn (rather than bagging) and watering less frequently, but more deeply (to allow roots to go deep) are also ways to build a healthier lawn.

Youth Art Camp at Herron School of Art and Design

Herron (Eskenazi Hall on IUPUI campus) is offering full-day camp sessions for ages 9-16, June 16 through July 18 (no camp week of July 4th) and half-day sessions for ages 5-12, July 21 through August 1. FMI, contact Susan Grade, sgrade@iupui.edu or 278-9404 or visit http://www.herron.iupui.edu/community/classes .

Join Brian Payne Saturday, May 3, 10 to Noon for a tour of the 7.5 mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail (with detour to avoid Mini Marathon, if needed). Learn how the Trail came together, how it will impact our city and get the latest on its progress.

Bike tours are held the first Saturday of each month through October. Tours are free and limited to 20 cyclists. For more information or to register, visit www.IndyCulturalTrail.org/GetInvolved.

It’s jazz on 4^th Fridays and comedy on last Tuesdays of each month at the Madame Walker Theater. The Malik Yoba Experience appears May 16^th, 7:00 p.m. FMI, visit http://www.walkertheatre.com/index.asp?p=1

The Indianapolis International Film Festival runs Wednesday, April 23rd through Saturday, May 3rd at the Landmark Keystone Arts Theater. The festival includes over 100 films from almost 40 countries, seminars for filmmakers and discussions on a variety of topics. Tickets are only $10! FMI, visit http://www.indyfilmfest.org . You’re unique, so go view some unique entertainment.

The IUPUI Staff Council is organizing the IUPUI Arts & Crafts Fair. The event will be Saturday, November 22, 10-4:00 in the Campus Center Multipurpose Room. FMI, visit www.iupui.edu/~scouncil

§ You Are There: 1945 Hoosier Home Front; April 16 - December 31, Tues. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm; Indiana Historical Society map it; FMI, call 232-1882 or visit http://www.indianahistory.org/

§ Video Selections from the 21st Century; April 18 - June 28, Thurs. - Sun. 11 am - 6 pm; Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art map it; FMI, call 634-6622 or visit http://www.indymoca.org

§ Comic Drawing Workshop; May 4, 2 pm; Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library map it; FMI, call 275-4100 or visit http://www.imcpl.org

§ Cinco de Mayo Music with Duo Diez; May 5, 6 pm; Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library map it; FMI, call 275-4100 or visit http://www.imcpl.org

§ Taiwanese Folk and Tap Dance by the Taipei DanceWorks; May 14, 7 p.m. Shelton Auditorium, Christian Theological Seminary, 1000 West 42nd Street, Indianapolis. RSVP, Dr. Chinghai Kao.

§ A Reading Life Series: Slinging Doughnuts for the Boys: American Women in World War II; May 21, noon - 1 pm; Indiana Historical Society map it; FMI, call 232-1882 or visit http://www.indianahistory.org/

§ "Great Decisions Indeed: Why Indianapolis Needs its Own Foreign Policy;" May 28, 11 a.m.; North United Methodist Church, 3808 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

§ The Hofbrau Band; May 30, 12:15 pm; Indianapolis Artsgarden map it; FMI, call 624-2563 or visit http://www.indyarts.org

§ Second Annual Miami All Nations Gathering; May 31 – June 1, 11515 US 36, Rockville. Gathering includes American Indian music, dance, food, and vendors. Gates will open at 10 a.m. both days with Grand Entry at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The Gypsy Moth is a very dangerous insect for our trees, and it is now in Indiana. To prevent the spread of this tree-destroying pest, don’t move firewood from place to place; buy firewood in the area it will be used whether that’s your home or a campsite.

A ceremony to remember members of the IUPUI family who have died in the last year will be held Monday, May 5, 12:30-1:30 in Campus Center Room 305.

The SUVON Phone System that allowed faculty and staff to call other campuses in Indiana for free, when doing university business, is going away on May 31^st. FMI on how to make these calls in the future, etc., visit http://kb.iu.edu/data/awsm.html or call 274-3004.

I spoke with Don Godleski of Chartwells a few weeks back about a nutrition concern at one of the food outlets at the Campus Center. I am happy to report that he was immediately responsive and invites anyone who has a question, comment or concern to get in touch with him personally. His phone number is 274-7735 and his e-mail is donald.godleski@compass-usa.com .

The International Center of Indianapolis will be hosting two groups of international visitors in May and is looking for people who would be willing to host 2-3 people for a dinner - either at their home or at a local restaurant. If you are interested, contact Harriet Rodenberg at hrodenberg@icenterindy.org or 955-5150 x 227.

May 7-10: Visitors are from

Thailand

(two guests plus an interpreter) studying Local and State Government and staying at the Hampton Inn downtown need a dinner host for evening of May 8th or 9^th.

May 14-17: A 7-member, English-speaking, multi-regional group interested in Accountability in Government is visiting and staying at the Hampton Inn downtown. Countries represented include Peru, Nigeria, Costa Rica, Ghana, Latvia, Liberia, and

Mexico

. Hosts for 2-3 individuals needed evening of May 15 or 16.

Ethnic Festivals

May 3 - “Cinco de Mayo Fest; Noon-9 p.m.; Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Drive, Indianapolis. Sponsored by Association of Mexican Leaders in Action. FMI, call David Hernandez at 226-2800.

May 10 - Asian Festival; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Drive, Indianapolis. Sponsored by Asian American Alliance, Inc."

1 – Beltane (Celtic)
1 – National Day of Prayer (

United States

)
5 – Cinco de Mayo (

Mexico

)
9 – Victory Day (

Russia

)
18 – Independence Day (

Israel

)
23 – Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i)

Comment: You might wonder why I include a section on volunteerism in this newsletter. I believe that partnering with the community we work and live in is a win/win. The organization you work with gets the value of your services. It potentially allows you, the volunteer, to network and build relationships with other people, explore one of your passions, learn a new skill, experience a leadership role, get the great feeling that you get for making a contribution and have fun. Is that reason enough to include this section? J

Join Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. and Riley Area Development Corp to make Mass Ave bloom Saturday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Register by calling 637-8996, ext. 202. Breakfast and lunch are included!

Volunteers to keep the event safe, fun and well-organized are needed for a variety of duties on Saturday, June 7, 7-11 pm. After your volunteer shift is completed, feel free to stay and enjoy the event. FMI about volunteering, contact Nellie Gonzalez Moshier at 278-9473 or nmoshier@iupui.edu .

Storytelling Arts of Indiana is a pre-eminent arts organization whose mission is to promote the art and use of storytelling in everyday life. If you are interested in serving on the board, e-mail Executive Director Ellen Munds or call 576-9848.

Carol Tavris, Ph.D., will address the emotional intelligence skills that can help one overcome the cognitive biases that lead people to justify outdated beliefs, misguided decisions and the harms we cause to others. This event will be Wednesday, May 21, 8-9:30 a.m. in Medical Science Room B 26. RSVP to http://ctl.iupui.edu/Events/eventsCalendar.asp .

The IUPUI Community Learning Network offers many classes (most in the evening) related to healthy living including bicycle street skills, ballet, pilates, golf, t’ai chi, reflexology, dance, in-line skating and yoga. Check out the Healthy Living section of the summer catalog at http://www.cln.iupui.edu/content/cs/Catalog_Summer08.pdf .

You already know how to ride a bike. Now learn how to drive one! The three sessions will cover everything you need to know (classroom and on-bike instruction) including: bicycle and helmet fitting, basic bicycle maintenance, how to read the road and position yourself for safety and visibility, how to safely cross any intersection, and how to make left-hand turns on different kinds of streets. Your instructor will be Roger Stevens, a certified instructor for the League of American Bicyclists. Visit his Web site for more information: http://abetterbicyclist.com/ . Call him at 441-8823 or e-mail him at rstevens@ind.com.

This class could provide you with the knowledge that you need to feel confident enough to start bicycling to work, taking weekend bicycle trips, etc. The League of American Bicyclists calls this the Road 1 class.

If someone forwarded this Work/Life e-newsletter to you or you picked it up via the Web or link and want to subscribe, just send a note to mstimmin@iupui.edu.

Note: In order to provide as many good resources as possible to participants, we will often acquire speakers and informational pieces from a variety of sources and will list Web sites of various companies/organizations. We do not necessarily endorse the persons/companies/organizations whose information we use or whose Web sites we list (though we have done some basic research to try to ferret out reputable organizations, of course). The information we provide is not intended to be advice, simply information. Be a wise consumer and do the appropriate research before using the goods/services/information of any of these companies/organizations/sites.

Maggie Stimming
Work/Life Balance
IUPUI Human Resources Administration
620 Union Drive, Room 340
Indianapolis, IN 46202

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