Wellness This Week
August 17, 2020
In light of the rapidly changing scenario we’re facing with the COVID-19 pandemic, stress and anxiety levels amongst our workforce are also likely to be rising as our lives, jobs, and normal routines have been disrupted.  

As always, the health and well-being of our MUSC Care Team Members is our highest priority. Furthermore, the MUSC Office of Health Promotion recognizes the importance of sharing critical well-being resources to help our employees and their family members stay healthy both physically and mentally as they navigate the weeks and months to come. 

We will continue to share a wide variety of well-being resources with you, from physical activity that can be practiced on campus or in your home, to mental health resources designed to assist in managing the stress and anxiety that is associated with these unprecedented times.

Best in health,
The MUSC Office of Health Promotion Team
MUSC's Purpose Challenge
Engage in the Pursuit of Purpose & Well-Being Together

Developed by a leading expert in the study of purpose, Dr. Vic Strecher and Kumanu, The Purpose Company, this unique experience harnesses powerful brain science and simple exercises to help people better define their purpose in less than 5 minutes.

Please join us in building a community of purpose and hope at MUSC.

Take the challenge today:

Coping with COVID -19
Food & Well-Being Support Resources
 for MUSC Care Team Members

MUSC Office of Health Promotion encourages all MUSC Health Care Team Members to take advantage of the wide variety of health, well-being, financial and food support resources available to them throughout the COVID-19 pandemic response an beyond.

These resources are available to all Care Team Members and their families, including those who have been impacted by the temporary workforce adjustments as a result of the pandemic.

Click the following link to be directed to the
MUSC Office of Health Promotion COVID-19 Resource Directory:


Learn more about the MUSC COVID-19 Pandemic Food Response, resources available and ways you can support our efforts:
Imagine U
Employee Well-Being Program
Participate in a Digital Wellness Program Designed Specifically for MUSC Care Team Members

MUSC Office of Health Promotion encourages all MUSC Health Employees to take advantage of MUSC's completely digital employee well-being program, Imagine U.

The catalog of over one hundred well-being challenges can be accessed by any MUSC employee 24/7 on any desktop computer, tablet or smartphone device.

Visit www.musc.edu/iu to start today!

Be Well.
Health Promotion on MUSC Campus & Beyond
Worksite Biometric Screenings are Back!

We are pleased to announce that on-campus biometric screenings have resumed. Safe social distancing and masks will be required throughout the entire screening process. Should you wish to complete your annual biometric screening off-campus, the PEBA Perks benefit also enables participants to conduct their screening at any Doctor's Care location

Screenings Open for Registration
  • September 2- Wellness Center Auditorium (7-11 am)
  • September 9- Wellness Center Auditorium (7-11 am)
MUSC Urban Farm
What's "Growing On" at the Urban Farm?
Free Produce Pick-Up at the MUSC Urban Farm
Pick Up Dates/Time: 
Tuesdays from 1:00- 2:30 PM at the MUSC Urban Farm

  • Produce, flowers and house/desk plants available on a first-come, first serve basis while supplies last each day 
  • Available to anyone with an MUSC badge

Welcome Back Volunteers!

A Note from the MUSC Urban Farm
We want to thank everyone for their support during this unprecedented time. We have seen a tremendous outpouring of love and generosity from volunteers, partners, and community members wanting to help support the farm and efforts to support our healthcare community.
As an open space resource in an urban city we want to encourage our community to get out and enjoy nature. We are also a community garden situated on a hospital campus and therefore it is our first priority to support our Healthcare Team members by maintaining certain safety precautions. Please help us to navigate these dual missions by reading and following the updated protocols before signing up to volunteer or visit the farm.

Urban Farm COVID Protocol
The MUSC Urban Farm is committed to providing safe and interactive gardening experiences for people to learn how to eat for health. We strive to provide a free outdoor space to exercise, learn, and access healthy whole fruits and vegetables while maintaining the health and safety of our community. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have established a new model for visitors, volunteers, and programming.

Visitors
The MUSC Urban Farm is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset every day of the week.

Visitor Requirements
We ask that visitors maintain social distance of 6 feet apart from each other (exceptions include parent and children groups).
We ask that visitors wear a mask at all times in the farm. 
Visitors are not able to come into the farm if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID.
Visitors are encouraged to wash hands at hand washing stations on site.
Visitors are not allowed to harvest produce, handle tools, or enter the greenhouse.
Volunteers
Volunteers are considered: farm hands, apprentices, community member volunteers, MUSC student and staff volunteers, and volunteer groups (<10 people).

Volunteer Sessions
“Work and Learn” volunteer sessions are weekly volunteer opportunities for 1 to 3 hour slots, for all community members to participate in caring for the farm space and learning how to garden and eat for health. No prior experience is required.

Volunteer sessions are limited to 10 people per volunteer opportunity. Volunteers must reserve a volunteer spot through the Google Drive reservation system at least 24 hours prior to the volunteer event.

Weekly Work and Learn Volunteer Sessions:                
Mondays 9 am to 12 pm
Tuesdays 3 pm to 6 pm
Wednesday 9 am to 12 pm
Thursday 3 pm to 6 pm
Saturday 9 am to 12 pm

Farmer's Market Friday is Back!

The MUSC Farmer's Market will return to the horseshoe this Friday, August 14. Stop by and pick up your farm-fresh produce while supporting your local farmers!
Friendly Healthy & Safety Reminder
for the MUSC Urban Farm & Beyond

Stay In the Know
Free Wellness-Focused Webinar Series

Participate in MUSC Business Health's Free Webinar Series

MUSC Business Health has recently launched a Wellness E-newsletter/webinar campaign that provides those who participate with an opportunity to hear from MUSC health experts about different health topics each month. This is a free program and is available to all MUSC staff, students and community members.

Please email businesshealth@musc.edu or call 843-792-8442 to be added to future eCommunications for topic details about upcoming sessions!

Keep Moving. Stay Active. Breathe.
Physical Activity & Mental Well-Being Resources for MUSC Care Team Members & Their Families
MUSC Wellness Center Digital Fitness Classes

The MUSC Wellness Center invites all MUSC Care Team Members to participate in their digital fitness classes that can be live streamed of accessed 24/7 on any desktop computer, smartphone or tablet.

  • Daily workouts will include yoga, functional fitness, stretching/mobility,
body weight workouts, etc.
  • Live stream classes will be all-levels and accessible for a wide variety of fitness levels 

Stay tuned to the MUSC Wellness Center Facebook for daily fitness offerings:

Weekly Wellness Center Virtual Class Schedule

Monday, August 17:

Tuesday, August 18:

Wednesday, August 19:

Thursday, August 20:

Friday, August 21:

(Simply click the links above to participate in virtual class offerings)

Classes are available for free to all MUSC Care Team Members and their families.
You can join classes and chat with your trainer as early as 15 minutes before class time.

For questions, please email us at wellnesscenter@musc.edu.

Mental Well-Being Resources
Promote Resilience, Reduce Stress & Combat Anxiety
Using These Helpful Tools
MUSC MAIN CAMPUS RESOURCES

The Meditation Labyrinth 
  • Care Team Members are encouraged to utilize the public meditation labyrinth to relax, breath, and ground themselves throughout the COVID-19 response 
  • The MUSC Meditation Labyrinth is located on the corner of Bee and President Streets inside the wall 
 
Spend Time in Nature 
Visit the MUSC Urban Farm from sunrise to sunset. Located on MUSC’s main campus (29 Bee Street) 
  • Conduct a self-guided sensory tour through the Urban Farm to get in added steps and reduce stress through “green exercise” 
 
Take a walk around campus and check out the 90 acre arboretum.
 
Digitally Accessible Resources 

Dr. Tese Stephens RN P.R.E.P Podcast:  
 
Free Licensing of Headspace Meditation App for Healthcare Workers 
Headspace is providing free Headspace subscriptions to US healthcare providers working in public health settings throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. 
  • Headspace has curated specific guided meditations titled “Weathering the Storm” designed for the healthcare workforce currently facing immense pressure amid the COVID-19 outbreak 
 
Additional free meditation digital apps:  
 
Connect remotely with a Licensed Therapist : 
Connect with a licensed therapist via text messages, audio messages, picture and video messages, and text-based chat room

Stress & Coping Through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Tools from the CDC
The CDC has provided extensive resources for healthcare workers and individuals to manage stress and anxiety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic


The American Nurses Association: Workouts From Home Powered by Humana
The American Nurses Association has partnered with Humana to provide at-home workouts for healthcare workers for free throughout the month of May
DHEC, DMH Emphasize Importance of
Mental Health Amid COVID-19

In addition to taking precautions to stop the spread of germs, DHEC and DMH encourage South Carolinians to take the following steps to help protect your mental and emotional health: 

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about COVID-19 or other stress-inducing issues repeatedly can be upsetting. 
  • Take care of your body: eat healthy, well-balanced meals; exercise regularly; get plenty of sleep; and avoid alcohol and drugs. 
  • Make time to unwind and participate in activities you enjoy. 
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. 
  • Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. It is OK to need assistance to stay mentally healthy.
MUSC Office of Health Promotion launches Rewards & Recognition Platform for Employees

The MUSC Office of Health Promotion has created a short Rewards & Recognition nomination survey, that enables all MUSC employees to nominate their colleagues to receive recognition for their exemplary performances, particularly during these unprecedented times.

Any MUSC employee is eligible to be nominated by a fellow colleague. The MUSC Office of Health Promotion will process the nominations as they come in on a first-come, first-served basis. The recognition will be provided in the form of a donated meal, produce bag from the MUSC Urban Farm, MUSC meal ticket, etc., in conjunction with the larger Pandemic Food Response Program, also operated by this office.
Use of Cloth Face Coverings
to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering
Cloth face coverings should—
  • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • be secured with ties or ear loops
  • include multiple layers of fabric
  • allow for breathing without restriction
  • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?
Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?
A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.

How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?
  • Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.