The University of New England is committed to supporting the health and well-being of all staff.  In 2014 a formalised Health and Well-being Strategy was developed which includes the objective of “facilitating staff wellbeing”.  Strategies supporting this objective have included an annual influenza vaccination program, the provision of an Employee Assistance Program and support of other external programs such as Movember.

There are a plethora of different health and wellbeing initiatives run by various research, fund-raising and community organisations.  Unfortunately, it is not possible for the University to support all of these initiatives.  What we will endeavour to do is to alert you, by monthly email, to a number of health and/or wellbeing programs and initiatives that might be of general interest to staff. So for February 2015 staff are encouraged to participate in FEBRUARY FAST.

FEBRUARYFAST  is a UNE initiative to provide staff with an incentive to break from alcohol, sugar, or social media and  help them to feel better  and more in control of their lives.

FEBRUARYFAST provides the opportunity for UNE staff to take a break from bad habits and unhealthy life choices .  Staff may create their own support groups , arrange  for the Employee Relations Team ( ohs@une.edu.au)  to put them in touch via email with other challenge members or  for a fee they  can register with  the charity  Febfast www.febfast.org.au  and join other Australians raising money for  youth initiatives.

At UNE FEBRUARYFAST can be an office challenge that helps your workplace enjoy a 28 day kick-start for a healthier and happier year ahead or it can be an individual challenge  to regain healthier lifestyle.

ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS: FEBRUARYFAST alcohol challenge is for those who are feeling a little alcohol burned after the holidays. Australians are renown for their ability to have a good time and party hard.  Alcohol is a big part of having a good time for my any Australians.  If you are feeling sluggish, tired or bloated after  a well lubricated Australia Day, summer holidays and Festive season  February Fast provides a good opportunity to step back, set goals and with the support of mates, or colleagues, give your body a break from alcohol in February

SUGAR:  It is expected that within 5 years diabetes will be the biggest cause of death and illness in Australia.  FEBRUARYFAST is an opportunity to become more health conscious and reduce your chances of developing diabetes by eliminating sugar from your diet.  There are many sources of sugar. It is often added to savoury seeming processed foods.  As a result the average Australian eats 29 teaspoons of sugar a day person way more than the recommended maximum of 5 spoonsful.  FEBRUARYFAST is a time to get together with your colleagues and mates, to read labels ,swap  sugar-free recipes and  if possible  eliminate high sugar foods . N.B  The ultimate challenge is to eliminate everything  with over 5.0g of sugar per 100g  during the final week in February.

SMOKING :  Despite a range of QUIT programs and treatments such as  patches over 3 million Australians smoke a combined total of 21 billion cigarettes a year . Many Universities are becoming smoke free.  FEBRUARYFAST provides an opportunity for you to resolve to quit smoking.

SOCIAL MEDIA: At 7 hours a month Australian social media usage is higher than any other country. Overuse can be viewed as a serious health issue.   If your day begins and ends with Facebook ,  if you feel closer to your virtual friends  than your real ones , if your  heart skips a beat when you hear your phone beep  then  you may be suffering from  social media addiction and a circuit breaker is needed.
Source Febfast www.febfast.org.au