WorkLife offerings to cover mental health, finances, self-care and more

February 13, 2012

Checking out the WorkLife Programs classes coming up in the next few weeks, then registering and attending, can lead to some valuable information for one's total well-being.

PARENT/FAMILY

Parent Roundtable: Loving Your Terrible Two
Tuesday (Feb. 14). 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 318.
Maybe age 2 doesn't have to be so terrible! Laugh and learn how to survive this notorious developmental stage.

SELF-CARE

Appropriate Use of Over-the-Counter Medications
Tuesday (Feb. 14). 4:10-4:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 318.
Cynthia Koh-Knox, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, will present. With the rising costs of health care, self-care has become very important, and that can mean taking over-the-counter medications. Participants will learn how to read labels to look for active ingredients and to compare generics with name-brand medicines, as well as get advice on when it is appropriate to self-treat and how to demystify the confusing titles of drugs. Information about common herbal products and dietary supplements will be included.

Preventive Dentistry
Feb. 21. 4:10-4:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 318.

This class will be presented by Michael Laszynski, a dentist practicing in Greater Lafayette. Participants will learn how to properly care for their teeth and prevent problems caused by poor oral hygiene, which has been linked to gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Bring your questions and take away a new understanding of how to improve and maintain your dental health.

A Good Night's Sleep
Feb. 28. 4:10-4:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 318.
What's counting sheep got to do with the eight hours of sleep you've always heard you need? This course will teach you about the stages of sleep, how it works, and what it does for your body. Most importantly, get tips to improve the quality of your sleep.

MENTAL HEALTH

NAMI: Family to Family Education
Wednesdays, Feb. 15-May 2. 5:15-7:45 p.m. Krannert Building, Room G007.
WorkLife Programs is partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) to bring the NAMI Family to Family Education Program to Purdue. This free series of 11 weekly classes is structured to help family members understand and support their ill relative while maintaining their own well-being. Taught by a team of trained NAMI members who share the experience of having a loved one with a serious mental illness, the course teaches the knowledge and skills needed to cope more effectively. Participants will learn about topics including current research, treatment options and advocacy, while gaining insight into the effect mental illness has on their loved one.

FINANCIAL

Borrowing to Buy a Home
Wednesday (Feb. 15). 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 320.
Are you considering buying a home? Get some current, practical advice to help you with the decision.

Ways for Women to Invest with Success
Feb. 22. 4:10-4:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 202.
Take a look at some key financial issues unique to women, no matter what age.

Counting on College Funding
March 1. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 241A.
Ready to think about paying for college? Here's a helpful look at the different college fund plans and how to choose what is right for you. Becky Spears, branch manager at Regions Bank, will present.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Energize and Focus
Feb. 20. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 313.
With today's hectic world and frantic pace, it's no wonder we feel tired. Family and work demands, lack of sleep and an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to fatigue, decreased mental clarity and lack of focus. Participants will learn easy ways to boost their energy, fight fatigue and improve focus and drive.

TOBACCO CESSATION

Quit Smart (six-session program)
March 6, 13, 27, 29, April 5, 19, 3:30-5 p.m., State Street Office Facility (SSOF), Room 105.
Quit Smart combines powerful treatments to help participants break free from tobacco. Participants attending this class will learn to ease off nicotine, use their mind to help, use a hypnosis CD, and decide whether to use medication to break the habit.

To register for these or other offerings, go to www.purdue.edu/worklife and log in with your career account and password, or call WorkLife Programs at 49-45461.

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