Brain Health Rewards Program

02/22/2023

In a weeks time we will be having our first BHRP event!
Body Image Activism and Nutrition Myth busting
It will be run by Christina Gentile, MA, RCT-C, CCC (she/her) and Madalyn Higgins, BSNH Dietetics, PDt (she/her).
Summary:
Have you ever wondered why you don’t look like the people on Netflix, social media, or in magazines? Do the countless ‘What I Eat in a Day’ videos have you thinking you need to fast and drink lemon water every morning? Numerous studies have linked exposure to prevalent “appearance ideals” in mass media to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Are you looking to improve your body image, self-esteem, and bust myths about what is healthy eating? In this workshop we will be exploring the question: “what is body image?” and debunking nutrition myths from apple cider vinegar to the no carb craze. This workshop will also encourage you to critique media images, take a stand against unrealistic beauty standards, and challenge your personal body and food related concerns.

Following the presentation we will explore breathing exercises and mindful eating with purple cupcakes and purple tea. Purple is the colour of eating disorders awareness week. Note: engagement in cupcake eating is optional and everyone is encouraged to participate how they feel comfortable.

Please click the link to sign up! Hope to see you there!

Event Timing: March 1st, 2023 7pm - 9pm Event Address: Fountain Commons Contact Information: courtney.sheedy@acadiau.ca

02/22/2023

BHRP events happening this semester! Be sure to check out these awesome opportunities!

11/22/2022

Here are some photos from the November 15th BHRP event! Thanks to everyone who attended 🙂

11/09/2022

Here are some photos from the October 27th BHRP event! Thanks to everyone who attended 🙂

11/09/2022

Hello everyone! The second BHRP session of the fall season is coming up next week, on November 15th! "What does Mind, Body and Spirit Mean to You? " by David MacPhee 😀

Follow this link to sign up:

Event Timing: November 15th, 2022 7pm - 9pm Event Address: Fountain Commons Contact Information: courtney.sheedy@acadiau.ca

10/18/2022

Hello everyone! The first BHRP session of the fall season is coming up next week, on October 27th! "How to Deal with the Virus of Perfection" by David MacPhee 😀

Follow this link to sign up:

Event Timing: October 27th, 2022 7pm - 9pm Event Address: Fountain Commons Contact Information: courtney.sheedy@acadiau.ca

10/12/2021

Update: There have been a few students having issues registering for the first event on the Acadia University app - we have notified and are working on fixing the issue. You will just need to show up to the session for this first session! See you tomorrow!

10/12/2021

Here is the description for the first BHRP session of the semester, happening tomorrow night!

In the first BHRP session, we will be joined by Tania Embree, BScOT(Reg), MSc Community Health, as we define resilience and present research on its importance to our mental wellbeing and ability to cope with stress. Using a battery metaphor, we will consider how our actions, thoughts, and environment can influence our resilience ‘charge’. Physical activity is a key charge that also supports mental health. As an introduction to the Q-Life (a student resiliency training experience available to Acadia students this January), students will be given the opportunity during the presentation to reflect on their own resilience battery and how to build their battery ‘charge’ for success at university and in life. Following this, we will have a mindfulness and breathing session lead by Olivia Stevenson, a 200-hour certified yoga instructor who gained her accreditation in 2019 through Joyful Yoga Studio (located in Truro, Nova Scotia).
This is a Brain Health Rewards Program event, however all students are welcome!

10/12/2021

"What is the BHRP?"
The BHRP is a pilot mental health promotion that is the first of its kind and has been happening at Acadia for the past 3 years! It's purpose is to bring evidence-based learnings on taking care of your mental health during your university years. There are usually 3 BHRP per semester, led by mental health professionals from the community as well as Acadia's YOU101 student volunteers!
It is organized by Acadia's Health and Wellness office in collaboration with a select group of Acadia Faculty members.

"How does it work?"
If you are a student and your faculty member is part of the BHRP, they will share with you what and when each BHRP session is during the semester. To be marked as attended, you will need to show up to the session, fill out a pre and post survey while at the session, and hand it in to the Health and Wellness Coordinator at the end of the session.

10/12/2021

Hello everyone! We are late to update this semester's BHRP to this page - it has been a busy year so far in the Health and Wellness Office :) A couple follow up posts will follow this one explaining the BHRP as well as the first BHRP session happening tomorrow night as part of Mental Health Week!

03/29/2021

Last week was the final BHRP event of the semester! A big thank you to everyone involved. Over the next couple weeks we will be compiling all of the feedback and then passing along the class lists to the BHRP Professors :) Have a great week!

03/25/2021

Today is the day! It is the last event of the semester :) You will need a large piece of paper and materials to colour with (about 10 different colours). Here are the links for the "How you Thrive - Your Personal Journey Reflected in Art" at 5pm today;
Link to the session: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTE0ZjAxMzctZjRmMC00NzNkLWEzYWUtYzU5NDIxOTMwMGM2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2238b8ccee-acfd-40eb-972e-552d7cd548a3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2246bf4f13-086d-46b4-9dc0-eab722a0a262%22%7d
Link to the post session questionnaire: https://forms.gle/ZS5LXpGeVNzVD3KL7

03/22/2021

The final BHRP event of the semester is this week, Thursday 5-6! :) titled "How you Thrive: Your Personal Journey Through Art", you will be guided to explore your Acadia journey through a process of inquiry and reflection using mandalas. Space will be created for you to zoom out from the pressures of exams, engage in creativity, and connect with others! Leading the event will be Anna von Maltzahn M.Ed., RCT-C, CCC and Belinda Robinson M.Ed., RCT-C, CCC.
Details on materials needed, link to event and post-event questionnaire to be posted shortly!

02/25/2021

1 hour until the second BHRP event of the semester! Join the YOU101 team and Julia Wassef at 7pm tonight :) You will need to attend the event AND fill out the accompanying survey if joining for the BHRP. Links below!

"This fun and interactive animal-themed event will help you understand how your brain works, why we find ourselves in a fight or flight response, and how animal images can help connect us to our own strengths and resources."

Event link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODJkZGQwN2YtMjc1NC00YzYzLTk5NTctYzczMjk2YTcxNGUw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2238b8ccee-acfd-40eb-972e-552d7cd548a3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2246bf4f13-086d-46b4-9dc0-eab722a0a262%22%7d

Survey link: https://forms.gle/FxhqFjvpLNKPDW6q9

02/21/2021

Hello everyone! Next week Thursday is the second BHRP event of the semester :) On Tuesday our lovely YOU101 student volunteers will be giving out self care kits and in those kits will be materials you will need for the event! 12-5pm in the SUB (main floor). See you then!