Calendar of Events

September 2009

Unnatural Causes: Movie and Discussion
Monday 9.14.09 MUB Theatre I 6PM: UNNATURAL CAUSES is the acclaimed documentary series broadcast by PBS and now used by thousands of organizations and education groups to tackle the root causes of our alarming socio-economic and racial inequities in health. Discussion facilitated by Professor John Seavey and Professor Barbara Prudhomme White.

Academic Convocation
Tuesday 9.15.09 Granite State Room 7:30 AM: UNH will celebrate academic excellence with the introduction of a yearlong series focused on health, with special guest, Dr. Susan Lynch. Following the convocation, the university community will come together for the annual University Day Picnic.

Big Tai Chi
Tuesday 9.22.09 (rain date 9.24.09) T-Hall Lawn 1 PM: Let’s make something beautiful together. Come try Tai Chi and go with the flow with Lin Lin Choy, Tai Chi Instructor. Sponsored by Health Services.

Local Harvest Feast
Wednesday 09.23.09: In recognition of the many benefits vibrant agriculture affords New Hampshire, the Local Harvest Feast raises awareness and educates students, staff, and community members about our local agricultural landscape and its role in sustaining our physical and economical health and well-being, now and in the future. YUMMY! Sponsored by the University Sustainability Office and UNH Dining Services.

BOOK CLUB: The Nature of Health: How America Lost, and Can Regain, a Basic Human Value
Thursday 9.24.09 Hamilton Smith RM 3 (Discovery Program Office) 12:30 – 2:00: Please join OT Faculty members for a book group discussion of The Nature of Health: How America Lost, and Can Regain, a Basic Human Value by Michael Fine. We will discuss the book over the semester in short chapters. This is a great opportunity to connect to others interested in engaging in health discussions. We will be joined by the author at our final book group meeting. Books are available at significantly reduced prices to participants. Book Club Dates: 9/24, 10/22, 11/12, 2/18, 3/25, 4/8 Cosponsored by the Department of Occupational Therapy and the College of Health and Human Services.

We Are All Players: Preparing for the H1N1 Global Flu Pandemic
Tuesday 9.29.09 MUB Strafford Room 12:40 – 2:00PM: Please join UNH and local health leaders for a forum on the latest up-to-date information on H1N1 for what you need to know and what you need to do. Co-Sponsored by the College of Health and Human Services and UNH Health Services.

 

October 2009

Energy Waste Watch Challenge:
There are many ways saving energy impacts your health! Sponsored by the University Office of Sustainability and Residential Life.

BIG YOGA
Thursday 10.01.09 (rain date 10.02.09) T-Hall Lawn 1 PM: A great opportunity to try yoga and participate in a community moment of health and relaxation. Flowy clothes, optional. Claire Van Hoorn, Yoga Instructor. Please bring your own yoga mat or large towel. Sponsored by Health Services.

Health and Human Services State of the State
Friday 10.2.09 MUB Strafford Room 9:15 – 11 AM: The Department of Social Work will host New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner, Nick Toumpas, to deliver the annual “State of the State” Presentation, an overview of state health and human service trends including workforce needs. Sponsored by the Department of Social Work and the College of Health and Human Services.

Food INC: Movie and Discussion
Thursday 10.15.09 MUB II 6 PM:
Join Discovery Author Gale Carey, Professor of Nutritional Sciences, and Joanne Burke, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nutritional Sciences with the UNH Dietetic Interns for discussion following this provocative film. Food, Inc. exposes America's industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers' rights. Hungry for change? Join the conversation. Cosponsored by the Memorial Union Building, MUSO and the Discovery Program. Ticket Price of $2 will apply.

To Save or Savor: Sustainable Well-Being for Self and Planet
Tuesday 10.20.09 MUB 336 4:00 PM: What might it mean to bring a commitment to wholeness and harmony to the very practices of everyday life? Is there a way to find balance that allows one to savor and find delight in the world, while also embracing a commitment to a sustainable future? How might spiritual practices inform and nourish the capacity to work for such change? This interactive workshop will provide the opportunity to explore the ways in which planetary well-being and personal well-being are intimately and powerfully interconnected. Come see how these important themes connect with your life and work. Facilitated by Health Dialogue Authors Mary Westfall and Deb Kinghorn and Women’s Studies Professor Penelope Morrow. Co-sponsored by the Department of Women’s Studies and the University Office of Sustainability.

Health Care Reform: A Community Dialogue, NH Style
Thursday 10.22.09 Location MUB Granite State Room 6 PM: Healthcare is a complex issue and there are many reasons people across the political spectrum are feeling fearful or hopeful, confused or angry. There is a great need for spaces where we can ask honest questions, explore tough policy issues, hear one another and productively seek common ground. Join us for a chance to talk with other citizens, ask questions of health care experts and participate in real democratic dialogue. Special guests include, Dr. Michael Fine author of The Nature of Health: How America Lost, and Can Regain, a Basic Human Value. Sponsored by Healthy UNH, the NH Citizens Health Initiative (CHI), The Democracy Imperative, UNH Department of Occupational Therapy, and the Discovery Program.

Spiritual Praxis Cafe
Thursday 10.29.09, Strafford Room 11 AM – 2 PM: Come and experience a buffet of spiritual practices from a variety of traditions alive in our campus and seacoast communities. These include Yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation, African Rhythm chanting, Native American music, centering prayer, drumming and more! Co-sponsors: The Campus Ministry at St. Thomas More, the Community Church of Durham, Counseling Center, Discovery Program, Diversity Initiatives, Health Education and Promotion, Health Services, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, UNH Chaplains Association, the United Campus Ministry to UNH (Waysmeet), and Women’s Studies.

 

November 2009

Riding the Bus with My Sister: Movie and Discussion
Wednesday 11.04.09 MUB II 6:00 PM: Join Professor Griswold and Occupational Therapy honors students for this perceptive, uplifting chronicle showing how much Simon, a creative writing professor at Bryn Mawr College, had to learn from her sister with cognitive disability, Beth, about life, love and happiness. Sponsored by the Department of Occupational Therapy.

Veterans as Homecoming Strangers
Thursday Nov 12 MUB II 12.40-2: Please join this discussion exploring research on the different everyday realities encountered at war and then at home for the returning veteran. The first part of the meeting will provide highlights from recent studies of returning veterans' mental and physical health, their difficulties in reconnecting with their spouses and children, and strategies to help veterans deal with their return to home life. We will also hear about opportunities for involvement with Operation Hat Trick. Student participation in responding to/discussing the research findings and issues is strongly encouraged. Presenters include Michael Brodeur, Postdoctoral Fellow at the UNH Counseling Center and Professor Michele Dillon, Sociology and University Dialogue Author on Health.

Twinkie Deconstructed w/Author Steve Ettlinger
Wednesday 11/18/09 MUB Strafford Room 7 PM: Steve Ettlinger takes us on an eye-opening journey into the ingredients found in common processed foods. Ettlinger presents an engaging first-hand account of the roots, and the manufacturing, of the ingredients that are found in most familiar food products— ranging from snack cakes to soups, breads, and beverages — touching on issues of interest to foodies, scientists, and diners alike. Sponsored by the MUB & Discovery Program.

 

SERIES: HEALTH, EQUALITY, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE STATUS OF HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE IN THE UNITED STATES

In Sickness and In Wealth: Film & Discussion
Tuesday, 10.27.09 MUB Theatre I, 12:30 – 2 PM: Does your bank account and skin color impact your health and well-being? Does the stress of having less access to power, resources and opportunities cause illness? This film and discussion will look at how power, resources and opportunity effect illness and mortality and what can be done in terms of social policies and public priorities to make change. Come engage in the learning and discussion. Facilitators: Barbara Prudhomme White, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy and John Seavey, Professor of Health Management and Policy.

Place Matters: Film & Discussion
Tuesday, 11.03.09 MUB Theatre I, 12:30 – 2 PM: Are some people experiencing unhealthier lives as a result of the communities, neighborhoods and towns they live in here in the U.S.? What are the health and health care related implications for people who live in economically struggling rural and urban communities? How does public policy negatively or positively impact people’s lives? This film and discussion will look at the challenges people and families face trying to stay healthy in communities and towns were resources are few. We will also explore how various policies relating to education, employment, housing, anti-violence, neighborhood improvement and transportation can also be seen as essential to creating good health policy. Facilitators: John Seavey, Professor of Health Management and Policy

Not Just a Paycheck: Film & Discussion
Tuesday, 11.10.09 MUB Theatre I, 12:30 – 2 PM: Does losing your job affect your health? What happens to a community when 20% of its residents are out of a job with little hope of re-employment? In this film, Electrolux moves its plants in Greenville, Michigan and Vastervick, Sweden to other communities where labor and production are cheaper. This film and discussion explores how different government systems affect the outcome of citizens health and well being when there is major shift in employment in a community. Facilitators: TBA.

In Sickness and In Health: Film & Discussion
Tuesday, 11.17.09 MUB Theatre I, 12:30 – 2 PM: "I take you to be my husband / wife... in Sickness and in Health...” As these simple words are often exchanged as part of marriage vows, the civil rights associated with marriage are denied to same-sex couples. For many gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans, saying these words and enjoying their subsequent rights is not an option. Did you know that when a heterosexual couple is married in the United States they are granted over 1,000 rights? The relationship recognition of marriage also impacts how health care is distributed in our country. This film highlights a lesbian couple suing for same-sex marriage in New Jersey, and what it means when one partner is diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. Join us for this film and discussion, as we explore the politics and legalities of the right to marry and care for, the ones we love, in sickness and in health. Facilitators: TBA

Series Co-sponsored by Health Services, OMSA, SHARPP and the Discovery Program

 

December 2009

Healing Arts Festival
Tuesday 12.08.09 MUB Strafford Room 11AM-2PM:
Engaging in a creative process like making art, music, writing and dancing can lead to a significant reduction of stress as well as improve one’s self esteem and interpersonal skills. Current research suggests that it can even help improve grades and concentration. The Healing Arts Festival introduces students to the concepts of Expressive Arts Therapy and provides them with an opportunity to explore and engage in a variety of creative modalities. Corey Brown, Wellness Counselor/Educator and trained Expressive Arts Therapist, Peter Welch, Wellness Counselor/Educator and local artist, and Deb Kinghorn, Professor of Theatre and Dance, will help students understand how the use of metaphoric expression and the process of creating is an important part of holistic health and healing. Sponsored by UNH Health Services.

To request material in alternative format, an ASL Interpreter or any other form of accommodation, please contact the Discovery Program at (603) 862-0309 or discovery.program@unh.edu