College of Health and Medicine

What started as a small group introduced by the Menzies Institute some years ago, is now bringing staff and students across the College of Health and Medicine in Hobart together.

Healthy@MSP is a health and well-being committee aimed at promoting good mental and physical health amongst staff and students.

We’re dedicated to promoting a culture of health and wellbeing as well as connecting to the broader community.

Workplace health and wellbeing programs have the potential to improve general health and wellbeing by reducing risk factors for chronic disease. This can lead to a more productive and economically viable workforce.

We have been thrilled to extend this program to more staff and students and would love to see similar groups throughout the College’s campuses.

We are also looking for enthusiastic committee members to join, as well as volunteers who can assist at particular events.

Community support

While the group’s primary focus is on trying to promote the health of staff and students through policy and access to health equipment and events, it is also aimed at bringing people together to raise money for and awareness of community groups.

So far this year we have had morning teas to support the Cancer Council and more recently R U OK Day – the national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day is the day to ask, ‘Are you ok?’ and support those struggling with life and its demands.

Both events were also good opportunities to bring staff and students from throughout the College together.

Many people who attended commented that they very much missed gathering across divisions and schools and enjoyed the opportunity to share a social occasion to meet up with others from throughout the College.

We hope to do a lot more of this as being social and connected is great for our wellbeing- and our College.

The next Healthy event: 10,000 steps

Healthy@MSP has recently finished registering teams for the 10,000 steps tournament as part of Wellbeing Week at the University.

Taking 10,000 steps per day (or the equivalent in other activities) is the amount of activity recommended for lifelong physical and psychological health benefits.

Step logging starts on the 23 September through to the 13 October (3 weeks) and you don’t have to have a pedometer to join.
Point 2 Pinnacle

Healthy@MSP also has a team who will be taking on the challenge of the Point 2 Pinnacle in November.  If you would like to join us, either walking or running, contact Michelle or register online at https://www.pointtopinnacle.com.au/.  Our team name is HEALTHY AT MSP.

If you are interested in being involved with Healthy@MSP or would like more information, contact Michelle Kilpatrick (michelle.kilpatrick@utas.edu.au) or Fiona Cocker (fiona.cocker@utas.edu.au).

Stay Healthy

The Health@MSP team