Health & Wellbeing News
Update from the Mental Health Team!
This term, Tori (Art Therapist) and Lachy (Masters Counselling student) have been running 5-week groups with year 11/12 classes, with the aim of resourcing senior year students with the information they need to seek support after leaving Jackson School. Students are provided with a resource pack of information covered throughout sessions. They have been a great success so far, with lots of positive feedback from staff and students!
Lisa (Mental Health Practitioner) has continued supporting students 1:1 and is working alongside leadership to develop a school-wide mental health risk assessment, safety planning and response process in collaboration withBeYou. This will involve up-skilling all staff on how to respond to disclosures of self-harm and/or suicidal ideation so that students can be kept safe and access the support they need.
Lauren La Bouchardiere has joined the Mental Health Team as our new Behaviour Therapist! Lauren has been supporting the school with the Disability Inclusion reform by updating all Behaviour Support Plans. Lauren has also been working closely with classroom staff to develop proactive strategies and support the individualised needs of students at Jackson School.
Sam (Youth Worker) has been running a girls group with ear 7/8 exploring Friendship – what friendship looks like, how to be a good friend, and what makes a good friend. The sessions have involved some fun bonding cooking sessions together.
Resources for Parents/Carers:
Statewide telephone counselling and support service for all Victorian parents and carers of children from 0-18 years
Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect - offers a range of supports including information, resources, counselling, individual support, and group programs to those who care for others with mental health and substance use issues.
0429 564 269mhwc.west@jss.org.au
The following article is once again taken from the Get Active Victoria website.
Sitting too much: the health risks and how to avoid them
Unfortunately, sitting too much can cause issues for our physical and mental health. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the negative impacts of prolonged sitting and provide practical tips to combat them.
The Health Risks
Sitting for long periods of time contributes to poor posture, muscular imbalances, and weakened core muscles, which can lead to problems like back pain and greater risk of falls. It can also negatively affect mental health, leading to increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression.1
Studies have also shown that too much sitting is associated with an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Combatting the Risks of Sitting
Here are simple strategies you can incorporate into your daily routine to reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting:
- Take frequent breaks: set reminders to stand up and move every 30 minutes. Use these breaks to stretch, walk around, or perform simple exercises like squats or lunges. Even short bursts of activity can make a significant difference.
- Switch between standing and sitting: consider using a standing desk or adjustable workstation to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Standing engages your muscles, improves circulation, and burns more calories than sitting.
- Move whenever possible: find opportunities to add movement to your day, like squeezing in a quick stroll at lunch. Make it a habit to engage in physical activities during your leisure time too – even 5 minutes of stretching while watching TV is good. Or try some of our standing exercises to build strength – see more in our Activity Plan.
- Ergonomic comfort: ensure your workspace is set up to assist with posture and reduce strain on your body. Adjust your chair height, position your monitor at eye level, and use a comfortable chair suitable for you.
- Stay mindful of your posture: pay attention to your posture while sitting and adjust as needed. Sit straight, engage your core muscles, and avoid slouching or hunching forward.
Remember, every little bit of movement counts, so make it a priority to stand up, stretch, and incorporate regular physical activity into your day. Be kind to your body and mind by moving throughout the day.
Ingredients
Olive or canola oil spray
1 medium brown onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp no added salt tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 x 400g tin no-added salt diced tomatoes
1 tbsp salt-reduced tomato sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 x 400g tin cannellini or butter beans, drained and rinsed
3 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
4 slices wholegrain bread, toasted
Pepper to taste
Method
- Spray oil in a medium saucepan and cook onion and garlic over medium heat until softened.
- Add the tomato paste and smoked paprika. Stir through and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tin of tomatoes, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and bring to the boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Add in the cannellini beans and stir until heated through.
- Remove from heat, mix in the parsley and pepper and serve on toast.
Tip: To up the fibre content of this meal, serve alongside some oven roasted vegetables.
