The long weekend is just about here! Join us for mocktails in the Wiigwasitig Gitigaan 'Birch Tree Garden' to kick off the long weekend and learn how to celebrate safely while enjoying the beautiful summer weather. Topics will include: sun safety, staying hydrated, exercising in the heat, safe(r) substance use, and tick safety. Brought to you by Student Health and Wellness and Indigenous Initiatives.

Did you know?? Herbs are super easy to grow and are packed full of nutrients! Herbs can easily be grown indoors all year long, and add a burst of flavour and nutrition to any meal. Join Student Health and Wellness and Indigenous Initiatives in the Wiigwasitig Gitigaan 'Birch Tree Garden' to test out your green thumb and try planting some herbs, then take them home and help them grow. We will also have some delicious recipes available to give you some ideas of how you can use your herbs at home (think savoury sauces, refreshing beverages, and gourmet snacks).

SHOW YOUR PRIDE LAKEHEAD - June 28, 1:00pm - 4:00pm outside the Cafeteria

We want to celebrate PRIDE MONTH! On this day Student Success Centre, Student Health and Wellness, and LUSA join forces to celebrate pride.

Tie-Dye shirts (with your own clothing) to bring out your colours, Ppzza by LUSU and Sexual Wellness Information and Supplies by Student Health and Wellness, and more!

Join Student Health and Wellness and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives for an afternoon of fun and connection in the Wiigwasitig Gitigaan ‘Birch Tree Garden.’ Get your hands dirty in the garden, play some lawn games, or use this as an opportunity to meet new students on campus! There will be awesome giveaways, snacks, refreshments, and great company! We can’t wait to see you there!

Join Student Health and Wellness for a relaxing afternoon in the Wiigwasitig Gitigaan ‘Birch Tree Garden’ and create a macramé plant hanger! Light snacks/refreshments and all the supplies required to create and take home your plant hanger will be provided! 

This event is open to all students, staff, and faculty.

Please register using the QR code, or the link below, so we can make sure to have enough crafting supplies for everyone! 

We can't wait to see you there! 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQkrPiYGhvtoOsKwGzfjPQT-7uNKFx...

Burnout can happen when you face academic (and other!) stress over an extended period of time. Now that we’re two months into the semester, it’s common for students to start experiencing some of the effects of burnout like lack of motivation and interest, difficulty focusing, physical health issues, lack of creativity, and decreased academic performance.

Your Peer Wellness Team wants to help you prevent and manage burnout so you can finish off the semester strong! Drop by Simcoe Hall and Visit the Peer Wellness Team to learn what burnout is, some strategies for managing burnout, and grab a Burnout Buster Baggy for some take-home self-care.

It can often be a challenge to take a minute to ourselves, so why not make self-care a habit and Take10.

Image credit: https://www.ciphr.com/ 

safeTALK is a 4-hour, in-person workshop to build skills in suicide prevention. Participants will learn how to recognize and engage with someone thinking about suicide, overcome attitudes that act as barriers to help, talk openly about suicide and connect with intervention resources for further support.

Through presentations, audiovisuals, small group discussion and scenario practice, you will learn a 4-step TALK model and practical steps to help activate a suicide alert that connects people having thoughts of suicide with more specialized intervention care and relevant resources.

All participants will receive a learning booklet, resources and a Certificate of Completion.

Registration is required, space is limited.

Sign up here.

Come by the Wellness Centre for a drop-in appointment with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's Sexual Health Nurse. The nurse can help keep your sexual health on point with routine STI testing, and answering all of your questions about birth control, emergency contraceptives, STIs, and more. Drop-ins are fast, free, and easy! 

Services available include:

• STI urine testing and treatment
• Birth control counselling (Types of birth control, how and where to get different birth control options)
• Free barriers (condoms)
• Emergency contraceptive counselling
• Referrals to a physician
• All of your sexual health questions answered!

What happens at an appointment?

That is up to you! The nurse will begin by asking you what she can help you with, and you will go from there. She will answer your questions, provide resources, make referrals, and do tests if and how you want.

Have questions? Email the Wellness Centre at orluwell@lakeheadu.ca or call 705-330-4010 ext 2116 for more information.

You are invited to Wiigwasitig Gitigaan ‘Birch Tree Garden’ Afternoons!

Join us for gardening in the Medicine Wheel Teaching Garden and Three Sisters Garden. Gardening is a fun and relaxing activity that supports many facets of wellness including emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental wellbeing. It helps distract the mind, putting it into a quiet and relaxed state, while having a positive impact on mood and brain chemistry. Please bring water, a hat and sunscreen. Light refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome.

Date: Every Friday in May to August 2023

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Wiigwasitig Gitigaan ‘Birch Tree Garden’ (behind Simcoe Hall)

Lakehead University Orillia, 500 University Ave., Orillia, Ontario

Offered to you by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Student Health & Wellness.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator | E: orillia.ii@lakeheadu.ca | T: 705-330-4010 ext. 2018

To help get you through exams, the Student Affairs department is offering build-your-own Exam Wellness Kits in Simcoe Hall! Stop by any time from April 13 – 24th to get what you need to have a healthy and successful exam period. Kit items include:

• Fruits
• Granola bars and other snacks
• School supplies
• Study and stress management tips
• And more!