Balancing Technology
Technology is always around us. From smart devices to social media platforms, most of us are constantly digitally connected. While our ever-changing technology definitely has its benefits, there are also risks. This semester, Be Well at Work can help you find a tech/life balance. You can learn about the potential risks of technology, healthy technology habits, and ways to reconnect with others and yourself.
See the programs we offered in Spring 2019 below.
Computer Health Matters: User-Friendly Workstations
Workshop
Wed Jan 30, Mar 27, Apr 24, May 29, Jun 26, and Jul 24 or Tue Feb 26, 2019 | 8:30-9:30am | Tang Education Center
Instructor: Greg Ryan, Ergonomics
Learn how to set up a user-friendly workstation and practice stretches to help relieve computer-related aches and pains. This workshop is required to qualify for computer ergonomics matching funds.
Keyboards and Mice: Ergonomic Alternatives
Workshop
Wed Jan 30, Mar 27, Apr 24, May 29, Jun 26, and Jul 24 or Tue Feb 26, 2019 | 9:45-10:45am | Tang Education Center
Instructor: Greg Ryan, Ergonomics
Learn about the ergonomics of keyboards and pointing devices, including appropriate workstation set-up, postures, and techniques for using them. Find out about the keyboards and pointing devices covered by the Computer Ergonomics Matching Funds Program.
Reclaiming Childhood in a Digital Age
Workshop
Wed, Feb 6, 2019 | 12:10–1:30 pm | Tang Education Center
Speaker: Richard Freed, Ph.D
Dr. Richard Freed will speak on raising happy, healthy kids in the digital age. Learn how a virtually unknown merger between the tech industry and psychology is leading to video games, social media, and smartphones that kids can’t put down. And, why this means children and teens need our help to navigate this digital landscape.
This interactive talk will explore key questions:
- How technology affects family, and how important family is for kids
- Why video games, social media, and phones pose the risk of addiction
- How to foster kids’ school success amid digital distractions
- Who better understands technology: parents or kids, and
- How to help kids grow up to use tech productively
Balancing Technology Challenge
4-week Online Program
Mon, Feb 25 to Mon, Mar 25, 2019
Technology is pervasive in our lives. It helps us in many ways, but it can also distract us from other important components of life. This 4-week challenge includes prize drawings (including the grand prize of a Sports Basement gift card) and weekly newsletters full of tips and resources. Join this program to help you find a healthy balance of technology in your life and possibly discover (or rediscover) activities that truly fulfill you. This challenge is for those who want to:
- Learn how screen time affects them and reduce dependence if necessary
- Connect with people in a more meaningful way
- Enjoy active leisure time rather than watching screens (TV, phone, etc.)
- Do something nice for themselves or others
- Involve their children and get the opportunity to earn a $5 gift certificate to Five Little Monkeys Toys & Gifts (while supplies last)!
- Get a special Sports Basement discount and be eligible for great prizes to help you explore screen-free activities
Balancing Technology Finale Event
Mon, Mar 25, 2019 | 12:10-1pm | Tang Center
Open to all UC Berkeley faculty and staff, including those who did not participate in the challenge.
- Discuss the topics above
- Receive a free Rubik's cube keychain, a fun, portable activity
- Have a chance to win a prize just for attending, a $25 Sports Basement gift card
- Snack on some light refreshments
Cell Phones, Cell Towers, and Wireless 
Safety
Keynote Presentation
Wed, Feb 27, 2019 | 12:10-1:30pm | Tang Education Center
Speaker: Joel Moskowitz, PhD, Director and Principal Investigator, Center for Family and Community Health at UC Berkeley
More than 240 scientists who have published over 2,000 papers on electromagnetic fields and biology or health are concerned that wireless radiation exposure from cell phones, cell towers, and other wireless devices increases your risk of cancer, infertility, and neurologic disorders. Learn about the latest research on wireless radiation safety and steps you can take to protect yourself and loved ones from potential harm.
12:10-1pm Presentation
1-1:30pm Q & A
Co-sponsored by UC Berkeley School of Public Health and Be Well at Work
Watch the recording (1 hour, 13 minutes)
Tips to Reduce Your Wireless Radiation Exposure
How to Reduce Exposure to Radiofrequency Energy from Cell Phones (California Department of Public Health)
The Power of Play: How to Reduce Conflict and Build a Close Connection with Your Child through Play
Workshop
Wed, March 6, 2019 |12:10–1:30pm | Tang Education Center
Speaker: Julie Johnson, The Parent Child Connection
Rarely do we feel like playing when our children have been whiny, uncooperative, or are headed for a meltdown. But play is often what children need to get their behavior back on track. In this workshop you’ll learn how play can be used to release tension, work through difficult behaviors, and bring you closer to your child. You’ll also learn what you can do on the days that you don’t have the energy or bandwidth to play. You’ll take home powerful strategies that will help you resolve conflict and bring warmth and connection back to your family.
Positive Technology Habits to Balance Your Health and Wellness
Workshop
Tue, March 12, 2019 | 12:10–1pm | Tang Education Center, Section Club
Instructor: Greg Ryan, Ergonomic Specialist, Ergonomics
Learn how to set up your mobile/office workstation safely and explore methods for practicing self-care in our fast paced world. Content will include beneficial movement options while working, safe habits with all your 'devices', recommendations for 'break time', and mindfulness and breathing exercises. Resources available on and off campus will be shared.
Using Your Smart Phone to Care for Seniors
Workshop
Wed, March 13, 2019 | 12:10-1:30pm | Tang Education Center
Speaker: Susan Hamilton
Learn of the latest apps, tools, wearables and technology available to care for someone you love with dignity. Ideas will include communicating with siblings near and far, home safety and content from trusted resources.
Ecotherapy: Healing Through Nature
Workshop
Thu, March 14, 2019 | 12:10–1:30pm | Faculty Glade
Speaker: Emily Pellegrino, ASW
The connection between the environment and our health and well-being cannot be understated. Ecotherapy is a way to bring the healing qualities of nature into your life and center yourself in this often rushed world and modern age of technology. Join us for this workshop with psychotherapist, Emily Pellegrino, to learn and practice a few ways to disconnect from an often overwhelming life and incorporate mindfulness and a sense of calm into your life. This workshop will be held outdoors pending weather (Alternative indoor location pending weather will be the Tang Center).
Rustic Meals for Camping, Cookouts, or Home
Workshop and Cooking Demo
Tue, March 19, 2019 | 12:10-1pm | Tang Education Center
Instructor: Kim Guess, RD, Wellness
Whether you’re looking to spend more screen-free time outdoors (and participating in the Balancing Technology Challenge) or just looking for fun new recipes, this class will introduce you to healthy recipes that can be made outdoors or at home. Maybe you will even be inspired to go camping or host a cookout with friends or family! Demonstration, recipes, and samples provided.
Creativity and Your Health
Workshop
Wed, March 20, 2019 | 12:10–1 pm | Tang Education Center
Instructor: Jen Guerra, MA, Wellness
Engaging in creative activities allows us to be more productive, balanced, and calm in everyday life. Explore your creativity through simple, guided exercises, and learn how engaging in creative activities can benefit your health.
This workshop will build on the Fall 2018 workshop by reviewing the health benefits of creative activities, digging deeper into physiological effects, and introduce new activities for both groups and individuals. Any level of experience with art or other creative modality is welcome. Supplies will be provided.
Habits: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Workshop
Wed, Apr 24, 2019 | 12:10-1:30pm | Tang Education Center
Instructor: Leslie Bell, PhD, Employee Assistance
Habits form the structure of our lives. Habits matter because 40% of what we do every day is governed by them. What we eat, how much we move our bodies, how much we sleep, how we treat the people in our lives are all determined largely by habits. Healthy habits help us to be healthy and happy. Unhealthy habits keep us from living the lives we want.
In this workshop we will explore how habits work and how we can change unhealthy habits. We will also learn about our own habit tendencies and how we can form new healthy habits.
Communication Skills to Support Your Quiet Teen
Workshop
Wed, May 8, 2019 |12:10-1:30pm | Tang Education Center
Speakers: April Snow and Jessica Weikers
Many parents are looking for more connection, communication and clarity when interacting with their Quiet Teens, but don’t know how to reach them or be a more central figure in their lives. In this dynamic workshop led by two teen therapists, you will learn how to feel more confident engaging in open conversations with your teen that don’t feel forced, invasive, or strained. When parents and teens are communicating more effectively, everyone benefits. Parents feel more in touch, and teens learn lifelong tools to express themselves and advocate for their needs in all their relationships.