Monthly Archives: April 2020

Mental Health Resources, NOVACares, Resources, Uncategorized

NOVACares Launches New Reporting Forms

The NOVACares Office continues to be the hub for College-wide incident reporting at NOVA. The NOVACares Office received and individually screened 1,526 incident reports in 2019 and 364 incident reports in 2020 as of 4.14.20. The NOVACares Office is phasing out the “all-in-one” incident reporting form and launching four individual case type forms:   Academic Integrity Violations, Student Code of Conduct Violation, Title IX and Sexual Misconduct (report will be sent directly to the NOVA Title IX Office) and Student Needing Assistance (CARE). Each report will be screened and routed to the appropriate NOVACares Responder within two business days and the reporter will receive an email designating the case lead.

The forms are located in the same place as the previous reporting form at www.nvcc.edu/novacares.  Click on Make a Report.  FAQ’s for reporting incidents can be found at www.nvcc.edu/novacares/program/reporting.html

Then select the appropriate reporting form for the incident you are reporting. The direct link can be saved to your favorites:  www.nvcc.edu/novacares/report.html

The goal of CARE Team outreach is early intervention. We provide support and resources to avoid a crisis. Student Needing Assistance Incident Reports (CARE Team referrals) will be routed to the Campus CARE Teams.  NOVA currently has seven teams that are ready to respond to students needing outreach to enhance their chances of success at NOVA.  No request for assistance is too small; if the situation is troubling you, you should report it.   If you have questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to send an email to novacares@nvcc.edu.

If your report concerns faculty or staff, without student involvement, you may report directly to Human Resources by emailing the details to employeerelations@nvcc.edu

These forms are not intended to be a substitute for immediate intervention; if you are reporting an emergency situation or need an immediate emergency response, please contact NOVA Police at 703-764-5000 or dial 911.

 

Mental Health Resources, NOVACares, Tip of the Week

Recognizing Anxiety and Tips to Manage Anxiety

COVID-19 is a huge anxiety producer – here are some tips to help you recognize and manage your anxiety.

Coping Strategies

Try these when you’re feeling anxious or stressed:

  • Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
  • Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
  • Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
  • Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
  • Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
    Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
  • Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get.
  • Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
  • Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
  • Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
  • Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
  • Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
  • Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

https://adaa.org/tips

Events, NOVACares, Sexual Assault Services, Uncategorized

Join SAS for the Virtual Clothesline Project

 

 

 

 

 

Join SAS for the Virtual Clothesline Project
April 14, 2020 / Events

NOVA’s Sexual Assault Services presents: The Clothesline Project, a powerful visual display to educate students and the community that violence is a problem everywhere and there is always hope because help toward the path to healing is available. Would you like to show your support for those who have been impacted by sexual and domestic violence? Then join us in our efforts to raise awareness by decorating a paper cut-out of a tee-shirt to express your feelings about violence. Write a positive message or draw or paint an inspiring image. Take a photo of your creation and send it to NOVA.SAS@nvcc.edu to be curated for an online photo gallery on the Virtual Student Union webpage. There, it will be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of sexual and domestic violence, and it will collectively show survivors that they are not alone. We care and we support them. Submission deadline is Friday, April 24, 5pm.

https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2020/04/14/join-sas-for-a-virtual-clothesline-project/

Mental Health Resources, NOVACares, Resources, Tip of the Week, Uncategorized

Tip of the Week: Alcohol Usage Tips for Alcohol Awareness Month

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From our friends @ Commonhealth…

April is Alcohol Awareness Month Alcohol Awareness Month is observed nationally each April and provides the public an opportunity to learn more about issues related to alcohol use. In observance, Virginia ABC’s Education and Prevention Section shares the following information regarding responsible alcohol consumption. You can find more information on alcohol education and prevention, including digital resources for all ages on Virginia ABC’s website. www.commonhealth.virginia.gov  The contents of the CommonHealth weekly emails may be reprinted from an outside resource in the area of health, safety, and wellness and is intended to provide one or more views on a topic.These views do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth of Virginia, CommonHealth, or any particular agency and are offered for educational purposes.If you have questions or concerns about this article, please email us at wellness@dhrm.virginia.govDrinking in moderation can minimize an individual’s risk for experiencing the negative effects of alcohol.For women, low-risk drinking is defined as no more than –three drinks on a single day and no more than seven drinks per week. For men, it’s no more than four drinks on a single day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Low-risk doesn’t mean no risk however. Even within low-risk limits, problems can arise for adults who drink too quickly, have health conditions, or are older than 65. Seven in 10 adults always drink at low-risk levels or don’t drink at all.No matter which beverage a person chooses to consume, it’s the quantity of the beverage consumed that’s most important. Understanding standard drink sizes can help one gauge consumption.  A standard size drink is the equivalent to 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), 5 ounces of wine with 12% ABV and a 1.5 ounce shot of 80 proof liquor.  Alcohol is not always served in the same size constraints of a standard drink.  Additionally, the ABV in craft beers, wines, liquors and mixed drinks is not always equivalent to the ABV of a standard drink.Be sure to check labels.April is also Stress Awareness Month.  During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, recognizing the need to manage stress is more important than ever. It can be tempting to reach for a drink in a stressful situation, but maintaining mental and physical health should be atop priority. Here are some tips to keep in mind: If you did not drink before, do not start now.Consuming alcohol does not protect you from COVID-19. Eat healthy and get enough rest.If you are working from home, try to maintain a schedule and routine.Even in the midst of social distancing, you can stay connected. Reach out virtually to friends/family. Share your feelings and support others.

 

http://www.commonhealth.virginia.gov/