HEALTHY AGGIES: ‘Maintain Don’t Gain,’ CAIR support group

Worried about weight gain during the holidays? Try putting a “please don’t tempt me” table tent on your desk, to steer away co-workers bearing treats.

The table tent is one of the tools and incentives that come with “Maintain Don’t Gain,” presented by WorkLife and Wellness for the second year in a row. The free program aims to help you stay focused on eating healthy and fitting in exercise — so you can keep off the 1 to 2 pounds that most Americans typically gain at this time of year. “While this may not seem like a lot, these ‘bonus’ pounds are usually not lost and can add up over time,” according to the “Maintain Don’t Gain” website.

The website includes a group pledge form for your office, and other downloadable tools, including the table tent. Look for the online registration link, going live Monday (Nov. 9), on the same website.

Also starting Nov. 9, you can visit the Heitman Staff Learning Center to pick up a specially packed “Maintain Don’t Gain” drawstring backpack (250 are available; first-come, first-served).

The program runs from Nov. 16 to Jan. 8, and includes weekly motivational emails with challenges, and supporting tips and resources. At program’s end, you’re asked to fill out an evaluation — and if you do, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a mountain bike.

CAIR is newest campus support group

California Aggies in Recovery, or CAIR, is a new peer support group for students who are recovering from substance use disorders or other addictive behaviors.

Stephanie Lake, who coordinates alcohol, tobacco and other drug interventions services for Student Health and Counseling Services, said students are eager to meet confidentially with her, but many times they feel isolated and find it hard to meet other students in recovery.

“Through this group, students will have a way to meet other like-minded students, be a support to each other and also have some fun without alcohol or drugs,” said Lake, the CAIR adviser. The group is also open to students who are choosing not to use drugs or alcohol as well as those who have family members with alcohol or drug issues.

Group plans include peer tutoring and social events, including movie nights, dinners and open mike nights.

CAIR has received a $10,000 grant from Transforming Youth Recovery, a charity of the Stacie Mathewson Foundation, for outreach — connecting with students, staff and faculty to raise awareness of the new group and identify related resources on campus.

CAIR group meetings are held weekly from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays on the third floor of the Student Health and Wellness Center. To find out more or to get involved, contact Lake by phone, (530) 752-6334, or email.

“The ultimate goal is for the students to have their own space, so if you have any ideas, please don't hesitate to call me,” Lake said.

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Dave Jones, Dateline, 530-752-6556, dljones@ucdavis.edu

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