Month: April 2015

Adrenal Stress and Hypothyroidism

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Have you recently experienced fatigue and aren’t sure why? The cause could be adrenal gland issues or hypothyroidism. While doctors disagree as to whether adrenal stress is a veritable medical condition or simply related to hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue theory insists that a great influx of stress can actually hinder our adrenal glands from producing hormones that we need. This lack of hormones can lead to a wide variety of unwanted side effects. Albeit, there is not yet enough evidence to support this theory. Similarly, hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce the necessary amount of thyroid hormone. Without this hormone, our body produces less energy and we may feel greatly fatigued.

Has chronic fatigue been effecting your lifestyle? You may be suffering from adrenal stress or hypothyroidism.
Has chronic fatigue been effecting your lifestyle? You may be suffering from adrenal stress or hypothyroidism.

Often, hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a condition where the thyroid gland experiences irritation. This inflammation can be due to either a viral infection or antibodies that target and destroy the thyroid gland. It is important to note that hypothyroid symptoms and adrenal fatigue symptoms are largely similar. This means that the two conditions are often misdiagnosed. If you are feeling tired, depressed, cold sensitivity, muscle/joint aches or have experienced poor memory, shortness of breath, chronic yeast infections, low libido, infertility, or weight gain, you may be suffering from adrenal gland issues or hypothyroidism. Treatments require a diligent approach so if you are suspect of the aforementioned conditions, do not hesitate to reach out to your health care provider.

View the entire article by Best Doctors.

If you are facing a medical decision, Best Doctors is here to help. Call 866.904.0910 or visit bestdoctors.com/members.

Thank You MSU Police Department

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The time is long overdue in expressing our sincere gratitude and thankfulness for our Michigan State University law enforcement. The MSU Police uphold their mission year round to enhance the quality of life on campus by building relationships, strengthening stewardship, and working collaboratively within our diverse community to reduce crime, enforce laws, preserve peace, and provide for a safe environment for all to enjoy. Over the past year, the MSU Police have responded to and acted honorably in their duty to protect and serve the MSU community. To learn more about the MSU Police Department and their available resources, please visit their website and follow their Twitter account to stay updated on the most recent developments and information. You also should consider signing up for MSU Alert. MSU K9 Police Officer and Dog

Thank you, MSU Police, for providing a safe environment for all.MSU police emergency training exercise

Spartan Youth Programs and Summer Camps

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Summer is quickly approaching, so you may want to check out the list of over 100 Spartan Youth Programs and summer camps for Pre-K through 12th graders. These programs offered by Michigan State University are great opportunities for children and young adults to take part in the Spartan experience and develop themselves academically. There are many 4-H camps available for all age groups, along with exciting creativity-driven camps that ignite children’s imaginations. There are also many different sporting camps, ranging from baseball and basketball to gymnastics, tennis, golf, football and hockey. Take a look at all the camps offered through Spartan Youth Programs and find one that your children would enjoy at: http://spartanyouth.msu.edu.Spartan Youth Programs graphic

A list of popular places to visit on campus can also be found below the list of programs, camps and activities.

Greater Lansing Walking and Bicycle Paths

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As the weather begins to warm up, remember that there are wonderful walking and bicycle paths in our region. In 2014, the Lansing River Trail was expanded to reach into South Lansing’s Holt and Mason districts. If you reside in the South Lansing area, remember to take advantage of the trails on a sunny day by biking this route which crosses Willoughby Road along Sycamore Creek. The trail leads you past the Hope Soccer Fields Complex where the trail joins the Aurelius Road bike lane at Jolly Road. Your trip continues north, passing near scenic Hawk Island County Park and going all the way to Fenner Nature Center and Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, where it joins up with what we know as the Lansing River Trail.Lansing River Trail Map

From there you can head either west to the Capitol and Old Town, or east to MSU and enjoy all the campus has to offer on a beautiful spring or summer day. Remember that there are some great MSU walking paths too!

New Supervisor Essentials Course

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Continual learning and networking is the key to supervisory success. Don’t go it alone.Person choosing a path

Are you a recently appointed or newly hired supervisor or manager? If so, or if you are just looking to brush up on your leadership skills as a manager or supervisor, the monthly-held New Supervisor Essentials professional development course is available on Thursday, April 16 or Wednesday, May 13 from 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. in Suite 10 of the Nisbet Building. This session is designed to provide you with support and information to help you get off to a good start in your important role as a leader at MSU. Content includes an overview of leadership skills, administering Employee Relations and a panel discussion with current MSU supervisors. Lunch will be provided and attendance is free. Your presenters will be Jennie Yelvington and Kathie Elliott of MSU Human Resources.

To find more courses offered through the Professional Development Services Department check out their catalog. To register for this course, please log into EBS.

Job of the Week 4/10/2015

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This week we are highlighting an Information Technologist I (Posting #1133) in Infrastructure Planning and Facilities. The successful candidate will serve as Web Developer/Digital Content Manager and is responsible for the development of websites and digital communications for the Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) unit of Michigan State University (MSU); duties include digital concept and content development, information architecture, programming, testing, maintenance and analysis of highly visible Web sites for IPF; other communications-related duties as assigned.

For a complete description of this position, and to view all of our current postings, please go to www.jobs.msu.edu and select Support Staff under the Fast Jobs Search. MSU Jobs Icon

Fresh, Local Produce from the MSU Student Organic Farm

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A smorgasbord of fresh produce grown by MSU’s Student Organic Farm.

MSU’s Student Organic Farm (SOF) invites MSU faculty and staff to become a part of its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program this summer. Participants of the program will receive weekly boxes of local, organic produce. These bountiful shares are designed to feed a family of four, or two prolific veggie lovers. The investment is just $755 for the entire summer, equaling $1.35 per person per day for a family of four. This fee serves double duty by paying for experiential agricultural education for undergraduates as well as the training of new farmers at MSU SOF. The program begins on June 15 and will commence on October 26. Summer Harvest Share pick up is on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Student Organic Farm located at 3291 College Rd., just south of Jolly.

The benefits of the CSA program are truly innumerable. Reap the following rewards with your membership:

  • Convenient access to eight to 12 delicious organic produce items from the farm for 20 weeks! You won’t find fresher, healthier or easier elsewhere.
  • The peace of mind of knowing your farm and farmer.
  • Access to the CSA U-Pick Garden.
  • The knowledge that your money will support Michigan’s next generation of organic farmers and passionate students.

For more information and to join the program, please email msufarm@msu.edu or call 517-230-7987 for details and membership documents. If you are interested in supporting the SOF sans commitment, feel free to take advantage of the weekly campus Farm Stand. The Farm Stand is located on Farm Lane, just north of Shaw Lane and just south of the Red Cedar and will be open every Thursday through October 29 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For additional information and to sign up for the Farm Stand e-newsletter, please visit http://www.msuorganicfarm.org/farm-stand.

Two-Factor Authentication Coming to MSU

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MSU is in the process of adding steps to safeguard personal and institutional data by implementing two-factor authentication. The first system to be protected in this way is the EBS Portal. Many more will follow. All employees will be required to complete two-factor authentication to log into the EBS Portal on April 13.

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication pairs something you have (e.g., a security credential) with something you know (e.g., a password).

If you use an ATM, you’ve been using two-factor authentication for years. You perform transactions like withdrawing money from an account by having a bank card (something you have) and a PIN (something you know). If one of these two items is lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised, another person is unable to withdraw money since they are unlikely to possess both factors. That’s why you should never write down your PIN or keep it with your ATM card. Two-factor authentication is a much stronger method over a user name and password alone. It provides added protection for both individuals and the MSU community.

You will see two-factor authentication more often as an increasing number of our daily tasks are completed online. If your financial institution or other organizations with whom you exchange confidential information offer two factor, take advantage of it. It’s always good to protect yourself if given the opportunity.

Two-Factor Authentication Graphic
Register for two-factor authentication by April 13 so you can log into the EBS Portal!

Want to Win a Tablet? Put Your Financial Knowledge to the Test!

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160x600_TIAA_CREF_whiteboardThe What’s Your Financial IQ 2.0 challenge, sponsored by one of MSU’s retirement plan vendors TIAA-CREF, just might be the easiest way to win a free tablet computer. From April 1 to April 22, participate by answering questions that will help you learn important information regarding financial planning. Every day, What’s Your Financial IQ 2.0 will feature new topics and questions, allowing you to show what you know. Every time that you play, you will be entered to win one of three tablet computers. The more that you play, the better your chances are to win. Sign on frequently to keep the odds in your favor! Don’t worry if you aren’t in the financial know either, all responses are completely confidential.

So go ahead, get started today! Topics vary and will cover retirement, taxes, healthcare and privacy. All MSU employees are eligible to win. You can see last year’s winners here.

Job of the Week 4/3/2015

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This week we are highlighting an Administrative Assistant I/S (Posting #1092) at Kellogg Center. The successful candidate will oversee all administrative functions of the Spartan Hospitality Group Sales Office; supervises part-time and full-time support staff; collects and interprets information to produce a wide variety of sales reports for Spartan Hospitality Group; provides direct support to the Director of Sales by assisting with creating department plans, goals, budgets, and other various reports and projects; assists with booking and coordinating MSU student groups at Kellogg Center; updates social media Web sites for Kellogg Center and other departments within SHG; enters bookings into Opera computer program as needed; serves as the Newmarket Systems Analyst for Spartan Hospitality Group; consistently works in a positive and professional manager with all members of Hospitality Sales and Spartan Hospitality Group. MSU Jobs Icon

For a complete description of this position, and to view all of our current postings, please go to www.jobs.msu.edu and select Support Staff under the Fast Jobs Search.