Update on new positive cases of COVID-19

There are 13 positive cases among students to report: one on the Eastman Campus, four on the Medical Campus, and eight on the River Campus. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated when a new case is reported. Find the latest COVID-19 messages and updates here.

Amid a worsening formula shortage, mothers are asked: ‘Why not breastfeed?’

The New York Times, May 16

Casey Rosen-Carole, an assistant professor of pediatrics and of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Ruth A. Lawrence Program in Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine, said the physiology of breastfeeding “is not especially resilient, in that once it’s over it’s very hard to build it back.” The prospect that women may be attempting to relactate in response to the formula crisis concerns her, she said, because mothers could compound stress by pushing their bodies to do something that is difficult, if not impossible.

Support session for employees affected by attack in Buffalo

In response to the recent racist attack on the Black community in Buffalo, UR Medicine EAP is offering a “Connect for Support” space for affected employees today, May 17, at noon EDT. The session is designed to help employees recognize their own symptoms of distress, consider coping skills to support their own wellness during these difficult times, and create a space for employees to support one another. Register here to attend the session.

Find care for your pets

Eligible employees can use their free premium Care.com membership to find help and discounts for their pets, including pet sitting, dog walking, training, and pet supply and insurance discounts. Visit the Family Care web page for eligibility information and access to this benefit. LifeMart by Care.com is also part of the current offerings available to employees including RARES and YOUR Benefits Extras.

Learn some facts on fats

When working towards a goal, it can be valuable to understand how fat as a macronutrient affects your health, in ways both good and bad. Join Well-U’s Jill Chodak, a registered dietitian, on Thursday, May 19, at noon EDT to discuss the different types of fats, what roles they play in your body, as well as some common misconceptions. Registration is open.

Retiree benefits webinar

Join the Office of Total Rewards for a webinar at noon EDT on Friday, May 20, to go over eligibility to retire, what steps to take if you plan to retire soon, health and dental benefits, life insurance, and other incentives offered to you after retirement. Register here to attend. If you are unable to attend a live webinar, you can find a recorded version online.

Webinar: ‘Infrastructure, Resources, and People Matter: Findings from East High’

Join the Center for Urban Education Success for a conversation with doctoral students from the Warner School of Education as they discuss their dissertations, which are the culmination of extensive original research projects done at East High in the areas of literacy, art, families, and math coaching. The webinar takes place today, May 17, at noon EDT.

Food and game event to celebrate Asian cultures

In partnership with the Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusion, the newly formed and independent Asian American and Pacific Islander support group is hosting a cultural event on Friday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT at Everts Lounge, Helen Wood Hall. Enjoy food and join in games like Green Light – Red Light, the Korean game from Squid Game. Partners and children are also invited. RSVP here to attend.

All members of the Rochester community interested in learning more about AAPI stories can subscribe to an email listserv and receive a newsletter here. To join in efforts, submit this form.

‘Aesthetics of Hope: Inclusivity Through Community Art’

Art can spark curiosity, inspire action, and reflect the experiences of both creators and audiences. Join a panel discussion on the use of mural art as a tool to highlight individual excellence, assert community identity, and promote meaningful multicultural dialogue. Register for the event taking place Tuesday, May 24, at 6 p.m. EDT. This program is presented as part of the REAL Conversations series.

Summer meditation workshop

Have you attended a Koru basic class or already have an established meditation practice? Koru 2.0 is a four-session course that allows you to deepen your practice and includes chair yoga, labeling practices, gatha meditation, and loving-kindness meditation. The third session is a mini silent retreat that includes a dharma talk. This summer course is being offered as a part of the University’s Zen Meditation Group. The class will take place on Tuesday, May 31, and June 7, 14, and 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. EDT via Zoom. Registration is required. Registering for this course will add you to the Zen Meditation Group email list, from which you will receive weekly emails detailing each session. You may ask to be removed from this email list at any time during or after the course if you would prefer not to continue receiving the weekly emails.

• Dr. Chat Bot: Medical Center employees (daily required) | Medical Center students (daily required) and non-Medical Center students (as needed)
• COVID-19 Resource Center | Medical Center’s COVID-19 update page
• Current campus face mask policies
• Faculty and staff vaccine participation form (VPN or on-campus network connection required)
• COVID-19 vaccine requirements and FAQs
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed