liveWELL Winter 2023 Employee Well-Being Newsletter

UI WELLNESS

staff

UI Wellness is a unit of UI Human Resources.

Megan Hammes Senior Director, UI Wellness megan-hammes@uiowa.edu 335-5424 • E119 CRWC

Carla Melby-Oetken Health Coach carla-melby@uiowa.edu 353-2975 • E119 CRWC

Sandy Stewart Human Resource Specialist sandra-stewart@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • E119 CRWC

Melanie Cuchna Well-Being Specialist melanie-cuchna@uiowa.edu 467-4618 • E119 CRWC

Jean O’Donovan Secretary jean-odonovan@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • E119 CRWC

Mary Heath Secretary mary-heath@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • E119 CRWC

Diana Kremzar Family Services Director diana-kremzar@uiowa.edu 335-3558 • 121 USB

Kelli Jackson Amato Well-Being Specialist kelli-jackson-amato@uiowa.edu 467-4917 • E119 CRWC

Sara Cathi Health Coach sara-cathi@uiowa.edu 467-3239 • E119 CRWC

Layout and Design by Student Life Communications

Printed by UI Printing Services on recycled paper

The University of Iowa’s new five-year strategic plan highlights Holistic Well-Being and Success as one of five priority areas. Specifically, the goal is to embed wellbeing and mental health into all aspects of campus culture to better support students, faculty, and staff.

I’ve been a member of the University of Iowa community since 1984, and a staff member for 25 years. While liveWELL has provided outstanding programs and services since 2006, this is the first time that well-being and mental health are identified as focus areas and priorities for UI in the strategic plan. We’ve organized a Well-Being and Mental Health Collaborative with representation from across campus to work on implementing this well-being vision. As co-chair of this collaborative, I’m honored, energized, and optimistic about the future of well-being on our campus. I look forward to working with all of you to build a community and foster a culture where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.

Joan M. Troester

MBA, SPHR, CEBS Senior Assistant Vice President and Deputy CHRO University Human Resources

liveWELL inspires a culture of well-being and campus excellence, providing employees with the opportunity to thrive.

Exploring the Exhibits

WHY MUSEUMS ARE GOOD FOR WELL-BEING

Q&A with Carolina Kaufman, M.Ed. at the University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums

Carolina Kaufman is the Director of Education and Engagement at the University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums. She has over 20 years of expertise in the fields of museum education, digital learning, and career development at worldrenowned institutions such as The Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum and The University of Iowa. She completed her graduate training at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums are the UI Museum of Natural History and the Old Capitol Museum. The Pentacrest Museums serve to strengthen the vital role that museums have in the educational, research, and engagement missions of the university, enhancing the campus-wide focus on cultural and environmental diversity. liveWELL interviewed UI Pentacrest Museums Director of Education and Engagement Carolina Kaufman, for her take on how museums in general can impact well-being and ways to get involved with museums on our UI campus.

liveWELL: Carolina, the Pentacrest Museums provides a wide variety of educational programming for our campus and community. Can you share why these museums are so special to our campus history?

Carolina Kaufman, M.Ed.: Situated at the heart of campus where we gather, picnic, protest, learn, and celebrate who we are and what we strive to be, the Pentacrest Museums have long served our campus and greater community. We are places where history, arts, culture, discovery, and community interact, where each student in Hawkeye history has once congregated. The Old Capitol building—now a museum—includes early history of our state government. It housed the start of the University of Iowa, many of our programs and departments, and it has hosted countless classes, lectures, exhibitions, and opportunities over 175 years as an institution.

The Museum of Natural History celebrates over 160 years of free admission and represents the start of science on our campus. Our galleries and collections have inspired and supported generations of students, researchers, artists, and leisure seekers alike. It is our commitment

to creating participatory experiences which promote lifelong learning, public discourse, personal expression, and well-being which bridge our state, university, and natural history with our collective future.

liveWELL: What are some of the ways that employees and their families can engage with the Pentacrest Museums?

Carolina Kaufman, M.Ed.: There are many ways to engage with our museums, and we’re always excited to welcome you:

Visit during open hours to explore on a self-guided tour or schedule a guided gallery tour for you and your friends, family, class, or department.

Schedule a research collections tour for exploration or to pursue your own research or arrange for an object or specimen from our collections to come to your class or area for study or display.

Join us at an educational engagement program we host online or in-person, such as:

• Art and Write Night: A monthly opportunity to make our museum your muse. Let’s gather to sketch, write, and share in our galleries after-hours.

• Exhibition Spotlight: An ongoing virtual program to examine themes from our changing exhibits and current events.

Apply to feature something here to build a sense of campus belonging and feel seen:

My Collections: Our exhibition program series which invites the campus community to participate in exhibiting their own personal collections. Museums aren’t the only ones with collections... what do you collect?

Community Gallery: A dedicated area in Iowa Hall where we feature the makings of all-ages guests who have created in our spaces.

Scan the QR code to view current and ongoing Pentacrest Museums programs:

Follow us on Instagram @pentacrest.museums for a laugh and to stay in the know with special events, offers, and invites.

Reach out! Use our staff directory to contact us with an idea on how you’d like to interact. Want us to give a presentation to your group about who we are and what we do? Interested in developing something together? Have a question we might be able to answer best? Just reach out!

liveWELL: We are learning more about how activities that provide opportunities for learning, appreciation, and social connection have a positive impact on well-being. Can you describe the impact that you have seen with your work on campus and community well-being?

Carolina Kaufman, M.Ed.:

I love this question. Ninety-seven percent of Americans believe that museums are educational assets for their communities. Living in a community with cultural resources can lead to a five-year boost in cognitive health. When we marry museums with mindfulness, our mental health can flourish, as demonstrated by the museums-onprescription movement. This initiative – which began in 2014 – encourages health care providers to prescribe exposure to arts and culture as part of their treatment for common mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

learners regardless of background, ability, or learning style. There is a growing field of collaboration between museums, health care facilities, and health coaches. The Pentacrest Museums are building these partnerships at Iowa starting with liveWELL and the UI Hospitals and Clinics to promote programs that target wellness and social engagement. This has been best exemplified through the success of our Tree Tour program and liveWELL’s Summer Campus Wellness Scavenger Hunt program which encouraged faculty, staff, and community members to engage in the exploration and discovery of our trees and natural spaces on our campus to promote mindfulness, social connection, movement, and well-being. We see a reduction of stress in participants at these events right before our eyes.

Book us as a venue for your special event: lectures, conferences, symposiums, or even a wedding!

Museums like ours are answering the call and finding ways that we can be a supportive, social, and contemplative environment for all

It is important to note that these programs would not be possible without the amazing knowledge and experience of our university arborist from Facilities Management, Andrew Dahl, and the support of our student interns and employees, Trevor Vihol and Katie Kolthoff. Andy was vital in helping select the trees and spaces featured on the Tree Tours, and Trevor assisted with the yearlong research on the trees featured. Katie, a recent UI Graduate, was a great liveWELL partner as she helped create all the materials for liveWELL’s Summer Wellness Scavenger Hunt, which featured three stops on the Tree Tours.

I compare the partnership between Pentacrest Museums, Facilities Management, liveWELL and our UI students to how trees behave as open systems. They teach us that to survive in this changing world, we must do it together by creating “complex adaptive coalitions” that result in the kind of healthy communities that are able to adapt, grow and thrive.

If you did not get a chance to participate in our Tree Tour program over the summer and fall, we are bringing the Tree Tour back for a special winter edition. Join us on Friday, February 24, 2023, from noon - 1 p.m. and discover with all your senses how the trees and spaces on our campus adapt and endure during the winter season. During the tour, we will offer pine-needle tea, which is rich in Vitamin C. Fun Fact: the pine-needles for the tea will be harvested from the trees on the Pentacrest.

You can also request private tree tours for your department, team, or student organization, and we would

Carolina Kaufman, M.Ed.:

Pentacrest Museums Tree Tours:

liveWELL Campus Wellness Scavenger Hunt:

94% increased knowledge and appreciation for University of Iowa campus green spaces and trees.

98% said program was respectful and inclusive of my identities.

love to deliver a tailored experience based on your team’s preferences and goals. This is a great way to build team camaraderie and connect to our larger UI campus.

liveWELL: What exciting programming do you have coming up for 2023 that faculty and staff should know about?

Carolina Kaufman, M.Ed.: When I think about creating inclusive participatory experiences at the Pentacrest Museums, I am guided by principles from people like the late Frank Oppenheimer, science innovator and founder of the Exploratorium in California, who famously said, “no one ever flunked a science museum.” He helped revolutionize museums to become spaces where curiosity guides exploration and authentic self-discovery can happen. This serves as a compass in my work of educational program development and engagement.

Expanding on the successful Tree Tour programs we had this past year, we are also excited to offer new

opportunities for people to participate in museum programs supporting wellness, community, and belonging. In 2023, be on the lookout for two all-new tours including a Tree Tour on the west side of campus as we try to make it easier for our medical community at Iowa to participate. The second tour opportunity will be an architectural walking tour, “If Walls Could Talk,” featuring the fascinating and rich history of our campus buildings. Also, stay tuned for developing team-building experiences for groups. We understand the importance of a healthy workplace and campus culture and effective team communication. We are excited to provide unique ways for UI staff, faculty, and student teams to experience some fun and leave ready to collaborate, communicate, and succeed together. Of course, the new year will also bring new opportunities for fan-favorites: Art and Write Night, My Collections, and Exhibition Spotlights.

Learn more about the UI Pentacrest Museums at pentacrestmuseums.uiowa.edu

IN NEED OF AWellness Check?

THERE IS NO REASON TOO SMALL TO MEET WITH UI EAP

Britte Garrett, LMHC, CCTP UI EAP, senior behavioral health clinician

Britte is a Senior Behavioral Clinical Specialist with the University of Iowa Employee Assistance Program. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Prior to EAP, Britte worked as a counselor in private practice, a prison setting, and foster care. She has also provided services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

As the days get colder and shorter, it’s a good time to do a check-in and take stock of how you are doing and what you need to make it through the winter to maintain or even improve your well-being. Working with a licensed mental health professional is a great way to identify what you need to care for yourself or solve a problem.

The UI Employee Assistance Program (UI EAP) is here to help. We provide up to six free, confidential counseling sessions per year to faculty, staff, post docs, medical residents, and their families. If you are not familiar with counseling, you may be wondering if EAP is the right place for you. There is no reason too small to visit UI EAP.

When should I go to counseling?

You might need to locate some resources or maybe you are struggling with a difficult relationship or situation. Perhaps you have always thought that counseling would be helpful but haven’t had the ability to give it a try. You are unsure of what to do to improve your well-being. These are all reasons to attend counseling.

EAP promotes problem solving and stress resilience through counseling, coaching, and consultation. Most people who come to EAP may be experiencing issues related to work-life balance, relationship concerns, sleep problems, emotional or psychological health, family concerns, or substance abuse.

Counseling is a private place to share information with an objective party without judgment or worry that it will be shared. Speaking something out loud can change the way you view a situation and changing your perspective can have a big impact. Counseling is a space where you can also identify ways to practice healthy coping skills and self-care.

There is no issue too large or too small for EAP. EAP is for any type of assistance. If the issue is large enough that it is outside of the scope of EAP, you are still in the right place as we can work to identify an appropriate resource or referral. Many people come in to “test drive” counseling and see if it is something they feel will be helpful to them, and that is a great use of EAP as well.

EAPs were formed in the 1930s to address occupational alcoholism (drinking on the job). They now support employees with any issue an employee wishes to address.

What happens at an appointment if I attend?

Many people have some concern about what the first session might be like. That is normal. The experience is all about what you feel is most important. The information you share is voluntary. There is no expectation that you divulge your life story or all the details of traumatic events. It is normal in the counseling process to work to build trust and rapport with your provider before you share a lot. Other times EAP is a place for people to come in, vent about their feelings in the first session and then that feels like enough and they may not return.

The process is guided by you. You are free to reschedule or to never come back. You are free to ask for a different provider. You are free to switch to a totally different topic if you do come back. You are free to give feedback on what is working and what is not working for you in the process. We have multiple clinicians at EAP and provide referrals, so we can help to get you to a person and place that feels right.

Things you should know:

EAP does not diagnose, do formalized assessments, or provide medication. We are here simply as support and source of assistance.

We are voluntary and confidential. We won’t share any information unless we are concerned you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, and if we did have that concern, you would be the first person to know.

We don’t give advice. Counseling is a collaborative process in which two people (more if it’s couples or family counseling) work together to identify different ways to view an issue and different options one can take to address it. Counselors don’t tell you what to do. They work to help you decide what you want to do.

Nothing is off the table. We are trained to provide support for people that have encountered trauma and difficult situations, and our goal is to create a space where you are not concerned about the therapist, but where you can focus on you. So don’t be worried about the content that you bring.

Consider taking some time to check in with yourself. Your well-being matters. Whether the issue is large or small, we are here for you! If you feel EAP might be helpful to you, email eaphelp@uiowa.edu or call 319-335-2085 to set up an appointment at a convenient time and location for you.

Scan the QR code to learn more about UI EAP Services.

UI EAP provides services Monday- Friday with appointments primarily occurring 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., but with several weekly appointments after 5:00 p.m.

EAP offers in-person appointments at UIHC (Employee Health Clinic in Boyd Tower), at University Services Building (USB), and via zoom.

Small Changes, Big Results with liveWELL Health Coach Service

liveWELL launched the Health Coach Service at the University of Iowa in 2006, and since then has provided support and accountability to over 7,000 UI faculty and staff. Employees in 50% or greater regular appointments can meet with a health coach for up to 5 free visits every 12 months at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, Employee Health Clinic, or virtually on Zoom.

92% of employees said their well-being improved from participating in the Health Coach Service.

What to expect from Health Coaching?

A health coach is a non-judgmental and confidential partner who can help you make simple and sustainable changes, overcome obstacles, and explore strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Health coaches work with you to develop your own personal approach to well-being, set realistic goals, and practice skills toward optimal well-being. Do you want to increase your energy, make meaningful changes, avoid burnout, and get support towards a specific health goal? Take advantage of your benefit to meet with a health coach.

What are Health Coach participants saying?

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It is wonderful to work with a health coach because they listen and let you set whatever goals you want for yourself all while supporting you, offering positive encouragement, and helping you navigate your wellness journey.

A health coach will help you to achieve positive change, help you determine the best way to stay on track with your goals/habits, and offer resources and guidance that help relieve stress and anxiety.

MEET THE HEALTH COACH: Sara

Cathi, RDN, LD

Sara joined liveWELL in October 2022 as the newest member of the Health Coach team. Sara is a registered dietitian nutritionist and strives to help individuals find a healthy balance in life. Prior to liveWELL , Sara was a clinical dietitian working in diabetes education and cardiac rehabilitation. She believes a healthy lifestyle is more than

just the foods we eat and believes in a holistic approach to well-being. She enjoys helping individuals simplify their wellness routine and build sustainable healthy habits. She is excited to get to know her Hawkeye colleagues and support them in making choices that are meaningful to their lifestyle!

Health Coach Sara’s Top Five Healthy Eating Tips

1. Include protein in your breakfast. Adding protein to your breakfast, along with a healthy carbohydrate, will provide you with steady energy and keep you fuller throughout the day. Try adding peanut butter and walnuts to your oatmeal or add eggs to your toast!

2. Choose a smaller meal plate. These days bowls and plates can hold multiple portions of food. Next time you dish up, grab a salad plate (9-inch plate) to help with portion control.

3. Keep frozen vegetables on hand. Frozen vegetables are low-cost and have a longer shelf life, which can make healthy eating easier. They are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables because they are frozen right after they are harvested. Try adding frozen broccoli to a recipe or stir-frying it for a quick side dish!

4. Drink more water by using a straw. A straw can make taking sips easier and more convenient. You’re likely to swallow more water at a time when you drink from a straw, and you won’t have to reopen your bottle every time.

5. Focus on adding, not subtracting. Instead of thinking about what to remove from your diet, think about what healthy foods you can add. This tends to shift you into a more positive mindset. For example, instead of removing pasta from the meal, add vegetables to fill half your plate first. The remaining half of the plate can be balanced with protein and pasta.

Learn more about the Health Coach Service or request an appointment at hr.uiowa.edu/livewell/health-coach-service

CREATING A CULTURE OF WELL-BEING

The University of Iowa actively supports and promotes a culture of health and well-being for all campus community members. Research suggests that people we spend most of our time with can inspire healthy behaviors. If a co-worker practices healthy habits or a department encourages participation in well-being activities, we are more likely to be successful with our own well-being.

Departments across campus can participate in liveWELL programs that support employee well-being and contribute to a culture of wellbeing at work. These programs align with the Holistic Well-Being and Success pillar of the UI Strategic Plan, which calls to “embed wellbeing and mental health into all aspects of campus culture to better support students, faculty, and staff.”

Wellness Heroes

Wellness Heroes is a program to recognize faculty and staff members who are practicing healthy behaviors that are inspiring others in the workplace. To acknowledge their efforts, a Wellness Hero will be awarded a certificate and a prize. Recognizing a colleague or coworker for their wellness efforts is a great way to contribute to a positive culture in your workspace. Nominate a Wellness Hero today!

Nominate your Wellness Hero at hr.uiowa.edu/livewell/wellness-heroes

Wellness Ambassadors

Wellness Ambassadors are volunteers that act as liaisons between their departments and UI Wellness. They play a vital role in supporting liveWELL’s mission to “inspire a culture of well-being, providing employees with the opportunity to thrive.” They receive first-hand information on liveWELL programs and communicate and encourage well-being opportunities for their colleagues.

Find your department’s Wellness Ambassador or explore becoming a Wellness Ambassador at hr.uiowa.edu/livewell/wellness-ambassadors

Week of Wellness

Week of Wellness is a local outreach and engagement program for UI faculty and staff to learn about their wellness benefits, attend well-being presentations (virtually and in-person, as conditions allow), participate in challenges, and socially connect with colleagues to discuss well-being topics. Week of Wellness helps create camaraderie and connection within a department.

Learn more at hr.uiowa.edu/livewell/week-wellness

You can view the full 2022-2027 University of Iowa Strategic plan at strategicplan.uiowa.edu

Wellness Grants

The Wellness Grant program promotes a culture of well-being in the workplace by funding wellness efforts and projects for specific departments that promote physical and mental health and well-being.

UI faculty and staff can apply for a Wellness Grant online at hr.uiowa.edu/employee-well-being/livewell/livewell-programs-and-services/wellness-grants

WELLNESS HERO Spotlight: Mike Valentine

Mike Valentine Assistant Director for Facility Operations

Nominated by Jean O’Donovan

Mike was invaluable in planning this year’s Health and Well-Being Fair at the Field House. He is a force of positivity and also gets things accomplished with a smile. He is a true leader, kind, FUN, and my Wellness Hero!

liveWELL Outreach and Engagement: Meet Kelli Jackson Amato

Kelli started with liveWELL in June of 2022 as a Well-Being Specialist. Her role focuses on outreach and engagement of liveWELL programs. Kelli works closely with the Wellness Ambassador network across campus and UI Health Care to bring our mission and programs to our faculty and staff. She loves building relationships and feels so privileged to be able to do this on a daily basis. She’s a certified Body Pump instructor, a certified yoga instructor, and owned a yoga studio for six years. She has worked in wellness for the last ten years and continues to be passionate about making it accessible to everyone and every body. She loves to spend time with her family.

Alyssa James Respiratory Therapist

“I plan to spend the money I have won on spoiling my dog, Wrigley. He is a 3-year old Golden-doodle. Being a Respiratory Therapist working primarily in the medical ICU during the pandemic was stressful, and Wrigley was always such a blessing waiting for me when I got home after long shifts. He helped me through some of the hardest days and he loves unconditionally.”

Susan Hill Newton Senior Writer/Editor

“I will use the money toward a weekend getaway to Chicago with my husband and two daughters. This is truly fantastic! Thank you!”

WELLNESS

Nominate

HR.UIOWA.EDU/LIVEWELL/WELLNESS-HEROES

David

Nominated by Kevin Zihlman

Dave is a great example around our office. He is consistent about taking time out of his day to go take a run. Dave takes the time to use exercise to step away from whatever is going on in his work day and give himself back that time, while taking care of his body. We appreciate Dave’s dedication to physical well-being.

HR Coordinator

Nominated

by Theodore Potter

Jill encourages her College of Law colleagues to participate in liveWELL activities and sets an example by participating in as many activities as she can. She takes time to review the wellness information from UHR and packages it for her colleagues as a way to personalize her efforts.

Recognizing a colleague or coworker for their wellness efforts is a great way to contribute to a positive culture in your workspace. Nominate a Wellness Hero today!

Aspelmeier Director of Athletics Compliance

UI Family Services Resources

Do you have questions about your financial wellness or elder-caregiving options?

U I Family Services offers free resources for UI faculty and staff.

Horizons Financial Wellness Center

Free confidential financial counseling sessions are available with UI Family Services partner, Horizons Financial Wellness Center. They can assist you with several topics including housing, budgeting and cash flow, credit and debt management, savings, and student loan repayments. Contact Horizons at 319-398-3943 or by email at financialwellnesscenter@horizonfamily.org to schedule an initial consultation.

LivWellSeniors

Free confidential support to learn about elder-caregiving options is available with UI Family Services partner, LivWell Seniors. Senior resource specialists serve as personal and professional advocates to help you and your family navigate the broad network of transition resources that include senior living communities, relocation and downsizing, and legal and financial concerns. Contact LivWell Seniors at 319-250-1577 or at info@livwellseniors.com to schedule an initial consultation.

Learn more at hr.uiowa.edu/well-being/family-services

University Human Resources live WELL Program E119 CRWC, Iowa City, IA 52242 319-353-2973 livewell@uiowa.edu

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact live WELL at 319-353-2973.