WINTER 2020 VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1
IN THIS ISSUE BIG CHANGES! NEW & EXPANDED liveWELL OFFERINGS • TAKE YOUR PHA • NATIONAL DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM • 10-WEEK WELLNESS & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT • SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMS • ELDER CARE RESOURCES • WINTER WALKING SAFETY
UI Wellness
A UNIT OF UI HUMAN RESOURCES
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 Ilona Lichty Health Coach ilona-lichty@uiowa.edu 467-0192 • E119 CRWC Carla Melby-Oetken Health Coach carla-melby@uiowa.edu 353-2975 • E119 CRWC Allison Hursh Health Coach allison-hursh@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • E119 CRWC Sandy Stewart Well-Being Specialist sandra-stewart@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • E119 CRWC Melanie Cuchna Well-Being Specialist melanie-cuchna@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • 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
Former University of Iowa President Willard “Sandy” Boyd is credited with a very powerful quote: “People, not structures, make a great university.” In my 15 years at the University of Iowa, I’ve heard several people re-quote this and rightly so. The mission of all UI employees, whether directly or indirectly, is to better the lives of others in some way. liveWELL is very focused on improving the health and well-being of you – the employee – to allow you to do great work. In 2019, we developed a new mission statement that we’re very proud of:
“to inspire a culture of well-being and campus excellence, providing employees with the opportunity to thrive.” When you read this edition, you’ll see that we’re rolling out some new programs and initiatives and introducing a new staff member to our team. Each and every one of these changes is specifically designed to improve or enhance the health and well-being of our valued people so that you can thrive and do the great work of the University. Happy New Year! We hope that you take advantage of our programs and services.
Diana Kremzar Family Services Director diana-kremzar@uiowa.edu 335-3558 • 121 USB
Cover photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Megan Hammes, MS, MCHES Senior Director, UI Wellness/University Human Resources
Layout and Design by Student Life Marketing + Design Printed by UI Printing Services on recycled paper
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Human Resources provides leadership in shaping an equitable and inclusive culture that drives diversity, excellence and innovation by supporting talent, engagement, and the employee work experience.
in this issue
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BIG CHANGES! NEW AND EXPANDED liveWELL OFFERINGS
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DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM
11
SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMS
12
liveWELL TRAINING: UNWRAPPING THE SCIENCE OF SUGAR
13
THE FOUR PILLARS OF PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT: FINANCIAL
15
WINTER SAFETY WALKING REMINDER
On Your Way to Pre
Type 2 Diab
liveWELL @ UI At the University of Iowa, we aspire to fully incorporate health and well-being into the lives of our campus community members. This is possible through a commitment to continuous development of a healthy campus culture in the spirit of learning and discovery that is at the heart of a distinguished public university. liveWELL
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NEW & EXPANDED liveWELL OFFERINGS
A background Since our launch in 2006, liveWELL has provided easy-access, researchsupported expertise on health and well-being topics. Popular programs have included Health Coaching, Wellness Grants and Wellness Heroes, liveWELL Points & Prizes, and, most notably, the addition of the Recreation Membership Incentive Program coinciding with the opening of the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center in 2010. We are excited to announce exciting changes to our programs designed to positively impact the health and well-being of faculty and staff.
What’s new? LIFESTYLES SUITE OF PROGRAMS In 2020 liveWELL is rolling out the Lifestyles Suite of programs. These programs are designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle and are based on evidence-based practices. We know that with focus and determination, coupled with expert guidance and support, anyone can make behavior changes towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, adopting healthier eating and consistent exercise habits, and managing stress, which is an absolutely essential piece of getting and staying healthy.
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Both the Centers for Disease Control National Diabetes Prevention Program (page 9) and the 10-Week Weight Management platform (page 10) have shown that active participants reduce their risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and some cancers, as well as orthopedic issues associated with being overweight or inactive.
TEAM-BASED CHALLENGES We have heard for years from Health Coach clients, feedback surveys, and Wellness Ambassadors that they want team-based programs where they can easily participate with others. We also know that the health benefits of feeling socially connected and being a part of a team are just as important to our health as being a non-smoker. The first opportunity in 2020 to participate in a team-based challenge is the Live Healthy Iowa 10-Week Wellness Challenge.
• Teams of 2-10 coworkers track activity minutes and/or weight loss • No cost for UI teams using Group ID “LHIUIOWA” and Subsidy Code “IOW20-UIOWA” • Registration includes a t-shirt, online dashboard that syncs with apps (i.e. fitbit), wellness magazine subscription, and prizes! • Learn more and sign up at hr.uiowa.edu/well-being/livewell/programs-and-services/live-healthy-iowa
GRASS-ROOTS, HIGH-IMPACT WELLNESS Our new Well-Being Specialist, Sandy Stewart (see page 12), is working with our wonderful Wellness Ambassador network to do more programming at the local, departmental level. This will include on-site “Week of Wellness” events, expanding Wellness Grants, and increasing Wellness Hero nominations.
To see what’s happening all around campus in various buildings and departments (maybe even yours), follow us!
@UIowaLiveWELL
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What’s changing? The biggest change is that the financial incentive to take the Personal Health Assessment survey has been discontinued in 2020 to fund new offerings that focus on the health and well-being of our campus. Faculty and staff are still encouraged to take the Personal Health Assessment at Employee Self-Service > Benefits & Wellness and we’ve added a few perks to take the survey. Now, you can earn liveWELL Points.
What’s staying the same? As a reminder, we offer a lot to help you and your unique well-being interests and needs as it pertains to work, family, fitness, and energy! Elder-Caregiving Resources: Our partnership with the local organization LivWell Seniors provides one-on-one consultation, department presentations, and expert guidance navigating stressful and complex caregiving issues. Financial Well-Being Program: Support your health and happiness by feeling secure in current and future financial states with our financial education opportunities. Health Coaching: A free, confidential, non-judgmental, and motivational resource for you to achieve the best version of yourself. Work with a coach to create your vision of well-being and set a plan in place. Health Coaching Referral Programs: • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: An eight-week program offered at NO COST to UI employees with a referral from a Health Coach. uihc.org/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction • Personal Training: liveWELL will pay 100% of a nine-session package for eligible employees. Eligibility is dependent on meeting certain health criteria. myLiveWELL Portal: This is the home for liveWELL at Employee Self Service where you can access programs and services like the Personal Health Assessment, Personal Wellness Modules, and Health Coach records. My Health and Wellness is where you earn liveWELL points.
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Personal Health Assessment: The PHA survey tool consists of valid and reliable questions related to individual lifestyle practices and health-history factors that have the highest impact on individual health, and biometric measures to determine health status. Refresh-Smartphone App powered by Sleeprate: This app monitors and analyzes your sleep to reveal how long and well you slept; it identifies issues with your sleep and then provides a personalized program to improve your sleep. Recreation Membership Incentive Program: UI employees can earn an incentive worth 50 percent of their monthly recreation membership fee (monthly membership = $39/month; incentive = $19.50/month) by participating in the liveWELL Personal Health Assessment (PHA) and using campus recreation facilities at least four times per month. Visit the Recreational Services website for information on facilities, member services, and fitness programs/classes. Wellness Ambassadors: Wellness Ambassadors act as liaisons between their departments and UI Wellness by promoting lifestyle improvements that support good health and improve quality of life. Wellness Grants: University of Iowa departments can request funding to implement a health and wellness-related initiative or event at the local level. Wellness Heroes: A recognition program for individual faculty or staff members who inspire others with their behaviors or attitudes around wellness. Nominate a co-worker, and they will receive a Wellness Hero recognition award from liveWELL . Workplace Flexibility Programs: Workplace flexibility is about re-thinking how, when, and where people do their best work. UI Family Services offers guidance for staff members, supervisors, and departments on how to implement formal flexible work arrangements, and best practices for being flexible without a formal arrangement in place.
Visit hr.uiowa.edu/employee-well-being for more information about any of these programs. liveWELL
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Take your Personal Health Assessment today and receive: • A tailored feedback report for your overall well-being • 100 points added to your myLiveWELL portal • Entry into a monthly drawing for $250 (Two winners every month!) • Eligibility for Recreation Membership Incentive Program and other health/wellness classes • A meeting with a Health Coach to work on specific areas you want to improve related to your well-being
How to Take Your 2020 Personal Health Assessment Access your 10-minute survey at your Employee Self-Service website. STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
The PHA is available to faculty and staff in 50% or greater, regular positions. 8 liveWELL
NOW ENROLLING
On Your Way to Preventing
Type 2 Diabetes
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT | EATING HEALTHY MANAGING STRESS | MOVEMENT | GROUP SUPPORT University of Iowa liveWELL is offering the Diabetes Prevention Program from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to UI Faculty and Staff. This program offers group support and encouragement over the course of one year to participants making lifestyle changes to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Classes start February 2020 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, VISIT:
hr.uiowa.edu/livewell/lifestyles liveWELL
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10-Week Wellness & Weight Management Online Program Powered by This all-online weight loss/management behavior change platform offers a new tool for UI faculty/staff starting in 2020. To meet the needs of our employees, especially those with on-the-go lifestyles and in a 24/7 work environment, this program can be done anytime, anywhere. Users will be challenged with powerful and memorable nuggets of information every week over 10-weeks, with an app-based option. People who choose this program are self-directed, ready to get started now, and have an on-the-go lifestyle, but can commit to weekly lessons and practices for 10 weeks. If accepted, you access this program through a computer or mobile device, and can use the tool for a total of 52 weeks.
IMPORTANT DATES • Application opens Feb. 24, 2020 • Application closes March 6, 2020 • Notification of program accept or not accept by March 13, 2020 • Program start date March 23, 2020 • Skill maintenance (weeks 11-52) starts June 1, 2020
ELIGIBILITY • UI faculty/staff members in 50 percent or greater regular positions • Enrollment in UI Choice or UI Select University of Iowa health plan for 2020 • Have completed Personal Health Assessment in 2020 • BMI>25 +1 risk factor or BMI>30 (US Preventive Task Force Guidelines) • Space is limited. If you meet these eligibility requirements, you also agree to commit to participating in and completing 10 of the 10 classes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, VISIT:
hr.uiowa.edu/livewell/lifestyles
UI Employee Assistance Program
SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMS Rarely does an event evoke more emotions than suicide. In addition to the personal toll on family and friends, suicide can also have an impact on the workplace. People in distress often turn to those they know rather than seek professional help. Kognito training and QPR can give you the tools to start the conversation and make a difference. Join us in our efforts to prevent suicide.
What is Kognito? Kognito is an online, interactive role-play simulation program for students, faculty, and staff that builds awareness, knowledge and skills about mental health and suicide prevention. It prepares users to lead real-life conversations with fellow students and colleagues who are in distress and how to connect them with the support they need. University of Iowa faculty and staff can access this course through Employee Self Service. For more information, visit counseling.uiowa.edu/services/kognito. Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a suicide-prevention training designed to educate people from all walks of life how to recognize the warning signs of suicide. QPR training helps people get comfortable asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” and then helping others get appropriate help. Your EAP can provide free QPR trainings for groups of 25 or less. Free individual training also is available. For more information about suicide prevention programs, visit hr.uiowa.edu/well-being/employee-assistance-program or contact us at eaphelp@uiowa.edu.
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liveWELL Training
Are you interested in reducing your sugar intake? Attend this four-part series to learn how sugar affects your body and develop strategies to reduce your sugar intake. This series is offered at no cost to UI employees as part of liveWELL Health Coach Services.
ILONA LICHTY, MS, RD, LD
MONDAYS | 12:10 PM-12:50 PM
TUESDAYS | 12:00 PM-12:45 PM
ZOOM VIDEO CONFERENCING
WEST CAMPUS: MELROSE DINING CONFERENCE ROOM #3
March 2, March 9, March 23, March 30
March 3, March 10, March 24, March 31
Visit hr.uiowa.edu/well-being/livewell/programs-and-services/ livewell-trainings for upcoming class information. Register at Employee Self-Services —> MyTraining
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Sandy Stewart has recently joined the UI liveWELL team in a new role as Well-Being Specialist to support and build our Wellness Ambassador network, as well as help with liveWELL programming, communication, and outreach. Sandy brings unique experience in both public and private sectors, with a varied background including worksite wellness, sales, marketing and coaching. She has a B.S. in Physical Education (University of Nebraska), a M.Ed. (University of Houston), and an MBA (University of Iowa), and additionally has a National Wellness Institute credential as a Certified Worksite Wellness Program Manager. Most recently she launched and directed the employee wellness program at ACT for five years, which achieved high employee participation, high scores for overall employee satisfaction, and annual improvements in aggregate health outcomes. In addition, ACT’s wellness program achieved Blue Zones Certification and ‘Large Company’ recognition award from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. Sandy brings a passion for worksite wellness and a desire to increase our liveWELL outreach and engagement across the university and looks forward to working with the Wellness Ambassador team and UI faculty and staff.
The Four Pillars of
Planning for Retirement
By Marcie Durian, Senior Resource Specialist, LivWell Seniors In partnership with Aleeza Singh, Senior Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
There are many factors to consider when planning for your retirement or taking on caregiving responsibilities for a loved one. Throughout 2020 LivWell Seniors will be featuring a “Pillars of Planning” series in each quarterly liveWELL newsletter to help guide and direct families through their journey in discovering the best options for their unique situation. The 4 Pillars discussed are: 1. Financial 2. Legal 3. Legacy
4. Living Solutions
CAREGIVING PILLAR 1
FINANCIAL Much has been written about the steadily increasing life expectancy of Americans over the past several decades. According to the United States Social Security Administration, on average, a woman turning 65 today can now expect to live to age 86.5, while a man turning 65 today can expect to live to age 84.
It is important to understand that LIVING LONGER doesn’t necessarily mean LIVING BETTER. With advancing age, also comes an increased likelihood of a costly healthcare event-an event that could rapidly deplete a lifetime’s worth of savings without proper planning. THE CASE FOR LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services predicts that 70% of Americans who are currently age 65 or older will require some type of long-term care during their lifetime. Given this strong likelihood that you will need care, there are a number of important long-term care related questions that you should address and plan for: • Who will be your primary caregiver? • In what setting do you want to receive care? • How will you pay for care? • How will you care impact your family and finances? Given the option, a majority of individuals would opt to receive care in their own home, rather than in a nursing home or community care facility.
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WHAT EXACTLY IS LONG-TERM CARE? Long-term care consists of those services needed to assist you with the activities of daily living, such as walking, getting out of a chair or bed, eating, toileting or bathing. It also includes care related to the supervision of individuals suffering from cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia that render the individual unable to adequately care for themselves. Long-term care insurance helps ensure that you’ll have access to high-quality care should you ever need it, without having to spend down your life’s savings in order to pay for it. There are a growing numbers of options of long-term care insurance available to fit your individual needs and preferences. It is important that you partner with a trusted financial advisor to guide you through the process of evaluating your future planning needs.
LivWell Seniors offers senior resource options that include information and referrals to discuss your future planning and potential care needs. Our local advisors are familiar with senior living communities in your area. We can also put you in touch with financial professionals that will help you put a plan together to pay for future care needs as they arise. CONTACT US AT: www.livwellseniors.com info@livwellseniors.com 319-250-1577
Finances of Caregiving
5 WEEK COURSE
Understanding your choices means knowing your current situation. Finances of Caregiving, a course offered through Iowa State Extension and Outreach, will guide participants through finding and collecting that information. Materials and guidance will assist caregivers in protecting their assets and preparing for their retirement while providing care. The Finances of Caregiving is a series of five classes which will be held Wednesdays, January 29-February 26 from 3:30-5:00 pm at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. To register visit the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at bit.ly/39xcd8q. Contact familyservices@uiowa.edu with questions. 14 liveWELL
GUEST FEATURE
UI Campus Safety Committee
Winter Safety WALKING REMINDER Walking in winter weather can be particularly dangerous. Ice/snow injuries from slipping and falling on parking lots and sidewalks are very common and can cause broken arms, wrists, hips, and other serious injuries. UI had roughly 37 incidents in 2018 and 43 incidents in 2019 that were related to the wintery conditions. General tips to help you be prepared and stay safe when conditions are icy, snowy, slippery: • Wear footwear that has good traction and insulation. You should always wear shoes or boots made of non-slip rubber or neoprene with grooved soles when walking on snow and ice. Wearing ice cleats over your shoes can provide extra traction. • Walk like a penguin! Point your feet out slightly or angled like a penguin. Spreading your feet out slightly while walking on ice increases your center of gravity. Bend and lean slightly forward and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over the feet as much as possible. Taking short steps and shuffling your feet will help you keep your balance as well. Extend your arms out to your sides to maintain your balance. • Carry loads in your dominant hand. This can help prevent you from using your dominant hand to break your fall, and avoid injuring your hand, wrist, or arm. If possible, do not carry children while walking on slippery conditions because a fall could put the child’s safety in serious jeopardy. • Keep your hands out of your pockets. Putting your hands in your pockets while walking may keep them warm, but it decreases your center of gravity, balance, and increases your chances of slipping and falling. Use handrails for balance when possible. • Pay attention to the path in front of you and GO SLOWLY. • If you do slip/fall, try to fall on a fleshy part of your body, such as your side, and relax if you can to lessen the risk for injury. In cold temperatures, assume that all wet, dark areas on pavement are slippery. A thin layer of moisture can freeze on cold surfaces, forming a nearly invisible layer of black ice that can look like a wet spot.
Winter weather can be irritating enough without adding injury to the equation. Stay Safe!
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UI Recreational Services will be offering their popular Goshawk Camp during Spring Break 2020. UI faculty, staff, and students with school age children (1st–6th grade) are encouraged to register. Camp will be held at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area, the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex, and the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, March 16–20, 2020 from 7:45am–4:15pm.
Scholarships are available to eligible UI families. For more information, visit hr.uiowa.edu/family-services/spring-break-camp or contact family-services@uiowa.edu.
Find liveWELL on Social Media @UIowaLiveWELL My Health & Wellness Bonus Code:
WALKTHISWAY CODE EXPIRES 4/1/2020
Submit Bonus Code in Self-Service at myLiveWELL for 50 Points. Learn more about prizes and points at bit.ly/2uDogkz.
Human Resources liveWELL program E119 CRWC, Iowa City, IA 52242 phone 319-353-2973 livewell@uiowa.edu
we welcome you 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 liveWELL at 319-353-2973.