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FIGHT THE FLU With flu season in full swing, Dr. George Jackson, director of Duke Employee Occupational Health and Wellness, offers tips for preventing flu.
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N E W S YO U CA N U S E
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HEALTH BENEFITS ENROLLMENT Open Enrollment begins Oct. 19. Insurance premiums will rise in 2010, but plans continue to offer comprehensive coverage.
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SUSTAINABLE DUKE Zipcar, the 24/7 car sharing service, has a following at Duke, where six fuel-efficient vehicles are available for onehour and daily loan.
October 2009
Battling the Bulge Meg Wilson, a Duke Career Center marketing specialist, battles obesity. She works out at Wilson Recreation Center on West Campus and has lost 61 pounds over two years.
TO FIGHT OBESITY, DUKE OFFERS A MYRIAD OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS
excessive weight and healthcare costs makes finding ways egan Wilson was nearly 80 pounds to manage weight a shared concern for us all.” overweight, but it didn’t worry her. “I thought ‘obese’ was just another label BURDEN OF EXCESS WEIGHT people put on me that I could ignore,” she said. Although scientists have yet to understand how Until her regular physical two years ago. obesity affects the body at the cellular level, data clearly “I felt fabulous when I went in,” said Wilson, show that excess weight puts people at risk for a variety of a marketing specialist at the Duke Career Center. diseases. Many of these diseases require long-term use of “I was running three miles a day, three days a medication and close monitoring to prevent them from week and had just dropped my weight down spiraling out of control. 10 pounds to 226.” For example, pharmacy spending on diabetes, the life Then the doctor told her she had diabetes. style-related disease that costs Duke health plans the most She needed to lose weight to reduce the risk of complications such as blindness, kidney damage, Meg Wilson to care for, was more than $1.2 million in 2008. amputation or diabetic coma. Marketing Specialist Pharmacy costs for hypertension were about $610,000. “Obesity is now the major cause for conditions “It was devastating,” Wilson said. “Suddenly, Duke Career Center such as hypertension, diabetes and abnormal cholesterol, obesity wasn’t just a label. It was a medical all of which put patients at higher risk for heart disease, condition.” the leading killer of adults in the U.S.,” said Laura Wilson isn’t alone. According to data reported Svetkey, a Duke physician specializing in treating high by Duke employees on health risk assessments in blood pressure. “Losing weight significantly reduces the impact of all of the last two years, obesity affects nearly one third of the Duke workforce. these conditions.” This figure mirrors the epidemic of obesity in the state and nation. North Long-term studies reveal that overweight patients can lower their risk Carolina residents considered obese (roughly more than 30 pounds above of diabetes by losing as little as five pounds, and drop their blood pressure normal weight) increased from 16.9 percent in 1995 to 29.5 percent in 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). by up to 10 points by losing 10 pounds. A change to the waistline also helps the wallet. A paper in the July Extra weight drags down the health of Duke’s faculty and staff and 2009 issue of “Health Affairs” estimated people who are obese spend, on pushes up costs. Three of the four illnesses costing Duke employees the most last year were exacerbated by excess weight: diabetes, heart disease and average, about $1,429 more on health care each year than normal weight colleagues, largely because of chronic diseases. high blood pressure. To fight obesity, Duke has invested in health programs With evidence weighing heavily against being overweight, why don’t that encourage employees to make lifestyle changes to lose – and keep off – more people choose to lose? extra weight, and employees are increasingly taking advantage of them. “Because it is hard,” Svetkey said. “Our bodies are hardwired to resist “The data clearly shows that we, as a nation, have gotten bigger,” said losing weight. Information alone is seldom sufficient to inspire people to Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for Human Resources. “And although weight lose weight. Support is vital.” is often considered a private matter, the increasingly obvious link between
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It was devastating. Suddenly, obesity wasn’t just a label. It was a medical condition.”
>> See FIGHTING OBESITY, PAGE 4
2009, 2008, 2007 Gold Medal, Internal Periodical Staff Writing 2009, 2007 Bronze Medal, Print Internal Audience Tabloids/Newsletters
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Editor’s Note LEANORA MINAI
Newsbriefs
Leanora.Minai@duke.edu
Outdoor emergency sirens to be tested Oct. 21
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orking@Duke is brought to you by yours truly; designer Paul Figuerado; and writers Marsha Green and Bryan Roth. It’s a team effort that offers news you can use, and based on the latest readership survey, you’re making good use of the publication. We sent the quarterly survey in August to 5,000 randomly selected faculty and staff. Nearly, 800 responded. Among the results, 82 percent read the publication every month; 87 percent enjoy it; and 82 percent say it helps them understand Duke benefits. We also got valuable feedback, including suggestions from some who say we should save costs by putting Working@Duke online. Your copy, which provides a one-stop shop to learn about employee benefits and resources, costs just 32 cents per issue. The print publication also serves a significant portion of the university workforce that does not have computer access or spends little time at a desk. One employee noted the benefit of “receiving a print version (I receive so much electronically that I often do not have the time to read upon receipt and then the message gets forgotten).” Perhaps Tara Daily, project coordinator for the Office of Research Administration, summed it up best in her survey comments. “I love the Working@Duke newsletter because it makes me feel connected to Duke in so many ways, even though I may not be physically present at the events or directly involved with the research, news, etc. … Each month that I read the newsletter, I walk away feeling proud to be a Duke employee.”
As part of a periodic test of the DukeALERT emergency notification system, Duke will conduct a test of its various communication tools, which includes the outdoor sirens. The test will begin at 10 a.m. Please post the DukeALERT with the activation poster inside this publication of the sirens and in your office. DukeALERT emergency website. Soon after, Duke community members will receive a test e-mail – and text message, if they signed up for the text service. Students and employees are encouraged to respond to an online survey to assess the effectiveness of the various DukeALERT communication methods. The survey will be at http://emergency.duke.edu once the test begins.
Learn more about investments Faculty and staff can hear the latest about the forces affecting the stock market during the second in a series of Quarterly Market Updates, a pilot seminar sponsored by Duke Human Resources. Jeff Tackett from Fidelity Investment will lead the update noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 26 in Duke Hospital Room 2002. Brett Hammond, a representative from TIAA-CREF, will present noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Breedlove Room of Perkins Library. “We look forward to these professionals sharing their insights into how interest rates and other financial trends are affecting investment decisions,” said Sylvester Hackney, associate director of benefits at Duke. Register at hr.duke.edu/news/2009/investment_fall.html.
Free seasonal flu shots (and more) at health fair The Duke health fairs in October offer a one-stop shop for faculty and staff: seasonal flu shots, blood pressure, cholesterol, and bonedensity screenings (for women at risk for osteoporosis) and more. Health representatives will answer questions about nutrition, heart health, exercise, disease prevention and smoking cessation during the free fair, which is hosted by LIVE FOR LIFE. Genetic counselors will also be available to discuss family health histories.
“The Health Fair offers an outstanding range of health resources in one convenient location,” said Julie Joyner, director of LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program. “Employees will want to take advantage of this opportunity to get information about the small steps they can take to make a big difference in their health.” The health fair is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Searle Center. Genetic counselors are available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
New website offers guidance for global travel programs A Duke student planning to study in Africa or a staff or faculty member working abroad has a host of practical issues to consider: What clothes should they pack? Which immunizations do they need? How can they check email abroad or use Duke’s travel insurance in an emergency? A new Duke website answers these and many other questions. Launched in response to Duke’s expanding global operations, the site, www.global.duke.edu/admin, offers extensive advice about living, working and studying abroad. “Until now, this information has been scattered across the university,” said Christy Parrish Michels, the university’s manager of global administrative support and leader of the team that developed the site. “We’ve worked with people in every school and in dozens of programs to pull together information on everything from reimbursement of travel expenses to federal export controls that may limit where you can bring your laptop.”
Provost Lecture Series looks at digital archiving This year’s Provost Lecture series, “The Future of the Past, the Future of the Present: The Historical Record in the Digital Age,” explores the dilemma that in the digital age, everything is saved yet little is preserved. On Oct. 13, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Seymour Hersh will give the first talk in the series from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Page Auditorium. The second speaker is Professor Diana Taylor of the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU on Oct. 26. Her talk at 5 p.m. in the Love Auditorium of Levine Science Research Center is about “Archiving Performance → Performing the Archive.” For information, visit provost.duke.edu/speaker_series.
Letters to the Editor must include name and contact information. E-mail letters to working@duke.edu or mail them to Working@Duke Editor, Box 90496, Durham, NC 27708. Fax letters to (919) 681-7926. Please keep length to no more than 200 words.
Protect yourself against the flu lu season is in full swing, and this year could pack a one-two punch with the novel H1N1 flu virus. Dr. George Jackson, director of Duke Employee Occupational Health and Wellness, said the best defense is protection: wash hands often with soap and water; avoid touching faces and avoid contact with people who are sick. And get a seasonal flu shot. Dr. George Jackson, director of Duke Employee “There are lots of things Occupational Health and Wellness, washes his hands people can do to keep throughout the day to avoid germs – and the flu. themselves healthy – like not smoking, eating a reasonable diet, getting enough sleep and exercise on a regular basis,” Jackson said. “These are positive steps to enhance overall health, which will help ward off the flu and decrease complications if you get it.” Through mid-December, the seasonal flu shot is offered free to employees across campus. The seasonal flu vaccine is also available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 during the employee Health Fair in the Searle Center. When the 2009 H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine is available, it will be distributed based on criteria defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel are at the top of the list. The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against H1N1. Working@Duke met with Dr. Jackson to learn more about the seasonal and H1N1 influenza infections.
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What’s different about this novel H1N1 flu virus? The novel H1N1 flu virus, which was originally referred to as swine flu, has enough different components that most people have no immunity against infection. Because of this, more people will get infected than the usual seasonal flu. There isn’t a significant difference in symptoms caused by H1N1 compared to seasonal influenza. But because more people will get infected with H1N1, there will be much more illness in the community and much more potential for spread.
Who is most at risk? Seasonal influenza is more serious among the old and very young, however with H1N1, there is a different pattern because fewer older individuals are getting infected. This could be because older people may have had experience with this strain of virus in the past. People at the greatest risk of complications from H1N1 are the same as those with seasonal influenza: pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses like respiratory problems.
How will Duke employees know they have the flu? It’s difficult to differentiate between the cold and influenza. The big differential is fever. If there is a fever of 100 degrees or over, we encourage people to view themselves as having influenza. They should isolate themselves from others. Leave work or school, and stay home.
Do people need more than one flu shot? It’s possible people may need three shots this year, but that could change. The seasonal flu will be the usual one-time vaccination. The government expects to have a vaccine for H1N1 available between midOctober and November. Although it was initially indicated more than one shot would be needed, new information encourages a single dose. When it becomes available, it will be rationed and initially only be available for youth and people with significant illnesses or conditions who are at high risk if they get influenza. — By Bryan Roth Writer, Office of Communication Services
For the seasonal flu vaccine schedule, visit duke.edu/flu
New scoreboard, concession stands and restrooms at Wallace Wade uke football fans have another reason to cheer this season. Restrooms, concession areas and a new video screen on the scoreboard have been added to Wallace Wade Stadium to enhance the game experience. The renovations were funded by donations through Duke Athletics and are the first phase to make Wallace Wade an even more fan-friendly place to watch football. “The concessions and bathrooms added a new level of comfort at Wallace Wade that really heightens the fan experience,” said Bart Smith, director of marketing and promotions for Duke Athletics. “With the addition of a state-ofthe-art video board, we are able to highlight game action better and we can be more creative on how we intensify the atmosphere and fun in Wallace Wade Stadium.” A big addition are new men’s and women’s restrooms on the east and west side of the stadium. The eastside restrooms are near the president’s box. What was a men’s bathroom is now a 3,200 square foot restroom facility for both men and women. A matching restroom is located on A new scoreboard was unveiled at the Duke football the westside of the stadium, near home opener Sept. 5. the Finch-Yeager Building. On west side of Wallace Wade, a new concession area has been added for Blue Devil concessions, which sell nachos, popcorn, chicken sandwiches and more. Both stands are about 700 square feet and feature six cash registers.
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During the season opener Sept. 5, fans were treated to upgraded picture and audio on a new video board that stands 31 feet high and 67 feet long. The new screen replaced an old system with two separate areas – one side of light bulbs for statistics and the score and another for replays and videos. The new screen spans the scoreboard as one large area. Stats and live game action are shown in an area with more space. Blair Hedges, the student leadership coordinator for Jewish Life at Duke, attended the season opener. She said the improvements remind her of what it was like to attend games at Ohio State University. “I noticed an improved atmosphere at Saturday’s game and definitely think that the new scoreboard had something to do with it,” she said. “I’m hoping that the enhanced environment will help to get more people out to Wallace Wade for each home game.” — By Bryan Roth Writer, Office of Communication Services
Get In the (Home) Game Oct. 3 Virginia Tech Oct. 24 Maryland Nov. 14 Georgia Tech Nov. 28 Wake Forest
Get tickets at
goduke.com
Low-cost, high value training available for employees ark Kinsella collects massive amounts of data, but sometimes finds it difficult to explain it to people. He also encounters a steep learning curve with database programs that improve his reporting. “I tried using Access but found that my frustration level was too high, and I put it down,” said Kinsella, an analyst in the Central Scheduling Hub in the Patient Revenue Management Organization. He found the solution in an Access class offered by Learning & Organization Development (L&OD), a unit within Duke Human Resources. Kinsella works in a department with 65 employees who field about 3,500 phone calls daily from patients requesting appointments at 17 Duke clinics. Kinsella helps track the number of daily calls and how quickly they’re answered, among other service indicators. “Viewing this mass of data in a spreadsheet made seeing trends or making historical comparisons difficult,” Kinsella said. The two-day class at L&OD gave Kinsella hands-on experience in creating a database in Access. He entered data he collected since last December from spreadsheets into the new database. “Now I have historical data at the touch of my fingers,” he said. “I can report how many calls we get on Monday versus Tuesday, or how our performance has improved over time.” He also created a database to track rescheduling of patients when doctors bump appointments because of vacation, surgery or other time conflicts. “The $189 paid for this class was well worth spending,” said Kinsella’s supervisor, Amy Pearce.
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“Everyone in the office can now update the databases using simple templates. Now we can measure our performance and give information back to the clinics in a way that is easily understandable.” The Access class is one of more than 40 classes offered each semester by L&OD, which added 10 new courses this fall. These include two-hour “power sessions” that focus on specific functions such as pivot tables in Excel, running queries in Access or transitioning from Microsoft Office 2003 to 2007. Dates and descriptions for classes are on the L&OD website, which includes links to other departments that offer workshops to enhance employee skills. Kinsella said the L&OD class helped him learn new skills and left him wanting more. “I learned a lot,” he said, “but I also learned that there is more I don’t know. It whet my whistle to learn more.”
Professional Development On A Shoestring
Mark Kinsella, an analyst in the Patient Revenue Management Organization, uses knowledge he gained in a Learning & Organization Development course on creating databases to help his department.
— By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
A list of training by department or topic is at hr.duke.edu/train
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Fighting Obesity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 SUPPORT FOR SLIMMING Duke supports employees through a variety of programs ranging from intensive one-on-one coaching through LIVE FOR LIFE and Duke Prospective Health to programs like the Run/Walk clubs and discount gym memberships. Andrea Clauden, a staff specialist in the Office of Information Technology, is one of the hundreds of employees using these offerings. Like many struggling with weight, Clauden once ate a few hundred more calories than she needed daily, resulting in slow but steady weight gain over the years. “When the scale hit 330 pounds, I knew it was time to get help,” she said. In April 2008, Clauden joined LIVE FOR LIFE’s Pathways to Change program, an intensive 12-month wellness program available to benefits-eligible employees coping with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or obesity. The program’s quarterly ‘weigh-ins,’ coupled with frequent, one-on-one guidance from a registered dietitian, changed Clauden’s relationship with food, and pounds melted away. “I had to keep a food journal, and that showed that portion control was a big issue for me,” Clauden said. “My dietitian, Kay Pratt, taught me to read the nutrition information on labels and got me to buy a calorie guide, so I knew how many calories I was eating.”
Andrea Clauden, right, visits with LIVE FOR LIFE nutritionist Kay Pratt, left. Clauden, a staff specialist in the Office of Information Technology, has lost 50 pounds by changing her eating habits.
Free Duke Resources For Weight Management LIVE FOR LIFE Duke’s employee health promotion program offers various wellness services like assessments; fitness activities; tobacco cessation resources; gym discounts; consultations with fitness specialists and registered dietitians; and run/walk clubs. LIVE FOR LIFE organizes the farmers and mobile markets and promotes education through programs like Pathways to Change and Steps to Health. Website: hr.duke.edu/eohs/livelife • Phone: (919) 684-3136
Duke Prospective Health This program is for employees in Duke Select or Duke Basic health plans. It’s designed to identify risks for diseases and chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. It helps employees create a plan for optimal health and provides resources to achieve goals. Prospective Health works closely with LIVE FOR LIFE. Website: dukeprospectivehealth.org • Phone: (888) 279-9445
He spends eight hours a day at his computer, but since January, Farley has turned technology into a weight loss tool with support from LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program. Farley was considering losing some of his 300 pounds last fall when he looked at vacation photos and thought, “Wow, is that what I look like?” But the real incentive came when his 42-year-old sister was diagnosed with diabetes. “Just like me, she’s been a little heavy for years,” he said. “I thought I’d better start taking care of myself, too.” In January, Farley enrolled in the free, online challenge “Eat Wise and Exercise” through LIVE FOR LIFE to track his eating, exercise and weight. Initially, he was skeptical about using the Internet to track progress, “but I found it easy to use. And having the weekly accountability of reporting my weight was really great.” At the end of the 10-week challenge, Farley lost 37 pounds and had more energy to keep up with his 4-year old son, Wade. “It makes a big difference to have this support at work,” he said.
A WEIGHT LIFTED For Wilson, the marketing specialist diagnosed with diabetes, the convenience of using a Duke gym is key to managing weight. A member at the Wilson Recreation Center on West Campus for six years, Wilson’s daily 60-minute exercise routine helped control her diabetes and led to losing 45 pounds. But after a year, her weight loss stalled. To get unstuck, she took advantage of a free fitness consult in March with Mary Ann Dobbins, a LIVE FOR LIFE exercise physiologist. “She explained how I needed to change things around to keep losing weight and helped me set up a new routine,” Wilson said. “It ratcheted things up another notch and got me back to losing weight.” According to Svetkey, the Duke physician, maintaining a healthy weight is critical to overall success. “Have short term, realistic goals with concrete action plans for reaching them, and don’t quit if things don’t go perfectly,” Svetkey said. “Most important: plan on making changes that you can stick with for a lifetime.” Having lost 61 pounds over two years, Wilson has that long view in mind. “I have five more pounds to lose to drop from the obese to the overweight category,” she said. “Once I make that goal, I’ll keep losing until I get to my healthiest weight. I don’t care if it takes me 10 more years to get there. I just want to make sure I don’t gain again, because I’ve learned that managing my weight is the key to good health.” — By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
Blue Extras Programs This is for employees enrolled in Blue Care and Duke Options plans. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a range of health management services, programs and incentives. Website: bcbsnc.com • Phone: (877) 224-3305
Clauden broiled, instead of frying, chicken. She snacked on fruit instead of fudge. She pushed aside most sweets and meats. And blood pressure and weight dropped. “I called Kay every time I reached my goal of losing another 10 pounds,” Clauden said. “She kept me motivated.” A year and a half later, Clauden is 50 pounds lighter, three dress sizes smaller, and her blood pressure is 20 points lower. Bruce Farley, a financial analyst for the Health System, has a similar success story.
Bruce Farley, a financial analyst for the Health System, with son, Wade. Farley uses Duke’s online resources to lose weight. This photo was taken after Farley lost about 37 pounds.
4 For more information on health programs, visit hr.duke.edu/health
Health benefits open enrollment begins Oct. 19 Premium increases half the national average he annual enrollment for benefits for faculty and staff opens Oct. 19 and ends Oct. 27. Despite cost increases in health care driven by higher utilization and increased cost of prescription drugs, Duke’s four medical insurance plans will continue to offer comprehensive coverage for 2010. “A significant amount of analysis and discussion have taken place during the last several months,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for Human Resources. “The result of this work is that Duke’s premium increases will be only half of the average increase nationally, while maintaining the overall structure of the plan.” Duke offers faculty and staff four different medical insurance plans that enable individual choice for coverage based on cost and unique needs, including a low-cost option that offers individual coverage starting at $23 a month. Premium increases for 2010 will range from $2.03 to $6.43 per month for individual coverage and from $12.80 to $25.64 per month for family coverage, depending on the plan selected (see chart below). “We have been able to keep some key co-pays flat for 2010, including
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primary care and urgent care visits, generic drugs, and mental health visits, reflecting the importance of preventive care and efficient use of resources,” Cavanaugh said. “However, in order to keep the plan financially viable and available, other co-pays and deductibles have been adjusted.” Duke has made efforts to rein in prescription drug costs, a major driver for increasing cost. While the co-pays for generic drugs will remain the same, co-pays will increase for retail purchases of brand and nonformulary medications. A new annual deductible of $100 will apply for brand and non-formulary drugs purchased at retail pharmacies. That deductible is waived for prescriptions purchased through the Medco home delivery program. In addition, those who continue to purchase maintenance prescriptions at retail locations will have a co-pay of 50 percent of the cost of the drug after the first three months (subject to a minimum and maximum per month). Faculty and staff can save on health expenses by signing up or renewing reimbursement accounts during open enrollment. Employees are eligible to enroll in reimbursement accounts whether or not they
participate in a Duke-sponsored medical insurance plan. But reimbursement accounts do not automatically renew each year; open enrollment is the only time to enroll and renew. “All employees should consider signing up for a reimbursement account, which helps participants save about one-third on eligible health or dependent care expenses, including copays and deductibles,” Cavanaugh said. Duke’s continued focus will be to encourage faculty and staff to take advantage of resources available to manage and improve their health, which has a direct impact on health benefit costs, Cavanaugh said. These resources include wellness programs and information sessions through LIVE FOR LIFE and Duke Prospective Health. “Not only do Duke employees have access to cutting edge medical care available through Duke University Health System, they also have access to innovative programs,” Cavanaugh said. “These disease management and wellness programs have helped us slow down the rising costs of medical care for the individual and, in the long term, for everyone at Duke.”
2010 Health Plan Highlights 䡲 No reductions in comprehensive coverage 䡲 Increases in monthly premiums for medical plans ranging from $2.03 to $6.43 for individual coverage and from $12.80 to $25.64 for family coverage 䡲 No increase in co-pays for primary care, urgent care, and mental health visits and no increase in co-pay for generic drugs 䡲 Increase in co-pay for specialist visits, outpatient surgery and most emergency and inpatient services 䡲 Unchanged vision insurance premiums
䡲 Increased pharmacy co-pays for retail purchase of non-formulary and brand medications; addition of a $100 deductible for brand and non-formulary medications (waived if purchased by mail order) 䡲 Expanded coverage for mental health in-network services 䡲 Inclusion of bariatric surgery for severely obese patients who meet strict criteria 䡲 Increase in dental insurance premiums for Plan A, which offers broader coverage
2010 Monthly Health Care Premiums Individual
Family
2009
2010
2009
2010
Duke Basic
$20.97
$23
$212.20
$225
Duke Select
$56.19
$60
$334.87
$355
Blue Care
$92.57
$99
$418.74
$444
Duke Options
$89.24
$95
$412.36
$438
Open Enrollment Tips 䡲 Review “My Health.
My Life.” information packets being mailed home 䡲 Enroll and make changes to medical, dental and vision coverage – and enroll and renew dependent care and health care reimbursement accounts – beginning Oct. 19 䡲 Enroll and make adjustments at Duke@Work – www.hr.duke.edu/ selfservice - or call the Duke Enrollment Service Center at (919) 684-5600 to speak with a customer service representative. For call center hours, please check the information packet
New Federal Guidelines for Race, Ethnicity The United States government recently issued guidelines for changes in reporting of race and ethnicity to capture a more accurate picture of diversity of the U.S. population. As a result, Duke updated its systems, and all employees are encouraged to review and update their race and ethnicity, as well as other information, during open enrollment through the Duke@Work self-service website www.hr.duke.edu/ selfservice or by calling the open enrollment call center, (919) 684-5600.
5 For more about Open Enrollment, visit hr.duke.edu/enroll
Duke steps up efforts to secure mobile devices
By The Numbers 3 million Threats detected (and thwarted) each month on Duke’s campus network
57,000 NetID passwords assessed quarterly by Duke’s IT Security Office for complexity/strength
1 to 2 Phishing attempts reported by Duke users each week
Learn More Learn how to secure your computer and data at a Learn IT@Lunch seminar Oct. 28. The session is noon to 1 p.m. in the RENCI conference room in the OIT Telecommunications Building. For details, visit oit.duke.edu and select “IT Training” under “Get Help.”
http://security. duke.edu
make most security and privacy oday’s fast wireless controls invisible to users, while networks and ubiquitous still providing more secure mobile devices help keep handling of data that’s important Duke staff and faculty for our students, patients and connected with e-mail and the researchers who may have a Web – anytime, anywhere. But lifetime’s worth of work wrapped they also pose an increasing up in their data.” risk: those devices, which are Horner and his counterpart in easily lost or stolen, may store health technology services, Robert passwords to access the Duke Adams, also are meeting with network and confidential data. faculty across Duke this fall to Duke is strengthening review an updated computing and information security with a Paul Horner, the university’s chief information security officer. networking acceptable use policy – pilot data encryption project “There’s data at rest on a device and data in motion, which is the part of an overall effort to refine this fall for mobile devices used network,” he says. “We have to protect both.” information security governance by staff and faculty who have access to personal health information. Encryption programs at Duke, led by Duke’s Information Security Steering Committee. enable files to be encoded so they can only be read using a “It’s more of a reminder of the common-sense practices special “key.” many people already employ automatically,” he said. In addition, Duke’s IT Security Office is expanding its As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month methods and tools, with frequent tests of network security in October, analysts in Duke’s IT Security Office are and user password strength. The Duke Health Technology reminding employees and students to do their part, too. Services Security Office performs similar tests for the Users should choose strong passwords, and change them School of Medicine and health system. regularly; install and update anti-virus software; and not “There’s data at rest on a device and data in motion, click on links in e-mails that ask for personal information. which is the network,” said Paul Horner, the university’s “The threats are omnipresent,” Horner said. “A big part chief information security officer. “We have to protect both. of our job is to think the ugly thoughts, to think like the The network truly is only as strong as its weakest link. If a perpetrators do, so we can give people the tools, the threat can penetrate one machine, it can get behind our awareness and maybe the reminders to protect themselves.” defenses, and we all live in fear of this.” Efforts to strengthen security will be invisible for most — By Cara Bonnett employees, Horner said. Managing Editor, News & Information, “Not everybody works with confidential data,” he Office of Information Technology said. “The technology is adaptable enough that we can
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Rewriting the textbook of medicine Department: The MURDOCK Study team, based in Kannapolis, N.C. Part of the Duke Translational Medicine Institute (Duke School of Medicine). Years at Duke: Less than two. Who they are: In late 2007, David H. Murdock, billionaire owner of Dole Foods, gave $35 million to Duke to support a massive, longitudinal health research project at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. Begun in 2008, the MURDOCK Study (Measurement to Understand the Reclassification of Disease of Cabarrus/Kannapolis) is an effort to understand how disease occurs at the molecular level, and how it varies from one person to the next.
The MURDOCK Study team, based in Kannapolis, N.C., with 70-pound mascot, Ylorek, a Great Pyrenees.
What they’re known for: The MURDOCK Study team’s goal is to enroll 50,000 volunteers from in and around the Kannapolis community to provide biological samples and health data. Researchers will use new techniques to study the data and identify novel patterns and characteristics that will help predict risk of or responses to therapy in cardiovascular disease, liver disease, osteoarthritis, obesity and other diseases over several decades. Since February 2009, when enrollment began, nearly 1,200 people have joined the study. What they can do for you: Contribute to Duke’s reputation for innovative research into human health and wellness, and serve as liaisons to the resources on the N.C. Research Campus, and assist in establishing partnerships for Duke. Number of employees: 16 staff members and many investigators. Hidden department fact: They have a 170-pound mascot, Ylorek, a Great Pyrenees dog. His owner, Victoria Christian, is manager of the MURDOCK Study and chief operating officer of the Duke Translational Research Institute. Ylorek regularly comes to the office, greets visitors and patiently nibbles snacks during meetings. Most significant achievement: Designed the protocols to start up one of the most ambitious clinical registries in history, while making the local community feel included in such a promising endeavor. How they make a difference: “We explain biotechnology and the goals of the MURDOCK Study in terms that everyone can understand, so that they can get involved,” said Ashley Dunham, community health project leader. “It is exciting how much people want to play a role in the N.C. Research Campus. They want to participate in something that is larger than them, larger than this community, even if they may not see any direct benefit.” Big goal: To reclassify disease, transform the practice of medicine and rewrite the textbook of medicine. “By using genomic technologies and a huge database of electronic health records,” said Christian, the manager of the MURDOCK Study, “we hope to find how genetics, geography and environment contribute to health and wellness.”
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— Interview by Marsha A. Green, writer, Office of Communication Services
Learn more about the MURDOCK Study at murdock-study.org
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Debra Harding, an administrative assistant at the Duke Clinical Research Institute, has reserved a Zipcar at least 35 times.
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Two cars added to campus car-sharing service
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up to four days at $8 per hour or $66 a day, booking time hen Debra Harding arrived at Duke to work at the through the company’s web site: zipcar.com/duke. Duke Clinical Research Institute four years ago, she Zipcar, which was featured on the cover of Fortune thought she would have to own a car to get around magazine, allows members to borrow a car without carrying – until the Zipcar car-sharing program came to campus. costs of ownership or commuting. There’s no cost for gas; The program fit Harding’s lifestyle so well that she members just have to leave a quarter of a tank for the next actually sold her Ford Escort last spring, and now walks to user as a courtesy. The goal is alternative work and on most errands. She uses transit to reduce traffic, parking demand a Zipcar once a week for certain and pollution. tasks, such as carrying home a “I’m always “As the popularity of Zipcar grows, watermelon or 10-pound bag of looking for ways I think students and employees who use cat litter. to reduce my carbon it will really become the ambassadors to “I’m always looking for ways to get others to try it out,” said Tavey M. reduce my carbon footprint,” said footprint. ... we all need to Capps, Duke’s environmental Harding, an administrative assistant be doing a little bit more sustainability director. “They see how who lived in New York City for 25 than we think we can.” easy it is to reduce their environmental years. “The world is in a crisis now, footprint and will encourage friends to and we all need to be doing a little — Debra Harding do the same.” bit more than we think we can.” Administrative Assistant Kate Johnson, who works at the Harding joined Zipcar in Duke Clinical Research Institute Nicholas Institute for Environmental February and spends $120 a month Policy Solutions, walks to work and uses a using the 24/7 service – a fraction of Zipcar three times a month to run errands, or to attend offthe cost of a car payment, insurance, gas, maintenance and site meetings. Johnson first used a Zipcar as an undergrad at parking permits. She has reserved a car at least 35 times. UNC-Chapel Hill, and was excited when Duke began “I don’t really need a car that much. My life is pretty participating, too. simple,” Harding said. “The Zipcar fills in the gaps of “It’s just such a smart and easy program,” Johnson said. needing a car.” “It’s a major perk.” Zipcar’s fleet at Duke expanded in August from four to There are a few reclaimed benefits, for Harding at least. six cars: three each of the Toyota Matrix and Prius models The two-mile walk to work and back slows her down after parked on East and West campuses. Zipcar names its cars. busy days that buzz by. The vehicles at Duke have names like Moisa and Peard. “You can see what’s going on in the world,” she said. Since the program began in January, more than 250 “Stop and see what’s blooming.” employees and students have joined Zipcar, paying a $35 annual membership fee. Users may rent from one-hour to — By Samiha Khanna
zipcar.com/ duke
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Working@Duke Correspondent
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Coming Soon There's a Zipcar iPhone app right around the corner. Check zipcar.com/ iphone for details.
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I’m a member of the Duke Fitness Club through LIVE FOR LIFE, so I get a discounted membership to Millennium Sports Club in Durham. I pretty much work out there religiously, at least three times a week. I don’t want to get a big, old belly, and it’s just something I enjoy doing. I also coach in a youth football league, so that keeps me busy.”
paul.grantham@duke.edu Graphic Design & Layout: Paul Figuerado
Rocky Taylor Operations manager, Duke Postal 18 years at Duke
Photography: Bryan Roth and Marsha Green, Office of Communication Services; and Duke University Photography.
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I walk in the Duke Forest twice each weekend for about an hour each time. I walk the whole three miles around. I think it’s a good way to keep in shape, and I like the forest because there’s lots of things to look at, and the air is fresh. I also eat an Asian diet, which is pretty healthy. It’s high in vegetables, and I usually don’t use butter.”
Working@Duke is published monthly by Duke’s Office of Communication Services. We invite your feedback and suggestions for future story topics.
Xinnian Dong Professor, Department of Biology 17 years at Duke
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I mainly go the gym. I try to go at least three times a week, but I also row, which is what I love. I love being outdoors on the water, and it’s a good full-body workout. It’s also a group activity, so others are relying on you to be there, which is more incentive.”
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PERQS
Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian St., Durham
www.dpacnc.com
E M P LOY E E D I S CO U N TS
Save on shows at the Durham Performing Arts Center
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atina Harris has several tips for Duke employees taking in a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center. The first is to use PERQS, the Duke employee discount, to save on tickets.
“I keep telling my friends to be sure to order tickets through Duke’s site, because it saves 10 percent,” said Harris, a neurodiagnostic technologist at Duke’s Sleep Center. “That’s too good to miss.” Another tip is to buy what Harris considers the best seats in the house: the Grand Tier, just below the first balcony. “I sat there for The Color Purple and felt like I was right on stage,” she said.
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Despite tough economic times, Harris attends shows at the performing arts center frequently, often with her 16year old daughter, Alecxis. “To me, spending money wisely on a show that can take your mind off your troubles is well worth it,” said Harris, who saves
D U K E T O D AY
about $10 each time she uses the discount. Having grown up enjoying the lively arts scene in Philadelphia, Harris is delighted to have the performing arts center enlivening her adopted hometown of Durham.
Durham Performing Arts Center
“When I went to my first show, I was amazed at the building,” she said. “I was so happy that they put together something so modern and beautiful.” The performing arts center, which opened last November and sits next to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, offers Broadway musicals, concerts and live comedy. Upcoming shows include magician David Copperfield (Oct. 21), and musicals, The Phantom of the Opera (Nov. 26 - Dec. 20) and Mamma Mia! (Jan. 26-31, 2010). While the standard employee discount is 10 percent, Duke employees can save up to 20 percent with lower online fees.
To get the discount, employees must order tickets online through the PERQS website, which links to the performing arts center’s website with full details about dates, times and seating. That’s where a final tip from Harris comes in handy: “Always get an end seat. That way, if someone has to get out, you can let them by easily and not miss a moment of the show.” — By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
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