February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention. Did you know high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke? That’s why it’s so important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, in addition to eating healthy, exercising, and reducing stress. Make your health and wellness a priority in 2023.
To celebrate America Saves Week (February 27–March 3), challenge yourself to contribute more to the Retirement Savings Plan. Small steps now can make a big difference later. To change your contribution, go to HR Self Service, click Benefit Details, then Life Event.
Taking care of your physical, mental, and financial wellness is extremely important. We hope this monthly benefits newsletter will make it easy and convenient for you to do just that.
My Health Coach
Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Your Heart!
In February, and throughout the year, aim to incorporate small changes that can decrease your risk of developing heart disease. Add a variety of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and foods high in fiber, like lentils, beans, and whole grains, to your meals and snacks. Here are some tips to help fill your shopping cart with healthy, budget friendly food.
Aim to get 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each week. Bike riding, swimming, hiking, skiing, going up and down the stairs, dancing, and walking at a fast pace are considered cardiovascular exercise. If you enjoy yardwork and gardening, those activities get your heart rate up, too. Regular exercise promotes healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Reduce your stress by practicing breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, reading, coloring, or any hobby you find relaxing. A healthy diet + an exercise routine + less stress = reduced chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
“ Having a health coach has been like having my own health cheerleader.
Gerry has motivated me, consoled me, and taught me how to be a healthier person overall. She is someone I know I can always count on to steer me in the right direction,
by giving me a judgement free space to share and grow. I have become a more confident person thanks to the My Health Coach program.”
— Anita Misri, Facilities Finance and Administrative Services
To keep your heart healthy, meet with a Health Coach to have your blood pressure taken and discuss how you can prevent or delay developing heart disease. Visit My Health Coach for additional information.
Campus Rec
Campus Recreation offers recreational memberships to anyone affiliated with Princeton University. Memberships provide access to Dillon Gym, DeNunzio Pool, Baker Rink, and the indoor track in Jadwin Gym. Information, including pricing and registration instructions, can be found on the Campus Rec website.
HealthAdvocate
1 in 3 Americans have high blood pressure. If left unchecked, it can lead to serious consequences including heart disease, stroke, and eye and kidney damage. Learn how to understand your blood pressure numbers and what lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce your blood pressure, like adding certain foods to your diet or quitting smoking. Try these healthy lifestyle swaps for a stronger heart and body. If you need help finding a specialist or an independent, in-network facility, please reach out to Health Advocate at (866) 695-8622.
Doctors in Your Office: Annual Physicals at the Employee Wellness Center
Take care of your heart. If you are due for an annual physical, you can schedule an appointment at the Employee Wellness Center, located on campus at 350 Alexander Street. Screenings and blood work will be performed. You will receive your lab results 5 to 7 days after your appointment and will receive a phone call if you need to follow up with a primary care physician or specialist.
Please complete the electronic health forms prior to your appointment.
If you are enrolled in a Princeton medical plan, you are eligible for one annual physical each calendar year. If you are enrolled under a medical plan outside of Princeton, please check eligibility by calling the number on your ID card.
Join Carebridge this month for the following virtual offering:
Taking Pet Loss Seriously
Losing a pet can leave you with a broken heart. Participants will find support in understanding the significance of pet loss and learn strategies for healthy mourning. Participation is anonymous.
Thursday, February 23, 1–1:30 p.m.
Register through Zoom
Stress contributes to poor health behaviors which can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Learning to manage your stress in a healthier way will not only improve your mental health but help reduce risk to your heart and overall physical health.
Isles
Join Isles for in-person financial counseling sessions on Tuesday, February 14, in Frist Campus Center, Class of 1952 Room. To schedule an appointment, please call (609) 341-4740. Counseling is available in English and Spanish.
TIAA
Keep your financial goals on track with TIAA’s live webinars, including “ Inside Money: Managing Income and Debt.” To register, visit the registration page.
Watch a short video on paying down your credit card and debt management.
For the complete listing of this month’s TIAA webinars, visit the registration page.
TIAA offers individual retirement counseling sessions, either online or by phone, which provide in-depth planning assistance. To schedule an appointment, register online.
CAPTRUST
CAPTRUST’s number one mission is to connect participants with timely, relevant, and actionable content to help you make smarter financial decisions and ultimately retire with confidence. This benefit is free, completely confidential, and provided by a company that has no products or services to sell you.
CAPTRUST Financial Advisors will be conducting in-person sessions on Tuesday, February 28. Topics covered in the 45-minute individual advisory sessions include retirement and general financial planning and investment education and advice. Schedule your appointment.
To speak to a counselor about the University’s retirement plan and/or other financial issues, call the Retirement Advice Line at (800) 967-9948. For more information, including articles, videos, and other valuable resources, visit the CAPTRUST website.
Campus Rec
Summer Camp registration is now open! Faculty and staff receive discounted rates for their children to attend. Learn more.
The Employee Wellness Center @ 350 Alexander
Here, you’ll find support to help you care for yourself and your family, so you can thrive at work and at home. Whatever challenges you’re facing, help is available. Get more details on the HR website.
Questions?
For questions about physical or mental wellness resources, contact Lynn Herbine. For financial wellness inquiries, contact Jane Edgar. The Benefits Team is available to assist at (609) 258-3302 or [email protected]. For complete details on all wellness resources and programs, visit the HR website.