March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer is preventable and treatable, especially when caught early. The American Cancer Society recommends everyone be screened for colon cancer at age 45, even if you are healthy and not at risk for developing the disease. Speak with your doctor about scheduling a screening.
During National Nutrition Month, take time to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits that can promote healing and fuel your mind. Make every bite count toward your overall health and wellness!
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.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Nine out of ten people survive colorectal cancer when it is found and treated early. Learn more about the risks of developing the disease, symptoms, screenings, and statistics.
A colonoscopy is the best method to detect colorectal cancer but Cologuard, a non-invasive test, might be an option if you are not at high risk for developing the disease. Your risk may be higher if you:
- Have a personal history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps
- Have an immediate family member diagnosed with colon cancer
- Carry a gene for hereditary colon cancer syndrome
- Have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's disease
- Smoke
Speak to your doctor to learn which test you should have.
Beginning at age 45, preventive colonoscopies done at an independent facility and a Cologuard test are coved at 100% if you are enrolled in a Princeton Medical Plan. You will need a prescription from a provider for both screenings.
Watch MSK’s Dr. Robin Mendelsohn’s video, which provides an in-depth overview on colorectal cancer risk factors, including family history, dietary habits, and more.
MSK is available to help you and your family make smart decisions about the best cancer care options.
HealthAdvocate
In the U.S., colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. It is also the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but it doesn’t have to be. Read Colon Cancer: What You Should Know.
Health Advocate can help you find a primary care physician (PCP) and/or a gastroenterologist who can talk to you about colon cancer screenings. They can also locate an in-network, independent facility, and even schedule the appointment(s) for you.
My Health Coach
My Health Coach presents: March Is Nutrition Month!
Join Health Coaches Gerry Pierre and Heather Behan, both Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists, to discuss nutrition tips to reduce your risk of developing dementia and other chronic diseases. Additionally, learn healthy ways to fuel your body and mind by selecting budget friendly, plant-based foods.
Thursday, March 30, 11:00–11:45 a.m.
Register through Zoom
See this easy, budget-friendly vegetarian recipe, which is a favorite of the health coaches: Fiesta Rice Salad.
UnitedHealthcare
Daily life is busy, which can make it hard to eat healthy. These tips can help:
- Pack healthy on-the-go snacks
- Skip fast food and processed food
- Cook large portions and eat leftovers
- Plan meals ahead of time
- Try convenient home-cooked, prepared meals kits
- Be mindful of what you are eating
Doctors in Your Office: Annual Physicals at the Employee Wellness Center
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. Health 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. This visit is covered at 100%. If you receive a bill, do not pay it, and contact Lynn Herbine.
Carebridge
Join Carebridge this month for the following virtual offering:
Parenting Check-in: The Importance of Sleep
Getting a good night's rest is one of the best things you can do for your family's health. Learn tips for helping everyone in your household get the rest they need. Participation is anonymous.
Tuesday, March 14, 1:30–2:00 p.m.
Register through Zoom
Caregiving Check-in: Combating Loneliness
Those who experience social isolation due to physical, emotional, and/or intellectual difficulties are more prone to loneliness. During this session, caregivers will learn tips to help their loved ones combat loneliness. Participation is anonymous.
Tuesday, March 21, 2:00–2:30 p.m.
Register through Zoom
Isles
Isles is dedicated to helping people manage everyday money issues such as budgeting, saving, and reducing debt. Counseling is available in English and Spanish.
TIAA
Keep your financial goals on track with TIAA’s live webinars, including “Cyber: Help Protect You, Your Family, and Your Money.” For the complete listing of this month’s TIAA webinars, visit the registration page.
TIAA will be conducting individual retirement counseling sessions on Tuesday, March 14, at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL). Because of site access, only PPPL employees can schedule appointments on this date. Schedule your appointment.
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, March 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.
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.