Thrive Every Day, March 2024

March 13, 2024
Thrive At Princeton. Thrive Every Day. Make the Most of Your Princeton Benefits

March Events

Grief and Loss Check-In, offered by Carebridge, March 14, 1:30 p.m.

It Takes Guts to Put Your Health First: Colon Cancer Screenings, offered through MSK, March 25, 1:00 p.m.

Caregiver Support Check-In, offered by Carebridge, March 26, 3:00 p.m.

Weight Management Support Group, My Health Coach, Thursdays, beginning March 28, noon – 1:00 p.m. (see more details below)

Individual Financial Advice Counseling Sessions, with CAPTRUST, Employee Wellness Center, March 19

Live with Confidence in Retirement, with TIAA, March 26, 3:00 p.m.

Fine Tuning Your Retirement Strategy, with TIAA, April 16, 2:00 p.m.

Trust and Wills, CAPTRUST, Recorded Webinar

Ask CAPTRUST: Ways to Save, Recorded Webinar

Paying for College, presented by Bright Horizons College Coach, March 20, 2:00 p.m.

What You Need to Know This Month

National Nutrition Month

This year's theme, presented by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is Beyond the Table, with a focus on growing your own food, navigating food shopping at grocery stores and farmers markets to select whole foods, meal prep, and ordering wisely at a restaurant.

If you are looking to improve your eating habits, the My Health Coach program can guide you on selecting the right foods for their nutritional benefits, advise on foods that help manage a disease or health condition, provide food alternatives for allergies or intolerances, provide creative meal prep ideas, and help you stay on track with eating healthy!

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Nine out of ten people survive colon cancer when it is found and treated early. A colonoscopy is the best method to detect colon cancer but Cologuard, a non-invasive test, might be an option if you have a low 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 with your doctor about your risks and which test is best for you.

If enrolled in a Princeton medical plan, preventive colonoscopies done at an independent facility and a Cologuard test are covered at 100%. You will need a prescription from a provider for either screening. If you need help finding an in-network provider or independent facility, or help scheduling your appointment, Health Advocate can help. 

MSK Direct, through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, provides direct access to a team of professionals who specialize in cancer care to guide you through the process of diagnosis and treatment. To use this free, confidential benefit, call the Princeton University dedicated MSK Direct line toll-free at (844) 303-2123, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or visit the MSK Direct for Princeton website.

Weight Management Support Group

If you want to achieve a healthier weight, you don’t have to do it alone! In this 6-week program, offered by My Health Coach, you will engage with Health Coach Ritzie Lespinas, BA, RN, BSN and your peers to learn ways to support your nutrition and exercise habits while also addressing the emotional aspects of weight management.

Meetings will be Thursdays, beginning March 28, from noon – 1:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Space is limited, register today.

Campus Recreation:  Free 5-Day Trial, March 11- 15

Exercise is crucial to keep your heart healthy and strong. Campus Rec is excited to announce that Phase One of the Class of 1986 Fitness & Wellness Center has been completed. The main fitness area has more space and new equipment that can help you meet your wellness goals. In recognition of Staff Appreciation Day, Campus Recreation is launching a FREE 5-Day Trial for Faculty & Staff from March 11 through March 15 at the Class of 1986 Fitness & Wellness Center/Dillon Gym location. Learn more on how to take advantage of this offer.

 Financial Planning

  • TIAA offers individual retirement plan advice, either by phone, virtually, or in person. To schedule an advice session with TIAA, call 800-842-2252 or make an appointment online. For a Spanish Speaking Advisor, call (800) 414-5180.
  • CAPTRUST is an independent investment advisory firm that provides free, confidential investment and financial advice to retirement plan participants. For information, including articles, videos and other valuable resources, visit their website. 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.
  • Isles is dedicated to helping people manage everyday money issues such as budgeting, saving, and reducing debt. Contact Isles at (609) 341-4714. Counseling is available in English and Spanish.

Wellness Support at Anytime!

Professional help is available 24/7 through Carebridge. Call (800) 437-0911, visit their website www.myliferesource.com (use code TW8AE to register), or download their App from Apple or Google Play.

Employee Wellness Center with its three pillars: physical, mental, and financial

The Employee Wellness Center @ 350 Alexander Street is your place for in-person consultations. 

Schedule a free, confidential appointment with one of these resources:

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.