Category Archives: HR Information Archive

Join Weight Watchers at Work this fall

Summer is coming to a close and the fall term is beginning. Now is the perfect time to get into the habit of making healthier choices. If your goals include losing weight, Weight Watchers at Work may be the solution.

The cost is $156 for a 12-week renewable series with a minimum of 15 participants. Payment may be made in a lump sum or split into three payments.

Weekly meetings include a confidential weigh-in prior to the meeting, followed by a 30-minute class. Weight Watchers’ unique mix of face-to-face interaction with a trained leader, group support, accountability, digital tools, and the convenience of meetings in the workplace have helped participants be more successful than those who try to lose weight on their own.

If you are interested in joining Weight Watchers at Work, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu. If we have enough interest, we will set up an informational meeting in the near future.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

$10 chair massages

Back by popular demand—chair massages! Step away from your work and take a 10-minute vacation with a relaxing chair massage.

Licensed massage therapist Anne Boal will be giving chair massages. Cost is $10 for a 10-minute chair massage paid directly to Anne Boal at the time of your appointment—exact cash or check only please. Register online for an appointment during these two times:

Sept. 28
2–4 p.m.
Aliber Hall, Conference Room 0204
Register

Sept. 29
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cline Hall, Conference Room 127
Register

You may register for one or two time slots.

Beside the benefit of washing away some stress and re-energizing your day, one name will be drawn after this event and that person will receive a gift certificate for a free 10-minute chair massage!

For additional information or questions, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

Faculty/staff Fall 2016 wellness opportunities

Snooze & Lose Presentation
Do you ever wonder why you feel so exhausted during the day but can’t seem to fall to sleep at night? Have you struggled to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight? Our sleep habits affect more than just how alert we are during the day. They influence how we communicate and interact with others, how much stress we feel, and even our hormones, which can cause a series of other health-related concerns. Learn how to gauge if you’re sleeping enough and how you can improve the quality of your sleep. Join us on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. in Olmsted 310/311. Look for an online BUILD registration form soon. Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

Iowa Financial Fitness Challenge
The Iowa Financial Fitness Challenge is an online financial wellness education program that provides you with unbiased instruction in personal finance, investment, and retirement fundamentals. This is a grant-funded, no-cost program sponsored by the Iowa Insurance Division. Start date is Sept. 26. More details to come.

Chair Massages
Back by popular demand—chair massages! Step away from your work and take a 10-minute vacation with a relaxing chair massage from licensed massage therapist Anne Boal.

Cost is $10 for 10 minutes (correct change cash or check). One name will be drawn from each month’s event and that person will receive a free 10-minute chair massage! Contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

Healthy4U—Small Changes, Big Impact
If you have ever tried to read a food nutrition label, determine how big a serving of meat really is, or wondered how to eat healthy at a restaurant, this class is for you. Join dietitian Lucas Flaherty for this four-part nutrition series. You may attend individual classes or the full series. The Sept. 21 class covers fad diets, portion control, MyPlate, behavior modification, and tools for change. The Nov. 8 class covers carbohydrates/fiber and fat/cholesterol/triglycerides. Both classes will be held in Olmsted Center Room 312/313 at 10 a.m. Look for an online BUILD registration form soon. Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

CPR/AED/First Aid Classes
This FREE instructor-led course will teach you how to respond to first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies. Includes hands-on practice of lifesaving skills and certification for those who successfully complete the course. This four-hour course is taught over two days and will be offered twice this term. Minimum of four and maximum of 10 per class.

First session: Oct. 25 and 27, 1–3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Conference Room 310
Second session: Nov. 2 and 3, 5–7 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Conference Room 310 (1st night) and TMR 132 (2nd night)
Instructor: Chris Nickell

Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information or to register for these classes.

Healthiest State Walk
Grab your walking shoes and join this year’s Healthiest State Walk on Wednesday, Oct. 5. This one kilometer (0.62 mile) walk is part of the Healthiest State Initiative and its goal of making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. We will meet at the north entrance of Cowles Library at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5. All participants will be given a map of the route and a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes. If it rains, we will walk on the indoor track at Knapp. If interested, please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

Wellness Screenings
Don’t forget this year’s screenings! Those on Drake’s health plan can save $300 in 2017 by completing a biometrics screening and online wellness assessment this year. Choose one of the following options to complete your biometric screening:

  1. Complete a physical/screening (with bloodwork) with your physician by Aug. 31. Your physician’s office must complete, sign, and submit the Health Care Provider Biometric Screening Form by Sept. 30.
  2. Complete your screening at a participating Hy-Vee location July 1 through Sept. 15. View instructions and a list of participating Hy-Vee stores.
  3. Complete your screening on campus at the Olmsted Center through UnityPoint health between 6:30 and 10:45 a.m. on one of the following dates: Oct. 6–7, 12–14, or 18–20. You can schedule your appointment online starting Sept. 2, 2016. Sign in with username: DRAKE and password: SCREEN. Find additional information in the On-campus Health Screening Scheduling Guide.

For more information, contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu or check out the Wellness Portal under the employee tab on blueView.

Flu Shots
We will be offering flu shots to faculty and staff this fall through the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. More information soon, including dates.

Benefits/Wellness Fair
Grab some co-workers and spend a few minutes checking out the Drake Benefits/Wellness Fair on Friday, Nov. 4, 8:30–11:30 a.m., in the Olmsted Center. This come-and-go event provides an opportunity for employees to learn about the wide range of benefits and wellness opportunities available at Drake. We have lined up a terrific group of vendors and staff who will be available to answer individual questions. We will also offer blood pressure checks, bone density testing, chair massages, and more. Fair will be held in rooms 310/311/312/313 and the Drake Room. More details to come.

Food & Mood Presentation
When was the last time you monitored your mood as it relates to what and how much you eat? Emotional eating is a common response to stress and fatigue, and it can lead to unhealthy eating habits, which can lead to chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. In this presentation you’ll learn ways to track mood and food, and identify the difference between hunger, boredom, and stress eating. Join us on Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. in Olmsted 310/311 for this fun and informative presentation! Look for an online BUILD registration form soon. Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

Holiday Trimmings Weight Challenge
Is it possible to celebrate the season without packing on pounds? You bet! This six-week program is designed to help you maintain or lose weight through the holidays. Weigh-ins will be held prior to Thanksgiving and after New Year’s. Names will be randomly drawn from those who maintain or lose weight and prizes will be awarded! More information to come.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

Healthy 4U—Small Changes, Big Impact

If you have ever tried to read a food nutrition label, determine how big a serving of meat really is, or wondered how to eat healthy at a restaurant, this class is for you.

Join dietitian Lucas Flaherty for this four-part nutrition series. You may attend individual classes or the full series. The first class is Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. in Olmsted 312/313. It covers fad diets, portion control, MyPlate, behavior modification, and tools for change.

Future classes will cover carbohydrates/fiber, fat/cholesterol/triglycerides, exercise and protein + water, labels, menu planning, grocery shopping, and dining out.

Participants will earn BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) credits and be entered into drawings for prizes each semester. Look for an online BUILD registration form soon.

Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information on how to register for this class.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

Snooze & Lose presentation

Do you ever wonder why you feel so exhausted during the day but can’t seem to fall to sleep at night? Have you struggled to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight? Our sleep habits affect more than just how alert we are during the day. They impact how we communicate and interact with others, how much stress we feel, and even our hormones, which can cause a series of other health-related concerns. Learn how to gauge if you’re sleeping enough and how you can improve the quality of your sleep.

Join us Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. in Olmsted 310/311 for this important topic.

Participants will earn BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) credits and be entered into drawings for prizes each semester. Look for an online BUILD registration form soon.

Please email Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information on how to register for this class.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

Open period approval process updated

The Open Period Approval Process has been updated to simplify the process. The details for the process and accompanying “Position Approval Form” can be found in the Manager’s Tools and Resources internal webpage through blueView.

The intent of the open period has not changed. Vacated positions will remain open for a minimum period of 60 calendar days (“open period”) from the last date the vacating employee is paid, unless the position or circumstances surrounding the vacated position are deemed critical to student success, safety, or creates a negative financial impact. The process was established in an effort to effectively manage financial metrics, to ensure strategic alignment of regular full- and part-time staff positions of the University, and for oversight and due diligence of meeting financial metrics. Exceptions to open period require written approval by the president.

Managers received an email with process details on Aug. 4.

Human Resources is available to assist you should a position come open in your area. Contact Gary Johnson (x4804) or Cindy Adams (x3676) with any questions or for assistance.

—Cindy Adams, Associate Director, Human Resources

Save $300 on your Drake health insurance

How is your health like your money? If you ignore either one, you may lose it. But by simply completing a biometric screening and online wellness assessment, those on Drake’s health plan can save $300 in 2017 and gain valuable information to address risk factors early and improve quality of life. There are three ways to complete your biometric screening:

Option 1—Available through Aug. 31
Complete a physical/screening (with bloodwork) with your physician by Aug. 31. Your physician’s office must complete, sign, and submit the Health Care Provider Biometric Screening Form by Sept. 30.

Option 2—Available through Sept. 15
Complete your screening at a participating Hy-Vee location July 1 through Sept. 15. View instructions and a list of participating Hy-Vee stores.

Option 3—Schedule your appointment online starting Sept. 2
Complete your screening on campus at the Olmsted Center through UnityPoint health between 6:30 and 10:45 a.m. on one of the following dates: Oct. 6–7, 12–14, or 18–20. You can schedule your appointment online starting Sept. 2. Sign in with username: DRAKE and password: SCREEN. Find additional information in the On-campus Health Screening Scheduling Guide.

After the completion of your screening and once your screening results are uploaded, you will also need to complete the online wellness assessment on wellmark.com by Nov. 15.

Questions may be directed to Linda Feiden, assistant director, wellness & engagement, at linda.feiden@drake.edu or 271-1880.

—Linda Feiden

Join Weight Watchers at Work!

The Iowa State Fair is less than a month away. If you want help navigating your way through red velvet funnel cakes, double bacon corn dogs, and fried macaroni & cheese (which alone has 1,756 calories!), Weight Watchers may be the solution.

Please join us at the last class of the current Weight Watchers at Work session on Monday, Aug. 1, at 11:15 a.m. in Cline Hall Conference Room 127. All faculty and staff who are interested in joining the next session will complete their registration and start the series the following week.

The cost is $156 for a 12-week renewable series with a minimum of 15 participants. Payment may be made in a lump sum or split into three payments.

Weekly meetings include a confidential weigh-in prior to the meeting, followed by a 30-minute class. Weight Watchers’ unique mix of face-to-face interaction with a trained leader, group support, accountability, digital tools, and the convenience of meetings in the workplace have helped participants be more successful than those who try to lose weight on their own.

If you are interested in joining Weight Watchers at Work, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu. If you are interested but cannot attend the Aug. 1 meeting, arrangements can be made. Contact Linda for details.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness & Engagement

Save $300 on your Drake health insurance

This is a reminder that those on Drake’s health plan can save $300 in 2017 by simply completing a biometrics screening and online wellness assessment.

There are three options for completing your biometric screening:

  1. Complete a screening with your physician
  2. Complete your screening at a participating Hy-Vee location
  3. Complete your screening on campus through UnityPoint Health

Option 1—Available through Aug. 31
Complete a physical/screening (with bloodwork) with your physician by Aug. 31. Your physician’s office must complete, sign, and submit the Health Care Provider Biometric Screening Form by Sept. 30.

Option 2—Available NOW
Complete your screening at a participating Hy-Vee location July 1 through Sept. 15. View instructions and a list of participating Hy-Vee stores.

Option 3—Schedule your appointment online starting Sept. 2
Complete your screening on campus at the Olmsted Center through UnityPoint health between 6:30 and 10:45 a.m. on one of the following dates: Oct. 6–7, 12–14, or 18–20. You can schedule your appointment online starting Sept. 2. Sign in with username: DRAKE and password: SCREEN. Find additional information in the On-campus Health Screening Scheduling Guide.

Once your screening results are uploaded, you will also need to complete the online wellness assessment on wellmark.com by Nov. 15.

Questions may be directed to Linda Feiden, assistant director, wellness & engagement, at linda.feiden@drake.edu or 271-1880.

—Linda Feiden

Nutrition Ignition & Smoothies

How much water should I drink per day? Do I need to take any supplements? I would like to get advice about my eating habits—is there someone I can talk to?

If you have asked these questions or others about food and nutrition, then this presentation is for you. Lucas Flaherty, Sodexo dietitian, will answer your questions, tell you about the services he can provide at no cost, and make smoothie samples for everyone to try. And if that isn’t enough, we will be giving away prizes!

Join us Wednesday, July 13, at 10 a.m. in Olmsted 310/311 for this fun, informative, and delicious experience!

To attend this event, please RSVP to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Assistant Director, Wellness and Engagement