Wellness resources curated just for you
RamStrong is a collective wellness resource for VCU faculty and staff focused on the eight dimenions of wellness – physical, emotional, financial, intellectual, occupational, evironmental, social and spiritual wellness. RamStrong also offers resources for navigating the COVID-19 crisis with the eight dimenions of wellness in mind. The RamStrong concept was developed by the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute.
Resources during COVID-19:
During this challenging time, it’s so important to take care of yourself! We have many resources available. You can find them here as well as on RamStrong - where we provide resources for all eight dimensions of wellness: Physical, Emotional/Mental, Environmental, Financial, Occupational, Social, Intellectual, and Spiritual. Resources will be added and updated as they become available so continue to check the webpage.
The impact of COVID-19 seems to grow every day. It’s only natural to feel stress and anxiety related to it. The Anthem Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help!
The EAP website offers a variety of tools and resources related to COVID-19 including
- Online seminars with emotional support and practical information
- Regularly updated links to news outlets and health organization websites
- Links to articles and resources to help you stay informed
And of course the EAP can help you manage all the changes that are occurring each day. You can use the website for:
- Articles and tip sheets to help with everyday needs
- Information on child and elder care resources
- Legal and financial information
- And more!
Visit the Anthem EAP website for free confidential help! Click on the Log-In button and enter: EAP Can Help
This special entry portal is available for all employees, including those without health coverage.
NEW! Health Benefits Program Offers Online EAP Resources to Wage and Waived Employees: To assist with work, family and other personal issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, state wage employees may access website resources through the Anthem and Aetna Employee Assistance Programs until June 30. These online educational services are offered at no cost to wage and waived employees who are not covered by a state health plan. Individual services such as face-to-face counseling, legal consultation, telephonic financial counseling, and work/life consultation services are not included.
- Anthem: Services can be accessed by going to www.anthemeap.com and entering the Company Code EAP Can Help.
- Aetna: Employees can contact Aetna Resources For Living (RFL) for support and resources.
- Please see Employee Assistance for Wage and Waived Employees for more details..
Returning to work - COVID-19 checklist
As many will start returning to work, there may be people feeling anxious about possily being exposed to COVID-19 or even returning to theri old routine after months of upturn. Below are some tips from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help you adjust more easily.
- Do everything you can to help protect yourself and others from getting sick. Taking these steps may help you feel more in control, while also helping to prevent the spread of infection.
- Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Clean all high-touch areas every hour.
- Wear a face mask or covering.
- Stay six feet away from others when possible.
- Stay home if you are sick and stay away from others experiencing symptoms if you can.
- Use resources offered to you to help cope with the changes and emotions. If you see a therapist, continue to stay in touch during your transition back into your work routine.
- Listen to the VDH Tips for everyday life during COVID-19
- Check out resources provided by the Virginia Department of Health
- Try to embrace the return to structure. Lack of a routine can be a driving force for many mental illnesses and can heighten anxiety. If you can, try to get into your work routine at home before physically returning – wake up at the normal time, get bathed and dressed as you would normally, and try to return to your normal timeline during the day.
- Try to make sure you are getting a healthy night’s sleep. While it may seem simple, getting enough sleep can make an incredible difference on our mood and amount of anxiety during the day. Try to get back to your routine from before quarantine and try to go to bed without interruptions to allow for the best rest possible.
- Remember – it is okay and normal to feel anxious. There is nothing wrong with feeling anxious about changes and uncertain times, and you are not alone in these feelings.
NEW! VCU's Massey Cancer Center's registered dietitican, Allie Farley, sends out a simple and healthy recipe along with meal planning tips you can use through the week.
Click here to sign up and receive these weekly emails!
Visit Allie's blog on Diet and Nutrition for recipes and more information about the connection between diet and cancer survivorship.
NEW! SAVE THE DATE! Richmond Heart Walk takes place this year on Saturday, October 24, 2020 in Libbie Mill. Register online.
VCU HR provides employees with a list of curated wellness resources to support your well-being during the COVID-19 crisis. These resources are categorized by the eight dimensions of wellness listed in the dropdown boxes below.
NEW! Across the United States, many communities are experiencing unrest and distress related to the unjust treatment of individuals who are Black in this country. Coping Tips can be found here in the article Coping During Community Unrest.
NEW! As we move forward and doors begin to open again, we must remember that these doors open our hearts to great understanding and shared experiences. The Joy on the Other Side of the Door.
NEW! Anthem's myStrength recently added several new activities to address racism. You can sign up for myStrength via the Anthem EAP website to bypass any need for a code. Go to anthemeap.com and enter Commonwealth of Virginia. Find the myStrength Center and choose the sign-up buttom. You can then set up your account and unique password. There is also a myStrength app.
- Racism, Grief, and Loss – The ongoing pain of racism and violence. A 5-step activity.
- Racism-Related Stress and Mental Wellness – During this stressful time, myStrength is here for you. A 6-step activity.
- Talking to Your Kids about Racism, Violence, and Protests – Addressing a complex subject carefully, thoughtfully, and honestly. An 11-step activity.
- A Thousand Cuts – Understanding and responding to race-related microaggressions. A 7-step activity.
- A Difficult but Necessary Conversation – How to navigate sensitive discussions about race and discrimination. A 6-step activity.
AnthemEAP also offers articles and resources which can offer support to those impacted by recent events.
NEW! As communities lift stay-at-home restrictions, it's important to keep taking steps to protect yourself from COVID-19. Find out how to safely travel, visit restaurants, go to the gym and more during reopening.
As VCU begins a phased on-campus opening of the university, here are some resources.
Life after lockdown should start with this healthy to-do list By American Heart Association News
How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic by the CDC
Virginia Department of Health's Prevention Tips
Employees: How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Tips from CDC
Prevention Tips on Daily Life & Coping, Stay Safe, and more!
Amid COVID-19, Rams in Recovery advice resonates with a broader audience. Tools that help people recovering from addiction get through their day-to-day lives are largely applicable during this time of social isolation.
Letters of Encouragement and Thanks to VCU Health and VCU
VCU Health is accepting letters of encouragement and thanks for healthcare and support workers to help brighten their day.
While accepting donations from the community, VCU Health also received notes of thanks and gratitude for the doctors, nurses, bedside caregivers, and support staff that are on the frontlines of COVID-19.
Donations can still be made at:
VCU Medical Center Gateway Building, Valet entrance, 1200 E Marshall St, Richmond, Va. The hours are Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Letters of encouragement can be mailed to:
VCU Medical Center - Main Hospital, Attn.: Nathan Cunningham, 1200 East Marshall Street, PO Box 989143 Richmond, VA 23298 or email them to: nathan.cunningham@vcuhealth.org
Information about COVID-19:
- Center for Disease Control (CDC)
- Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Financial Resources
- Bank of America
- Car Loans
- Car Payment Relief Programs
- Mortgage
- Student Loans: Forbearance
- Student Loans: Possibility of Canceling
- Tax Deadline is now July 15
- Utility, Phone, and Internet companies are giving consumers a break during coronavirus pandemic
- Virginia Suspends Evictions During Coronavirus Crisis
Food sources:
- Groceries delivered: Instacart
- Food banks: Feedmore
- Restaurant Delivery: GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEats, List of restaurants the delivery with no fees
Shelter Information:
- https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2020-03-18/housing-homelessness/virginia-suspends-evictions-during-coronavirus-crisis/a69601-1
- https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/docs/GPD/providers/GuidanceCOVID-19-VA_Grantees_3-13-20.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/homeless-shelters/index.html
Safety
Virginia 2-1-1
2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember phone number connecting people with free information on available community services.
- Community Services
- Health and Human Resources
- Virginia Disaster Recovery
You may view more information on Virginia 2-1-1
Help1RVA
Help1RVA enables you to search for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training and more. You may view more information on Help1RVA.
Self-Care Resources
The University of Missouri provides many public self-care resources such as:
- Social Distancing Does Not Mean Social Isolation
- Practice Self-Care and Self-compassion
- Connect With Nature
- Nurture Your Body and Mind
- Practice Effective Work-at-Home Strategies
- Take Care of Your Physical Health
- Find Ways to Help Others
- If the Pandemic Affects You Financially
NEW! Virtual Well-Being Programs have been scheduled. Check out the schedule under Upcoming employee well-being programs, as well as in Talent.
Did you know......
If you are an Anthem COVA Care member, you can pay $0 for a LiveHealth Online visit! No need to get in the car and go to the doctor. You can now see a doctor using your smartphone, tablet or computer, any time, day or night.
- No copayment for Anthem COVACare members
- Medical visits with board certified Anthem doctors 24x7/365
- Future Moms Breastfeeding Support
- Behavioral Health services: Psychiatry, Psychology, and EAP
- E-prescribing to your pharmacy of choice*
- Available to Anthem members and
non-members
Go to livehealthonline.com or download the app so you'll be ready whenever you need these LiveHealthOnline services.
VCU's Quit Smoking Campaign for Employees......Join in!
Through this campaign, we hope to:
- Encourage tobacco users to quit with weekly motivational messaging and resources
- Increase awareness and use of the Virginia state quitline, Quit Now Virginia
- Support you and your co-workers, friends and family in your efforts to quit using tobacco
Get information at Quit Now!
If you have any questions, please contact me, your worksite Quit and Stay Quit Monday coordinator - Cindi Phares, cphares@vcu.edu or 828-1521.
VCU offers students, faculty and staff tobacco cessation programs at no cost. Benefits of becoming a non-smoker include:
- Improve your chances for a longer life
- Look and feel healthier
- Smell better
- Feel more energetic
- Breathe easier and be able to exercise
- Save money
- Protect those around you who may be harmed by your smoking, especially if you are pregnant or around children
For more information, visit tobaccofree.vcu.edu.
What is RamStrong?
Wellness is an active process through which people can make choices toward a more holistic well-being. RamStrong is a collective wellness resource for VCU faculty and staff. The RamStrong concept was developed by the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute. Learn more about RamStrong.
Upcoming Employee Well-Being Programs
All Well-Being Programs are now virtual
July 2020
Wednesday, July 8 – 12 noon
Mat Pilates with Sydney
(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreational Sports)
This popular class incorporates core strengthening exercises coupled with breathing techniques that allow for a stronger and more functional body. All levels welcome!
Register at: Talent@VCU
Thursday, July 9 – 12 noon
Best Practices for Working Remotely During COVID-19
(Presented by VCU HR and Anthem EAP)
Learning to work from home 100% of the time will require adaptability and a new set of skills. This course will outline strategies for communication, productivity, and time management all within the context of working from your home environment. Discussions will include how to work around your children, how to manage distractions and how to cope with the unique emotional pressures of working away from the office.
Register in Talent@VCU (pending final confirmation from EAP)
Monday, July 13 – 2 pm to 3 pm
Special Needs Financial Planning Workshop
(Presented by VCU HR and AFE)
There are unique challenges and joys that daily life brings for families with special needs. This workshop will help you to ensure continued care for your loved one by helping to create a financial strategy and better understanding of the many legal, financial, governmental and personal challenges.
Register at: Talent@VCU
Wednesday, July 15 – 12 pm
Yoga with Hannah
(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreational Sports)
Take a break from your work day to explore some basic and foundational yoga postures that are practiced to align, strengthen and promote flexibility in the body. Participants will be encouraged to move mindfully, connecting their movement to their breath. Participants can expect an emphasis on simplicity, repetition, and ease of movement.
Register at: Talent@VCU
Monday, July 20 – 12 pm
Bodyweight Strength with Jess
(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreational Sports)
Strengthen all of the major muscle groups in your body by participating in this Bodyweight Strength fitness class! With a focus on utilizing your bodyweight with high repetitions, participants will be guided through a series of exercises targeting the chest, back, arms, legs, glutes, and core.
Register at: Talent@VCU
Wednesday, July 22 – 1 pm to 2 pm
Virginia 529
(Presented by VCU HR and VA 529)
Learn about saving for future higher education expenses for your children, grandchildren or yourself. During this webinar, you will learn how to: Save for tuition and other college costs, such as housing and textbooks, Take advantage of tax-free earnings, and most importantly meet your savings goals
Register in Talent@VCU
Tuesday, July 28 – 12 pm
Mindfulness Meditation with Chelsea
(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreational Sports)
Take a break from email notifications, meetings, and your to-do list to find a moment of quiet reflection in the middle of your day with our mindfulness meditation. Open to all and no previous meditation experience necessary, our mindfulness meditation will provide a sense of calm, peace, and balance, while improving attention, focus, and ability to work through stressful circumstances.
Register at: Talent@VCU
Thursday, July 30 – 12 pm
Creating Work-Life Balance
(Presented by VCU HR and Anthem EAP)
Even in these challenging times, it is possible to meet the competing demands of job and family. In this fun, interactive seminar, you’ll learn the four pillars of work-life balance and learn to prioritize what’s important to you. Learn how to think about the big picture without ignoring the little things that matter. We will show you how to find the time to take care of it all – including finding time for yourself and for fun! By exploring priorities and developing successful negotiation strategies, you will learn how to get work-life balance in your life.
Register in Talent@VCU
Additional webinars and virtual sessions:
Although we are not offering in person events at this time, here are some other virtual well-being classes:
In Talent – Thriving@Work: Leveraging the Connection between Well-Being and Productivity, Managing Your Personal Investments, Arianna Huffington’s Thrive 02: Learning How to Unplug and Recharge, Mindfulness, Meditation, Life Mastery: Achieving Happiness and Success, De-stress: Meditation and Movement for Stress Management and many other online classes
(in Talent – under Learning in the search box type keyword: Well-Being, finances, happiness, or any other topic you may be interested in)
VRS (Virginia Retirement System) offers numerous financial wellness courses. These can be found at: https://enrich.varetire.org/courses
Also, Fidelity and TIAA offer numerous webinars and information. You can find more information at: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/overview or https://shared.tiaa.org/public/publictools/campaign/login/webinar?resume=/idp/WW50q/resumeSAML20/idp/SSO.ping
VCU Recreational Sports
VCU Recreational Sports – offers a diversity of virtual programs including fitness, wellness, outdoor programs, parent and child programs fun and games, and more!
The Commonwealth of Virginia and WW have launched new Private Virtual Workshops just for us!
WW’s Workshops have helped millions of members build healthy habits for real life, and I’m excited to share that employees now have access to Private Virtual Workshops through the Commonwealth of Virginia and WW partnership.
Who: Just us—that’s it! These Workshops are exclusive to our organization, so get ready to see some familiar faces.
What: Weekly guidance from a WW Coach in a virtual group setting that will help move you closer to your weight-loss and wellness goals. The Workshops are fun, supportive—and did I mention private?
Where: Right on your phone (or computer). These private Workshops are virtual, so you can get live stay-on-track support from a WW Coach in the palm of your hand. It couldn’t be easier!
When: Current WW Members can view the Workshop schedule by joining the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Connect Group. Just click here to join. IMPORTANT: You must open this link on a mobile device to be directed to the Connect group.
⭐ WORKSHOP SCHEDULE ⭐
Tuesday, 11:30 AM EST with Coach Debbie B.
Wednesday, 12:15 PM EST with Coach Bobbi C.
Thursday, 12:15 PM EST with Coach Denise S.
Not a Member? Learn more about our partnership with WW at WW.com/us/CommonHealth
Option 1
New Private Virtual Workshops for WW members
Exciting news for WW members! The Commonwealth of Virginia and WW have just launched a Private Virtual Workshop exclusively for our organization. Get ready to see some familiar faces as we join together for a weekly workshop guided by a WW Coach. Move closer to your weight-loss and wellness goals in this fun, supportive – and did I mention private? – live Virtual Workshop. Current WW Members can view the Workshop schedule by joining CommonHealth’s Connect Group. Important: You must select the link from your mobile device. Not a Member? Learn more about our partnership with WW at WW.com/us/CommonHealth
Option 2:
WW members within our organization, get ready to see some familiar faces at your weekly workshop. I’m excited to share the launch of a new Private Virtual Workshop exclusive to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Join your colleagues each week for guidance and motivation from a WW Coach. WW members, to view the Private Virtual Workshop schedule, join CommonHealth’s Connect Group. Important: You must click the link from a mobile device. If you’re not a WW member, learn more about our partnership at WW.com/us/CommonHealth
Option 3:
WW’s Workshops have helped millions of members build healthy habits for real life, and I’m excited to announce that employees now have access to Private Virtual Workshops through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s WW partnership. Get weekly guidance from a WW Coach in a virtual group setting that will help move you closer to your weight-loss and wellness goals. The Workshops are fun, supportive—and did I mention private? WW members, to view the Private Virtual Workshop schedule, join CommonHealth’s Connect Group. Important: You must click the link from a mobile device. If you’re not a WW member, learn more about our partnership at WW.com/us/CommonHealth
NEW!
Invite a Friend!
When you invite any eligible co-worker or spouse to join WW, you both can get a free gift. The more invite, the more gifts you can received. Visit ww.com/invite today!
The Commonwealth of Virginia employees enrolled in a state health plan are eligible for WW discounted pricing and a 50% subsidy. Employees not enrolled in a state health plan, spouses, and adult dependents are eligible for WW discounted pricing only. Sign up today! (VCU employees use 236 for code)
VCU Health and Wellness Library, located in the Gateway Building, Group Floor, Room G-112 offers Meditate with Georgianne Ginder, MSC, CHWC, JSJ Certified Practioner every Wednesday and Friday from noon to 1 pm. Free and open to all. For more information contact ricasatakj@vcu.edu or call 828-2432.
VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art offers mindfulness meditation sessions guided by highly experienced meditation teachers. These sessions are offered from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Sessions are free. To register, visit the ICA website and search "mindfulness."
ConditionCare provided to VCU employees with Anthem. ConditionCare can help you get help managing asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, heart failure or coronary disease. You can talk to a nurse for help with health questions, anytime, anywhere. You get a health screening by phone at no extra cost. Get support from other health experts like pharmacists and dieticians. Other education guides, email newsletters and toolds to learn more about your condition are provided. You can receive certain medications or supplies at no cost upon meeting certain requiremetns. Call 1-844-507-8472 to get started.
Anthem subscribers also have access to myStrength, the health club for your mind where you can get resources such as videos, articles, quotes, and inspirations as well as tools and exercises to help you develop a personal action plan and make healthy changes. To sign up go to anthemeap.com and enter Commonwealth of Virginia. Find the myStrength Center and choose the Sign-up button. Set up your account and unique password. Take the confidential wellness Assessment and fill out the personal profile. Both take just a few minutes to complete. Your answers will create your personal home page with topics and updates that interest and inspire you. Take myStrength with you on the go by downloading the i0S ir Android app.
Webinars on wellness (financial, health, and other topics)
Virginia Retirement System (VRS): Don’t let an unexpected expense catch you off-guard. Take the new myVRS Financial Wellness course, setting up an Emergency Fund, to learn how you can prepare for life’s financial surprises. You have access to an entire curriculum of financial wellness courses, articles, tools and more directly through your myVRS account. Visit showcase.varetire.org to learn how the financial knowledge you gain and the steps you take today help you build the future you imagine.
Health in Nature Presentation
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 10:00 am, Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
Host: Louann Winterling (louann.winterling@anthem.com)
Q&A with Dr. Lemon and Coach Lou: Sun & Summer Safety
Friday, July 17, 2020 12:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
Host: Louann Winterling (louann.winterling@anthem.com)
TIAA's Financial Essentials Live Webinars
Register at TIAA.org/webinars. Below are some upcoming webinars
July 14, 2020 - 12 pm - Social Security Basics
July 14, 2020 - 3 pm - Halfway There: A retirement checkup
July 15, 2020 - 12 pm - Quarterly Economic and Market Update with TIAA's Chief Investment Strategist
July 16, 2020 - 12 pm - Making it easier for you! Learn about our latest online tools and resources
July 16, 2020 - 3 pm - Lifetime incoming: marketproof your retirement
July 21, 2020 - 3 pm - Strategies for staying on track
August 11, 2020 - 12 pm - Social Security Basics for married couples
August 12, 2020 - 12 pm - Money at work 2: Sharpening investment skills
August 12, 2020 - 3 pm - Retiring in the "new normal"
August 13, 2020 - 3 pm - Postcards from the future: A woman's guide to financially ever after
Virginia Credit Union
Our latest webinar – In times of economic uncertainty, it’s essential to focus on what you can control. In “Surviving In Today’s Economy,” we’ll share tips on increasing your value in the workplace, cutting expenses, boosting savings, and reducing debt. Watch now»
Webinar: Managing Debt During COVID-19
Having to deal with debt in a normal environment can be very stressful. With the added impact of an economic crisis, it can become overwhelming. This webinar will provide answers to key questions you must ask yourself to successfully manage debt during these challenging times.
Greater financial knowledge leads to greater financial confidence, and in these times, we can use all the financial confidence we can get.
With that in mind, we’re giving away five $100 deposits.*
And all your employees need to do to be eligible for one of them is gain a little financial knowledge:
- Watch our Tips On Managing Financial Stressby August 15.
- And fill out our Partner Perks survey at the end of the webinar.
Here’s your chance to boost your financial wellness! Take steps toward a better financial future with Virginia Credit Union. *No purchase necessary. See Official Rules.
Greater financial knowledge leads to greater financial confidence, and in these times, we can use all the financial confidence we can get.
With that in mind, we’re giving away five $100 deposits.*
And all your employees need to do to be eligible for one of them is gain a little financial knowledge:
- Watch our “Important Conversations part 1: Our Parents Finances”by August 15.
- And fill out our Partner Perks survey at the end of the webinar.
Here’s your chance to boost your financial wellness! Take steps toward a better financial future with Virginia Credit Union. *No purchase necessary. See Official Rules.