Whether you are exploring new ways to enjoy physical activity, restore balance to your life, or better manage stress check out current offerings by the David S. Rosenthal Center for Wellness and Health Promotion of Harvard University Health Services. 

This month's Employee Well-Being Program Schedule is out!

Check it out below under Upcoming employee well-being programs. Register in Talent!

New Discounts! Go to the full list to get details and codes!

Fall Line Kitchen & Bar

NU Aqua Systems

Refuge4Men 

and more!

Check out all our discounts available!

New Webinars are available! 

Check it out below under Work/life Webinars and Workshops

Free Live and On-Demand Classes, Discounts and Resources

Did you know VCU employees have access to free online classes through PerksatWork? Join PerksatWork and register with your VCU email address to join. Some of their offerings include:

• Free Live and On-Demand Online Classes for adults and children including restorative exercises, personal development, sports and fun for kids, and much more! Classes fill up quickly so sign up early!
• Resources for Working Parents, Stress & Anxiety, Work from Home, Learning & Development which includes online classes and discounts.

Check out all our emotional wellness resources at ramstrong.vcu.edu including RecWell’s Mental Wellness Resource Guide - resources for sleeping, stress management, coping, self-care, mindfulness/meditation, and more!

VCU's Massey Cancer Center's registered dietician, Allie Farley, sends out a simple and healthy recipe along with meal planning tips you can use throughout 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.

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 is now a Smoke ad Tobacco-Free Campus!

When you smoke, it puts you at a higher risk for diseases like COVID-19. Quit smoking for yourself and the ones you love. For support and resources to help you quit, visit QuitNow.net/Virginia

If you have any questions or would like to receive a virtual Quit Kit, please contact Cindi Phares, cphares@vcu.edu or 828-1521 or 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 - Join in from anywhere! Open to everyone!

May 2022 - Employee Well-Being Programs

Most programs continue to be virtual unless specified below! Register in Talent@VCU to receive webinar links

Monday, May 2^nd – 1 pm

Guided Meditation with Brittany

(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreation & Well-Being)

Take a break from the news, social media, or telework responsibilities to find a moment of quiet reflection in the middle of your day with meditation.

Register: Talent@VCU

Tuesday, May 3^rd – 12:15 pm to 12:45 pm

Spring WW Open House

 (Presented by VCU HR and WW Weight Watchers Reimagined)

Learn about WW’s most personalized program ever that can help you drop the pounds you want while eating what you love and living your life fully. It’s based on your body, your goals, and the foods you love, meaning that no two plans are the same. Participate in a live virtual WW workshop lead by a WW coach and submit questions over chat for a live wellness Q&A.

Register: Talent@VCU

Wednesday, May 4^th – 1 pm

Income Diversification

(Presented by VCU HR and TIAA)

A diversified income plan can improve retirement outcomes. This presentation explores income diversification in retirement, and introduces how deploying a mixture of fixed and variable lifetime income can help address the unique risks in retirement while generating monthly payments you can’t outlive.

Register: Talent@VCU

Monday, May 9^th – 10 am

Navigating Market Volatility

(Presented by VCU HR and Fidelity)

With the market’s recent downturns, you may be concerned about the retirement savings you’ve worked so hard to build potentially being in jeopardy. Join our Navigating Market Volatility webinar and get answers to question like these: Should I change how I’m invested to something less risky? Should I move to cash right now? How do I pull my money out of the market? Why should I put more into my retirement savings plan?

Register: Talent@VCU

Tuesday, May 10^th – 1 pm

Virginia 529 – Saving for Future Education Expenses

(Presented by VCU HR and Virginia 529)

Learn about saving for future education expenses for children, grandchildren or yourself. During the 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. VCU employees will receive an exclusive offer – a $25 gift code to open a new Invest529 account.

Register: Talent@VCU

Wednesday, May 11^th – 12:15 pm

Pilates with Yelin

(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreation & Well-Being)

Strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility while doing these low impact exercises. No experience necessary!

Register: Talent@VCU

Tuesday, May 17^th – 12:30 pm

Deep Stretch with Jess

(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreation & Well-Being)

A slower 30-minute practice focused on active stretching of muscles and opening of connective tissue. Release built up tension, prevent injury, increase blood flow to muscles, and increase long-term flexibility. No equipment requirements, though a yoga mat is recommended.

Register: Talent@VCU

Thursday, May 19^th – 12:00 pm

How to Read Your Credit Report

(Presented by VCU HR and VACU Virginia Credit Union)

Your credit is part of your financial power. Learn to read your credit report so you can make sure it is correct because it impacts many parts of your life.

Register: Talent@VCU

Tuesday, May 24^th – 11:00 am

Creating Work-Life Balance

(Presented by VCU HR and Anthem EAP)

Creating work-life balance is a continuous process as your family, interests and work life change. Join in this timely session from Anthem EAP to learn tips for better work-life balance.

Register: Talent@VCU

Wednesday, May 25^th – 11:00 am

10 Steps to Financial Fitness

(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Financial Wellness)

Ready to get fiscally fit? Join us for a hands-on workshop to get started taking control of your personal financial situation. Topics will include cash flow, loans, credit, and investing to make sure you are on the right track for your financial wellness goals.

Register: Talent@VCU

Thursday, May 26^th – 12:00 pm

Kickboxing Circuits with Tanika

(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreation & Well-Being)

This full-body circuit training takes the basics of martial arts and adds the fun of circuits. You’ll be punching and kicking your way through 30 minutes of strength and cardio exercises. At the end of it all, you’ll walk away ready to tackle the day!

Register: Talent@VCU

***************************************************************

 On Demand Webinars

Watch at your convenience - any time, any place

The Ultimate Spending Plan – Virginia Credit Union

Chair Yoga Videos - Rec Sports

VCU Work Life Playlist in Talent@VCU

In Talent@VCU, click on Learning, drop down to Learning Search and search:

Work Life On Demand Videos

Here are few to choose from:

De-stress: Meditation and Movement for Stress

Professional Writing and Email Etiquette

 VCU Work Life Playlist in Talent@VCU

In Talent@VCU, click on Learning, drop down to Learning Search and search: Work Life On Demand Videos

Here are few to choose from:

Managing Anxiety in the Workplace

Cultivating Mental Agility

Advance Care Planning

Creating a Positive and Healthy Work Environment

Save time by getting and keeping your financial records organized. Learn what records to keep, what to keep handy in case of a natural disaster, and how to take a home inventory.

Organizing Your Financial Records

Virginia Credit Union

CommonHealth Micro Videos. Provides tips and helpful suggestions on reducing stress associated with financial situations. Watch Now!

Virginia Credit Union’s “Financial Conversations for Couples,” will help you and your partner blend your financial and personal thinking to come up with the smartest and healthiest possible financial plans for your family

VRS Financial Wellness Resources. The key to a successful budget is knowing where you stand, where you want to go and having a realistic plan to get there. Learn the most common budgeting mistakes and what you can do to combat them with myVRS Financial Wellness. Log in to your myVRS account and select Financial Wellness to access this guide—and many more—to help you achieve your financial goals..

 Additional webinars and virtual sessions:

visit TIAA.org/webinars to register or watch past presentations on demand.

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, TIAA, and Virginia Credit Union (VACU) offer numerous webinars and information. You can find upcoming webinars listed below under Work/life Webinars and Workshops

VCU Recreation and Well-Being

VCU Recreation and Well-Being – offers a diversity of virtual programs including fitness, wellness, outdoor programs, parent and child programs fun and games, and more!

ConditionCare provided to VCU employees with Anthem. ConditionCarecan 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 tools to learn more about your condition are provided. You can receive certain medications or supplies at no cost upon meeting certain requirements. 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.

Calm

Calm is providing some meditations, sleep stories, movement exercises, journals and music resources free to use and to share. In addition, they are offering VCU employees 40% off Calm Premium

One in five adults in the United States face a mental illness in any one year – that’s almost 44 million people. And especially right now, people across the country are experiencing feelings of stress and fear because of the new disease and feelings of isolation because of physical distancing requirements. This means someone around you right now may be struggling.

People who are facing mental health or addiction challenges may find it hard to seek and get the help they may need. They may not know who to talk to, where to go or even what to say.

Thankfully, there are a variety of things that can help, including having a good support system of people that you like, respect and trust. Support from loved ones, peers and appropriate professionals can make a big difference on your mental health and well-being. It can even make recovery from mental health symptoms easier and quicker.

Webinars on wellness (financial, health, and other topics) 

Did you know VCU faculty and staff have access to numerous financial webinars from Fidelity Investments, TIAA, Virginia Credit Union (VACU), Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and more! There are many live and on demand sessions including:

• Making gifts to loved one and charities
• Market Insights: New Developments, What to Consider, and Top Questions Answered
• Follow the 15% Rule
• Select How Your Savings are Invested
• Managing Debt during COVID-19
• Managing Holiday Finances

Also, VCU HR Work Life does monthly virtual live financial sessions. Check it all out on the VCU HR Work Life website.

Check out some upcoming webinars listed below! 

TIAA's Financial Essentials Live Webinars 

Below are some upcoming webinars. These webinars are open to everyone!

April

Money at Work 2: Sharpening investment skills 4/12 at 12 p.m. (ET)

Looking to turn your retirement savings into a paycheck for life? 4/12 at 3 p.m. (ET)

Quarterly economic and market update with TIAA’s Chief Investment Strategist 4/13 at 12 p.m. (ET)

Inside Money: Managing income and debt 4/14 at 12 p.m. (ET)

Retirement Income Diversification—What, Why and How 4/14 at 3 p.m. (ET)

An Introduction to Alternative Investments: Real estate 4/20 at 12 p.m. (ET)

May

Discover the power of financial well-being 5/11 at 3 p.m. (ET)

Estate planning considerations 5/12 at 12 p.m. (ET)

Lifetime Income: Market proof your retirement 5/12 at 3 p.m. (ET)

The New Nest Egg: Why an HSA can be an important component to your retirement savings strategy 5/18 at 3 p.m. (ET)

Opening doors to the future—Save in a 529 college savings plan 5/24 at 12 p.m. (ET)

June

Attention to Detail: Financial finishing touches for women 6/14 at 12 p.m. (ET)

Tomorrow in focus: Saving for your ideal retirement 6/16 at 4 p.m. (ET)

At Your Fingertips: Manage your money from wherever you are 6/15 at 3 p.m. (ET)

Help protect you, your family and your money 6/16 at 12 p.m. (ET)

Register at TIAA.org/webinars. 

Fidelity Webcast Hub

Practical conversations to help you live well financially, today and tomorrow – webinars from Fidelity

Now available:

• Market Insights: New Developments, What to Consider, and Top Questions Answered
• Your Retirement Transition: Go From Saving to Spending
• Make an Impact with Your Charitable Giving

And so many more on Preparing for Retirement, Managing Life, and Saving & Investing

Fidelity Investments – Well-being & You

Explore Ways to Manage your well Being through the COVID-19 Resource Center

• Money – Managing your finances
• Health – Maintaining physical and mental health
• Work – Staying productive at work
• Life – Adjusting how we live

Follow the 15% Rule:

• https://communications.fidelity.com/wi/2015/savingsandspendingcheckup/

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.

VRS DCP Online Regional Education Meetings

Register today for an online Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Regional Education Meeting or a virtual one-on-one with your Defined Contribution Plans Retirement Specialists

Learn More About Your Retirement Options 

VRS 457 & Cash Match Plans Overview
What is a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan? How about a Cash Match 401(a) Plan? Learn about how these plans help you build your retirement future.

Register Now

Select How Your Savings Are Invested 

VRS Plan Investments
Do you find investing confusing? Learn about asset classes, diversification and the three investment paths available to you.

Register Now

How Do I Withdraw My Money in Retirement? 

VRS 457 & Cash Match Distribution Options
Retirement on the horizon? Understand the various distribution requirements and options under your 457 and 401(a) plans.

Register Now

Personal Individual Account Review 

One-on-one appointment
Need assistance? Sign up for a 30-minute virtual one-on-one with a Defined Contribution Plans Retirement Specialist.

Register Now

Thursday, April 21^st – 10:30 am

Your Guide to Meal Prepping and Planning

(Presented by CommonHealth and WW-Weight Watchers reimagined)

Some of us are Tupperware-gurus, while others enjoy planning their meals the morning of. During this webinar, a WW Coach shares the benefits of meal planning and prepping, how you can conquer the grocery store and more tips for a successful week of meals.

Register: Talent@VCU

Interested in joining WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined)?

A happier, healthier life starts here

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 ⭐

Wednesday, 12:15 PM EST with Coach Bobbi C.

Not a Member? Learn more about our partnership with WW at WW.com/us/CommonHealth