Category: Wellness

WRS Webinars in July

ETF is offering a series of 30-minute, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits.  Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. To avoid connectivity issues during webinars, we highly recommend using Google Chrome as your web browser.

Beneficiary Designations – What Happens to My Account When I Die?

Death is never easy to talk about, but it’s important to know where your money is going. Learn what happens to your WRS account when you pass away, why it’s important to designate a beneficiary and the importance of keeping your account up to date.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  • Define beneficiary and standard sequence.
  • Explain the importance of a beneficiary form.
  • Identify who or what could be a beneficiary.
  • Select the appropriate beneficiary form.
  • Update your beneficiary.

Tue, July 12, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wed, July 20, 2022 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Thu, July 28, 2022 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/1235712954144225294

Newly Retired? What to Expect

When you first retire, you may experience several changes.

We’ll help prepare you for some of these changes by discussing the following:

  • Explain your annuity payment and why it may change.
  • Identify mailings you will receive during retirement.
  • Be aware of life changes during retirement that may affect your benefits.

Thu, July 14, 2022 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Tue, July 19, 2022 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wed, July 27, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3312566174199303180

Overview of the Wisconsin Retirement System

Are you new to the Wisconsin Retirement System? We’ll let you know what to expect.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  • Identify and explain the elements of the Wisconsin Retirement System.
  • Explain how the WRS pension works.
  • Identify benefits available through the WRS.
  • Find resources for more information.

Tue, July 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Thu, July 21, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wed, July 27, 2022 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3399334134305369869

Preparing for Your Retirement

Planning to retire in the next 5 years? Then this webinar is for you. Learn about your WRS benefits and the retirement process.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  • Explain how the WRS retirement benefit works.
  • Recognize eligibility and prepare to apply for benefits.
  • Identify the different types of annuity options.
  • Prepare for health and life insurance changes in retirement.
  • Find additional resources.

Wed, July 13, 2022 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thu, July 28, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tue, Aug 9, 2022 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wed, Aug 24, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Sept 8, 2022 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wed, Sept 21, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tue, Oct 4, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Oct 20, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wed, Nov 2, 2022 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thu, Nov 17, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thu, Dec 1, 2022 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tue, Dec 13, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2592441029449835020

Five to Thrive Wellness Challenge

Are you ready for the next Wellness Challenge?  To participate in the Five to Thrive nutrition challenge, track the fruits and veggies you eat for 21 of 28 days between July 11 and August 7.  Enjoy the delicious healthy food from your garden, the farmer’s market or your CSA, and get closer to earning your $150 wellness incentive!

Register here: https://www.webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin/ 

Well Wisconsin: Daily Habits

Sometimes it just takes a little nudge to get in the habit of doing healthy things!  Sign up for a Daily Habits plan as part of your Well-Being Activity to earn your $150 Wellness Incentive.  You would log in to the wellness portal each day during your chosen activity period, and report on your progress.  Daily Habits uses behavioral science to help you improve your well-being.

Plan options include:

  • Enjoy exercise
  • Balance your diet
  • Keep stress in check
  • Lose weight
  • Quit tobacco
  • Cope with the blues

Sign up at: https://webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin/

Resources for Mental Health Well-Being

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also affects how we manage stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health well-being is important from childhood through adulthood.

Take a moment to think about your mental health well-being. Below are early warning signs that suggest you may benefit from reaching out to a mental health expert.

• Eating or sleeping too little or too much
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Experiencing mood swings
• Arguing consistently with family or friends

Improving your mental health well-being may help you realize your full potential, cope effectively with stress, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to your community.

SilverCloud, a self-guided mental health resource implemented in 2020 will no longer be available to employees and students as of June 30, 2022.  Review the UW System Mental Health Resources to understand the benefits programs available to UW System employees that include mental health support services.

You can get more information about mental health at www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth.

Source: UW System Human Resources

Resources During the Infant Formula Shortage

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has created a website (Find Formula During the Infant Formula Shortage | HHS.gov) with information and resources related to the infant formula shortage.

In addition, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Kepro offers a variety of online resources, including articles related to infant formula that employees may access at any time by visiting Kepro’s website: sowi.mylifeexpert.com. (Username: SOWI).

Mental Health Support Available Through Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employer-paid mental health and other well-being resources for UW System employees and their household family members.

Mental health is a critical part of overall health. Everyone faces challenges in life that may impact their mental health. If life challenges are making it difficult for you to cope, how do you know if what you are experiencing is anxiety or depression? When is it time to get professional help? Are you turning to drugs or alcohol to help you cope?

Don’t wait to reach out for mental health support. Contact the EAP today for help.

The EAP is available twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year to help you connect with a counselor either in-person or virtually to discuss your concerns. Household family members are also eligible for counseling. EAP counseling is confidential and solution-focused with the goal of bringing measurable improvement to the situation.

Grief and Loss Support: Grief and loss are difficult emotions that most everyone experiences. The past few years have been especially difficult. Your EAP can help you work through the emotions that may be causing you distress.

Financial Support: Financial struggles can be a significant source of stress. EAP financial advisors can address your specific concerns and help you determine solutions for managing your financial situation. Take advantage of this free service.

Daily Living Support: Stress associated with daily life can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a cleaning service, realtor, new gym, dog walker, day care options or a moving company, contact the EAP. The EAP will conduct a search and present their findings to you so you can evaluate your options.

Legal Support: Seeking legal advice can be time consuming and expensive. Through the EAP, you have access to creating wills, and a free 30-minute legal consultation with an attorney with expertise in your matter. If you choose to retain the attorney, there will be a 25% reduction in the hourly rate.

Resources: The EAP webpage includes contact information and resources.

Source: UW System Human Resources