Category: Wellness

Random Acts of Kindness Week: February 13-19

Did you know this week is Random Acts of Kindness Week?  According to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, “There are scientifically proven benefits of being kind.  The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to ‘pay it forward.’ This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day for dozens of people!  This month celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week and reap some of those benefits for your team.”

The kindness calendars provide many easy, practical and effective ideas for improving your wellness as well as those around you, and there is a new idea each day of the year!  We still have some calendars left, so just email wellness@uwgb.edu if you would like one sent to you.  If you prefer an online calendar, or just want to check it out, click here to view the calendar online.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
~ Leo Buscaglia

America Saves Week

SAVE THE DATE! AMERICA SAVES WEEK IS FEBRUARY 21-25

We hope that you’re having a happy and healthy start to the New Year! The America Saves team has hit the ground running and has quite a bit to share with you.

UW System is promoting financial well-being with the America Saves Week campaign February 21-25 with webinars, credit checks, and other resources.

America Saves Week encourages individuals and families to set a goal and make a plan to achieve financial stability.

Check out the UW System America Saves Week Website to have an incredible America Saves Week!

During this week, UW System will feature live webinars, presented by:

UW Credit Union will also offer virtual Credit Checkups.

See you there!

Source: UW System Human Resources

Health Benefits Update: Free COVID-19 Test Kits

Most employees who are enrolled in the state group health insurance can now purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test kits at no cost. Coverage limits and exclusions apply. If you are enrolled in the Group Health Insurance Program and not yet on Medicare, you have coverage for eight (8) individual at-home COVID-19 tests every 30 days. Tests can be purchased from pharmacies, retail locations, or online. Only tests approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, will be covered.  Please review this webpage for details: https://etf.wi.gov/news/over-counter-covid-19-test-coverage-information.

Here is general information about your health insurance benefits and COVID-19:  https://etf.wi.gov/your-health-benefits-and-covid-19 

Source: Department of Employee Trust Funds

Kindness Calendars Available

UW-Green Bay has received 100 full-size 2022 Kindness Calendars as part of UW-System’s wellness initiative!  Each day includes an activity/thought/suggestion to help improve your life.

  1. Please email wellness@uwgb.edu to request a calendar and we’ll send you one!
  2. Complete and check off at least 21 of the activities.
  3. Complete this survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ESA2022) to receive your code.
  4. Enter that code on the Rewards tab at https://webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin/ under “My Reward” and “Employer Sponsored Activity” before October 14, 2022.  This would take care of the “Activity” step to get your $150 wellness incentive!

If you have any questions, please email wellness@uwgb.edu.

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud”
~ Maya Angelou

ETF Workshop: Student Loan Debt Relief

The final extension of the federal student loan payment pause will end on May 1. Find out how to prepare for repayment and avoid student loan debt relief scams at this free workshop, Student Loan Debt Relief.

The workshop is presented by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and Savi.

You will also learn how to use the free Wisconsin Strong Student Loan Repayment Tool, created by Savi. This tool can help borrowers navigate the complexities of federal student loan repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and lowering student loan payments.

Register for one of the following sessions:

January 20 at 6 p.m.

January 21 at 11:30 a.m.

DFI and Savi are partners in the Wisconsin Strong: Your Financial Security™ program offered by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.

Wisconsin Strong

ETF’s Wisconsin Strong: Your Financial Security™ program is designed to empower employees to maximize their Wisconsin Retirement System benefits, save for the future, and achieve financial wellness at any age. Visit etf.wi.gov/wi-strong and follow along at #WIStrongSecurity.

December Wellness Challenge: Gratitude

People who regularly practice gratitude tend to live healthier, happier lives. Gratitude is like a muscle — the more you practice it, the more your gratefulness will grow. This month participate in our 12 Days of Gratitude challenge and explore all the benefits of practicing gratitude!

Please email wellness@uwgb.edu after you have completed all 12 days, and receive a wellness prize!

Fall in love with the life you already have.

Well Wisconsin Radio: Caring for Caregivers

Well Wisconsin Radio is a monthly podcast style program that interviews health and wellness experts from around the state. Participants can get credit for attending live or by listening in to the recording.

Supporting Caregivers of Aging Parents

Join our host, Morgan Meinen, for the last episode of 2021!  This episode will be in partnership with the Wisconsin National Family Caregiver Support Program to discuss resources available to help families that provide care.

  • Tuesday, December 14th
  • Noon to 12:30 pm
  • Topic: Caring for Caregivers
  • Expert: Wisconsin National Family Caregiver Support Program

Registration link and details: HERE