Join the Wellvolution! Wellpower Launches New Program August 27

Wellpower is on a mission to Wellvolutionize our campus by creating a culture of health and wellness at SMU! On August 27, 2012, Wellpower will launch the newly redesigned program focusing on exercise and fitness, nutrition, stress reduction, and healthy weight attaintment or maintenance. Wellpower is available to all benefits-eligible staff and faculty at SMU.

What’s New?
Wellpower has partnered with Baylor Health Care System to bring our members:

  • Two reward periods so that participants can earn rewards more quickly.
  • A Baylor Health Coach available for confidential wellness coaching.
  • A new, simplified activity and credits tracking system.
  • More wellness seminars and events throughout the year.

Program Requirements
Participants may earn a reward by doing the following three things:

  1. Providing biometric screening data by either completing an on-campus health screening or faxing their lab results from a current full physical to Baylor Health Care System;
  2. Completing an online Health Risk Questionnaire (HRQ); and
  3. Earning 3 additional Wellpower credits during the reward period.

Participants who complete the biometric screening data and HRQ in the fall reward period will also meet the screening/HRQ requirement for the spring reward period.

Challenges
Each of these challenges are worth 1 Wellpower credit:

  1. Minutes to Win It Exercise Challenge
  2. Menu For Success Nutrition Challenge
  3. Stress Recess Challenge
  4. Weigh-In/Weigh-Out Challenge
  5. Personal Challenge

The first three challenges run 6 weeks each, and participants can complete the challenges as a member of a team or as an individual. Each scheduled challenge will feature opportunities for participants to assess their knowledge or habits, learn about new healthy behaviors, and practice those behaviors over the course of 6 weeks. Members will track their progress using the new website powered by Live Healthy North Texas and Baylor Health Care System.

The Weigh-In/Weigh-Out Challenge requires participants to submit their beginning weight to our screening partners, Baylor Health Care System, early in the reward period. Participants may either work toward achieving a healthy weight or maintain their already healthy weight, and submit their weight again at the end of the reward perod. Details about this process will be available on the website beginning August 27.

One personal challenge per reward period may be completed for credit. To support participants in planning successful challenges, our new health coach from Baylor Health Care System will approve all personal challenges before the challenge can begin.

Rewards
Participants who complete the reward period requirements may choose from one of the following rewards per wellness reward period:

  • 1 vacation day
  • 2 months free parking
  • 5 RFoC meal-tickets (Umphrey Lee dining center)
  • 6-month Dedman Center membership
  • 30-minute chair massage at Dedman Center
  • $40 gift card through giftcertificates.com
  • Discount on CAPE class (up to $49 value)

Orientation Sessions
Wellpower will offer several orientation sessions during the lunch hour to help members learn how to get the most out of the new program.

Sign up for Wellpower Orientation

For more information online, check out the Wellpower Program Overview with links to details on challenges, wellness seminars and more.

Questions? Email wellpower@smu.edu

 

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Join Wellpower at the Heart Walk on September 8

Imagine the impact if we reduce death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20% by 2020! Wellpower is joining the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk to promote physical activity to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. We invite you to kick off the fall semester in a healthy way by joining Wellpower at this walk. Show your support for heart health at SMU!

Event information:
The walk is a 3-mile, non-competitive walk. We will meet at Victory Plaza, walk through downtown Dallas, and end at Victory Park. Wear good walking shoes, dress comfortably, and bring a bottle of water. Wear your spring Step Challenge t-shirt to this event! If you are going to participate in this event and need a t-shirt, we have a few extras left over. Sign up for the team using the link below and then email us at wellpower@smu.edu with your size preference. T-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is no charge to participate in the Heart Walk. Donations to the Heart Association are welcome, but are not required to be a member of the SMU team. If you participate, you will earn 1 point toward the first Wellpower challenge offered this fall. Watch your inbox for information about the redesigned Wellpower program. Details are coming soon!

Heart Walk Schedule:

8:00 am – Meet at Victory Plaza/American Airlines Center (2500 Victory Avenue)
8:30 am – Opening Ceremonies
9:00 am – Walk begins!
11:30 am – Meet for a healthy lunch?
(Wellpower will email team members about lunch)

My Heart, My Life, My SMUSign up now!

Additional event information may be found on the Dallas Heart Walk website.

Questions about this event?
Email us at wellpower@smu.edu.

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Welcome to Our Newest Employees Who Attended SMU & YOU on August 1

The following employees attended SMU & You, a portion of the Total Orientation Process.  During this session, they learned about the culture, values, and traditions of the University.

Back Row (left to right): Pamela Rangel, Sarita Patel, Lauren Jacobson, Teresa Moreland, Becky Howdeshell, Emily Cobb, Christine Phelan, Amy Eaker
Middle Row: Savannah Hill, Erica Simon, George Juarez, Aruna Reddy, Stephanie Reikes
Front Row: Dawn Wood, Cassandra Hatfield, Michael Walker, Jefferson Hammond

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Welcome to Our New Employees

The following employees attended SMU & YOU on July 5, 2012. During this session, which is an element of the Total Orientation Process, new employees learn about the culture, values and spirit of the SMU community and explore how their work supports the mission of the University.

Please welcome them to SMU!

From left to right:  Jesse Rojano, George Hickey, Kim Cho, Allison Berk, Sara Outhier, Shanna Davis, Doug Darby, John Skinner, David Lee

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Mobile Mammography Unit Returns to Campus June 7

When: June 7, 2012
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: East Campus All University Parking Lot (Just east of Expressway Tower)
Pre-register by calling 214-645-2560 or Toll Free 1-866-277-0710

MAMMOGRAPHY COVERAGE FOR SMU STAFF/FACULTY
As a benefit to employees covered by the SMU Health and Wellness medical plan administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), SMU will cover all routine annual mammogram charges for women age 40 and above. Have your insurance information available when you call. BCBSTX will process the claim and SMU will pay it at 100%.

You may use this benefit with your own physician or medical provider in the community, so if you prefer to make an appointment elsewhere, please do!

If you participate in insurance plans outside of SMU, please inquire about other billing arrangements when you pre-register.

WELLPOWER CREDITS

Don’t forget you may enter 1 Body credit for this screening. You may also enter 1 Body credit each for a full physical, dental exam, eye exam, gynecological checkup, and for getting your flu shot.

GUIDELINES FOR MAMMOGRAM SCREENING

• The mobile unit is designed for routine screening only. If you have any known breast problems, please consult your physician.
• Screening is recommended for women age 40 and older. Check out the BCBSTX preventive care guidelines for more information.
• Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the cost of screening once a year.

If it has been a year or more since your last mammogram, please call to schedule your appointment.

INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED WHEN YOU CALL TO PRE-REGISTER

• Personal information (age, date of birth, Social Security number, etc.)
• Insurance information; if you are covered by your spouse’s plan, they will also need your spouse’s name, date of birth, and social security number
• Doctor’s name, address, phone number – if you want a report sent to your doctor
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• When and where you had your last mammogram
• Please let them know if you have had breast augmentation

Please bring your ID and your insurance card to your appointment.

214-645-2560 or toll free 866-277-0710

 

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Welcome to Our New Employees Who Attended SMU & YOU on May 16, 2012

The following employees attended SMU & YOU on May 16, 2012. During this session, which is an element of the Total Orientation Process, new employees learn about the culture, values and spirit of the SMU community and explore how their work supports the mission of the University.

From left to right:
Seated:  Julia Davila, Kelly Baxter, Mayra Moss, Erin Crosby
Standing:  Art Endress, Chris James, John Roeder, Julie Furnival, Nyoka Flotz, Bob Palcic, Jessee Hunt, Creston Lynch

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Free Yoga For Stress Reduction

Are you stressed out? Are you willing to try something new that may improve your stress level and overall wellbeing?

Southern Methodist University is recruiting women ages 25-45 to participate in a study examining effects of hot yoga on stress and psychological wellbeing. You may be eligible to participate if you do not currently practice yoga or exercise regularly.

What will you get out of this treatment study?

  • You will receive a free psychological evaluation.
  • You may be eligible to receive a 2-month membership to a local hot yoga studio.
  • You will help contribute to the scientific understanding of the benefits of yoga and physical activity on physiological and psychological stress responses.
  • You may experience an increase in physical and mental wellness as a result of practicing yoga.

If you think you might be interested in taking part in this treatment study, take the screening survey below or contact the SMU Yoga for Stress & Wellness Study by emailing yogastudy@smu.edu or calling 214-768-4877. You are also welcome to visit the website.  Choose “Yoga for Stress” from the “Services” drop-down menu.

Take the screening survey for the Yoga for Stress & Wellness Study at SMU:

Screening Survey

 

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UT Southwestern Mobile Mammography Unit Returns May 14


When: May 14, 2012
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: East Campus Parking Lot (Just east of Expressway Tower)

Pre-register by calling 214-645-2560 or Toll Free 1-866-277-0710

A generator issue on the mobile unit caused several appointments to be cancelled on April 26, so we’re bringing the unit back on Monday, May 14, to complete those screenings and to provide another opportunity for others to participate.  

MAMMOGRAPHY BENEFIT COVERAGE FOR SMU STAFF/FACULTY

As a benefit to employees covered by the SMU Health and Wellness medical plan administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), SMU will cover all routine annual mammogram charges for women age 40 and above. Have your insurance information available when you call. BCBSTX will process the claim and SMU will pay it at 100%. If you participate in insurance plans outside of SMU, please inquire about other billing arrangements when you pre-register.

You may use this benefit with your own physician or medical provider in the community, so if you prefer to make an appointment elsewhere, please do!

WELLPOWER CREDITS

Don’t forget you may enter 1 Body credit for this screening. You may also enter 1 Body credit each for a full physical, dental exam, eye exam, gynecological checkup, and for getting your flu shot.

GUIDELINES FOR MAMMOGRAM SCREENING

  • The mobile unit is designed for routine preventive screening only. If you have any known breast problems, please consult your physician.
  • Screening is recommended for women age 40 and older. Check out the BCBSTX preventive care guidelines for more information.
  • Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the cost of screening once a year.

If it has been a year or more since your last mammogram, please call to schedule your appointment.

INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED WHEN YOU CALL TO PRE-REGISTER

  • Personal information (age, date of birth, Social Security number, etc.)
  • Insurance information; if you are covered by your spouse’s plan, they will also need your spouse’s name, date of birth, and social security number
  • Doctor’s name, address, phone number – if you want a report sent to your doctor
  • Emergency contact name and phone number
  • When and where you had your last mammogram
  • Please let them know if you have had breast augmentation

Please bring your ID and your insurance card to your appointment.

214-645-2560 or toll free 866-277-0710

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Welcome Our New Employees Who Attended SMU & YOU on April 24

The following employees attended SMU & YOU on April 24, 2012. In the session, which is an element of the Total Orientation Process for new employees, they learned about the culture, values and spirit of the SMU community.

From left to right: Jeffrey Herman, Ada Negraru, Collette Parker, Ashley Sirkel and Guy Rogers

 

 

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Today’s Wellpower Walk Moved to Dedman Center Track

Yup, it looks like rain! But we won’t let a little rain dampen our spirits! We’ve moved today’s Wellpower Walk to the track at Dedman Center. Meet in the lobby by noon and we’ll walk the track together.

A Dedman Center membership IS REQUIRED to use the track. Be sure to bring your SMU ID card with you and go early if you’d like to sign up for a membership today.

Participants are welcome to walk for a bit and then attend the groundbreaking for the new Residential Commons. The groundbreaking will take place on Doak Walker Plaza just outside of Dedman Center. Participants not attending the ceremony are welcome to continue walking.

If you plan to drive to Dedman, go early! Both Moody and Binkley garages may be full with visitors for the Residential Commons ceremony. You may still want to take an umbrella for the short walk to Dedman Center.

Date: April 20, 2012

Questions? Email us at wellpower@smu.edu

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