OCTOBER
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
You’ve probably seen—and maybe even worn—a pink ribbon during October to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to support those who have been diagnosed with, are battling, or are recovering from the disease.
Did you know that there is more than one shade of ribbon?
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, there are four specific ribbons:
- Hot pink: inflammatory breast cancer
- Teal and pink: hereditary and gynecologic cancers
- Pink and blue: male breast cancer
- Teal, pink and green: metastatic breast cancer
Whatever color you choose, wear your ribbon all month or specifically during Pink Week, October 3-5. During Pink Week, people often wear pink and participate in pink-themed events and fundraisers.
SEPTEMBER
Annual Employee Wellness Fair
It’s time for Shenandoah’s annual Employee Health and Wellness Fair! The fair, being held from 8 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Sept. 27, in the Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room, offers the following to help you reach your wellness goals:
- Free screening labs for diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and chemistries, including a prostate antigen test if applicable (make your required appointment online at SignUpGenius)
- Free blood pressure screening
- Free flu shots
- Free FIT tests for colon cancer screenings (for those who meet criteria)
- Free assistance signing up for a mammogram
- Free BMI screening and weight loss counseling
- Free medication consultation
- Free advice from EAP and programming information
- Free advice from our health plan provider, Anthem
- Free fitness and wellness vendors offering programs and giveaways
- Free breakfast and much, much more!
Come to this special event and get on your own path to wellness!
Contact Healthcare Navigator Lisa Darsch at ldarsch@189la.net if you have any questions.
July
Nationwide Coverage Under Anthem Plans for SU Employees
As you head off on vacation this summer, this is a reminder to download the Sydney Health app to your phone or tablet and set up your online access prior to your trip. Using the Sydney Health app allows you to find in-network providers during your travels. If you are on one of Shenandoah University’s Anthem health insurance plans, you have access to in-network nationwide coverage for care when you are out of town, assuming that you use the BlueCard PPO provider network. On the back of your membership ID is a phone number for member services (833-363-1432); call and simply tell the agent what type of care you are seeking, as well as the location, and they will direct you to a network provider. Additionally, through the Sydney Health app, you can directly connect to a nurse advice line or member services.
The Sydney Health app can be downloaded at anthem.com/member-resources/sydney-app.
JUNE
June is Summer Safety Month
Summer is Here!! Those 90 degree temps were your first indication that it’s time for some summer fun. While you are out there chilling in the pool, keep in mind a few safety tips…
- Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is another safety concern during the summer months. Be sure to drink enough liquids throughout the day, as our bodies can lose a lot of water through perspiration when it gets hot out.
- Protect Your Skin
Use a sunscreen 30 minutes before going out. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Water Safety
Remember to always have adult supervision for children. Whether they’re in the pool or playing in the sand at the seashore, having someone who can help them — should an emergency arise — is essential.
- Eye Safety
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light can harm the eyes. Wear sunglasses year-round whenever you are out in the sun. Sun damage to the eyes can occur any time of year. Choose shades that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB light.
- Sports Safety
Not only can injuries happen, but in heat exhaustion and dehydration can happen more often in the summer months. It helps to be conditioned to the activities in which we’re preparing to engage. Warm up, stretch, gear up, go with a buddy, and remember to cool down and stretch afterwards.
MAY
National Physical Fitness Month – Let’s Get Moving!
Did you know that a simple walk during your lunch break can begin the process of healing your body? Just 30 minutes of walking each day can improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance, while also reducing the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Need help getting started on a fitness program that’s right for you? Reach out to one of our local fitness providers such as Valley Health Fitness or One Life Fitness to select a program that will work for your lifestyle. Be sure to ask about the Shenandoah University discounts when you inquire.
Questions? Contact SU Healthcare Navigator Lisa Darsch, MSN, RN, at ldarsch@189la.net.
APRIL
Headspace health app available for employee trial
Looking for a bit of extra help with managing anxiety, stress management and sleeplessness? LiveWellSU reached out to the Headspace app to find out more about its services and capabilities. Headspace, a mindfulness and meditation app, has offered Shenandoah a free 30-day trial for a limited number of employees to see if the service would be a fit for the university. If you are an SU employee who is interested in using an innovative tool that addresses mental well-being, mindfulness and sleeplessness, please reach out to SU Healthcare Navigator Lisa Darsch, MSN, RN, at ldarsch@189la.net for an access code for the program. A free 30-day trial will be made available to the first 25 employees who respond. Employees will be asked to provide their feedback on the service after 30 days as part of the evaluation process. Learn more about Headspace.
Questions? Contact Lisa Darsch at ldarsch@189la.net
MARCH
Healthgram is our employee dental, vision, and hearing discount program
Many Shenandoah University employees have taken advantage of the discount program for dental, vision and hearing services offered through Healthgram. The most common issue employees face is they are frequently told by a provider that they are not an in-network provider. The good news is, if you are reading this, you are about to be smarter than those providers and you can help educate them while advocating for yourself and your family. Healthgram is a third-party administrator (an entity that processes claims on behalf of an organization that is self-funded). Healthgram is not insurance but a robust discount program.
Healthgram has a completely open network; there is no designation that a provider must have to file a claim. Several local providers prefer for patients to file their own claims. That is an easy process to complete; you need the bill, proof of payment, and the claim form available on the Human Resources page on the SU Canvas site (to locate the form, choose “Healthgram” under the Human Resources “Quick Links” section and scroll to the bottom of the page). You can also read about benefits and register for online claims access. Remember to get your hearing checked as part of this benefit package – it’s simple and free!
Questions? Contact SU Healthcare Navigator Lisa Darsch, MSN, RN, at ldarsch@189la.net.
FEBRUARY
Employee Wellness Grants Available
Welcome to 2023 and a new year of health and wellness! This year, LiveWell SU (the university’s employee wellness program) is pleased to offer a new micro-grant program to all employees that is designed to give them that extra bit of financial assistance to reach their personal wellness goals. These micro-grants are made possible by a $15,000 wellness fund provided by Anthem to Shenandoah University with the objective to make the SU campus healthier. All employees are eligible to apply for reimbursement of up to $200 annually for products, services, or activities that support their own individual health and wellness.
Take advantage of the program and apply early, as grants will be awarded on a first-qualified, first-served basis. To learn more about how the grant program works and what qualifies for reimbursement, please see the application on this Google Form. Applications are open now, and the committee will review applications and award funding in the months of April and November 2023.
Questions? Contact SU Healthcare Navigator Lisa Darsch, MSN, RN, at ldarsch@189la.net.
JANUARY
Welcome to 2023 and a new year of health and wellness. The start of a new year usually means the return of meeting your health insurance deductible. For those of you with high deductible plans this can make for an expensive January. A reminder that HR provides many types of pharmacy discount card, such as GoodRx and others. The cards are located outside the Cooley 3rd floor offices near rooms 301 and 303. Feel free to pick up one to learn about saving money on your medications. Using mail order for your medication will usually save you money as well as using an in-network pharmacy. Be sure to check with your health plan about the most affordable way to obtain your medications. If you have additional questions about how to access pharmacy information, please contact Lisa Darsch and ldarsch@189la.net.
DECEMBER
COVID boosters and flu vaccines are your best way to prevent serious illness this winter
Community transmission of COVID-19 as well as flu in our area remains high. To protect yourself from severe illness, we encourage you to receive the new bivalent covid booster being offered at local pharmacies and doctors’ offices as well as your annual flu shot.
There is no lasting immunity from COVID-19. Whether from previous infection or vaccination, immunity weakens over time, leaving us vulnerable to reinfection. In addition, the virus has been able to mutate rapidly, meaning new variants are now responsible for the majority of infections. These new boosters contain an updated bivalent formula that both boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain and also protects against the newer variants that account for most of the current cases. Updated boosters are intended to provide optimal protection against the virus and address waning immunity over time.
The CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible stay up-to-date on vaccinations by getting an updated booster dose at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 shot—either since their last booster dose, or since completing their primary series. Those who have recently had a COVID-19 infection are recommended to receive a booster dose 3 months from symptom onset or positive test. Pfizer’s updated booster shot is recommended for individuals 5 and older, and Moderna’s updated booster shot is recommended for adults 6 and older. To schedule your booster, call your doctor or go online to make an appointment through any of the following sites:
NOVEMBER
November is National Diabetes Prevention Month
Did you know while almost 30 million people in the U.S. have some form of diabetes, one in four don’t even realize they’re walking around with the disease? Diabetes is not just about your sugar; it’s about your kidneys, eyes, and other vital organs. Your best defense is to screen for hemoglobin A1C as part of your yearly checkups. This simple blood test can tell you if you are running high sugars. It’s available through any pharmacy, over the counter, or with your own primary care doctor. Take a few minutes to check your HgA1C, you may be one of the silent ones with this ailment.