RamStrong is a collective wellness resource for VCU faculty and staff focused on the eight dimenions of wellness – physical, emotional, financial, intellectual, occupational, evironmental, social and spiritual wellness. RamStrong also offers resources for navigating the COVID-19 crisis with the eight dimenions of wellness in mind. The RamStrong concept was developed by the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute.
Free admission to the groundbreaking exhibition The Dirty South: Contemporary Art, Material Culture, and the Sonic Impulse. The exhibit is on view at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) now through September 6, 2021.
Check out Verizon Fios employee discount available - now including bonuses from Amazon
There is a new comedy club in town - now offering a discount for VCU employees
Did you know VCU employees have access to free on-line class through PerksatWork? Join PerksatWork and register with your VCU email address to join. Some of their offerings include:
Returning to work - COVID-19 checklist
As many will start returning to work, there may be people feeling anxious about possily being exposed to COVID-19 or even returning to theri old routine after months of upturn. Below are some tips from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help you adjust more easily.
VCU's Massey Cancer Center's registered dietitican, Allie Farley, sends out a simple and healthy recipe along with meal planning tips you can use through 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.
VCU HR provides employees with a list of curated wellness resources to support your well-being during the COVID-19 crisis. These resources are categorized by the eight dimensions of wellness listed in the dropdown boxes below.
Across the United States, many communities are experiencing unrest and distress related to the unjust treatment of individuals who are Black in this country. Coping Tips can be found here in the article Coping During Community Unrest.
As we move forward and doors begin to open again, we must remember that these doors open our hearts to great understanding and shared experiences. The Joy on the Other Side of the Door.
Anthem's myStrength recently added several new activities to address racism. You can sign up for myStrength via the Anthem EAP website to bypass any need for a code. Go to anthemeap.com and enter Commonwealth of Virginia. Find the myStrength Center and choose the sign-up buttom. You can then set up your account and unique password. There is also a myStrength app.
AnthemEAP also offers articles and resources which can offer support to those impacted by recent events.
As communities lift stay-at-home restrictions, it's important to keep taking steps to protect yourself from COVID-19. Find out how to safely travel, visit restaurants, go to the gym and more during reopening.
As VCU begins a phased on-campus opening of the university, here are some resources.
Life after lockdown should start with this healthy to-do list By American Heart Association News
How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic by the CDC
Virginia Department of Health's Prevention Tips
Employees: How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Tips from CDC
Amid COVID-19, Rams in Recovery advice resonates with a broader audience. Tools that help people recovering from addiction get through their day-to-day lives are largely applicable during this time of social isolation.
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.
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.
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.
All Well-Being Programs are now virtual - Join in from anywhere! Open to everyone!
Most programs are virtual. This month we start with one in-person event. See below for schedule.
Monday, August 2nd – 12 pm
Cardio and Core with Jess
(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Dept of Recreation & Well-Being)
A 30-minute routine featuring non-traditional cardio and core exercises provided in an interval format. Be prepared for fast moving, challenging exercises all while having some fun!
Register: Talent@VCU
Wednesday, August 4th – 1 pm
Within Reach: Transition from career to retirement
(Presented by VCU HR and TIAA)
Getting to this point is quite a feat but the journey isn’t over until you’ve reached the peak. In this session you’ll learn how to make the most of your retirement – financially and emotionally.
Register: Talent@VCU
Thursday, August 5th – 12 pm
Navigating the school year as we enter a new normal
(Presented by VCU HR and Anthem EAP)
Transitioning from remote learning back to the classroom isn’t easy. This timely session provides guidance and tips for emotional support, social support, and academic support as the new school year begins.
Register: Talent@VCU
Wednesday, August 11th – 1 pm
Meditation
(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Dept of Recreation & Well-Being)
Take a break from the news, social media, and class assignments or telework responsibilities to find a moment of quiet reflection in the middle of your day with our guided meditation. In a time of chaos and uncertainty, our 30-minute guided meditation will provide a sense of calm, peace, and balance, while improving attention, focus, and ability to work through stressful circumstances, the perfect way to take a moment for yourself!
Register: Talent@VCU
Thursday, August 12th – 10 am
National Financial Awareness Day –
Identify and Prioritize Your Savings Goal
(Presented by VCU HR and Fidelity)
Join us to get strategies and tips on prioritizing and funding your specific savings goals, like buying a new home or car, saving for a child’s college, and more!
Register: Talent@VCU
Tuesday, August 17th – 12 pm
The New Normal: Life after COVID-19 and returning back to campus
(Presented by VCU HR and Anthem EAP)
There are many emotions as things open up and we return to campus. In this timely session we will learn what to work on before coming back, what we have learned during the pandemic and what worked and what didn’t work, and tips for returning to the outside world.
Register: Talent@VCU
Thursday, August 19th – 12 pm
Money Goals
(Presented by VCU HR, VCUHS HR, and Virginia Credit Union)
Learn the basic concepts and practical strategies of how important money goals are and how they can help you grow personally and financially.
Register: Talent@VCU
Friday, August 20th – 12:30 pm
Deep Stretch with Jess
(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Dept of 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
Tuesday, August 24th – 12 pm
Take 10 for you!
In-Person session and virtual available
College of Health Professions, 900 Leigh Street,
Multipurpose Room #1075
(Presented by VCU HR and CommonHealth)
Take a look at how we can improve our lives in just 10 minutes a day. We will address how small changes can add up to big improvements, and look at simple ways to get started on the road to a healthier you. Also get additional information on exercise, nutrition, stress management, and more to help improve our health and well-being.
Register: Talent@VCU
Wednesday, August 25th – 12 pm
High Intensity Interval Training with Tanika
(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Dept of Recreation & Well-Being)
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a training technique in which you give all-out, quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. Workouts are scalable to any fitness level with a focus on cardio and muscular strength/endurance.
Register: Talent@VCU
Additional webinars and virtual sessions:
Although we are not offering in person events at this time, here are some other virtual well-being classes:
VCU Recreational Sports – offers a diversity of virtual programs including fitness, wellness, outdoor programs, parent and child programs fun and games, and more!
All Commonwealth of Virginia employees, spouses, and adult dependents (18+) are eligible for an upfront 50% discounted WW membership. Have your 7-digit State ID number ready when signing up. If you are unable to locate your 7-digit State ID number, please contact your agency HR department.
The Special Monthly Pricing and The Commonwealth of Virginia discount per month is not open to retirees, their spouses and dependents, wage employees or The Local Choice members.
Questions? Contact WW at 866-204-2885.Already a WW member? You can sync your current WW account to get this discount online or by contacting customer service.
Sign up today! (You will need to enter your state ID # for the unique ID field - To find your State ID # - it is on your VCU health plan ID card. If you don't have a health plan ID card you can get it from the state's employee direct system (https://edirect.virginia.gov) by using the Forgot ID function under the register now link)
This is your fresh start!
WW’s (Weight Watchers® reimagined) NEW myWW+, the most holistic weight-loss program that’s made for you, gives you the tools to make healthier choices—and reach your wellness goals—so that you don’t have to rely on willpower. With myWW+ you’ll get…
A customized, science backed action plan based on how you eat, move, sleep, and think
Take the first step to a healthier you today!
A happier, healthier life starts here
Now and throughout the coming year, the Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to helping you, your spouse, and adult dependents reach your wellness goals—to lose weight, eat healthier, move more, develop a more positive mindset, or all the above—by offering exclusive pricing when you join WW (Weight Watchers® Reimagined). Watch to learn more about the WW program then sign up at WW.com/us/CommonHealth
The Commonwealth of Virginia and WW have launched new Private Virtual Workshops just for us!
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
VCU Health and Wellness Library, located in the Gateway Building, Group Floor, Room G-112 offers Meditate with Georgianne Ginder, MSC, CHWC, JSJ Certified Practioner every Wednesday and Friday from noon to 1 pm. Free and open to all. For more information contact ricasatakj@vcu.edu or call 828-2432.
VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art offers mindfulness meditation sessions guided by highly experienced meditation teachers. These sessions are offered from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Sessions are free. To register, visit the ICA website and search "mindfulness."
ConditionCare provided to VCU employees with Anthem. ConditionCare can 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 toolds to learn more about your condition are provided. You can receive certain medications or supplies at no cost upon meeting certain requiremetns. 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 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.
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:
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!
Register at TIAA.org/webinars. Below are some upcoming webinars. These webinars are open to everyone!
The Starting Line: Beginning to save for retirement
You can learn how to evaluate and manage debt, find additional ways to save, create a budget and begin to plan for retirement.
July 13 at 12 p.m. (ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114354/7551EBA4136E3EFCCF4D383C36EA9AA0?partnerref=flyer
Strategies for staying on track
No matter how much or how little money you can save for retirement, it’s important that you start now and stay invested for your future. You can learn how taking smart financial steps today may help lead you to a solid financial future after you’ve stopped working.
July 13 at 3 p.m. (ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114551/FB76B8FE370849294E62A41D0335EAC8?partnerref=flyer
Quarterly Economic and Market Update with TIAA’s Chief Investment Strategist
Take a closer look at our views on the financial markets, including key market drivers,
S. economy, policy and politics, and investing in public markets.
July 14 at 12 p.m. (ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114479/9528E6B45063367581C582A2BD422936?partnerref=flyer
Gaining Insight: Navigating debt consolidation and understanding the mortgage process
You can understand how to manage and consolidate debt, and get a primer that can help make the mortgage process easier to navigate.
July 14 at 3 p.m. (ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114495/39AAEFA1C4BA7F3362CD4B440F68F0B9?partnerref=flye
Social Security Basics
Social Security will likely play a significant role in building your retirement income. Learn the basics about Social Security, including eligibility, how to apply, how your benefit is calculated and strategies for claiming benefits.
July 15 at 12 p.m. (ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114582/FD3C7258CEF9F87FCB65239FE4A257CA?partnerref=flyer
Home-buying 101: A financial primer for first-time home buyers
Buying your first home is a big deal and comes with lots of new experiences—and expenses—along the way. Get expert insights on the key steps and considerations for your home buying journey, including the three phases: preparing to search, finding your home and getting to closing.
July 15 at 3 p.m. (ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114522/33429AF18AC64ED5F979F29DED0D779A?partnerref=flyer
August
Money at Work 1
Discover how you can manage risk versus reward as well as understand the role of investing and managing risks, ways to help accelerate savings and tools that can help sustain a portfolio.
Aug 17 12 p.m. 1 p.m.(ET) https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3138139/1DCA902C756C59DD8B8B4F2EF774EC06?parterref=flyer
Lifetime Income: Market proof Your Retirement
You’ve worked hard to save for retirement. TIAA can help you understand how to create a diversified retirement income plan that protects you against key retirement risks.
Aug 17 3 p.m. 4 p.m.(ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3148952/84CA5C444D9C0C2A953BE2637A5EC9A8?partnerref=flyer
Lifetime Income: Paycheck for Life
You diversify your investment portfolio before retirement to help offset risk. A similar strategy can help see you through retirement. Learn how creating a diversified income plan—one that uses a combination of income sources and includes annuity income that’s guaranteed for life—can help reduce the risks you may face in retirement and ensure you have income that never runs out.
Aug 18 12 p.m. 1 p.m.(ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3148952/84CA5C444D9C0C2A953BE2637A5EC9A8?partnerref=flyer
W2W Postcards from the Future: A woman’s guide to saving and investing
Fewer years in the workforce. Longer life spans. Women saving for retirement face unique challenges. You can learn what it takes to overcome these challenges and help make your retirement dreams come true on schedule.
Aug 18 3 p.m. 4 p.m.(ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3135425/9AA5830A897B2ED711997A5344DCD1A7?partnerref=flyer
Social Security Strategies for Married Couples
Married couples can take advantage of strategies that may help to increase lifetime Social Security benefits. You can learn the basics about spousal benefits, understand the many variables involved in claiming strategies and how married couples can boost their benefits by coordinating the timing of their claims.
Aug 19 12 p.m. 1 p.m.(ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3143538/BCD50C4FD253D36111D9C61400848114?partnerref=flyer
Practical conversations to help you live well financially, today and tomorrow – webinars from Fidelity
Now available:
And so many more on Preparing for Retirement, Managing Life, and Saving & Investing
Explore Ways to Manage your well Being through the COVID-19 Resource Center
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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