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GVSU Health & Wellness

Though the holiday season brings joy to many, it can also bring stress and anxiety. With such a dizzying array of demands; it's no wonder why people are so stressed! In this month's issue you'll find a variety of tools and tips provided by Health and Wellness to keep you healthy and in check when it comes to Benefits, Wellness and Work Life this holiday season. 

Alleviate Holiday Stress With Wellness

1. Know Your Numbers to protect your heart from stress related problems. Be on the lookout for a new date: March 2012. We are excited to be partnering with Wellness Inc, a partner of UMR.

2. Group Exercise will allow you to enter the new year with fitness and sanity in place. Register online for session l winter classes beginning December 8th.

3. Stay fit with SPINNING! Give it a try for free! Be one of the first 24 applicants to register!

4. Stress affects all aspects of human nutrition. By eating healthy, you can reduce stress and reverse the harmful effects stress has on your body! Read more on how to maintain a stress-free diet.

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Stay Emotionally Healthy With Work Life

1. With the holidays approaching, are you mourning the loss of a loved one?  Join Rob Friedhoff as he presents “The Joy in the Mourning” on December 6th in KC2266 and on December 7th in 302C DEV, Noon – 1:00 pm.  Register by visiting www.gvsu.edu/seminar.  

2. Tune-up your search engine with this webinar on December 20th, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm EST to hear "Answers to Life's Greatest Questions". Please visit www.Encompass.us.com for more information on the webinars.

3. Let Work Place Options find the resources you need to handle your holiday tasks. Be sure to check out convenient services. For more information call 1-800-952-3586

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Success Story: What Daddies Do Best

In this issues's success story you'll find a photo of "What Daddies do Best" members Chris Barbee, of Alumni Relations; Jeff Marcinkowski, Assistant Maintenance Supervisor; Edward Simon, of Facilities Services; Scott Whisler, Project Manager in Facilities Planning; MarcQus Wright, of Housing; Kevin Howell, Mail Room Coordinator; Sue Sloop, Work Life Consultant;  and Sharalle Arnold, Director of the Children's Enrichment Center.  Not present in the photo is Jerry Montag, of Records and Registration. The group meets twice a semester for one hour to learn and talk about being a dad. Like many parents, they understand the challenges with being a parent and the necessary steps it takes to become a better one. Attending the"What Daddies Do Best" meetings gives them a chance to discuss their experiences. 

Scott Whisler has become more aware of basic issues that he and his children have to face in the future from being at the meetings. “The experience is enjoyable. You come to a meeting and share your experiences or you can just listen. The best part is that everyone in the group is looking for a way to be a bit better,” exclaims Scott. It has given him and other members the tools to resolve issues and to make better parental decisions. Jeff Marcinkowski has also benefited from the group meetings. He has found himself paying closer attention to his wife and children since meeting with the other dads.

Members agree that having a support group to share their experiences with helps them keep centered. Their advice to other dads is to seek and find a small group of peers who have the same interests or issues. Dads who are interested in attending a “What Daddies Do Best” meeting can contact Sue Sloop at sloops@gvsu.edu.

Do you know a GVSU faculty, staff member  or department who serves as a role model for others living a healthy lifestyle? Nominate your coworker for our next newsletter!

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Supplemental Retirement Accounts Contribution Limits For 2012

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that the supplemental retirement account contribution limit for 2012 hsa increased by $500. There was no change in the catch-up contribution limit. The 2012 Grand Valley State University 403(b) and 457(b) supplemental contribution limits are:

        403(b)        457(b)

Contribution Limit                                                      $17,000     $17,000

Catch-up Contribution (age 50 and older)                  $5,500       $5,500       

Roth post-tax Option
A Roth post-tax 403(b) supplemental contribution option is available for the GVSU 403(b) Retirement Plan. For more information go to www.gvsu.edu/healthwellness.
 
If you interested in changing your current contribution amount go to www.gvsu.edu/healthwellness and click on “Benefit Services” then “Forms”, complete the appropriate salary reduction agreement and forward to HR at 140 LMH.

RETIREMENT REPRESENTATIVES ON SITE THIS MONTH! Schedule an appointment with TIAA-CREF Retirement Planning or Fidelity Retirement planning.

If you have specific questions about any of the retirement programs at GVSU please contact Human Resources at X12220 or e-mail us at healthandwellness@gvsu.edu

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Use or Lose Your Health Flexible Spending Account

Don’t forget – if you are not enrolled in the GVSU High Deductible PPO Plan, you have until March 15, 2012 to incur expenses for reimbursement from your 2011 GVSU Health Flexible Spending Account.

Receipts for all 2011 GVSU Health Flexible Spending Account claims must be submitted to UMR no later than April 30, 2012.

If you are enrolled in the GVSU High Deductible Plan for 2012 you must have your 2011 medical flexible spending account used up by December 31, 2011.

For more information log onto to www.gvsu.edu/healthwellness or contact us at 1-2220.

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