Welcome to 2012! We want to kick off the year congratulating our Healthy Choices winners of 2011! For making healthy choices throughout the year, Linda Masselink and Valerie Rhodes-Sorrelle each won one of the $1500 prizes while Jayne Dissette, Linda Vandenbrink, Angela Munford, and Ingrid Johnson received $100 from our random drawing for maintaining a healthy lifestyle! Be inspired this year  to follow their footsteps and make small changes in your life to better your health! Start off on the right track by staying tuned in to programs, resources and benefits provided by Health and Wellness in this month's issue. 

Good Emotional Health = Good Physical Health

What is Emotional Health?

• Recognizing our strengths and weaknesses.
• Accepting the things we cannot change
• Managing our anger in a constructive way
• Fulfilling our own needs and not having to look to others to do so.
• Managing tough times

Strageties and Tips for Good Emotional Health
Given the connection between emotional and physical health, addressing and providing support for emotional health issues and life challenges for faculty and staff will have a positive impact on both personal and professional life. GVSU  offers help and support through it’s employee assistance service, Encompass, and support services of the Work Life Connections program .  To take the first steps to good emotional health contact Sue Sloop at sloops@gvsu.edu or visit Encompass online. 
 

The Day Where All Health Breaks Loose...

Start your week with a Healthy Monday this winter with the Healthy Mondays Campaign!

What’s the deal? :
A challenge or interactive presentation that will take place 12-3 and 6-9pm EVERY MONDAY this semester to celebrate the national Healthy Mondays Campaign! When you participate you have a chance to win prizes AND you’re kicking off the week in a healthy way!

Weekly Challenges starting January 16 :
Blood Pressure Screenings
Sustainable Agriculture Project Demonstration
Body Composition Assessments
Free Throw Shooting Contests
Beer Goggle Experience
And more!

Challenge locations, events and prizes are posted online.

Read All About: Ingrid Johnson

Ingrid Johnson, Assistant Professor of Movement Science, is intrinsically motivated to stay healthy for her family, students, and peers. When she was in the Peace Corps, she had to walk everywhere. It was a challenge, but she saw the benefits of staying healthy. “Staying active has allowed me to stay a positive role model to my kids and to everyone around me,” states Ingrid. As a professor of Movement Science, she's expected to advocate the importance of maintaining a healthy life. “When my students see me active, they recognize and respect me more for what I say and do,” explains Ingrid.

Since starting at GVSU 3 years ago, she has been more attuned to the various programs offered at GVSU. “I like seeing various healthy activities available for the faculty and staff. I appreciate what’s offered, and the fact we have the luxury to pick and choose the programs we would like to take advantage of,” states Ingrid.

Participating in Health and Wellness programs allows her to stay social, healthy, and inspires her to share her accomplishments with her colleagues. Ingrid was a part of The Pedometer Challenge offered at GVSU last fall. The challenge gave her the opportunity to interact with her peers and to have some fun. She believes that other faculty and staff members should also take advantage of the opportunities and to find something that their interested in. She emphasizes that not everything has to be a competition. She says, “Just do what keeps you moving, and don’t be afraid to try new things!” 

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!

GVSU High Deductible And Standard PPO Plans: UMR ID Cards Reminder

During the annual benefits open enrollment, we updated you on some enhancements taking place with UMR’s claims and website experience. UMR will be sending you new ID card(s) to support these enhancements.
Please note: Your new ID card will display your new member Subscriber Number and other updated information. As of January 1, 2012, please destroy any ID cards previously received from UMR and present this new ID card to your providers at your next visit to show coverage under your plan.
In addition to the new ID cards, UMR will also be introducing their new website, www.umr.com. This new site is very user friendly and will allow you to do even more online. Your previous access information will not work on the new site. You will need to create a new user name and password to access the site. 
If you have any questions about your benefits or if you need to order additional ID cards please contact UMR Customer Service at (800) 826-9791 or via the web at www.umr.com.

2012 HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA) CONTRIBUTIONS:
Remember, even though the annual benefits open enrollment has ended you can still make a new contribution election for 2012 by completing a HSA Contribution Change Form. Click here for a copy.

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 a new enrollee into 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 contact us at 1-2220 or healthandwellness@gvsu.edu.

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