myHR: May 14, 2014

There’s No Place Like Home for Elder Care

Many senior citizens enjoy complete independence living in their own homes. But living alone is a challenge for those who can no longer climb the stairs, keep up with basic chores, or manage bouts with frequent illness. For these elders and their families, housing questions can be emotionally and financially complex.

As you consider what living arrangement will support your elder’s comfort and dignity along with your own wellbeing, you can count on Penn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support through Worklife Resources for all of your dependent care needs.

On May 28, from 12pm –1pm, an Eldercare Specialist will present How to Keep Your Elders in the House: Yours and Theirs. This free seminar is designed to help caregivers make decisions and partner with elders facing the tricky subject of appropriate housing. You’ll learn how to understand and evaluate your family’s needs to make better care and housing choices. You’ll also explore support resources to help elders stay safe, healthy, and independent in their homes or in your home. Click here to register for How to Keep Your Elders in the House: Yours and Theirs.

For more information on eldercare resources for Penn families, visit the EAP’s Worklife Resources website. Enter “upenn” as your username and “eap” as your password to access free and confidential assistance with a wide range of services including:

• Quality eldercare resources and referrals
• Long-term care planning
• Advice for families providing care

 Source: Penn Behavioral Health

Jim Riley Gets Back in Gear with Be In the Know

When Jim Riley walked into his first Be In the Know wellness campaign biometric screening in 2012, he wasn’t expecting much more than some extra money in his paycheck. “I'm not going to lie. The financial incentive was the big draw,” recalls Jim, Director of Fiscal Operations for Penn Medicine’s Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Department of Cancer Biology. But his surprising results set him on the road to healthier living.

Jim thought his hypertension was under control, but his blood pressure at the screening was so elevated that the staff took him aside and recommended he seek immediate medical attention. That same day, he spoke with his doctor and they determined that a follow-up exam was in order. It was time for Jim to make some serious lifestyle changes.

In recent years, Jim hadn’t led the most physically active life. “I don't like to make excuses,” he says. “If I've made a mistake, I take ownership for that and I try to move forward.” In that spirit, he modified his diet and exercise habits for the better. He brought regular exercise back into his life and joined a gym, making sure to register for the Keystone Health Plan East reimbursement program for membership fees. He also signed up for the Penn Way to Be Active health study, which uses a mobile app to track physical activity.

Jim, a numbers-oriented person, enjoys seeing his progress on the app’s display. It reminds him to get his steps in by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Lately, he’s increased his activity with runs along the Delaware River and a renewed love of cycling. Now he’s training—and captaining a Penn team—for the upcoming Ride to Conquer Cancer, a two-day, 150 mile bike tour benefiting the Abramson Cancer Center.

Apps, stairs, and bikes may make Jim move faster, but family is his most powerful fitness motivator. “I have four children, so I want to make sure that I'm around for them,” he says. He’s grateful to his wife for making healthy eating easier at home. “She stocks the house with fruits and vegetables, so that's what I eat.”

Good nutrition on campus can be a bit more of a challenge, but Jim has stayed on track. Eating more salad and less dessert has paid off measurably. “When I come to the University Club for lunch, I always have a salad,” he explains. “I'm at a weight right now that I haven't seen since I started working at Penn over 20 years ago.” Friends and coworkers can’t help commenting on his leaner appearance.

When Jim went back for his next Be In the Know screening in 2013, his results confirmed what his friends have seen. ”My overall numbers had improved dramatically,” says Jim. He followed up by taking the Staywell wellness portal online health assessment, and his health score gave him another measure of his progress. He happily affirms, “It feels great being active again!” 

If Jim’s story has inspired you to live a healthier lifestyle, visit Penn’s Healthy Living web page to find out how Penn can help.
 

Know Your FMLA and Short-Term Disability Options

Major life events sometimes take you away from work for more than a few days. If circumstances such as welcoming a new child into your home, recovering from injury, or caring for a sick family member lead to an extended absence, it’s important to know your workplace options and obligations. To help you understand the ins and outs of leave options, we’re offering a lunchtime information session this month.

On May 22, from 12pm – 1pm, Penn will host Managing Family & Medical Leave and Short-Term Disability, a free brown bag lunch seminar on the basics of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Penn’s short-term disability (STD) policy. In this program, we'll discuss what you need to do as well as the roles supervisors and business administrators play in the process. It will cover everything you need to know, including eligibility, timing, how you’re paid, submitting the right documents, and how pregnancy leave differs from other leaves.

To help prepare for your own leave or your staff member’s, register for Managing Family & Medical Leave and Short-Term Disability. And be sure to visit the Family and Medical Leave web page where you can find detailed information, including checklists and step-by-step guides. For more details on short-term disability and other time off policies, visit the Benefits website.

Don’t Hide Your Super Powers

Superman and Wonder Woman sometimes hide their strengths behind secret identities. But unless you’re a comic book superhero, the best way to use your powers for good is to let the world know about them. Understanding your signature strengths is the first step toward developing them for greater career satisfaction and recognition.

On June 9 from 12pm to 1pm, learn to recognize your talents at the Why All the Fuss About Strengths? brown bag lunch program. Find out why playing to your signature strengths—rather than trying to adopt everybody else’s—is a more natural path to success. You’ll not only discover your hidden powers, you’ll also discuss ways to manage your weaknesses instead of dwelling on them. This free program will help you plan to build your strengths so you can truly shine. You’ll be prepared to join forces with others in your organization to make the most of each individual’s unique abilities.

Click here to register for the free Why All the Fuss About Strengths? program and get ready for amazing career adventures.