myHR Archives
myHR: November 17, 2021
Biometric Screenings Made Easy
Biometric screenings have been a signature Be in the Know activity since Penn launched the wellness campaign in 2012. While on-campus screenings have been put on hold due to the pandemic, participants can obtain a biometric screening by using the Pixel by Labcorp Home Test Kit or the Labcorp Voucher Program, both offered through Virgin Pulse.
The home test kit is a quick and easy way for you to get information about your health status by mail. You simply order a free kit from the Virgin Pulse platform, follow the user-friendly instructions in the kit to collect a small blood sample, and send the sample back to Labcorp in a postage-paid envelope for results in about two weeks. (Receipt time could be extended, due to shipping delays.) Through the Labcorp Voucher Program, you can also download a coupon from the Virgin Pulse platform to get a free screening by appointment at a Labcorp facility near you.
“I am a very active participant in Penn’s Be in the Know campaign and one of the most impactful first steps is to do the biometric screening. Since my schedule is so busy, I immediately signed up for the home test kit option,” says MaryFrances McCourt, Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer.
“The process was so efficient! The test came quickly, the results were produced quickly, and the quality of the results mirrored the in-person screenings. I saved so much time because there was no time for scheduling or traveling to and from an appointment. I highly recommend it!” she says.
At Penn, a biometric screening measures four key indicators of your health status: blood pressure, total and HDL cholesterol levels, and blood sugar/glucose. You can also choose to obtain LDL cholesterol and triglycerides results. The home test kit allows you to measure all of these indicators, except for blood pressure, which you must self-report. You also have the option to report your weight, height, and waist circumference, but these are not necessary to earn biometric screening credit. Some Labcorp facilities are equipped to record body measurements and blood pressure.
By completing a biometric screening, you will earn 5,000 points in Be in the Know’s Steps for Success campaign design. Although a screening is not a required activity to receive any of your rewards this year, you must complete it in order to become a Be in the Know VIP.
To order your home test kit or obtain a Labcorp voucher, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Virgin Pulse account at https://join.virginpulse.com/penn.
- Click “Programs” on the homepage.
- Select the Labcorp tile and Click “Start Now”. You will be prompted to fill out a registration form. A verification code will be sent to the email address you list on the form. When prompted, enter that code on the Verification Code page and Click “Submit”.
- From the Welcome page, select “Labcorp voucher” or “Offsite-Pixel Home Test Kit” to start the process of ordering your kit.
- If you choose the voucher, download the form. You will be prompted to save it on your computer. The form also provides detailed instructions on appointment scheduling and how and where to view your results.
- If you opt to receive a home test kit, fill out the required information and set up your Pixel by Labcorp account. To set up your account, you will be prompted to enter basic information, including your name, birthdate, email, and shipping address. You will also need to create a password for your Pixel account. Take note of the email you use for your account set up. You will need it to register your kit once it arrives.
- Click “Place Order”. You will receive two confirmation emails. One email listing your home test kit order number and USPS tracking number, and a second email confirming that your Pixel Labcorp account has been created.
After placing your order, the home test kit takes about 3 to 5 business days to ship. Once it arrives, register the kit before collecting your sample. Use the 12-digit registration code found on the outside of the Pixel box and on the registration card inside. Follow the instructions to collect and package your sample to send back to the lab. It takes at least 10 business days to get your results and you will receive an email when they are ready. You can view your results on the Virgin Pulse platform or directly on the Pixel website.
The home test kit and voucher program provide a safe way for Penn to bring back the popular biometric screenings and provide staff and faculty with valuable health information.
In the past, you could submit a Biometric Screening Consent Form and personal results to AREUFIT Health Services, Inc., to receive credit for a screening administered by your healthcare provider. AREUFIT is no longer accepting biometric screening forms and it’s currently not an option for earning credit. On campus screenings will resume when deemed safe and space is available.
For more information about the Be in the Know 2021-2022 campaign year, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/beintheknow.
*All Be in the Know rewards are subject to applicable payroll taxes at the time they are earned. Penn will process taxes on any earned rewards through participants’ paychecks on a quarterly basis. For the 2021–2022 campaign year, taxes will be processed in October 2021 and January, April, and July 2022 paychecks. All impacted participants will receive an email alert from Virgin Pulse prior to taxes being processed.
Your Giving Goes Far Through Penn’s Way and Penn VIPS
Penn’s Way 2022, the University and Health System workplace charitable campaign, ends this Friday, November 19. The campaign’s theme, Go Far Together, draws attention to the generosity and thoughtfulness that embodies Penn, and is so needed during these difficult times.
So far, Penn faculty and staff, along with University Health System colleagues, have raised over $1.2 million. With additional support, we can reach or exceed the campaign goal of $1.6 million. There’s still time for you to enter your pledge on the secure Penn’s Way website. Don’t miss opportunities to make a positive impact during this crucial time. Donate now.
“Collectively, our donations continue to make a broad and immediate impact on our community and the vulnerable populations we serve,” say the Penn’s Way Chairs and Advisors. “We are asking our team members to give what they can; to give from the heart.”
Visit pennsway.upenn.edu for details about how Penn’s Way serves the community by partnering with three organizations that utilize their expertise to confront community challenges: Philadelphia Alliance for Change, Penn Medicine and United Way. A full list of organizations supported by the campaign is also available on the website.
Through Penn’s Way, you can make or record a donation to local organizations that serve neighbors in need in our region. Pledge the amount that feels right for you, whether it’s $5 or over $500. When you pledge through Penn’s Way, you can be sure your donation will make a difference to someone less fortunate.
Enter your pledge now for your last chance to participate in the Penn’s Way raffle.
Thanks to this year’s Penn’s Way Volunteers for helping the community Go Far Together!
If you’ve already given to Penn’s Way, Penn Volunteers in Public Action (VIPS) has more opportunities for faculty and staff to share resources this holiday season.
Penn VIPS continues its seasonal tradition of service with the Holiday Food Drive now through November 18, Holiday Gift drives December 1 through December 16, and the Adopt A Family for the Holidays program.
For food and gift donation instructions, contact the nearest Drop Site Committee Members listed below today! These hard-working volunteers help us all make our giving more effective.
| Location | Member Name | |
|
President’s Office |
Brenda Gonzalez |
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Franklin Building Lobby |
Chris Hyson |
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Van Pelt Library |
Rachelle Nelson |
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|
Netter Center |
Isabel Sampson-Mapp |
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Wharton |
Jennifer O'Keefe |
|
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Research Services |
Evelyn Ford and Tina Nemetz |
|
|
FMC |
Gretchen Ekeland |
|
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Comptroller's Office |
Celestine Silverman |
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Van Pelt Library |
Illene Rubin |
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Nursing |
Pat Adams |
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Residential Services |
Linda Kromer |
|
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Physics & Astronomy |
Michelle Last |
To participate in the Adopt A Family for the Holidays program, Contact Isabel Sampson-Mapp at 898-2020 or send an email to sammapp@pobox.upenn.edu. Selection of families begins in November and assignments are made in early December.
Penn VIPS invites your team to innovate and collaborate on your own service projects. They will connect you and your colleagues to a volunteer activity or work with you to develop your own program. Contact Isabel Sampson-Mapp for additional information.
Give Your Retirement Savings a Boost
The IRS recently announced increases to retirement plan limits for 2022. These changes could give you an opportunity to save more for your retirement for bigger returns. Over time, even a small increase in saving can make a significant difference in your investments, especially if you start soon.
The IRS contribution limit for 403(b) retirement plans will increase to $20,500 per person for 2022. If you are age 50 and over, you may make additional catch-up contributions up to $6,500 next year. The Annual Compensation limit for 403(b) plans will increase to $305,000 for 2022.
For traditional and Roth IRAs, the limit for annual contributions remains $6,000 per person. If you are at least 50 years old or turn 50 at any time in 2022, the limit is $7,000.
The Saver’s Credit (also known as the Retirement Contributions Credit) income limits were also raised for 2022. The Saver’s Credit income limits will be $68,000 for married couples filing jointly, $51,000 for heads of household, and $34,000 for singles and married individuals filing separately.
To review your Penn retirement savings plans, enroll, or make changes, sign on at Penn’s TIAA.org portal.
Visit the plan contributions web page for details or contact the Retirement Call Center at 1-877-PENN-RET (1-877-736-6738) for help determining the right weekly or monthly contribution amount to maximize your savings.
A Drug-Free Workplace
For the health and safety of the Penn community, the University of Pennsylvania is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Drug and alcohol abuse endangers individual users, as well as their family, friends, and coworkers. The use of any substance that impairs your workplace judgement or abilities puts you, your colleagues, and Penn students at risk.
Please take the time to review the University’s drug and alcohol policies.
Penn’s Drug and Alcohol Policies
Penn prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, sale, possession or use of any drug by its employees in its workplace. Complete policy details are available online:
Understanding Addiction
Addiction is a serious disease, but many effective treatments are available. Visit Penn’s Health Advocate website at www.healthadvocate.com/upenn for facts about addiction, recovery, and support services for faculty and staff.
Help Is Here
If you or a family member has a substance abuse problem, we encourage you to seek help. Penn provides free, confidential counseling services for you and your immediate family members through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP will assist you with challenges that may interfere with your personal or professional life, including substance abuse.
For more information about the EAP’s counseling and referral services, visit the Employee Assistance Program web page or contact the Employee Assistance Program 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866-799-2329.
You can also refer to Penn’s addiction treatment publication for information about treatment benefits and resources at www.hr.upenn.edu/docs/default-source/benefits/opioid-brochure.pdf
Healthy Meals: Cauliflower Stuffing
This delicious low-carb cauliflower stuffing proves you don’t always need bread to make an amazing stuffing. Even wheat-free diners at your holiday table can enjoy this dressing. It is full of classic flavors! This easy stovetop recipe starts with a healthy blend of onion, celery, and carrot which, when mixed with herbs like rosemary and sage, makes everything taste like Thanksgiving.
Click here to send us your healthy recipes and tips.
Cauliflower Stuffing – Serves 6
Ingredients:
2-4 TBSP olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2-3 large carrots, peeled and diced
2-3 stalks celery, chopped
1 small head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
8 oz. mushrooms, diced
1 TBSP dried parsley (1/4 cup fresh)
2 tsp dried rosemary (2 TBSP fresh)
1 tsp dried sage (1 tbsp fresh), optional
½ cup vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onions, carrots and celery until soft, approximately 5-8 minutes
Add cauliflower and mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender; stir frequently. (Add additional oil if needed during cooking).
Mix in parsley, rosemary and sage, if using. Stir until evenly distributed.
Add vegetable broth, cover and cook for 10 minutes or until veggies are fully tender and all the liquid is absorbed; stir occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Meet With a Registered Dietitian Today!
- One-on-one, virtual nutrition counseling
- 100% covered under many insurance plans and available to spouses and dependents
- Simple Sign Up Process – Visit Penn’s Corporate Wellness Nutrition’s Sign Up page, provide your information and a customer service team member will reach out in one to two business days to book your appointment.
Did You Know: November Wellness Walk Supports Penn VIPS Annual Food Drive
Get your comfortable shoes ready. The next Be in the Know monthly wellness walk is on November 18. Walkers will meet at 12 p.m. on Locust Walk by College Hall and the Ben Franklin statue. Sponsored by Human Resources and led by the Center for Public Health Initiative team, the walk will support the Penn VIPs Annual Food Drive. If you can, please bring a non-perishable food item to the start location. Register today and lend your support.