myHR: July 5, 2023

And the Winner Is?

On June 4, Penn Healthy You asked faculty and staff to answer a one-question survey on the Virgin Pulse platform indicating what you do to support your health and well-being. Respondents who entered their contact information were eligible for a prize drawing. Penn Healthy You would like to congratulate Megan Brady, Project Coordinator at the Penn Center for Mental Health, for winning the Employee Health and Wellness Survey drawing. Brady will receive a wellness prize basket.

To support her health and well-being, Brady says, “I try to make sure I separate my work/eat times, stay hydrated, take naps if I get tired, keep my workspace clean, and exercise at least once a week.”

Brady is among the 460 survey respondents. Here is a sampling of quotes from other staff and faculty who responded to the survey:

“To support my health and well-being I meditate regularly, get a good stretch by the folks at Stretch Zone, walk more, opt to ride a bike to work instead of catching the bus, and drink more water. I’m now also being intentional about my sleep habits and noticing how distracting/disruptive the TV is to getting a good night’s rest.”

“I check in with the Virgin Pulse app and read Daily Cards and Journeys. I check the Daily Activities and accomplish as much as possible. I have a simple goal to keep moving throughout the day.”

“To support my health and well-being, I make sure that I move every day. My husband and I do our 'NEWO' ...No Excuses WorkOut when we get up, before having our morning coffee. Our NEWOs are 15 minutes long and are designed to get our heart rate up to get us going in the morning  We do these 7 days a week, without excuses!”

“I keep a gratitude journal, make sure that I play a brain stimulating game every day, Wordle, Sudoku or a puzzle and get some form of exercise every day. I've been doing the Monday Yoga with Core and love it. I've also been doing the nutritional counseling and it has been very helpful to understand that I have made nutritional wins.”

“Basically, I walk and do my best to eat healthy. It is challenging but in a good way. I feel the difference in my body and mind when I do it the healthy way. Every day, I think about what ways I can do better than yesterday or how the foods that I want to eat will affect my overall health. It is about being intentional in every aspect of life.”

“I try to support my mental and physical health together. On weekends I take two-mile hikes through Wissahickon Park and practice mindfulness. I meal prep high vegetable/protein meals on Sunday so that I can spend my lunch at the BioPond and enjoy a reset in the middle of the day. About two to three times a week I go rock climbing to support joint mobility and help with strength/cardio training. I also wake up early to stretch and do yoga to start my day right.”

Another great way to support your overall well-being is to participate in the Be in the Know 2023-2024 wellness campaign on the Virgin Pulse platform. The campaign is available for all benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and postdoctoral researchers and fellows eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits Plan. Be in the Know provides the means and motivation to take action and complete activities that promote personal and professional wellness, connect with colleagues, and earn rewards of up to $300 this year, plus the opportunity for special recognition as a Be in the Know VIP!

This year’s campaign runs July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. So, get started today to feel your best.

For more information and details on how to get started, visit the Be in the Know webpage.

A Short Break for myHR

The myHR newsletter will take a short break from bi-weekly publication now through August 23. During this time, please watch for news and announcements and 3 Things to Start Your Week at www.hr.upenn.edu.

During the break, the Division of Human Resources will keep faculty and staff informed about programs and activities through direct email announcements. Human Resources may publish special myHR bulletins as needed to keep you up to date on workplace-related events and information that may arise before the start of the fall term. We look forward to resuming our regular publication schedule at the end of the summer.

Strategies for a Shared Vision

Strategic planning can help any organization move forward toward a shared vision with mutually beneficial goals and objectives. Learn how to create strategies that will set your team up for success at the Fundamentals of Strategic Planning virtual workshop July 18, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Strategic planning is not a one-size-fits-all process, so the Fundamentals of Strategic Planning workshop focuses on using an adaptable strategy framework. In the workshop, participants will learn to identify the foundation for creating a strategic team, discover strategic values, participate in strategic planning efforts, and avoid common pitfalls that derail strategic plans.

During the workshop, facilitator, Talent and Organizational Development Consultant Sarah Joseph will guide you through eight basic steps of strategic planning:

1. Develop a shared vision.
2. Analyze the situation.
3. Create a strategic agenda.
4. Establish measurable goals.
5. Establish a strategic action plan.
6. Assign responsibilities and timelines.
7. Write and communicate an action plan.
8. Acknowledge completion and celebrate success.

Register today for the Fundamentals of Strategic Planning for essential resources to help create successful projects and teams to meet any challenge.

For more professional development opportunities, visit the Learn and Grow section of the Human Resources website.

SEPTA Summer Commute Alerts

Two major initiatives will affect SEPTA riders who use trolley lines or regional rail to commute to and from the Penn campus this summer. Along with SEPTA’s annual Trolley Blitz maintenance, the 2023 Southwest Connection Improvement Program (SCIP) infrastructure projects will impact regional rail service between William H. Gray III 30th Street Station and Penn Medicine Station.

To help the Penn community plan for these necessary changes, here’s an overview of these SEPTA service modifications, including links to detailed information and customer service contacts from the Transit Authority.

SCIP Temporary Changes to Regional Rail Service

In June, SEPTA announced details about ongoing SCIP work to rebuild the mainline infrastructure between William H. Gray III 30th Street Station and Penn Medicine Station. Special Regional Rail construction timetables will be in effect July 22 through August 26, 2023, for these regional rail lines:

• Media/Wawa (no weekday service July 24-28)
• Wilmington/Newark
• Airport Lines

For an overview of the temporary schedule changes, see the SCIP Adjusted Service Patterns table.

SCIP-related schedule modifications will include service suspensions on the Media/Wawa line for critical Philadelphia Water Department sewer line work, July 24 through 28. SEPTA commuter rail passengers should be prepared for significant service changes, including increased travel times, free transfers to shuttle buses, and other procedure alterations.

Commuters to the Penn Medicine Area, please be sure to review SEPTA’s Penn Medicine Area Service Shuttle table for details.

For specific schedule change bulletins and the latest project updates that will affect your commute, please review SEPTA’s SCIP pages.

Visit septa.org or call 215-580-7800 for updates and guidance for alternate travel options.

Trolley Tunnel Maintenance Blitz

SEPTA’s 2023 Trolley Blitz is scheduled to begin Friday, July 7 at 10 p.m. and ends Monday, July 24 at 5 a.m.

For more details about this year’s trolley track, power maintenance and station upgrades, view or print the 2023 Trolley Blitz Plan. Visit septa.org or call 215-580-7800 for updates and guidance.

Healthy Eating This Summer

From backyard cookouts to poolside parties, summertime offers an array of irresistible foods, many of which are high in unsaturated fat, salt, and sugar. Eating healthy during a season of celebrations, events, and frequent trips to your favorite restaurant can be a challenge, but it is possible. There are ways you can enjoy the treats of the season while also balancing your diet.

For starters, you can participate in the “Fruit is Sweet” Penn Healthy Habit Challenge on the Virgin Pulse wellness platform. The challenge runs from July 10 through July 16. During this challenge, participants are given tips for incorporating fruit into their daily meals over a seven-day period. “Fruit is Sweet” gives you the opportunity to earn 200 Be in the Know 2023-2024 campaign points. To get started, log in to the Virgin Pulse  portal on July 10. Click the “Social” tab on the main menu, then click “Challenges” and select “Fruit is Sweet” to join.

While on the Virgin Pulse platform, you can view a Nutrition Guide where you can track healthy habits daily, keep up with your calorie intake, and browse and try healthy recipes.

Want to learn more about the Virgin Pulse platform and Be in the Know 2023-2024 campaign year? Sign up for the next Virgin Pulse live demonstration on July 13, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., for a personalized tour, campaign review, and ways to support your overall well-being!

You can also sign up for these two Penn healthy nutrition learning opportunities:

Cooking Demo with Ramp Health (previously Wellness Coaches)
July 19, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

What’s a better way to beat the summer heat than a popsicle? Registered Dietitian Christine Steerman from Ramp Health will show participants how to create nutrient-packed popsicles, making summer cooking fun for the whole family and a tasty treat for everyone to enjoy. Register today.

Eating Healthy at Parties and Potluck Live Wellness Webinar with Virgin Pulse 
July 26, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join a speaker from Virgin Pulse for our first live wellness webinar, a new monthly offering for the 2023-2024 Be in the Know campaign year. Parties and potlucks are a fun way to spend time with friends, families, and coworkers. In this live webinar you will learn tips on how to make healthy food and beverage choices and how to be mindful with the amounts and types of foods consumed. Register today.

For more inspiration and guidance, the Registered Dietitians at Ramp Health offer these five tips for successful summer eating.

1. Build a Balanced Summer Plate. Aim to include at least two to three of the main food groups with each of your meals. This is a simple way to make food selections whether you’re at home, socializing or traveling. Go to MyPlate to learn more.
2. Try Out Grilled Fruit. Grilled fruit kabobs can make a great barbecue side or even a healthy dessert. Some options to grill are peaches, plums, pineapple, and watermelon.
3. Start Your Own Produce Garden. Starting your own garden is a great way to add more produce to your diet. Think of growing herbs such as mint and basil for flavorful summer drinks or veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers to make into a crisp side salad for the next outdoor party you throw.
4. Buy Locally Grown Produce. With produce so plentiful in the summer months, there are greater opportunities to find locally grown produce. Check out a local U-Pick Farm for a family fun activity or even a nearby farmer’s market, like Penn’s weekly on-campus market, for fresh and quality choices.
5. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth. Indulge in some dark chocolate covered frozen fruit or make your own “nice cream” by blending up frozen bananas and berries.

If you need additional help, you can meet with a Ramp Health Registered Dietitian by signing up for a one-on-one virtual session at a time that works for you. Up to six sessions are 100% covered under many insurance plans, including all of Penn’s health plans, and are available to spouses and dependents. If you are unsure of your plan’s coverage, Ramp Health offers one free consultation to discuss nutrition goals and check your insurance. To connect with a Ramp Health, fill out the Nutrition Counseling Sign Up Form or call 800-484-7720. 

Healthy Meals: Nutrient-Packed Popsicles

Stay cool and well-fueled with fresh, fruity popsicles. These chilly treats are a great way to make the most of seasonal fresh fruit. You can use frozen, unsweeted packaged fruit, too. Simply blend fruit with protein-rich yogurt, pour the mix into cups or popsicle molds, then pop them in the freezer. You control the sweetener to fit your taste and wellness goals. It's a fun summer recipe for all ages.

Click here to send us your healthy recipes and tips.

Ingredients:      

• 1 cup low fat or 2% plain or vanilla yogurt*
• 1 banana, sliced
• 2/3 cup strawberries or raspberries
• 2/3 cup blueberries
• Honey or agave to taste
• 4 4-ounce paper cups or popsicle molds
• 4-8 popsicle sticks
  

Directions:

1. In a blender or food processor, add strawberries or raspberries along with honey or agave nectar to taste. Puree to smoothie like consistency.

2. Rinse out blender or food processor and repeat step one with blueberries.

3. Place 1 slice of banana into the center of each dixie cup.

4. Push popsicle sticks into banana slices so the stick stands up.

5. Pour pureed raspberries or strawberries, yogurt, and pureed blueberries into molds to create red, white, and blue layers.

6. Freeze for 1-3 hours. Enjoy!

*Substitute Greek yogurt to add more protein or use plant-based alternative to make recipe dairy-free. 

Meet With a Registered Dietitian Today!

• One-on-One, virtual sessions you can schedule at any time that works for you
• 100% covered under many insurance plans
• Available to spouses and dependents

Fill out the Ramp Health Nutrition Counseling Sign Up Form  or call 800-484-7720. 

Did You Know: Beautiful Blackbird Exhibit Closing Soon

Don’t miss Beautiful Blackbird: The Creative Spirit of Ashley Bryan, on view until July 21 in the Goldstein Family Gallery, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center. This uplifting gem features works donated to the Kislak Center at the Penn Libraries. This exhibition explores Bryan’s century-long story — one man seeking his place in a world that did not always welcome him, finding himself, using his creative gifts to make sense of his life, and helping others do the same.