myHR: News from Penn's Division of Human Resources

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myHR: January 29, 2025

A Love Note to Your Heart

With February a few days away, heart shaped décor is everywhere, nudging us to send cards and notes to those we love. It’s a great reminder to focus on the shape of our real hearts during Heart Health Month.

The American Heart Association promotes three basic ways to show your heart some love and keep your cardiovascular system working at its best.

  • Eat Smart, make healthy delicious choices
  • Move More, do more and sit less everyday
  • Be Well, creating well-being through self care

These simple heart health ideas may seem like common sense, but sometimes we need a little support to put them into practice. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. The Heart Health Month programs listed below are just a sample of Penn events and resources to keep your heart stronger and safer all year long.

Eat Smart

Move More

Be Well

Build Heart Healthy Habits with the Holistic Penn Challenge

Unlocking your full potential can (and should) be fun! The Holistic Penn Challenge helps you develop a healthy habit of your choice, as a competition with your colleagues unfolds across a virtual gameboard. In this challenge on the Personify Health wellness platform, set daily goals for your selected habit, track your progress, and earn Be in the Know wellness campaign rewards! The Holistic Penn Challenge lasts two weeks and starts on Monday, February 17. Registration opens on Monday, February 3.

Visit the Penn Healthy You webpages and the HR events listing for more wellness resources.

Take Our Children to Work Day Returns on April 24

If you've ever wanted to show the children in your life what you do at work, Penn’s Take Our Children to Work Day is the perfect chance. On Thursday, April 24 this exciting event will offer a day of fun and educational activities.

Take Our Children to Work Day encourages and inspires youth while introducing them to future career possibilities. Children will learn about Penn as a top employer and an institution of higher education, while having fun. This event is geared toward elementary and middle school children, although children of any age are welcome to attend. Numerous Penn schools and centers will host programs throughout the day, offering a range of activities designed to suit the varied interests and career goals of young participants. All staff and faculty participants need to have supervisory approval and accompany their young guests to all activities. Advanced registration is required and opens on Tuesday, April 1 at 9 a.m.

Penn is grateful for the support of our partners and collaborators from various departments, schools, and centers who help make this event a success. New and existing partners are welcome.

If you are interested in hosting a program for Take Our Children to Work Day, please contact Cassie Paoli by Friday, February 28 at worklife@hr.upenn.edu or (215) 573-2471 with details, or to schedule a meeting.

More information about the day's activities will be shared in March, so please check Penn’s Take Our Children to Work Day webpage for updates.

Make the Most of Your Telehealth Appointment

In recent years, the use of telehealth has skyrocketed. Often it’s more convenient to have a telehealth visit versus a traditional in-person appointment because there’s no need to travel to the doctor’s office. There are many pros in favor of telehealth. However, in order to get the most from these virtual visits, keep these tips in mind:

Before your appointment:

  • Confirm the visit is covered by your insurance plan. Many health plans are expanding access to telehealth, but it is still important to double check in advance to be sure you don’t receive an unexpected bill later on.
  • Test your technology in advance! Try logging into any necessary accounts, ensure your internet is working properly, and confirm your computer or phone is charged and ready to go. While glitches are sometimes unavoidable, it still helps to do what we can to prepare.
  • Set yourself up for success. Plan to take the call in a quiet spot without background noise or distractions. Consider using headphones/earphones if needed.
  • Prepare questions or concerns in advance, and make sure to write them down so you don’t forget anything you want to discuss with your provider. Also have a list of medications you’re taking handy, as it may come up during the visit. Consider taking photos of things you want to show the provider in advance, like any skin issues or bruises.

During the appointment:

  • Invite a loved one to join you if comfortable doing so. Having another set of ears is always helpful to remember what was discussed. They can take notes, and they may have noticed or think of things you don’t.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Ask what the next steps are. Is a follow-up needed? Should you be seen in-person?

After the appointment:

  • Take care of any follow-up tasks, like scheduling your next appointment (virtual or in-person) or picking up any prescriptions.
  • Check your Explanation of Benefits when it arrives to make sure the appointment was covered as expected.

Telehealth is a fantastic tool when used appropriately, such as for short follow-up visits or instances that do not require procedures like blood draws. But remember, it’s still important to do in-person appointments when needed. Not everything can be seen by a camera, and urgent issues should be addressed immediately. Be sure to call 911 if you are experiencing chest pain, trouble breathing, head injury or other emergencies.

For more information about Health Advocate services, visit Penn’s Health Advocate web page.

This article was reprinted with permission from the January 2025 Health Advocate newsletter.

Form 1095-C to Arrive in February

The 1095-C forms for 2024 will be mailed from Equifax at the end of January and available online beginning February 1.

You do not need to attach a 1095-C to your tax return. This form includes information about the health insurance coverage offered to you by Penn and information for each of your family members enrolled under your Penn benefits plan.

Beginning with tax year 2024, employers are no longer required to send the 1095-C tax forms to covered individuals unless a form is requested. As a courtesy, Penn will be sending the forms for 2024.

To access your form online, go to the My Pay section of the secure U@Penn portal at www.upenn.edu/u@penn, then select “My 1095-C form.”

If you have questions about your form, contact either:

Healthy Meals: Misir Wot

Mix up your meal routine with this flavorful Misir Wot recipe from Penn Medicine. This classic Ethiopian dish features tender lentils simmered in a rich, aromatic blend of spices, including berbere and garlic. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s a heart-healthy choice that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

Click here to send us your healthy recipes and tips.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 onions, diced small
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large tomatoes, diced small (about 1 cup)
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon berbere seasoning
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups split red lentils

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet or wide, high-sided sauté pan set to medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 8 minutes or until golden brown.
  2. Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, and berbere seasoning and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently and reducing heat, if needed, to prevent burning.
  3. Add broth, water, salt, and lentils and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer with the lid on, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until lentils are soft.
  4. Enjoy with injera flatbread if you like. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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: 2024 W-2 Form Now Available in Workday

W-2 forms for 2024 are now available electronically in Workday@Penn. If you did not elect to receive only a paperless W-2 in Workday by January 9, 2025, your paper W-2 will be postmarked by January 31, 2025. For instructions on viewing your W-2 in Workday, view the Self Service: Access to W-2, W-4, and State Reciprocal Forms tip sheet. More details are available on the  Workday@Penn website.