myHR: January 28, 2026

Put Your Heart in the Right Place 

The heart is arguably the most important of all the body’s organs for a long and healthy life. This February, let’s give our hearts some love to promote a healthy body for American Heart Health Month.

The American Heart Association (AHA) promotes three basic ways to show your heart some love:

• Look for the Heart-Check mark on foods. The AHA’s mark certifies that a food product contains essential nutrients and is low in sodium and certain fats, making it easy to spot heart-healthy foods in the grocery store.
• Stay motivated to keep active. Exercising regularly can help you achieve long-term fitness. Your heart will thank you.
• Get enough quality sleep. Good sleep allows you to engage fully in your daily activities and helps pave your way to whole-body health.

These basic 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 do 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.

Upcoming Wellness Events

• MetLife Workshop: Improving Your Mental and Financial Wellbeing, February 4, 12 p.m.–1 p.m.
  Learn how to manage your finances and keep stress down  to help alleviate anxiety related to financial uncertainty.
• WebMD Webinar: Using Exercise Equipment to Build Fitness, February 26, 12 p.m. –1 p.m.
  Gain an overview of physical activity guidelines and discuss different types of cardiovascular and strengthening exercise equipment that can help build a fitness routine.
  

Move More with Upcoming Activities

• Dance Cardio, February 10, 12 p.m. –12:45 p.m.
  Sweat, smile, and groove your way to a healthier you with fun company.
• February Wellness Walk, February 18, 12 p.m.–12:45 p.m.
  Join the Penn Healthy You team for an indoor wellness walk in Penn’s Palestra – and don’t forget to wear something red!
• Circuit Training, February 26, 12 p.m.–12:45 p.m.
  Get a full-body workout that caters to your fitness level and leaves you feeling accomplished.

Penn Healthy You Heart Health Resources

• Take advantage of the WebMD wellness platform to talk with a health coach, watch RethinkCare videos, begin a daily habit related to heart health, or use the content hub to find podcasts, videos, and articles about cardiovascular health.
• Tap into nutrition counseling by Ramp Health all year round as a no-cost benefit to Penn employees through your health insurance plan. You and all covered family members have access to six sessions per year!
• Get in gear with Penn’s fitness resources and take advantage of available fitness offerings and discounts to kickstart your health and fitness journey.

Be Well in Mind and Body

• Well-Being Pop-Up: Optimistic Mindset, February 4, 10 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
• Preventing Burnout for You and Your Team, February 10, 12 p.m.–12:45 p.m.
• Well-Being Pop-Up: Real-time Resilience, February 11, 10 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
• Well-Being Pop-Up: Put It In Perspective, February 18, 10 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
• Well-Being Pop-Up: Positive Emotions, February 25, 10 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
  

Take steps to support your heart health this February by using Penn’s array of wellness and work-life programs and resources. Visit the Penn Healthy You webpages and the HR events listing for more information.

Boost Resilience with Well-being Sessions

Nature offers beautiful examples of resilience in harsh environments. For instance, willow trees will bud even after a fierce winter chill, thanks to their genes. It may seem that people who bounce back or even thrive after challenging circumstances are also just naturally tough or flexible. However, research shows that resilience isn’t all inborn. We can all learn to become more resilient in the face of adversity.

If you’re looking for a quick introduction to resilience skills from an expert source, register for an upcoming Well-being Pop-up session. These 15-minute online conversations, facilitated by the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center, can open the door for you to experience the benefits of resilience.

Focusing on resilience as a process lets us continue to develop this quality. While you can’t always avoid tough times, you do have the power to choose how you respond to them.

To get started, sign up for one or all of these upcoming virtual talks:

• Optimistic Mindset, February 4, 10 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
  Join a conversation about activating an optimistic mindset and how to practice a strategy that helps us grow from the challenges we face.
• Real-time Resilience, February 11, 10 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
  Learn how to quiet mental chatter and practice a strategy to strengthen focus and confidence.
• Put It in Perspective, February 18, 10 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
  Discuss the pitfalls of catastrophic thinking and learn how to practice a simple strategy to help us take purposeful action in worrisome situations.
• Positive Emotions, February 25, 10 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
  Explore ways to strengthen and lengthen positive emotions and practice strategies for savoring the good things in life to enhance well-being.

These 15-minute well-being pop-ups serve as an introduction to a series of 90-minute resilience workshops that will be available March through May.

These sessions also count as Express Wellness Events, activities that earn points for the Penn Be in the Know 2025-2026 wellness campaign.

Fighting the Flu: How to Stay Protected During a Severe Season

As the flu virus surges aggressively this season, taking proactive steps is essential to protecting your health – and the health of those around you. The 2025–2026 flu strain has proven to be more severe than in recent years, with higher-than-average hospitalization rates and faster transmission, particularly in crowded urban areas and academic settings. For faculty, staff, and students at Penn, staying informed and vigilant is more important than ever.

Why This Season Is Different

Flu viruses mutate annually, and this year’s dominant strain is particularly virulent. It may produce more severe symptoms and complications, even among healthy individuals. High transmission rates have placed increased stress on healthcare systems, which makes prevention the first – and best – line of defense.

Flu Prevention 101: Practical Tips

These tips can help you stay ahead of the flu this season:

• Get Vaccinated: It’s not too late! While you may have heard that this year’s vaccine is not a perfect match for the strain of flu circulating in the U.S., the flu vaccine can still reduce the severity of illness even if you do get sick. It also protects those around you who are at higher risk, including older adults and young children.
  • Faculty, staff, and postdocs who are enrolled in one of Penn’s health plans can also get a flu shot at their local CVS pharmacy with no copay using their CVS Caremark card.
  • You can use your medical insurance card to get a flu vaccine at in-network locations such as a physician’s office, urgent care center, or pharmacy. This preventative service may not require a copay if you use an in-network provider through your medical insurance plan. If you have health insurance outside of Penn, please check with your provider for available flu vaccine options.
• Wash Your Hands: Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop the spread of germs.
• Disinfect Shared Spaces: Frequently clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and phones in offices, classrooms, and public areas.
• Make Healthy Choices: Sleep well, eat nutrient-rich foods, stay hydrated, and manage stress – all of which can help your body fend off infections.

What to Do If You Feel Sick

• Know the Signs: Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and congestion. Seek medical guidance if symptoms worsen or persist.
• Avoid Close Contact: If you’re not feeling well, minimize physical contact with other people. And if you notice others who are under the weather, keep a respectful distance.
• Talk With Your Doctor: There are prescription medications that can shorten the duration of your illness if taken early. This is especially important if individuals are at higher risk because of age (children under age 5 or adults over 65), are pregnant or up to two weeks postpartum, or have a chronic condition like heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
• Stay Home: Use the University’s sick leave benefits to help you recover faster and prevent flu from spreading to your coworkers, students, and other Penn community members. Be sure to communicate with your manager and use Workday to manage your time-off requests.

How Health Advocate Can Help

Health Advocate offers personalized, real-time help to navigate healthcare when flu or other concerns arise.

• Finding Flu Vaccination Providers: We can help locate flu shot clinics near you.
• Guidance When You’re Sick: Unsure whether to see your doctor or go to urgent care? Our clinical team can help you make the right call and even schedule appointments.
• Benefit Navigation: We’ll clarify what your health plan covers, including virtual visits and prescriptions.
• Support for Families: Whether it’s a child with flu symptoms or an aging parent who needs care, our experts assist your whole family. Your spouse, dependents, parents, and in-laws can all receive our support.
• 24/7 Expert Help: Reach us anytime by phone, web, or mobile app. We’re here to help you in over 250 languages.

Need help now? Penn employees and their eligible family members can contact Health Advocate 24/7 at 866-799-2329 or HealthAdvocate.com/upenn (use LOCUSTWALK12 if you’re prompted to give a code).

Propel Your Career with the Emerging Leader Program

Empower yourself with The Emerging Leader: Taking Control of Your Career. This four-part, on-campus course is designed to equip high-potential professionals with the tools, confidence, and strategies they need to thrive as future leaders at Penn. Through a dynamic, interactive learning experience, the Emerging Leader program helps participants discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and craft a clear vision for their career growth. The first session takes place on March 3, 2026, so enroll on Workday now to reserve your space and obtain approval from your department.*

A Winning Program Updated for Spring 2026

Led by Alvina Peat of Williamspeat Associates, The Emerging Leader program consists of four modules, each building on the last to create a comprehensive leadership development journey:

• Module One: Strengths
  March 3, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  Participants begin by identifying the unique competencies they bring to their roles. This self-awareness fosters confidence and lays the foundation for career advancement.
• Module Two: Vision
  March 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  In this module, participants explore their career goals and learn how to apply their strengths to succeed in both current and future roles within the University.
• Module Three: Influence
  March 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  Growth often comes with challenges. This session equips participants with practical tools to address and remove perceived obstacles, ensuring they can move forward with clarity and resilience.
• Module Four: Presence
  March 25, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  The program culminates in a powerful exercise where participants will articulate their personal leadership journey by telling their story — an essential skill for influencing and inspiring others.

Program Commitment

In addition to the four classroom sessions, The Emerging Leader experience includes:

• Pre-Program Assessments: 3 hours
• Assignments: 3 hours
• Peer Group Coaching: 3 hours

Who Should Enroll?

This program is open to junior- to mid-level, benefits-eligible staff who demonstrate initiative, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to organizational success. Recommended participants:

• Exhibit the drive and skills to prepare for managerial roles
• Maintain a positive reputation and high engagement
• Display core leadership competencies appropriate to their current position

Why Join?

The Emerging Leader is more than a course — it’s an investment in your future. By the end of the program, participants will have a clear understanding of their strengths, a roadmap for career success, and the confidence to lead with impact.

Enroll today and get ready to start the new year on the path to greater achievements.

For more leadership development opportunities, visit the Learn & Grow section of the HR website.

*Managers: Please obtain approval from your HR Business Partner before granting final approval to your staff to participate in this program. Your department will be charged $4,120 per participant.

Form 1095-C Will Be Available in February 

The 1095-C forms for 2025 will be available online beginning February 1. If you live in California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Washington, DC, your 1095-C forms will also be mailed from Equifax at the end of January.

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.

Employers are no longer required to send the 1095-C tax forms to covered individuals unless a form is requested.

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:

• Penn Employee Solution Center at solutioncenter@upenn.edu or 215-898-7372.
• 1095-C Benefits HR team at aca@hr.upenn.edu or 215-898-6465. 

Healthy Meals: Spinach Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

For a lean, light, and flavorful meal, check out Ramp Health’s Spinach Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette. This vibrant salad is loaded with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health and fitness – making it a smart staple for any balanced diet.

Click here to send us your healthy recipes and tips.

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 cup (115g) shelled edamame, frozen
• 4 cups (170g) packed baby spinach
• 2 cups (68g) watercress (leaves only)
• 2 carrots, peeled and julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 4 broccoli stems, julienned
• 1 green mango, peeled and julienned
• 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 

Dressing

• 1/4 cup (60mL) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60mL) seasoned rice vinegar
• 1-1/2 tablespoon (22g) maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons (45mL) sesame oil
• 1/2 tablespoon (7g) reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1-2 cloves minced garlic

Directions

1. Make the dressing: combine all the ingredients. (Note: keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.)
2. Make the salad: cook the frozen edamame according to package instructions. Place all the salad ingredients (including cooked edamame) in a bowl, drizzle with the dressing, and toss.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and crushed peanuts. Serve.

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: Spring 2026 Tuition Payment Requests Due by April 15

If you haven’t submitted your tuition benefit payment requests for spring through Penn’s Online Tuition Management System, be sure to complete your request by April 15. After this deadline, no requests will be accepted through the online system. Late requests require a special form and an administrative fee will be deducted from the tuition benefit. For more information, visit the Tuition Benefit webpage.