Even though we are nearing the end of short days and chilly weather and getting outside again is a little easier, University of Iowa Health Care employees may be looking for a some help with mental health or wellness goals.
A great starting point for any of these is the free, online, and confidential Personal Health Assessment (PHA): a simple 10-minute survey that generates an employee health report, grants eligibility for the Recreation Membership Incentive Program, accesses free Health Coaching and referral programs, earns liveWELL points to be redeemed in the liveWELL Portal (for wellness items, gift cards, and more), and enters participants into a monthly $250 drawing. Participation in the PHA informs the university’s liveWELL team about which services employees are making the most of, and promotes potential programming additions for the future.
UI Health Care is dedicated to employee mental and physical health and wellness, and hopes staff, faculty, researchers, and students will take advance of the benefits of the following free and accessible resources:
Westlawn Open Wellness (WOW) room
Created in 2022 by Jennifer Streeter, MD, PhD, the WOW room is a quiet space for exercise, yoga, Pilates, meditation, heated chair massage, or reading, and can be reserved for free.
UI Health Care’s university campus walking trail map
The UI Health Care walking trail map includes indoor and outdoor routes, with their distances and average time to complete, perfect for a midday stroll.
LiveWELL challenge programs
These self-paced challenges include seasonal support through programs such as Colorful Choices (nutrition), Fit in Four (physical activity), MindFALL Minutes (mindfulness), Reboot (rest and recharge), Gratitude Calendar (gratitude), Fall Into Wellness (healthy habits), and BinGO Hawks (healthy habits).
Well-being Toolkit activities
These activities, which include Infusing Gratitude, Practicing Self-care, Increasing Movement, Building Connection, Enhancing Nutrition, and Setting Realistic Goals toolkits, take just 5-20 minutes and can be led by a department’s Wellness Ambassador or anyone interested in leading an activity.
Well-being Resource Library
The Well-being Resource Library is a one-stop shop for all things wellness at Iowa.
Discover Your University tours
Discover Your University offers up to two sponsored visits per semester to various campus sites during normal working hours, providing opportunities to learn about innovative programs like the Driving Safety Research Institute, Recreational Services, University Libraries, Hancher, Pentacrest Museums, and more. Participation also earns liveWELL points!
Employee Discount Program (eligibility may vary)
University employees qualify for discounts on products from clothing to amusement park admission to hotels and lodging, simply by showing a valid employee ID or using promotional codes, found here.
Ergonomics Programs
Guides on healthy ergonomics to protect musculoskeletal health are free and extensive for patient handling, computer ergonomics, non-computer ergonomics, and more.
A resource specifically for Department of Internal Medicine employees: the Pop-up Lounge
Internal Medicine’s pop-up lounge (GH SE309) was introduced in 2023 by Isabella Grumbach, MD, PhD as part of her “$10,000 question.” With lots of natural sunlight, comfortable chairs and reading material, a Keurig machine with free coffees, teas, and hot chocolates, and snacks for on-the-go, it’s a perfect place to unwind. Employees might especially appreciate the white board in the room, covered in ‘thank you’ messages!
Additional resources for all hospital employees in a 50% or greater appointment include:
Health Coaching
Free individual or group health coaching sessions are available to employees who complete the PHA! Health Coaches guide employees in making healthy lifestyle changes and building positive habits. They collaborate with employees to set goals, use their strengths, discover strategies, and celebrate their progress. Common focus areas include energy, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and nicotine cessation, with goals such as staying active with a busy schedule, building healthy eating habits, managing stress, and improving sleep. Health coaches can also give referrals to UI Health Care’s Diabetes Prevention Program and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program.
Recreation Membership Incentive Program
UI employees can earn 50% off a monthly recreation membership through University of Iowa recreation centers. (To qualify, sign up for payroll deduction with Recreational Services, complete the Personal Health Assessment (PHA) and use campus recreation facilities at least four times a month.)
Wellness grants
liveWELL generously gives wellness grants to eligible departments to support activities that encourage healthy habits, prevent burnout, and encourage well-being and positive mental health strategies.
Recognize a Wellness Hero
Wellness Heroes are nominated because they inspire others to be healthy and help build a culture of health and well-being at the University of Iowa. Any faculty or staff member can nominate any other faculty or staff member. A nominated person must be a UI employee who makes a positive impact in health and wellness in their workplace through a demonstrated behavior or attitude, as well as give permission to share their nomination on social media and in the quarterly liveWELL A Wellness Hero will be awarded a certificate of recognition and a prize!
Request a Well-being Workshop or EAP presentation
Well-being workshops led by a Health Coach (on nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being, sleep, self-care) or Employee Assistance presentations (on Building Healthy Boundaries, Emotional Intelligence/Managing, Suicide Prevention Training, Why Sleep Matters) are available for groups on request (given some notice).
Family Services
Family Services offer resources for employee childcare, elder caregiving, financial well-being coaches, resources for new parents, and workplace flexibility options.
UI Health Care Tuition and Certification Assistance and Reimbursement Programs
UI Health Care supports lifelong learning and encourages employees to utilize programs available for tuition assistance and reimbursement. (Eligibility: Professional and Scientific, Merit Exempt, Merit Confidential and Non-RN SEIU staff members who are paid by UI Health Care, in a 50 percent time (or greater) budgeted position who have completed at least one year of service).
Some resources for students include:
Student Wellness
Student Wellness offers a variety of resources for undergraduate and graduate students including the Red Band Watch/CPR training, the Healthy Hawk Challenge, Earthmind Environmental Wellness Workshop, Intuitive Eating information, and light and sleep therapy tools.
Well-being at Iowa
Well-being at Iowa provides crisis support, peer support, mental health and resilience information, and resources for basic needs, financial security, and personal safety.
*This is not an exhaustive list of all wellness resources available throughout the University of Iowa. Talk with your Wellness Ambassador or visit liveWELL’s website for more information.