{"id":5332,"date":"2026-02-02T11:18:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T17:18:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/hr\/?p=5332"},"modified":"2026-03-02T08:34:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T14:34:47","slug":"health-and-wellness-updates-02-02-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/hr\/health-and-wellness-updates-02-02-26\/","title":{"rendered":"February Employee Health and Wellness Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to the monthly Health and Wellness newsletter for 51ÁÔÆæ employees that highlights various upcoming programs and services that are available to employees. We hope you take advantage of the many opportunities detailed below. Visit the Employee Wellness Website to learn about wellbeing resources and upcoming programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wellness Programs and Resources<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Employee Appreciation Week is February 9 \u2013 15, 2026<\/strong>!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Employee Appreciation Week is an opportunity to celebrate employees\u2019 incredible dedication, hard work, and the amazing contributions that drive 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s success. Employee appreciation events kick off Monday, February 9 and continue through Sunday, February 15. There are numerous events scheduled throughout the week to express gratitude for the exceptional contributions and difference employees make each day. Visit the Employee Appreciation website for more information and event registration details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employee Appreciation Week<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Benefit Review Sessions for New Employees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New employees are encouraged to attend a benefit review session to learn about their comprehensive benefits package and how to enroll within the 30-day enrollment window. Virtual benefits review sessions are scheduled for February 3 and 4, from 12:00 P.M. \u2013 1:00 P.M. Visit the Benefits Reviews web page to register for upcoming sessions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits Reviews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Changes to earning the $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Important updates have been made to how participants earn the incentive in 2026. Participants can earn a $150 prepaid card by visiting their Well Wisconsin portal and completing a health assessment, health check, and well-being activity. The deadline to earn the incentive is October 16, 2026. For more details, see the 2026 Highlights webinar or pages three to five of the program brochure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well Wisconsin Launch Poster<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well Wisconsin Webinars<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well Wisconsin Program Brochure<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WebMD Health portal<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register for a Well Wisconsin Biometric Screening & Earn Your Annual $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Two free onsite health screening events are scheduled at the 51ÁÔÆæ Student Union Wisconsin Room, on March 18 and April 21, from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., for employees (and spouses) enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. At the onsite screening, participants will learn their measurements for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total), triglycerides and glucose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complete the onsite health screening, along with the health assessment and well-being activity, by October 16, 2026, to earn the annual $150 Well Wisconsin incentive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow these steps to register for an appointment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Log in to your WebMD Health portal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Click \u201cMy Benefits\u201d  at the top of the screen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Scroll to the \u201cTake Action\u201d section.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. On the Biometric Screening card, click \u201cGet Started.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Choose \u201cClick here to register\u201d under \u201cOnsite Health Screening\u201d to be directed to the Quest site to reserve your spot.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    WebMD Health portal<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Wellbeing Webinars & Workshops (*51ÁÔÆæ Specific<\/strong>)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Program<\/th>Description<\/th>Date(s)<\/th>Time<\/th>Location<\/th>Registration<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Stress and Heart Health<\/td>Explore the connection between stress and heart health and learn strategies for reducing stress.<\/td>February 2<\/td>12:00 P.M.<\/td>Virtual<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Yoga & Pilates<\/td>Experience the meditative and calming effects of yoga as we focus on slow flow yoga this month. Designed for all fitness levels.<\/td>Weekly<\/td>4:00 P.M.<\/td>Virtual<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Intro to Mindfulness*<\/td>Learn mindfulness and meditation in this evidence-based, 4-week training.<\/td>February 4 \u2013 February 25<\/td>4:00 P.M.<\/td>Virtual<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Body Weight Strength<\/td>Full body strength training using dynamic movements and your body weight. Designed for intermediate to advanced fitness levels.<\/td>February 4 \u2013 February 25<\/td>4:30 P.M.<\/td>Virtual<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    51ÁÔÆæidday Reset Series*<\/td>Take 15 minutes to calm your mind, release tension, and help regain focus for the rest of your day.<\/td>February 5, 16, and 25<\/td>12:00 P.M.<\/td>Virtual<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    \u201cTiny Habits\u201d Book Club<\/td>Virtual book club starts April 6.<\/td>Registrer by February 6<\/td>12:00 P.M.<\/td>Virtual<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Free Hearing Screenings Employee Appreciation<\/td>Schedule a free hearing screening at the HEAR Wisconsin Mobile Audiology Clinic and receive results immediately.<\/td>February 9<\/td>10:00 A.M. \u2013 1:00 P.M.<\/td>Between Lapham and SARUP<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Rejuvenation Station Employee Appreciation<\/td>Take a break and participate in a variety of activities to help start the week on a positive note. There will be massage chairs, therapy dogs, arts and crafts, fun games, a blood pressure check station, the opportunity to create a microgreen kit and some light snacks for employees.<\/td>February 9<\/td>10:30 A.M. \u2013 1:30 P.M.<\/td>51ÁÔÆæ Student Union, Wis Rm A<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Move with the Mascot (MWM) 
    Employee Appreciation<\/td>    		Join Pounce the Panther and Chancellor Gibson for a fun wellness break at the Klotsche Center. Employees can take their picture in a photo booth with Pounce and win some fun giveaways. Come for movement, connection, and fun with others who work at 51ÁÔÆæ!<\/td>February 11<\/td>11:00 A.M.<\/td>Klotsche Center<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Wholehearted Movement Series<\/td>Give yourself and your heart a gift by joining Tracy, 51ÁÔÆæ Employee Wellbeing Manager, for this engaging and fun movement series. All levels and abilities are welcome!<\/td>February 18 \u2013 Yoga
    February 25 \u2013 Stretch
    March 4 \u2013 Walk<\/td>    		12:00 P.M.<\/td>February 18 \u2013 Union 191
    February 25 \u2013 Union 191
    March 4 \u2013 Chapman Hall<\/td>    		Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    The Power of Kindness in Trying Times<\/td>Explore how kindness and simple acts of goodwill can transform our workplaces, homes, and communities.<\/td>February 11<\/td>12:30 P.M.<\/td>Virtual<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Planetarium Program Employee Appreciation<\/td>Explore the origins of the cosmos dating back almost 14 billion years. In this live, interactive show. The program will include an indoor stargazing session of the night sky followed by the opportunity to ask questions.<\/td>February 12<\/td>12:00 P.M.<\/td>51ÁÔÆæ Planetarium<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Lunchtime Boost \u2013 Chair Yoga<\/td>Take a 15-min break for chair yoga, a gentle and accessible form of yoga for all abilities.<\/td>February 13<\/td>12:00 P.M.<\/td>Virtual<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Heart Smarts<\/td>Test your knowledge and learn more about heart health, trivia style!  Join Tracy, 51ÁÔÆæ Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Manger, for this 30-minute, fast-paced, informative and fun way to be heart smart.<\/td>February 17<\/td>3:30 P.M.<\/td>Virtual<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Heart Healthy Meal and Snack Swap Outs<\/td>Learn, discover and share quick and easy ways that boost nutrition and help you care for your heart.<\/td>February 20<\/td>12:00 P.M.<\/td>LEC Manpower Rm & Virtual<\/td>Register<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Employees can participate in additional webinars\/events that are offered this month and beyond. See the Universities of Wisconsin Webinars web page for webinar information and register via the links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Universities of Wisconsin Webinars<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Employees can also access recorded videos for Well Wisconsin on the web page below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Well Wisconsin for Members<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you are unable to attend a fitness class, visit the on-demand library of recordings for recorded classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Well WI Group Fitness<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Well Wisconsin Management Training Series<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Join the Well Wisconsin leadership training series, designed to help managers build leadership skills to create a culture of well-being at work. Join one or all four in this series by registering for individual training sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n