HOME BETWEEN ISSUES ARCHIVE DEADLINES CONTACT US
 
 

 

To Combat Rising Health Care Costs:
A Focus on Wellness--March 30-April 1

There's no denying the fact that health care costs keep escalating, affecting companies and employees nationwide. Here at Penn, it's one of the major contributing factors to the financial challenges we're currently facing (see the January 20, 2004 Almanac). Cost-reduction steps we've taken over the past few years have begun taking effect, as evidenced by a recent survey performed by the global benefits consulting firm Hewitt Associates. This survey shows that Penn's health care costs over the past year were lower than most other companies in the local and national markets. However, we still pay more than the majority of our direct industry competitors.

One reason for Penn's high costs is that our plans provide comparatively richer benefits than those of most other industry competitors. Other contributing factors include the high benefit utilization by our participants and the sharply increasing costs of prescription drugs.

Although many of the factors driving increasing health care costs are beyond your direct control, there are some things you can do to try to limit the impact on you and your family.  Typically, the better your general health, the less you need to use your health care coverage--and the less you have to pay out of your own pocket for health care. So if you can improve your general wellness, you may be able to save yourself some money.

With this in mind, the Division of Human Resources invites you to learn more about being and staying healthy--physically and mentally--as we Focus on Wellness Tuesday, March 30 through Thursday, April 1. 

During this three-day period, you can meet some of Penn's experienced health care professionals and let them provide you with the necessary information and/or health screenings to guide you in your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. You can also get tips from the Department of Recreation's fitness staff on how to start and maintain fitness programs, stay focused, and prevent injury.

Tuesday, March 30

Wellness Fair and Workshops: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Houston Hall, Bodek Lounge and Reading Rooms, main floor

  • Mini massages       
  • Health screenings: blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, smokerlyzer/carbon monoxide, vision
  • Information tables: cancer prevention, dental health, digestive health, employee assistance program, environmental safety/ergonomics, fitness programs, health management, injury management, nutritional health, women's health
  • Workshops on lifestyle and health: dispelling myths about women's health, healthy ergonomics, managing insomnia, reducing male health risks

Wednesday, March 31                  

Wellness Fair and Workshops: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Houston Hall, Ben Franklin and Golkin Rooms, 2nd floor

  • Mini massages       
  • Health screenings: blood pressure, blood sugar, body composition, cholesterol, vision
  • Information tables: cancer prevention, dental health, employee assistance program, environmental safety, fitness programs, health management, women's health
  • Workshops on stress-relief: avoiding burnout, making time for yourself and your family, putting energy back in your life, stress-relief techniques for home and office

Thursday, April 1

Fitness Presentations 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Pottruck Health & Fitness Center

  • Fitness presentations: cardio and weight training, nutrition, total body conditioning, walking or running, yoga

You can be healthier, happier, and more productive through a Focus on Wellness; let us help you understand how. Pre-registration is required for the workshops on March 30 and 31--register now. For more details on Focus on Wellness activities, visit the Human Resources website at www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/wellness/healthfair.asp, or call (215) 898-5116.

--Division of Human Resources

 

 

 

HOME BETWEEN ISSUES ARCHIVE DEADLINES CONTACT US