The fall semester may be here, but summer weather is still upon us! Don't forget to make time for your wellness while you enjoy these last few weeks of sun. We have some tips on how you can make the most of this time of year!
Student Loan Payments are Resuming. Savi Can Guide You.
The time is finally here: Student Loan payments are resuming. Enrolling in repayment programs may be daunting —but it doesn’t have to be. Savi, a team of student loan experts dedicated to helping you find the repayment solution that’s best for you, can take on some of the more confusing aspects of navigating your student loan repayment options.
This benefit is Pitt’s way of saying that we understand how tricky some of these processes are. It can be hard to keep track of everything as an individual borrower. That’s why we partnered with Savi; they’re the experts. Their programs are available at no cost to you through the end of 2023.
To learn more about Savi and what repayment options are available to you, consider attending one of our upcoming webinars.
Show Prediabetes Who’s Boss
Did you know that, with proper intervention, it’s actually possible to stop prediabetes from turning into Type 2 Diabetes? That’s why Pitt offers the Group Lifestyle Balance program. This program, part of the Comprehensive Medication Management benefit, is a free, 12-week course that supports your journey to get back on track in areas like weight loss, nutrition, exercise, and stress. It is completely remote, so this is a great opportunity for employees at any of our campuses!
If you are a full-time or part-time regular University faculty or staff member with UPMC Health Plan coverage through Pitt who has been diagnosed with prediabetes or think you may have it, reach out to Natalie Capozzolo, pharmacist, at mymeds@pitt.edu no later than September 1, 2023, to see if you qualify for this program.
New Plan Year, New Opportunities for Rewards
The 2023-24 Medical Plan year has officially started, and that means the calendar has reset for Wellness Incentive Reward Dollars! These Reward Dollars can be earned by completing healthy activities that you may already be doing such as getting a flu shot, having an annual wellness exam, or completing routine bloodwork. The biggest point value comes from completing the MyHealth Questionnaire. This questionnaire, which is accessible through your UPMC profile, asks a couple of key questions about your health and wellness. You will get a $50 reward just for completing it! These funds can help you cover certain medical costs throughout the year, which makes staying healthy even more attainable!
Lifelong Learning Lovers – OLLI's Fall Registration is Here!
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Pittsburgh is a stress-free lifelong learning program for adults “age 50 and better.” Through this program, members have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of courses on topics like history, mythology, languages, literature, and even Bruce Springsteen! No, really—there's a class called “Bruce Springsteen and the Soundtrack of Life.” The best part? There are no grades or quizzes; these classes exist purely for the joy of learning something new! This program is not limited to Pitt employees, so if you have a loved one who may be interested, send this information their way.
Classes begin August 28, so review the course catalog and enroll today!
Allegheny County Traveling Glass Recycling Program
Did you know that glass is 100% recyclable? This means that taking advantage of programs like Allegheny County’s Traveling Glass Recycling Program is key to building a sustainable future! They will be stopping by locations like White Oak Park, North Park, and South Park throughout the remainder of the year to make recycling your glass products as easy as possible. You do not need to be an Allegheny County resident to take advantage of this program, so if you’re near one of these locations (looking at you, North Huntingdon and Cranberry Township area folks), feel free to stop by with your recyclables!
Explore the Great Outdoors
This is the perfect weather to enjoy some of Pennsylvania’s over 12,000 miles of trails and get in some outdoor physical activity! Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has created this interactive map that allows you to locate trails based on location and trail use (e.g., biking, hiking, ATV, or equestrian) to help you explore some of the state’s natural wonders. The website also includes a list of events to enhance your experience. Not to mention, September is PA Trails Month, so what better time to celebrate by exploring a trail near you...or nowhere near you if you want a little more adventure!
Pride Isn’t Just for June
Pride Month may be over, but Pitt’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community is not. We know how important it is to have resources year-round, and that’s part of why we offer an entire website dedicated to finding resources for care (both mental and physical) and community no matter which campus you call home.
Are you an ally who wants to learn how to make your workplace as welcoming as possible? This site has resources for you, too, including this guide on how to use Gender-Inclusive Language and an LGBTQ Glossary to become more familiar with terms used within the community.
Keeping Our Streets and Sidewalks Safe
The students are moving back in, which means our streets and sidewalks are bustling once again. Learning the rules of the road can be hard for new students, especially if this is their first experience with city life or they’re new to America. It can be stressful to travel across campus during these busy times of year, but keeping in mind pedestrian safety tips can ensure everyone in our Pitt community stays safe. The NHTSA Pedestrian Safety page linked above provides advice no matter how you plan to get across campus, whether you’re a motorist, pedestrian, cyclist, bus rider, or safety advocate!