WINTER 2021 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1
IN THIS ISSUE Insights from the UI Employee Well-Being Survey Personal Path Finding Dr. Carr’s Tips for Being Active This Winter Lifestyles: Prevention Programs Remote Caregiving
staff
UI WELLNESS
UI Wellness is a unit of UI Human Resources.
Megan Hammes
Senior Director, UI Wellness megan-hammes@uiowa.edu 335-5424 • E119 CRWC
Ilona Lichty
Health Coach ilona-lichty@uiowa.edu 467-0192 • E119 CRWC
Carla Melby-Oetken
Health Coach carla-melby@uiowa.edu 353-2975 • E119 CRWC
Allison Hugo
Health Coach allison-hugo@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • E119 CRWC
Sandy Stewart
Well-Being Specialist sandra-stewart@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • E119 CRWC
Melanie Cuchna
Well-Being Specialist melanie-cuchna@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • E119 CRWC
Jean O’Donovan
Secretary jean-odonovan@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • E119 CRWC
Mary Heath
A Message from the CHRO:
Staying Kind and Connected
All aspects of our lives have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – from how we work, to how we learn, to how we play. Maybe more than anything else, the virus has changed what it means to practice well-being in our daily lives. It will also impact how we move forward into the New Year. Our work will continue to look different this year, but we learned a lot in 2020. You came together as Hawkeyes and found new and innovative ways to do important work, creating possibilities and hope for our future. At Iowa, our work centers on the people of our community. Yet still, there are many people in our community who are struggling. I encourage all of you, as I encourage myself daily, to take a moment to connect with one another and be kind. Look for those small and meaningful things you can do to make a difference. These acts will help us stay connected to our purpose as we embark on the next steps of our journey. Pass it on and continue to liveWELL. Cheryl Reardon Chief Human Resources Officer and Associate Vice President
Secretary mary-heath@uiowa.edu 353-2973 • E119 CRWC
Diana Kremzar
Family Services Director diana-kremzar@uiowa.edu 335-3558 • 121 USB
Cover photo by Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash Layout and Design by Student Life Communications Printed by UI Printing Services on recycled paper
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liveWELL inspires a culture of well-being and campus excellence, providing employees with the opportunity to thrive.
IN THIS ISSUE
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9
INSIGHTS FROM THE UI EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING SURVEY
PHA WINNERS
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10
DR. CARR’S TIPS FOR BEING ACTIVE THIS WINTER
PERSONAL PATH FINDING
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14 LIFESTYLES: PREVENTION PROGRAMS
REMOTE CAREGIVING
University Human Resources provides leadership in shaping an equitable and inclusive culture that drives diversity, excellence and innovation by supporting talent, engagement, and the employee work experience.
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Taking Care During Times of Uncertainty:
Insights from the
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING SURVEY
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To understand the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on UI employees and offer possible solutions to support employee well-being, researchers from the Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest and Tippie College of Business launched the University of Iowa Employee Well-Being Survey. The survey was sent out to all faculty and staff in May 2020 with additional data collections conducted in August/September and December 2020. An additional survey will be conducted in February 2021. liveWELL interviewed lead researchers conducting the survey to learn more about their initial findings and implications to further support employee well-being. Read full reports and find videos and other resources on the University of Iowa Well-being Survey at hwc.public-health.uiowa.edu/ui-employee-well-being-survey.
liveWELL: All employees
across the university have been impacted in some way by the pandemic. How have employees working in health care or essential positions been impacted specifically? Diane Rohlman, PhD Professor, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Endowed Chair in Rural Safety and Health:
As expected, onsite clinical staff at UIHC reported significantly lower wellbeing and were more likely to report that work was interfering with their family life than their onsite nonclinical and remote counterparts. These outcomes got worse over time, and these findings most likely reflect continued stress and increased workload experienced by clinical workers. However, there were two positives
UI Employee Assistance Program The UI Employee Assistance Program is a confidential counseling and referral program for University of Iowa employees and their families. To schedule an appointment, contact EAP by phone at 319-335-2085, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., or email eaphelp@uiowa.edu. hr.uiowa.edu/well-being/ employee-assistance-program
Taking Care in Challenging Times This site includes a bank of resources to help you understand the signs of stress, when to take action, and how you can help yourself and others. hr.uiowa.edu/well-being/ employee-assistance-program/ campus-support-and-criticalincident-response/taking-care
The Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest (HWC) is a partnership of the University of Iowa’s College of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, and the Nebraska Safety Council and is funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
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Just-in-Time Child Care Resources The pandemic has caused child care emergencies for many UI employees, especially those in critical health care and operations roles. Find child care resources, guidance, and opportunities to help here. · Child Care Referral Resources · Back-up or Occasional Child Care Resources · Tutoring Resources · Volunteer Child Care · COVID-19 Child Care Considerations hr.uiowa.edu/well-being/ family-services/child-care/ just-time-child-care-resources
Elder Caregiving Resources The University of Iowa provides a variety of resources to help employees navigate the complex and often confusing world of elder caregiving. · One-on-one elder care guidance, information, and referral · Courses and workshops · In-home assessment · Back-up adult care · Basic estate planning resources hr.uiowa.edu/wellbeing/family-services/ elder-caregiving-resources
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that were seen in the survey. Supervisors that supported both family and work life and flexible work arrangements had a positive influence on well-being. This was true for both clinical and non-clinical onsite workers. Supervisors who listen to employees’ work and non-work conflicts and work with them to come up with creative solutions help employees manage burnout and improve wellbeing. As the pandemic wanes, supervisors may have more flexibility in providing more control over when and how they work, which may help mitigate work-related impacts on well-being. Read an excerpt from Rebecca Porter, PhD, RN’s essay on Personal Path Finding on page 10 to learn how her personal experiences of purpose have contributed to her resilience and well-being. liveWELL: What are you
seeing with employees caring for young children or older adults? Beth Livingston, PhD Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship, Tippie College of Business:
During the first survey conducted in late spring, we found that employees with children at home reported higher emotional exhaustion, but not lower well-being. However, this group reported worse outcomes in the second wave, which coincided
with the start of the 2020 school year. Respondents with children at home reported greater emotional exhaustion and experienced worse emotional states. We examined whether this was due to overseeing virtual learning for their children and found that those who are not responsible for overseeing virtual learning reported higher well-being and significantly less emotional exhaustion. Additionally, like employees with children, employees responsible for care of older adults reported significantly more emotional exhaustion than those not caring for elderly family members. liveWELL: What considerations
should employees working remotely take for their well-being?
Nathan Fetke, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health:
While analyses are ongoing, preliminary results suggest strong associations between the computing equipment used while working at home and the reporting of musculoskeletal pain. Employees who used a laptop, particularly without an external mouse, reported a moderate level of back pain compared to employees who used a desktop computer. Features of the home office setup were also associated with less reporting of musculoskeletal pain: ability to rest the arms, stand while working, and the
availability of an adjustable office chair. Although not experiencing as much stress as onsite workers, employees working remotely (or in hybrid situations) reported worse well-being compared to pre-COVID times. Less exercise and a poor diet were associated with greater emotional exhaustion and worse overall well-being for remote workers. Similar to the clinical workers group, employees who reported greater supervisor support for work and nonwork conflicts and that their supervisor was a positive role model for balancing work and home life, reported higher well-being and lower emotional exhaustion.
liveWELL: How can UI
employees continue to support this research? Shelly Campo, PhD Associate Professor, Community and Behavioral Health and Communication Studies, Associate Dean, Graduate College:
As the impact of the COVID19 pandemic continues to impact work and family life, it is important to understand the impact on employee well-being. These findings can help inform how the university can restructure work at Iowa to promote employee well-being. We will continue to look at the findings from our first three surveys, but we will also be sending out a link to a final survey in February.
UI Ergonomics Program The UI Ergonomics Program strives to provide an efficient and safe work environment for all employees by offering education and prevention programs. · Remote Work Ergonomic Toolkit · Non-Computer Ergonomics · Safe Patient Handling hr.uiowa.edu/well-being ergonomics-program
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TAKEAWAYS FOR UI EMPLOYEES SUPPORTING THEMSELVES AND OTHERS Supervisor support matters. Employees with supervisors who have skills to support them and their family and nonwork roles have greater well-being.
Note to readers: The University of Iowa is rich with campus experts on various health and well-being topics. Do you have a question for liveWELL that we can help answer in a future edition? Do you have research or information you need to share with the University community or a suggestion for a featured story? Let us know by emailing livewell@uiowa.edu. Our mission is to “inspire a culture of well-being and campus excellence, providing employees with the opportunity to thrive.” Any ideas to support our community and help Hawkeyes thrive is what we’re all about. We’d love to hear from you!
• Resources for supervisors are available through University of Iowa Learning and Development at hr.uiowa.edu/administrative-services/supervisor-trainingiowa. • The Healthier Workforce Center for the Midwest put on a webinar to support supervisors managing remote employees. View the recording at hwc.public-health.uiowa.edu/ui-employee-well-being-survey/. Flexible work arrangements. Allowing employees to have flexibility in their work where possible helps protect employees from burnout. Optimal ergonomics. Having a dedicated space to do your work prevents musculoskeletal pain and improves physical well-being. Physical activity and nutrition. Developing healthy habits and making time to move and eat healthy can help mitigate the effects of the pandemic and lead to greater overall well-being. Connecting with resources. Your response to the pandemic is appropriate for the situation, but do not be afraid to reach out for help if you are feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or alone.
Health Coaching A Health Coach is a great resource for getting started with your well-being goals. Check out the bottom of page 13 for more information.
Lifestyles Prevention Programs For additional support and accountability for improving your health, read about liveWELL’s programs for diabetes prevention and weight management on pages 14-15.
liveWELL Trainings
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Online courses are offered throughout the year featuring a variety of well-being topics. Check out the back cover for a preview of the spring line up.
Take Your Personal Health Assessment
$250 WINNERS! Makenna Martin Staff Nurse, UIHC
“I plan to put my prize toward continuing to support local businesses and restaurants during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I’m lucky to have a job that I’ve been able to keep during all of this! #MaskUpIA ”
Megan Soliday
Educator, Rehab Therapies, UIHC
“Thank you so much for this prize! I plan on using the prize to purchase things for hiking and camping with my family!”
Mary Miller Clerk III, UIHC
“I will probably spend the winnings on Christmas gifts for my nieces and nephews.”
Micah Purcell
Patient Access Specialist, VPMA-Patient Access Center
“I spent the money on fixing up my bike! I was able to enjoy some long rides with my dad over Thanksgiving and around town.”
Amy Kray
Medical Assistant II, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carver College of Medicine
“As the money is coming right before the holidays, I will likely put it toward our Christmas funds.”
Connor Hood
Public Engagement Specialist, University of Iowa Libraries “I will probably use the winnings for some holiday gifts and donations and maybe some chew toys and treats for my dog.”
TAKE YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN! Access your 10-minute survey at your Employee Self-Service website. The PHA is available to faculty and staff in 50% or greater, regular positions.
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Rebecca Porter is a Clinical Ethics Nurse for University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Like so many other health care workers this year, Rebecca has worked hard to find ways to keep moving forward during an unimaginable and exhausting point in our history. The following is an excerpt from her essay, Personal Path Finding, which encourages developing the skills to find purpose, practice resilience and use the tools around you to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
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Orienteering was a necessary survival skill I learned when I hiked or skied in the mountainous backcountry of western Canada or kayaked in the ocean. It’s a skill that involves answering the questions: where am I; and where am I going? Orienteering, as both art and skill, helps one safely navigate from point A to point B. It has served me—as an analogy—for emotionally navigating the challenges wrought by Covid19. I needed to find a personal path forward to maintain my emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Almost every journal, magazine and newspaper article since COVID-19 became integrated into our lives includes at least one article about the effects of chronic stress on our health. There are stories of people feeling sad, angry, frustrated, lonely, hopeless or overwhelmed. Other stories describe people finding meaning and renewed pride in their work, discovering increased compassion for others, finding a new hobby and ways to exercise; and re-thinking the things that bring purpose to their lives. Even with the challenges and heartaches of Covid-19, people are finding ways to flourish emotionally and psychologically. However, my sense is that to flourish is a bit like orienteering —in that both require knowledge and practiced skills. When I planned my back-country ski or hiking trip, I took time to use my orienteering tools: my map and compass. After reading scientific and psychology literature along with several articles in the newspapers, eight orienteering-like skills emerged that seem to existentially answer those 2 questions: where am I; and where do I want to go?
Here is a list of those skills I found useful: 1. Name the emotion I am experiencing because my emotional state will guide my response to a situation. I need to calm myself so that I can focus on the problem at hand and think from an emotional perspective, ‘Where am I? Where do I want to go?’ so that I can be productive. 2. When I express gratitude to others, my mood improves, and I find that I can focus on the positive things in my life. 3. Silently well-wishing others as I pass them by improves my thought processes and my mood. 4. Learning a new skill creates new neural pathways which helps me consider alternative strategies for problem-solving.
6. I know that I am not alone in grieving the losses of Covid-19, but by consciously acknowledging and grieving those losses, I know that I am creating a ‘new normal’. 7. I realized that laughing and feeling joy has even more meaning in the past months. It helps release tension and makes me relax. I have found respite in reading or watching a movie instead of relentlessly doom-scrolling through online news sites. 8. Intentionally staying connected with my family and friends brings meaning to my life and reduces the times I feel alone. I find a deeper sense of community because I realize that my experiences are not that different from what others are experiencing.
5. I can focus my thinking and calm myself when I consciously let go of the things in my life that I cannot control.
It is normal to have intermittent days of feeling sad or angry or frustrated. It is time to get help if those days turn into weeks. The University of Iowa has many resources. Here are resources to explore for help: UI Employee Assistance Program: Free confidential counseling service available to all UI employees. Contact UI EAP at 319-335-2085 or eaphelp@uiowa.edu. Mental Health at Iowa: A hub of mental health resources and options available to faculty, staff, and students across the UI campus. Visit mentalhealth.uiowa.edu. COPE Team: Supports UI Health Care staff with work-related experiences and challenges such as COVID-19. Contact COPE at UIHC-COPE@healthcare.uiowa.edu.
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Dr. Lucas Carr is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Human Physiology and an expert on physical activity behavior. His research focuses on designing interventions that promote physical activity and reduce time sitting. He’s found that individuals who are most successful with physical activity are the ones who make it a habit. As the seasons change, our physical activity routines might also shift. Use these ideas and tips for staying active and making exercise stick this winter season. 12 liveWELL
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
There are several fun outdoor activities available in the Eastern Iowa area. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are great outdoor activities. Trails are available at Kent Park, Ashton Cross Country Course, and Coralville Creekside Cross. The Iowa City Nordic Club provides regular updates on trail conditions. Ice skating at North Liberty’s Penn Meadows Park and sledding are fun ways to be active with family and friends.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITY Dress appropriately and stay hydrated. Wear active materials that wick moisture away from the body. Bring a friend (from your bubble). Bringing a friend can help keep you accountable and make the experience more pleasurable. Pleasure bundle. Combine your activity with something you enjoy like listening to music or podcasts, being in nature, or bringing a family member, friend or K9.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES When the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are many indoor activities to consider. Commit to playing with your kids for 15 minutes each day. Hide and seek, tumbling, dance parties, and active video games like Nintendo Wii are some good options. The COVID-19 pandemic has supercharged the home exercise industry and there are countless options available. There are many free fitness classes available on YouTube (PopSugar Fitness, Blogilates, Men’s Fitness) and other mobile apps. Take some time to explore the classes that most appeal to you.
TIPS FOR MAKING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY A HABIT
INDOOR ACTIVITIES WITH UI RECREATIONAL SERVICES Virtual Group Fitness Classes Small Group Training Programs At-Home Workout Library Learn more about programs through UI Recreational Services:
RECSERV.UIOWA.EDU
Habits are routines that we repeat automatically, often in response to cues or triggers. Here are some tips to make physical activity a habit. Restructure your environment so it cues you to be active. Try to create cues that remind you to be active in the spaces you visit most and when your motivation is highest. Put exercise equipment where you spend the most time. Restructuring your environment makes change easier to stick to. Choose a routine that you wish to repeat. Make sure the routine is something easy and something that you enjoy. Commit to practicing your routing for three months. Research shows that exercise-related habits take an average of 91 days to become ‘habitual’. Nothing happens overnight, so try committing to the process and know that you are receiving benefits just by practicing. Consider a simple habit. Try anchoring a new habit to an existing habit. Your anchor needs to be simple, reliable, and precise. Your new habit needs to be something you can complete in that space and moment. One example: After I [anchor habit], I will [new habit]. After I [brush my teeth], I will [do 10 pushups].
Need some extra accountability and support for creating your physical activity or well-being habits? Meet with a liveWELL Health Coach. Visit our website to learn more and request an appointment: hr.uiowa.edu/well-being/livewell/health-coach-services
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abetes
LIFESTYLES PREVENTION PROGRAMS These programs are for individuals who are serious about getting healthy now. With focus, determination, and expert guidance and support, you can eat healthy, add physical activity to your routine, manage stress, and achieve a healthy weight. Both the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program and the 10-Week Weight Management platform (powered by Naturally Slim) have shown that engaged participants reduce their risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Whether you are looking for group support and accountability or prefer quick information you can access anytime anywhere, these programs can help you build healthy habits for life.
Diabetes Prevention Program
10-Week Weight Management Program
• Year-long program
• Access to online and app-based platform
• Receive group support and accountability
• Receive weekly lessons on the go
• Connect with your fellow Hawkeyes
• Complete on your own schedule
• Participate in live Zoom meetings
• Participate using your computer or mobile device
65 participants 52% for type 2 diabetes reduced their risk
7.4
pounds average weight loss
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686 participants 36% for type 2 diabetes reduced their risk
6.6
pounds average weight loss
“I would encourage anyone to sign up for this year-long program. The weekly meetings help keep you accountable to maintain your new lifestyle and your new habits. I enjoy the input from others in my class as well. Everyone offers a different perspective and that has been beneficial.” –Kim Geguzis Diabetes Prevention Program Participant
“I just happen to have my annual physical and it was surprising to me that even after that short period of time, not only was my weight down, but I also had decreased my blood pressure. I decreased my cholesterol levels, and I decreased my PSA. So, all the trends are in the right direction. Not only am I feeling healthier, but I think that it’s also making me happier.”
“This program was a great resource for keeping me accountable and staying on track. I enjoyed the weekly motivational messages and video sessions.” –Lynn Snyder 10-Week Weight Management Program Participant
–Tom Moore Diabetes Prevention Program Participant
NEW GROUPS LAUNCHING SOON! Info sessions and registration for the Diabetes Prevention Program are happening now. New groups start in February 2021.
GROUP 1: Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m. starting February 3, 2021 GROUP 2: Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 pm. starting February 4, 2021 Join the waitlist now for the 10-Week Weight Management Program.
Applications open on Monday, February 15, 2021 The program begins on Monday, March 15, 2021 Space in each program is limited. Learn more and how to register at:
HR.UIOWA.EDU/LIVEWELL/LIFESTYLES
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Remote caregiving includes managing and providing care for older ones from afar. Many have already been doing remote caregiving long before this concept was labeled during the pandemic. Caregiving at any distance can cause anxiety, especially if you do not get to see your loved one as often as you like. The best way to set your mind at ease is to make sure that your loved one is provided with all of the care and help that they need when you or your family cannot physically be there for them. Communication is one of the most important needs of remote caregiving. If you and your family are spread out physically, making sure everyone understands the plan and is prepared will help prevent disaster. Keep communication clear and direct with a detailed list of everyone involved in care and their assigned duties. Family dynamics are always different, so determining who may contribute to caregiving is not always as simple as turning to a person’s relatives. Here are some examples of people to communicate with if you are acting as a remote caregiver: • Family members: siblings, aunts, uncles, etc. • Neighbors or friends of your elderly loved ones who check up on them • Professional care services (home care service, assisted/independent living communities) • Physicians or other health care professionals In case of emergencies, you will want to be able to call the right people who may live closer to your family member such as neighbors, friends, or caretakers who see them on a regular basis.
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Delegating Responsibilities
Consider a Professional Care Coordinator
If you are coordinating caregiving with a group of family members, simplify the process by delegating responsibilities. It is best practice to identify one person to act as the primary facilitator of remote care. The family member who lives the closest helps with daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning, serves as their emergency contact, and has the duty of keeping everybody else in the loop of communication.
If your elderly loved one requires more hands-on care, consulting a professional Senior Resource Specialist or a Care Coordinator may be a good idea, especially if you and the rest of your family live farther away. A professional care coordinator may be a nurse or social worker who will evaluate the needs of your elderly loved one and help connect them to the services they need. They can help find the best options for hands-on care that are affordable and accessible, and they can help keep track of what your elderly loved one needs.
However, the primary facilitator does not have to do it alone. Requesting assistance from family members is essential. A family member who lives farther away could take your loved one to a doctor’s visits or outings that require less frequent attention but still contribute to the caregiving duties. Other family members can offer financial support or coordinate and plan with professional care services. Even with proper organization, planning, communication, and delegation, remote caregiving can feel overwhelming at times. Regular family meetings will reduce miscommunications and keep everyone up to date. These meetings are important to reevaluate the care plan, make appropriate changes, and give everyone a chance to voice any concerns or emotional difficulties they are experiencing. Assembling in person for a family meeting may not be a viable option right now, but programs like Zoom, Skype or Facetime are great options for video calls. Group chats or email threads create more regular and fast communication.
Check In With Your Loved One Check in with the person you care for directly to see what you can do to ensure their comfort and health. This will give you awareness of how they are doing and strengthen your relationship with them. Stay in contact with daily caregivers, especially if your loved one has trouble with cognition or rational reasoning. Those around them can let you know how they are doing if you feel you cannot trust your loved one’s own evaluation of their needs.
Utilize Technology Various forms of technology are available to help families with caregiving needs. For example, medication management technology sends your loved one alerts with reminders to take important medications on time. These medication dispensers also will alert you that the medication was taken on time or alert you if it was missed.
Ask for Support As a remote caregiver, it is especially important to reach out for help when you need it. Evaluate why you have taken this role, and ensure others involved in remote care are doing the same. Make sure the level of care for each of you is balanced. No matter how dedicated you are to supporting your loved one, you may need assistance in the process.
LivWell Senior’s referral and placement services are always free. At LivWell Seniors, we understand that making the right senior living decisions can be complicated. Our compassionate, knowledgeable and local Senior Resource Specialists (SRS) will support you and your family through this journey.
LivWell Seniors is more than a referral organization—it is an organization that helps seniors thrive. Our seniors have worked hard to help build our communities and now, it is our turn to make sure they are cared for in the best ways possible. We at LivWell Seniors call it the Freedom to Live Well! CONTACT US AT: www.livwellseniors.com info@livwellseniors.com 319-250-1577
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