Health and well-being is a life-long journey
The Syracuse University Wellness Initiative offers a variety of health and well-being workshops and programs to faculty and staff. Our workshops and programs allow you the flexibility to choose your own way to well-being, focusing on the goals that are most important to you. We are committed to supporting an environment that helps you be your healthiest, best self.
If you require accommodations to fully participate in any wellness program, please contact us at wellness@syr.edu or 315.443.5472 two weeks prior to the scheduled date.
Soar into wellness |
Run a department challenge |
Join behavior change programs |
Oct. wellness opportunities
Appointments are required. Please note: the scheduling tool only shows clinics within the next 30 days; so check back to schedule! How to begin scheduling after clicking the above link Upcoming flu clinic schedule *Please bring a valid Syracuse University I.D. to receive your vaccine. If you are a temporary employee without an ID, you may show an alternate picture ID). Parking information For North Campus clinics, parking will be available at the Irving Ave Garage and Comstock Ave Garage. Please let the attendant know that you are getting your flu vaccine. For South Campus clinic, parking at or near the Skybarn is available. Join Angel L. Kerney, M.D., Board Certified OB/GYN & Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Medical Director, during this 45-minute webinar to learn more about this next stage of life. She will review the various stages of menopause, common symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep issues, and provide practical tips to help you better manage the journey! There will be time at the end for questions with Dr. Kerney. Wednesday, Oct. 11
Since 2021, Dr. Kerney has been employed at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield where she is Medical Director of Utilization Management for the Commercial line of business. Her special interests within Excellus BCBS include, Quality of Care, Maternal Health Equity, the Federal Employee Program and the Special Investigations Unit. She has participated in print media as well as multiple speaking engagement as an Excellus Medical Director. She has participated in local radio programs, speaking within the organization on various topics, and will be a speaker on the upcoming PBS “Cycle of Health” program. Dr. Kerney has served as the Chairperson of Health for the Great Lakes Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where her duties included lecturing yearly to thousands of women on various health care topics. She was a certified trainer and lecturer for several Pharmaceutical Companies and lectured throughout the east coast on Vaginal and Implantable contraception for many years. Dr. Kerney is also an Expert Legal Witness for a law firm in Rochester, NY where she has resided for the past 28 years. Her absolute passion is global travel and she has travelled to every continent, except Antarctica, and her next journey is Japan and South Korea later this year. Join the American Heart Association for Hands-Only CPR training (non-certifying). Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to people at any time, anywhere. Every second counts; those experiencing cardiac arrest must be treated immediately. If CPR is performed immediately, it can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This is why CPR training is so important. Learning the basics can be empowering and will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed in an emergency situation. Register for Thursday, Oct. 12 (11 a.m.-Noon or 12:30-1:30 p.m.). 500 Hall of Languages. Register for Friday, Oct. 27 (10:30-11:30 a.m. or Noon-1 p.m.). 500 Hall of Languages. Parking will be available at the University Ave, Irving Ave and Comstock Ave Garage. Please let the attendant know that you attended a CPR class. Join Certified Athletic Trainer and Wellbeing Engagement Consultant from Excellus BCBS, Katie Keller-Burgess, for this engaging 45-minute back care session. During this session, we will discuss common back injuries and review practical applications that you can implement into your daily routine to help “stack your back” and make it strong! There will be time at the end for questions with Katie. Tuesday, Oct. 17 Katie has worked as a Wellbeing Engagement Consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for close to five years and has over 11 years of corporate wellness experience. In her role with Excellus BCBS, she supports organizations in designing, executing, and evaluating workplace wellness strategies to impact employee health and engagement. Katie has a Master’s in Science in Athletic Training from West Virginia University with a concentration in Nutrition. She has been a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) since 2010, with the primary focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation. She also held a Personal Training Certification for a number of years. She is certified Worksite Wellness Practitioner through Wellness Councils of America as well, a nationally accredited wellness organization. Watch AIH info session (7-minutes) This six-week interactive group program for faculty and staff will be conducted in a group setting via Microsoft Teams (with the final session being in person). The focus is to help individuals break out of emotional eating cycles using practical, doable strategies. Read about staff member Kristi Vega’s experience with the program last fall. Oct. 19-Nov. 30 (no class Nov. 23) The Am I Hungry® Mindful Eating Program is a six-week commitment that includes: *Each participant receives the Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat book and workbook with enrollment into the program. You can choose to commit as much time as you would like but to get the full benefit of the program, it is most beneficial to include the reading and workbook. *All participants will need to plan a time for the week of Oct. 9 to stop at 621 Skytop Road, Suite 1001. At this time, you will pick up your materials and complete the payroll deduction form (if you didn’t complete it online). Group discussions: In-person celebration: There are three components to AIH Think: It is what really differentiates AIH from all other programs as it gives participants the skills and tools to create change on the inside first, so the changes made on the outside will last. Participants are guided through the discovery of the mindful eating cycles. This decision-making tool helps them develop greater awareness and improve their ability to make effective choices around six key decision points: Nourish: The nourish component provides nutrition education without rigid, unsustainable rules. Participants learn to approach food selection from an “all foods fit” perspective, focusing on meeting the body’s nutritional needs through balance, variety and moderation. Live: The live component of AIH inspires participants to rediscover joy and vitality in physical activity and integrate activity into their daily lives in a satisfying, sustainable way. Live takes a small steps approach to physical fitness, focusing on realistic changes and overcoming internal resistance and external barriers to exercise. The standard cost of the Am I Hungry?® Mindful Eating Program is $100. Investment All participants enrolled in the program will contribute $60 via payroll deductions, but will have the opportunity for full reimbursement by meeting the attendance criteria. Reimbursement You will receive full reimbursement of $60 via payroll if you fulfill the following: Throughout the program, trained Am I Hungry?® facilitators, Gail Grozalis and Kim DeStefano will guide participants to: According to Michelle May, M.D., founder of Am I Hungry?® and author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat, “Most diets fail because they are negative and unsustainable, leaving the dieter feeling guilty and disappointed. Diets focus on what people should eat without addressing why they eat in the first place. As a result, the overeating cycle is never really broken. Am I Hungry?® is an inside-out approach to eating and self-care that focuses on changing thoughts and feelings first, so changes in behaviors will last.” Although participants are not given rigid rules to follow, a study of 229 participants showed improved self-efficacy, significantly increased activity, more healthful eating, and gradual weight loss by a majority of the participants. 90% completed the program and nearly all said they would recommend it. Embark on a journey to discover the impact of mindful living. This interactive series delves into the art of being fully present, cultivating self-awareness and Join Courtney Chase, owner of Sky Yoga Studios, to explore mindfulness practices and their applications in everyday life. Over the course of four weeks, we’ll tune into various ways to bring mindfulness into everyday life. Each session will cover a new topic and will be open to engaging conversation to identify areas for implementation. Learn practical exercises and discover how they can reduce stress and build authentic connections with others and most importantly, with ourselves. Mondays, Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6 and 13 Awareness. Mindful Breathing. Gratitude. Compassion. Whether you are new to mindfulness or an experienced practitioner, this series offers something for everyone, giving you tools to utilize every day. Embrace the art of being present in every moment. No previous experience is necessary and individuals of all backgrounds and abilities are warmly welcomed. Join Carebridge and Care.com each month for a variety of virtual workshops designed with you in mind. For additional tips and resources on important WorkLife topics, bookmark the CarebridgeCONNECTS page. Nurture Your Child’s Authenticity (Tuesday, Oct. 3, 3:30 p.m.) Whether you are raising a child, tween, or teen, helping them to practice and learn self-validation is important. During this session, we will discuss skills to increase your child’s awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and responses in almost any circumstance. Managing Strong Emotions (Thursday, Oct. 5, 1 p.m.) Strong emotions are inevitable. This webinar goes beyond identifying emotions to help us manage and control ourselves when all of our buttons have been pushed. We need real strategies to enable us to say and do the right thing. We will share state-of-the-art techniques that will ensure you will keep your cool. Parenting a Child with ADD/ADHD (Tuesday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m.) This webinar provides a general overview of ADD/ADHD, including testing and diagnosis. The session will also go over treatment options for ADD/ADHD as well as strategies for success. Retirement & Estate Planning (Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m.) This webinar will provide you with strategies for creating a successful retirement and estate plan. The information will help you to assess your current financial situation, set retirement goals and provide helpful resources for investment. Tap to Relieve Stress (Thursday, Oct. 12, 3 p.m.) Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or tapping is a holistic practice that is easy to learn and produces relief within minutes. Anyone struggling with stress or anxiety can benefit from this experiential session. Strategies to Manage Anxiety, Fear & Stress (Tuesday, Oct. 17, Noon) Feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress can be caused by a difficult personal situation, world event, or for no reason at all. Join this webinar to learn how prioritizing your mental health and learning healthy coping tools can help you manage these feelings. The Sandwich Generation (Wednesday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m.) This webinar offers ideas on how to bring the generations together – activities, programs and even virtual travel help your younger and older loved ones explore the emotional and physical health benefits of intergenerational quality time. Common Grief Experiences (Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2:30 p.m.) Grief looks and feels different for everybody. No matter how much experience you have with grief, it can seem different with each loss. During this session, we will focus on common grief experiences and tips for coping. Understanding a Multigenerational Workforce (Thursday, Oct. 19, 1 p.m.) There are four diverse generations in today’s workplace. This webinar will help you communicate with all coworkers, regardless of age. We will identify generational differences, how to eliminate stereotypes and custom-fit your communication style. Resiliency for Working Parents (Wednesday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m.) Today’s working parent needs to build resiliency in order to prevent burnout. This webinar will give you the tools to manage stress while maintaining a sense of work and family life balance. Building in Daily Movement (Thursday, Oct. 26, 1 p.m.) This webinar explores the benefits of exercise, the role of attitude and goals on success, the components of a well-rounded workout, eating well and workouts that can be done during your workday. Depression and Older Adults (Thursday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m.) While most older adults do not experience depression, many do. During this session, we will discuss how physical health, isolation, and loss can contribute to depression in elders and teach you tangible ways to assist them. Flu Vaccine Clinics (Oct. 5 or 25)
Syracuse University has continued its partnership with Wegmans Pharmacy to offer free flu vaccines to faculty and staff. They will be immunizing with the quadrivalent flu vaccine to protect against four strains of influenza viruses. There will also be limited doses of the senior vaccine.
Schedule my flu vaccine appointment
Health Talks: Managing Menopause (Oct. 11)
During World Menopause Month, let’s talk about it openly. It’s a normal, natural part of the aging process—every woman will go through it! You may feel like celebrating it, or maybe you don’t feel quite ready. Many women have common questions and concerns about menopause and how it will impact them.
Noon-12:45 p.m. (the last 15 minutes is an optional Q&A) About Angel L. Kerney, M.D., Board Certified OB/GYN
Dr. Kerney is a Board Certified Obstetrician Gynecologist and Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She earned a Doctorate in Medicine from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse. She completed her internship at the University Hospital @ Stony Brook, NY and completed her OBGYN Residency Training at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. She has served as an Attending Physician at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY for many years. She was owner and CEO of Angel L. Kerney, MD., LLC which was an OBGYN solo private practice for the next 12 years. She then served as a travelling OBGYN Hospitalist Physician throughout New York State in Niskayuna, Utica, Jamestown, and Binghamton, NY for over 11 years. Hands-Only CPR Trainings (Oct. 12 or 27)
CPR Saves Lives! Stack Your Back: Practical Strategies to Prevent Back Pain (Oct. 17)
Movement often seems like the simplest thing in the world. Our bodies are designed to run, jump and manipulate objects. But how often are you performing everyday activities and tasks with proper biomechanics and body positioning to help protect your back?
Noon-12:45 (the last 15 minutes is an optional Q&A)
500 Hall of Languages About Katie Keller-Burgess, ATC, MS
Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Program (Oct. 19-Nov. 30)
AIH is a non-diet, weight-neutral approach that empowers individuals to take charge of their decisions about eating, physical activity, health and self-care. AIH is a comprehensive mindful eating program that guides participants to reconnect with their physical signals to guide when, what, and how much to eat without restrictive diet rules and recognize and cope with their triggers for overeating. What is the time commitment for the Am I Hungry?® Program?
When will the weekly session take place?
Tell me more about the three components: Think, Nourish and Live.
Personal investment and full reimbursement criteria
Mindful Living Series (Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13)
embracing a more conscious mindset.
Noon-12:30 p.m.
via Microsoft Teams Webinars Hosted by Carebridge and Care.com
Nov. wellness opportunities sneak peek (registration to open in late Oct.)
Get support, tips and accountability from the group to help you establish a gratitude practice you’ll stick with long after the series ends! Have your “Get With Gratitude” journal* with you at each session. *You will receive a welcome kit with two Get With Gratitude journals and a pen. Each session will be live on Zoom; a replay link will be sent to you after each session. The recording will be available for one week (with no downloading). Wednesdays. Nov. 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20
Tiffany Lord is a corporate yoga coach and founder of Love + Asana, a virtual wellness studio focused on movement and mindfulness for stress management and improved mobility. Her fun, approachable style makes classes feel like you’re hanging out with friends while finding calm in chaos! She is an E-RYT and Continuing Education Provider with the Yoga Alliance, as well as a 500-hour Therapeutic Specialist with Yoga Medicine. Continuing education in relaxation techniques, myofascial release, yoga for COVID-19 recovery and training as a massage therapist help make her sessions relevant and beneficial to clients who want simple movement and mindfulness techniques that improve their quality of life. Her articles on wellness through yoga have been featured in online and print publications, such as fyi50+ and CO Yoga + Life magazine. Jump for Joy is a 10-day jump rope challenge that will bring you back to your childhood while also giving you a routine to follow that will offer a number of benefits! How long has it been since you’ve jumped rope? Join us via Microsoft Team to get started! Nov. 9-22 What you’ll need: You will need a jump rope, of course! All participants will receive a jump rope from the wellness team. You’ll also need an interval timer–the timer on your phone will work perfectly! What you’ll do: Jump and rest for the amount of time specified for each day for 10 days. Continue with that pattern until you reach the designated time limit for that day! This high-intensity activity offers a number of benefits worth noting, including but not limited to: A bonus benefit of jumping rope is the fact that if you have to (or just want to), you can do it inside! A cold/rainy/snowy day can’t stop you– you can get your cardio session done indoors. And what makes this form of exercise even better is that it’s F-U-N! Revert to your childhood and perform this exciting challenge with a colleague or two! Teams will be quizzed on topics from sports to history to pop culture, with the top team taking home the trophy (and bragging rights, of course). Get together in person or set up a Teams/Zoom meeting to chat and discuss answers; trivia will be hosted virtually by Syracuse Trivia. Check out the complete details and get your team registered today! Monday, Nov. 20 Reg. button Questions Scoring There are two digital parts to the event: Coming soon. Get with Gratitude (Nov. 8-Dec. 20)
Tap into gratitude and build a daily journaling habit that shifts your mindset and improves your overall well-being! Learn about the positive effects of gratitude on your mental, emotional and physical wellness – all backed by scientific research. Experience guided meditations to calm your nervous system and set the stage for accessing one of Tiffany’s “five facets of gratitude” with a specially chosen prompt.
noon-12:30 p.m.
via Zoom About Tiffany Lord
Jump for Joy: Jump Rope Challenge (Nov. 9-22)
In our childhood years, we thought of the jump rope as nothing more than a toy. But as we’ve grown older, it’s developed a new purpose. What was once used for fun is now intentionally used for exercise! Of course, we still think it’s fun, but as far as jumping rope for exercise goes, it’s one heck of a workout!
Virtual department trivia is back! (Nov. 20)
Give thanks for a little friendly competition. Take a mental health break and gather your co-workers for another round of virtual department trivia!
Noon-12:45 p.m. (questions begin at 12:15 p.m.) Quick and easy signup (must sign up by Thursday, Nov. 16)
Questions and scoring
Day of event specifics
Webinars hosted by Carebridge and Care.com
Department-run challenges
To get a full variety of vitamins and minerals, it is important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. There is no magic fruit or vegetable that contains it all and variety is, in general, the key to a healthy lifestyle. Fruits and vegetables of the same color often contain some similar nutrients. Therefore, it’s not only a fun challenge to eat the rainbow, but it’s also a good habit to build, to ensure well-balanced eating. It may also make you try new foods that you haven’t tried before. Experiment and have fun! How does it work? The Wellness Team will provide you with everything you need to successfully deliver a team nutrition challenge! This challenge is designed to have you eat different colors of fruit and vegetables every day! The beauty of this challenge is the dates and length are totally up to you. Steps to take: Have all participants Watch Eat the Rainbow! to learn the importance of variety, get tips for boosting your fruit and vegetable intake and see produce options in all colors. Cultivate gratitude in the workplace The workplace is one of the best places to practice gratitude. In addition to an increase in work performance, gratitude also helps improve employee health and well-being. A grateful attitude leads to a positive and happy mindset. Get your department started with the Gratitude Challenge! The Wellness Team will provide you with everything you need to successfully deliver a team gratitude challenge! The challenge features 30 small, achievable goals to help you and your team express gratitude and better appreciate the little things in life. The beauty of this challenge is the dates and length are totally up to you. Check out the challenge specifics Eat the Rainbow Challenge
Cultivate Gratitude Challenge
Challenge basics
Department role and responsibilities
Wellness team role and responsibilities
Behavior change programs
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring (BPSM)
Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording your blood pressure at least twice a week over four months may lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. It also shows that proper nutrition, particularly with sodium reduction, can help lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
Syracuse University has continued its partnership with the YMCA of CNY to facilitate the BPSM for active benefits-eligible faculty and staff. This is an evidence-based program developed to support adults with hypertension in lowering and managing their blood pressure.
Throughout the four months, the program focuses on practicing home self-monitoring of blood pressure readings, identifying triggers and adopting healthier eating habits to better manage high blood pressure. Participants will:
- Measure and record their blood pressure at least two times per week
- all participants will receive their own blood pressure cuff (included with the program) and receive instructions for proper use
- Meet one-on-one each week with Stephanie Michaels via Microsoft Teams
- Attend a 1-hour seminar each month in 204 Maxwell Hall:
- TBD: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
- TBD: Lowering Sodium Intake
- TBD: Shopping, Preparing and Cooking Food for Better Blood Pressure Management
- TBD: Heart Healthy Eating for Life
Do I qualify?
You must be an active benefits-eligible faculty and staff that:
- is diagnosed with high blood pressure and/or are on antihypertensive medication
- has not experienced a recent (within the last 12 months) cardiac event
- does not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias currently
- does not have or are is at risk for lymphedema
I qualify, tell me more!
The Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (BPSM) will be delivered by Stephanie Michaels, a YMCA lifestyle coach trained in group facilitation beginning the week of Oct. 3 through the week of Jan. 30, 2023.
There is a maximum number of 12 participants. All persons that watch the info session, qualify and express interest will be placed on a list. Stephanie Michaels will contact everyone that expressed interest by Friday, Sept. 23 to confirm qualifying criteria are met.
Once you have been confirmed to be part of the BPSM program, you will need to:
- Plan a time to stop by Skytop Office Building the week of Sept. 26 to:
- Get your blood pressure cuff
- Sign payroll deduction form and enrollment forms (can also be completed and emailed ahead of time)
- Sign up for your weekly one-on-one time slot with Stephanie
Is there a personal investment?
The standard cost of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring is $100.
All participants enrolled in this program will contribute $60 via payroll deductions, but will have the opportunity for a full reimbursement by meeting the attendance criteria as well as blood pressure submissions.
- Weekly paid employees agree to have $5 per week deducted after taxes from their paycheck for 12 pay periods (Oct. 12 through Dec. 28) for a total of $60.
- Semi-weekly paid employees agree to have $10 deducted after taxes from their paycheck for six pay periods (Oct. 14 through Dec. 30) for a total of $60.
How would my personal investment be reimbursed?
All participants enrolled in the BPSM have the opportunity to receive full reimbursement of payroll deductions ($60) by meeting the criteria below.
Here’s how it works!
Reimbursement #1
You will receive a $25 reimbursement if you:
- Attend 6 out of 8 of your personalized check-ins (weeks 1-8)
- Take your BP a minimum of 2 times per week using your at-home cuff
- Provide weekly BP log to YMCA facilitator
You will receive an additional $5 reimbursement if you:
- Attend 1 of the 2 monthly seminars
Reimbursement #2
You will receive a $25 reimbursement if you:
- Attend 6 out of 8 of your personalized check-ins (weeks 9-16)
- Take your BP a minimum of 2 times per week using your at-home cuff
- Provide weekly BP log to YMCA facilitator
You will receive an additional $5 reimbursement if you:
- Attend 1 of the 2 monthly seminars
The above equals a total of $60 reimbursed.
National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)
Working together to prevent type 2 diabetes
Syracuse University continued its partnership with the YMCA of CNY to facilitate the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for active benefits-eligible faculty and staff. The DPP is a CDC-recognized, evidence-based lifestyle change program developed specifically to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. It is designed for adults who have prediabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, but who do not already have diabetes.
This small-group program offers peer support while helping people eat healthier, increase their physical activity and lose weight.
Watch the DPP information session
Do I qualify?
Individuals who have already been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not qualify for this pilot program.
In order to qualify for the program, you must be at least 18 years old, overweight (BMI > 25) and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes indicated by a confirmatory blood value* or a clinical diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GDM) during a previous pregnancy. If a blood value or diagnosis is not available, a qualifying risk score** may be used to enroll.
- Must be an active benefits-eligible Syracuse University faculty or staff member.
- Prediabetes confirmed via one of three blood tests*:
- Fasting glucose = 100 -125mg/dl
- 2-hour post prandial glucose = 140- 199mg/dl
- HbA1C = 5.7% – 6.4%
- If no blood test, qualifying score (9 or higher) on an American Diabetes Association or CDC risk assessment**.
I qualify, tell me more!
The DPP will be delivered by Stephanie Michaels, a YMCA lifestyle coach trained in group facilitation; Stephanie will transfer accountability to participants over the course of the year-long program.
Group: Tuesdays, noon – 1 p.m. Location: Hall of Languages, Room 500
There is a maximum number of 15 participants. Stephanie Michaels, the intake coordinator from the YMCA of Central New York will contact everyone that expressed interest by Friday, Sept. 30 to confirm qualifying criteria are met.
One-year commitment (26 one-hour sessions):
- Orientation: Tuesday, Oct. 11
- 16 consecutive weekly sessions: Tuesdays, Oct. 18—Feb. 14 (no session Nov. 22 or Dec. 27).
- Step down to 3 sessions every other week: Tuesdays, Feb. 21, March 7, March 21.
- Step down to 6 sessions once per month: Tuesdays, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 22 and Sept. 19.
Two data points (data is recorded in a HIPAA-compliant online tracking system) are collected from participants at each session: weight and minutes of physical activity.
Free YMCA family membership for the first 20 weeks of the program:
- All enrolled participants will receive the YMCA family membership (more than a $300 value!).
- The membership can be used at any of the six locations that are part of the YMCA of Central New York.
Is there a personal investment?
The standard cost of the National Diabetes Prevention Program is $429.
All participants enrolled in the DPP will contribute $200 to the DPP program via payroll deductions, but will have the opportunity for a full reimbursement by meeting the attendance criteria as well as weight and physical activity session submissions.
- Weekly paid employees agree to have $5 per week deducted after taxes from their paycheck for 40 weeks (Oct. 19 through July 19, 2023) for a total of $200.
- Semi-weekly paid employees agree to have $10 deducted after taxes from their paycheck, for 20 pay periods (Oct. 31 through Aug. 15, 2023) for a total of $200.
How would my personal investment be reimbursed?
Reimbursement #1
Core Curriculum part 1: weekly sessions 1—8
Participants who attend a minimum of 6 of the first 8 one-hour core curriculum weekly sessions and submit their weight and physical activity minutes as required by the program, will receive a $40 reimbursement to their paycheck approximately 2 weeks after session 8.
Reimbursement #2
Core Curriculum part 2: weekly sessions 9—16
Participants who attend a minimum of 6 of the 8 one-hour core curriculum weekly part 2 sessions and submit their weight and physical activity minutes as required by the program, will receive a $40 reimbursement to their paycheck approximately 2 weeks after session 16.
Reimbursement #3
Post-Core Curriculum: sessions 17—20
Participants who attend a minimum of 3 of the 4 one-hour post-core curriculum sessions and submit their weight and physical activity minutes as required by the program, will receive a $40 reimbursement to their paycheck approximately 2 weeks after session 20.
Reimbursement #4
Post-Core Curriculum: sessions 21—25
Participants who attend a minimum of 3 of the 5 one-hour post-core curriculum sessions and submit their weight and physical activity minutes as required by the program, will receive a $80 reimbursement to their paycheck approximately 2 weeks after session 25.
Tobacco Cessation Resources
To help ensure a healthy, productive, respectful environment in which to work, learn and live, Syracuse University became smoke- and tobacco-free on July 1, 2015.
Together, Human Resources, Carebridge and the Syracuse community offer a variety of tobacco cessation resources:
Discover a purpose-driven mindfulness solution to help you stop tobacco use. QuitSmart™ Mindfully is a live, virtual, 10-session mindfulness program taught by an expert teacher. This program will help you build strategies to cope with cravings and address the emotions behind the addiction that keep you feeling stuck. This program includes free Nicotine Replacement Therapy, NRT (gum or patches).
*You must have an eM Life account through Carebridge to access this free program. Check out the steps to sign up.
Medical Benefits
Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Prescription Medication
If you are enrolled in the University’s health benefits coverage through SUBlue, SUOrange or SUPro, you and your enrolled family members are eligible to receive coverage at no cost to you for prescription drugs and FDA-approved over-the-counter products to help you quit tobacco. You will need a prescription from your physician (even for OTC products) and must fill the prescription with a participating pharmacist. Coverage is available at no copay for up to a 180-day supply of:
- Over-the-Counter Medications (generic or store brand only)
- Nicotine replacement gum, lozenge or patch
- Prescription Medications
- Bupropion sustained-release (generic Zyban) tablet
- These three prescription medications are covered after you have tried one over-the-counter nicotine replacement product and bupropion sustained-release tablet separately:
- Chantix tablet
- Nicotrol inhaler
- Nicotrol nasal spray
If you have any questions about this coverage, contact Optum Rx at the number on your member ID card.
Carebridge
The full suite of Carebridge’s comprehensive services and resources are available to all those eligible to participate in the University’s medical plan, including benefits-eligible faculty and staff, and their dependents. Call Carebridge at 1.800.437.0911 anytime to assist in tobacco cessation.
- Information & Resources: Carebridge Wellness Resource Specialists will provide educational information and resources to help callers learn about preparing for and remaining tobacco free. Resources include community-based support as well as internet and phone-based support.
- Telephonic Consultations: Carebridge provides short-term telephonic consultations with behavioral health clinicians and wellness coaches to assist individuals with cutting back or quitting their tobacco habit.
- Counseling: Carebridge FSAP referrals are available for in-person counseling for tobacco dependence as well as co-morbid conditions such as stress, depression and anxiety.
If you are ready to quit smoking or using tobacco, there are a variety of resources in the community that have helped many smokers and tobacco users take that first step!