New Year, New You

The Benefits and Wellness team at UT Southwestern can help jump-start your 2019 health goals with a variety of fun activities and resources that can make a big impact. Check back frequently as more events and information will be added to the program.

Have fun eating healthy

A diet rich in produce can reduce your risk of obesity, heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, and hypertension while increasing energy. Colorful Choices is a four-week nutrition challenge that is a fun way for you to track your daily fruits and vegetables. It may be the simplest nutrition program ever with no calorie counting, no fat gram tabulating, and no weighing or measuring. Complete the challenge and earn a fun reward!

  • Registration: Jan. 7-28
  • Challenge begins: Jan. 22
  • Challenge ends: Feb. 18

Know your numbers

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is one of your greatest weapons against disease. UTSW has four blood pressure stations available on campus year-round. To kick off the new year, come by one of our kiosks for a free screening!

  • Jan. 10, South Campus, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., near blood pressure machine
  • Jan. 15, Bass Center, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., near security desk on atrium level
  • Jan. 24, Brookriver, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 109 South Tower

Weight management program

Sometimes a little extra support is all it takes to stay on track with weight loss goals. A weight management program, offered through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas in partnership with UT Living Well, is available to employees covered under the UT SELECT and UT CONNECT medical plans.

To enroll at no cost, please call (800) 462-3275.

Wellness Wednesdays

Simple and effective exercises can be done while you are at work. During the day, take a stretch! Here are some stretches you can do in your workspace.

The UT SELECT and UT CONNECT medical plans also offer a fitness program through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. This program provides discounts to several gyms in the area, including Anytime Fitness and LA Fitness. For more information, log in to your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas account and select the "Fitness Program" icon on the right side of the page.

Unsure about joining? We will offer a free drawing for a trial class! Due to limited space, please only choose one class to enter the drawing. A confirmation email will be sent to you if you are chosen for the specified class.

Join us for boot camp

This boot camp is geared toward all fitness levels and incorporates drills designed to enhance agility, power, endurance, and strength. You’ll move around the room to different stations, each designed for a specific exercise. Email your first and last name to employeewellnessprogram@utsouthwestern.edu.

  • Jan. 16, Brookriver, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 109 South Tower

Join us for Zumba

If you like to have fun, smile, dance, and work out, come party! Zumba mixes low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness celebration. Email your first and last name to employeewellnessprogram@utsouthwestern.edu.

  • Jan. 9, Brookriver, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 109 South Tower
  • Jan. 23, Brookriver, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 109 South Tower

Check out these online resources for other physical fitness programs.

Win free passes

There will be a weekly drawing to win a four-day pass to use the Bryan Williams, M.D. Student Center fitness gym. Just Email your first and last name to employeewellnessprogram@utsouthwestern.edu for a chance to win.

Free fruit day

Fruit is fuel! Vitamin C is critical for your body and plays an important role in maintaining healthy, resilient skin. Stop by the locations below to get a free piece of fruit. Employees are welcome to one piece of fruit, per employee ID. (Note: Fruit will only be served during the designated hours while supplies last.)

Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

  • Clements University Hospital – Cafeteria
  • Outpatient Building – Coffee shop
  • West Campus Building 3 – Café
  • Zale Lipshy University Hospital – Cafeteria
  • Radiation Oncology - Café
  • Brookriver – Room 109 South
  • Bass Center – Atrium level plaza
  • South Campus – Brew Coffee Station
  • North Campus – Food court

Jan. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

  • Richardson
  • Las Colinas
  • Park Cities

Jan. 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

  • Moncrief Medical Center Fort Worth
  • X Building
  • Biometric Building

Breathe to reduce stress

Here are some things you can do to improve your mental health and help your heart:

  • Stretch it out – Exercise, such as yoga, raises levels of endorphins, which relieve stress and give your brain the feeling of pleasure.
  • Omega-3s – Take an omega-3 supplement or incorporate more salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts in your daily diet.
  • Get more sunshine – Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of serotonin, a hormone associated with boosting moods and helping a person feel calm and focused.

If you wish to seek the help of a medical professional, resources are available to help reduce and better manage your stress.

Ready to quit smoking?

The UT SELECT and UT CONNECT medical plans cover a variety of options to help you succeed in kicking the habit. Get more information on free tobacco cessation resources and the UTSW Freedom from Smoking program.

Check out this short video on the Living Well tobacco cessation resources program.