September Wellness Program Newsletter

Wellness Newsletter

September 2025

Fall Wellness Activities: Qualify for $25 Per Month in 2026

Faculty and staff who plan to use the university's Benelect medical plan next year may begin completing eligible activities to earn a $25 Monthly Wellness Incentive in 2026. Specifically, these activities should be completed during the annual qualifying period of September 1 through November 30. Nov. 30, 2025, is the deadline for completion.

As previously announced, there are changes to the Wellness Activities this fall. Due to budget constraints, we will no longer offer biometric screenings through Quest Diagnostics. In lieu of offering biometric screenings on campus, we will offer a Biometric Screening Attestation Form as one optional Wellness Incentive Activity. A new Dental Check-up and/or Cancer Screening Attestation Form will also be available for completion.

To earn the incentive, you MUST COMPLETE:

Health Risk Assessment - Via the WebMD site.

And CHOOSE TWO of these four OPTIONS:

Primary Care Provider Attestation Form
Biometric Screening Attestation Form
Dental Check-up and/or Cancer Screening Attestation Form
Tobacco Attestation Form

All of the attestation forms are available in HCM within the Wellness tile. Please note that the Wellness Incentive Program is voluntary, and earnings are taxable.

Those who qualify for the $25 Monthly Wellness Incentive this fall for 2026 will have the opportunity to earn an additional $200 in Wellness Program Incentives in 2026. Those who are working toward that goal this year, don't forget to attest in HCM by November 30!

Flu Shots Available on Campus

Flu vaccinations are offered each fall through University Health & Counseling Services, the FPB School of Nursing, and the University Wellness Program. Appointments are taken on a walk-in basis, so you do not need to pre-register. You must bring your CWRU ID card.

There are several flu shot clinics scheduled for September and October at the Tinkham Veale University Center and Health Education Campus. Follow the link to the right to view dates, times and locations for the clinics. All clinic dates are available to faculty, staff, and students - all of whom can receive a flu vaccination at no cost.

Learn more about the flu shot clinics

Walktober Returns! Registration Open Now

One of the most popular Wellness Program offerings, Walktober, is returning this October!

October is ideal for walking — the temperatures are cool, and the colors are spectacular. Making the most of this great season, Walktober takes you on a virtual tour of autumn’s most vibrant landscapes and inspires you to make movement part of your daily routine. Walktober offers a fun way to step out and step up to better health — while boosting energy, improving mood, and making walking a priority. Participants will fill up a virtual tree with red, orange, and gold leaves based on physical activity by linking a device/app or using the platform's built-in tracking tool.

Sign up now, and you can download the Walktober app, form or join a team (optional but fun!), add friends, and browse recipes and other resources while you wait for the challenge to kick off on October 1. Those who actively participate will be entered into a prize raffle at the end!

Wednesday, Oct. 1 - Friday, Oct. 31. Registration and team formation close on Oct. 6.

Walktober is open to benefits-eligible faculty and staff only. Participation in Walktober will help you meet a portion of the requirements for the Physical Activity Wellness Program Incentive.

Join the fun - Register to participate in Walktober

Expressions of Care:

Weekly Well-being Breaks will continue this fall! Part of the university's Expressions of Care initiative, these 30-minute Zoom sessions provide faculty and staff with the opportunity to focus on their well-being through self-care activities such as relaxation, mindfulness, movement, and stretching — helping them maintain their well-being during our current chaotic and stressful times. Register for the Tranquil Tuesday and/or Wellness Wednesday sessions and participate on whichever dates you are available to attend. Note that registration from spring or summer does not carry over - please register again.

Tranquil Tuesdays

9-9:30 am via Zoom

9/2, 9/16, 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/11, 11/25, 12/9

Wellness Wednesdays

3-3:30 pm via Zoom

9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/5, 11/19, 12/3, 12/17

Mondays and Fridays

Sept. 22 - Nov. 14

12-12:45 pm via Zoom

*Eligible for a Wellness Program Incentive in the Career Well-being category

NEW! The Conscious Leadership Edge: The Human Advantage

In today's high-pressure work environments, many leaders are operating in survival mode — juggling competing demands, navigating constant change, and reacting to challenges with increasing exhaustion. What if there was a way to lead with calm clarity, even in chaos?

This transformative 8-week program is designed to help you shift from reactivity to resilience, from burnout to purposeful impact, and lead with greater intention, calm and connection. Conscious leadership is a daily practice of intentional presence and aligned action.

Led by Dr. Tamsin Astor, a cognitive neuroscientist and executive coach known as the Chief Habit Scientist, this program combines cutting-edge brain science, practical habit-building, and powerful leadership tools. This program includes 45-minute Zoom sessions with Dr. Astor twice per week, individual work, and access to a program portal. Note that live attendance is necessary; these sessions will not be recorded.

IN-PERSON Physical Activity Programs

The Wellness Program partners with One to One Fitness to offer the following 11-week exercise classes for faculty and staff at no cost. Classes are offered midday or after work at various locations. Use the links to learn more and register for each class of interest.

Muscle Conditioning with Gabby Shabazz

Tuesdays, Sept. 9 - Nov. 18, from 5:45-6:30 pm at the Veale Recreation Center

Pilates Mat with LaShundra Epps

Wednesdays, Sept. 10 - Nov. 19, from 12-12:45 pm at One to One Fitness

Zumba with Nicole Byram

Wednesdays, Sept. 10 - Nov. 19, from 5:15-6 pm at the Veale Recreation Center

Indoor/Outdoor Flow Yoga with Julie Brown

Thursdays, Sept. 11 - Nov. 20, from 12-12:45 pm at One to One Fitness or on the Quad

ZOOM Physical Activity Programs

Offered on Zoom for your convenience, the following exercise classes will be recorded so that you will have the option to participate online with others at the time they are offered and/or at any time that best fits into your busy schedule. The recordings also provide the option to participate in the sessions multiple times, as the recordings are available on-demand for months afterward. Use the links to view class descriptions and then register for your class(es) of interest.

Mindful Movement (Gentle Yoga) with Julie Schlemmer

Mondays, Sept. 22 - Nov. 24, from 12-12:50 pm

Body Weight HIIT with Mary Ann Dobbins

Tuesdays, Sept. 9 - Dec. 2 (no session on Nov. 25), from 12-12:45 pm

Core and More with Mary Ann Dobbins

Thursdays, Sept. 11 - Dec. 4 (no class on Nov. 27) from 12-12:45 pm

Workstation Workout with Mary Ann Dobbins

Fridays, Sept. 12 - Dec. 5 (no session on Nov. 28), from 12:15-1 pm

Treat Yourself to a Chair Massage

A chair massage can help relax and loosen sore muscles, as well as reduce stress, tension, and anxiety. Experience these benefits by treating yourself to a chair massage this month.

Wednesday, Sept. 10, 9 am - 12 pm in Thwing Center 224

The chair massages, provided by One to One Fitness, last for 13 minutes and cost $15. Registration and pre-payment are required. You can reserve your slot and pay via the link to the right. Enjoy!

Wednesday, Oct. 15

12:30-1:30 pm via Zoom

NEW! How to Thrive: An Introduction to Strengths & Psychological Safety

Research indicates that strong relationships and human connection are core to our health, happiness, and productivity. During this session, we will look at the research behind connection in our lives and investigate the concepts of flourishing and psychological safety, with the goal of supporting relationships for team success.

This interactive session will include time for individual reflections and small group work. Participants will use the VIA model of strengths to consider the unique tendencies they bring to a team, build awareness of psychological safety and how to build it, and set solid intentions for utilizing new skills.

Empowering You to Live Well with Diabetes: Digital Coaching Support for Diabetes Management

Medical Mutual will offer a virtual session on their diabetes management program that is available to covered employees and their family members. Learn how to best support your condition and how to become eligible for free testing supplies. A special message from Adam Binkley, Staff Advisory Council Chair, will be included.

To receive information about this event directly (and other helpful wellness and benefit information in the future), Medical Mutual needs your email address. Please take a minute to make sure you have a current email address on file. This also applies for family members on your plan who are 18 or older. Email addresses can be updated on Medical Mutual's member portal, My Health Plan. Once logged in, click "My Profile" and find "Profile Settings" under "Preference Center". You can edit your email address in the "Security Settings" section. And be sure to register for an account if you haven't yet.

Wednesday, September 17,

from 12:30-1:30 pm via Zoom

In Case You Missed it from the August Newsletter

Recordings will be available for all of the following series, and each is eligible for a Wellness Program Incentive in their respective categories — details will be communicated to participants.

Financial Wellness

Join Karen W. Braun, CPA, PhD, former Professor of Accountancy at WSOM, and Susan Fee, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Financial Therapist, to learn strategies for becoming more financially savvy. Wednesdays, Sept. 3 - Nov. 19, from 12-1 pm via Zoom

A Functional Approach to Optimizing Women's Health

Gina Jones, MS, RD, LD, offers a functional nutrition approach to optimizing your health through food and a restorative lifestyle while gaining more energy, better sleep, improved digestion, and increased overall vitality. Tuesdays, Sept. 9 - Oct. 28, from 12-1 pm via Zoom

Beat the Heat: Cooling Chronic Inflammation to Improve Metabolic Health

Join Lindsay Malone, MS, RD, LD, CWRU faculty member, for an empowering 8-week series designed to help you reduce chronic inflammation and boost your metabolic health through an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Thursdays, Sept. 11 - Oct. 30, from 12:30-1:30 pm via Zoom

HealthyLife® Sleep

Join the American Institute of Preventive Medicine's Vice President, Laura Gallien, MS, CHES, CTTS, to embark on a journey toward better sleep and improved health. Participants will learn how to develop healthy lifestyle habits, create an environment conducive to quality sleep, and manage daily stress. Tuesdays, Sept. 16 - Nov. 11, from 12:30 - 1:30 pm via Zoom

CWRU Wellness Team

Elizabeth Click, Medical Director - erc10@case.edu | 216-368-5790

Deanna Duffy, Wellness Manager - dxd516@case.edu | 216-368-5997

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