Wellness Newsletter

for Faculty, Staff, Residents, and Fellows of UTHealth Houston


AUGUST 2026


The Wellness Program

 
Photo of Dr. Rupa Mahadevan

Rupa Mahadevan, MD

Assistant Professor Non-Tenure Clinical

Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School

UT Physicians Pediatric Primary Care

UTHealth Houston

August podcast

How Culinary Medicine Helps Us Eat, Cook, and Live Healthier 


Listen as Dr. Mahadaven describes what Culinary Medicine is and shares why it is important-not just for patients-but for healthcare professionals and employees themselves.


Also, hear about

  • the influence of culture, traditions, & identity on food choice
  • barriers & stress related to food
  • favorite kitchen gadgets/applicances
  • frozen vegetables, yes or no?
 

What is PCIP and how might it impact my monthly paycheck?

blue and white image with reminder of the deadline for completing a Preventive Exam Deadline. Warning that a monthly premium differential of $50/per employee and spouse will be assessed on  May 2027 paycheck for failure to complete the preventive exam.

Preventive Care Incentive Program (PCIP)


Effective May 2027 an additional $50 premium differential applies to each UTHealth Houston employee or spouse without a preventive care exam by February 28, 2027.


Your health plan is designed to support you in staying well, not just when you’re sick. That’s why you have access to a no-cost annual preventive exam with your in-network doctor. To make it easier for our employees to practice self-care, UTHealth Houston provides 8 hours of Preventive leave per year as an incentive for faculty and staff to take advantage of their free preventive care appointments.

Examples of qualifying preventive exams include:

Annual physical with Primary Care Provider (PCP)

Family medicine Internal Medicine

Well woman exam ( OB/GYN)


NOTE: Premium differential only applies to employees and covered spouses enrolled in UTSELECT. Covered children are not subject to the requirement .

 

Wellness Champion spotlight

Click image to view accessible photo slide show of Wellness Champions

 

Eight Dimensions of Wellness

Multi colored wellness pie chart showing eight dimensions of wellness - emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environments, occupational, social and lastly, financial wellness which is highlighted to support the content about financial wellbeing.

August focus

Financial Wellness

Healthy attitudes, beliefs, and behavior with current and future financial situations to reduce stress and meet life goals.

Building financial confidence in uncertain times

with Your Money Line

Free, private, confidential

They will never try to sell you anything


Today's financial landscape is challenging. Rising costs, economic uncertainty, and changing financial demands can make it difficult to feel confident about the road ahead. While you can't control interest rates, inflation, or broader economic shifts, you can control how you respond. Building financial awareness, making intentional choices, and taking small steps toward your goals can help reduce stress, increase confidence, and strengthen your overall financial wellbeing.


Take a Closer Look at Your Finances

Consider whether your current spending aligns with your financial goals. Are there purchases you could reduce or eliminate? Are you making the most of money-saving opportunities, such as discounts, library programs, or community resources? Small changes, like bringing lunch to work one more day each week, can add up over time. Another simple strategy is to review recurring subscriptions and memberships. Canceling or downgrading even one or two subscriptions you no longer need can free up money each month that can be directed to other financial priorities.

If you've already made adjustments and still feel financially stretched, you're not alone. That's where the Financial Guide team can help.


Questions We Hear Every Day

  • "My grocery or utility bills have increased. How can I adjust my budget?"
  • "I know I should be saving more, but I'm not sure where to begin."
  • "I have debt and don't know which balances to prioritize."
  • "Is my budget realistic given today's cost of living?"


Support for UTHealth Houston Employees

Our financial guidance calls are free, confidential, and judgment-free. Whether you need help creating a plan, reviewing your budget, or simply talking through an important financial decision, we are here to support you.


Life brings financial ups and downs, and it's normal to revisit and adjust your plans along the way. The more prepared you are, the better equipped you will be to navigate whatever comes next. Most importantly, you don't have to do it alone.


Call: 833-890-4077

Email: answers@yourmoneyline.com

 

The Wellness Program

713-500-3394 or email wellness@uth.tmc.edu