The University’s Hoo’s Well program hosted the Benefits and Wellness Fair Monday, bringing together more than 30 vendors to discuss health and wellness with University employees.
The fair provided employees the opportunity to learn about their health care options available through the University, said Monica Petrich, human resources staff member and fair volunteer.
UVA Dining provided healthy cooking demonstrations, and the University’s department of intramural-recreational sports offered introductory Zumba and yoga classes. Biometric screenings were offered with an appointment, and the Mammovan, which offers mammograms to women at their workplace, was parked on McCormick Road throughout the afternoon.
Presentations from Aetna, Fidelity Investments, Chard-Snyder, Catamaran and Human Resources were given throughout the day, and representatives from TIAA-CREF, American Cancer Society, Weight Watchers and UVA Pharmacies were available to speak with employees about benefits and opportunities.
The University announced changes to its health care options earlier this year, in light of rising costs associated with the Affordable Care Act. Changes include increases in employee health care premiums, the separation of dental coverage and health care plans, rewards for employees who do not smoke and the removal of spousal coverage for those who have access through their own employees.
The Hoo’s Well program, created by UVA-WorkMed and the Human Resources department, is the University’s wellness plan designed to assist University employees and their spouses enrolled in the University’s health care plan with general health and fitness. The initiative has been successful in creating programs to increase overall employee wellness, human resources spokesperson Alexandra Rebhorn said.
“Over the last two years we have brought 5 percent of our employees participating in the program down from high risk to moderate or low,” Rebhorn said. “[Hoo’s Well] includes a team of designated coaches familiar with community resources as well as discounted medications through the HealthyRx program.”
Starting in January, the wellness campaign will sponsor the “Wahoo Fitness Challenge,” a team fitness challenge for employees.
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