Explore the COUGAR WALKING PATHS To support a healthier you, the POWER UP Employee Wellness program has developed five Cougar Walking Paths to assist employees in becoming more physically active. Faculty and staff can walk one or more of the themed walking paths during lunch or when participating in Fitness Release Time.  Paths are located in different sections of the campus and can be found online or by downloading the UH GO app to your phone. When setting out to walk, use the app to locate the different paths. First, click the transportation icon and then map. Next, click the menu icon at the bottom of the page and scroll down to the Cougar Walking Paths. Once you’ve selected the walk you’d like to take, simply click the geolocation icon to follow the path.
Whether you’re new to exercise or already physically active, walk the Cougar Walking Paths for the health of it. If you are a BCBSTX member, you can even earn Blue Points redeemable for all kinds of merchandise. Enjoy the fresh air, clear your mind, and see parts of the campus you may never have seen before – including pieces in the Public Art of the University of Houston System's collection! OMBUDS SERVICES AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS  The UH Office of Ombuds Services provides faculty and staff with an informal mechanism for resolving workplace conflicts and addressing questions and concerns related to employment with the University. To ensure the highest quality and most effective services, the faculty and staff ombudsperson is independent, neutral and maintains confidentiality. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is when there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
Because the support offered is informal, employees can share concerns freely and, together with the ombudsperson, explore different options and strategies for resolving complaints or issues. To learn more about the Office of Omsbuds Services, UH Ombudsperson Dr. Richard Bond and the different ways in which he can assist you, click here. Register for STRESS LESS SEMINAR 
In recognition of National Stress Awareness Month, POWER UP Employee Wellness will once again host a Stress Less Seminar for UH faculty and staff on Thursday, April 18, noon-1:30 p.m., in the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion of the M.D. Anderson Library. Led by Dr. Jerry Evans, the free session will discuss how to identify individual stress factors and then employ different relaxation exercises that can help reduce stress and improve one’s overall quality of life. It is open to all UH employees and healthy snacks will be provided. To attend, register online as space is limited. FINANCIAL WELLNESS LUNCHEONS OFFERED 
UH Human Resources will offer a Financial Wellness Workshop for faculty and staff on Tuesday, April 30, at the UH Technology Bridge, Building 4, Room 110, and again on Wednesday, May 1, in the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion on the second floor of the M.D. Anderson Library. The workshops are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Representatives from UH and the four key University of Houston System Retirement Savings Plan vendors – TIAA, Fidelity, VALIC and Voya – will explain how employees can save now for the future using the Retirement @ Work online portal. The workshops are free for benefits-eligible faculty and staff. Lunch will be provided. To attend, employees must register as space is limited. Focus on EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN This month’s POWER UP Employee Wellness Lunch and Learn will feature success coach Monique Conner. Her presentation, "Personal and Professional Empowerment for Women: Silencing the Inner Critic," will focus on how to move forward and create the life you really want. 
Bring your lunch and join us:
- Tuesday, April 9, noon-1 p.m., UH Technology Bridge, Building 4, Room 110, or
- Thursday, April 11, noon-1 p.m., M.D. Anderson Library, Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion
Register here! EAP Provides TAX ASSISTANCE  Tax season can be stressful for a number of reasons. Fortunately, the University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help. In addition to providing counseling, legal and financial resources, the EAP also provides referrals to tax professionals and a discount on Turbo Tax as a work-life benefits.
To explore the EAP website and identify the resources available to you, click here and enter “UTEAP” as the username and as the password. To view the Turbo Tax discount and see additional price reductions, click the Discount Center icon, and register for the LifeMart Member Discount Program. Remember, the EAP is available to employees 24/7 at 713-500-3327. RX TAKE BACK DAY SET for April 26 The University of Houston Police Department and Campus Pharmacy will partner with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to host a Drug Take Back Day on Friday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Addressing a vital public safety and health issue, the event provides the UH community the opportunity to dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs conveniently and anonymously. Simply bring your pills for disposal to the Student Center South Circle Drive (4455 University Drive) to drop off. The service is free with no questions asked. Please note that liquids, needles or sharps will not be collected; only pills or patches. For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the National Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or visit the Campus Pharmacy. Learn about ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS  Attend the next presentation in the UH Wellness "For the Health of It" speaker series. April’s session will address Environmental Wellness – Low Carbon Cities and Health. Community health and greenhouse gases are two super-indicators for sustainability. Communities that are setting aggressive targets are leading the way in terms of developing and managing sustainable healthy cities. Join Dr. Bruce Race as he shares some of the common and emerging metrics for low carbon and healthy communities, Tuesday, April 16, 1-2 p.m., in the Student Center South, Midtown Room (No. 262). RSVP here.
Take Part in OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK This year, participate in the Out of the Darkness Walk and help bring awareness to suicide, the second-leading cause of death for college students. The tradition of the walk at the University of Houston goes back several years and provides a way for UH family and friends as well as the surrounding Houston community to memorialize loved ones who have been lost to suicide. Participants can walk individually or in teams and are encouraged to raise funds for the event, although it is not specifically required. The Walk will be held Saturday, April 6, with registration opening at 10 a.m. and the walk program starting at 11 a.m. in Lynn Eusan Park. The morning will include campus and community resource tablings, speakers and interactive ways to memorialize a love one. Register here. ANNUAL SPRING EGG HUNT Once again this year, UH families and the Third Ward community will gather for the Annual Spring Egg Hunt. This year’s event is on track to be the largest ever with an anticipated crowd of over 500. Sponsored by Staff Council, Faculty Senate and SGA, the 29th Annual Spring Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April 13, 9-11 a.m., at Butler Plaza for children up to the age of 12. For more information on the egg hunt, to donate prizes or volunteer, contact Shanequea White or Tonya Winters, co-chairs for the Staff Council Events Committee.
Thank you, Court Stein
HR Wellness Administrator
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