Explore your Benefits & Wellness Program resources

April 27, 2021

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. In collaboration with the Benefits & Wellness Division, the Employee Assistance Program and Faculty Wellness have compiled a list of mental health activities to reinvigorate and relax your mind.


April 12, 2021

April is Stress Awareness Month

Check out these resources (requires VPN access) to help manage stress and anxiety from your Benefits and Wellness Program.


March 30, 2021

UT SELECT: Register now for the Well-Traveled physical challenge

Want to go on an exciting all-American tour to help feel your best? Today is the day to plan your trip!

In this four-week challenge, Well-Traveled lets you record your physical activity, sleep, and gratitude. You’ll earn points and pins as you build wellness habits that last long after your coast-to-coast journey is over.

Once you sign up, grab some travel companions and create a team! This friendly competition is a great way to stay motivated and focused. Teams will participate in fun challenges on Thrive Thursday for an extra point.

Register from April 1-16. Well-Traveled begins April 12 and lasts until May 9.


March 26, 2021

Upgraded reservation portal for Nursing Mothers Program

In alignment with our Elevate the Experience (requires VPN access) initiative to provide excellent customer service and improve processes, the Nursing Mothers Program lactation room reservation portal (requires VPN access) has been upgraded to a new scheduler in Microsoft Bookings.

For any questions regarding your reservation, please NursingMothersProgram@utsouthwestern.edu the Nursing Mothers Program.


Feb. 26, 2021

March is National Nutrition Month

21-Day Sugar Shakedown Challenge

Added sugars may be tasty, but they can have a not-so-sweet impact on your health. A high intake of sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, fatty liver disease, and other disease risks. Unfortunately, many of us do not realize the amount of added sugar we consume each day. With the stress of 2021, that amount has likely increased.

Join the 21-Day Sugar Shakedown Challenge to start eliminating those added sugars in your diet and help reduce health risks.

How the challenge works:

Cut down on added sugars in your diet and track your added sugar intake. Strive to keep it below the American Heart Association’s recommended amount:

  • Nine teaspoons or 36 grams/day for men
  • Six teaspoons or 25 grams/day for women

You can use a nutrition tracking app or simply read labels.

Register by March 13 and complete this log throughout the challenge. EmployeeWellness.Program@utsouthwestern.edu the log to the Employee Wellness Program at the end of the challenge (April 4) to be entered into the incentive drawing.

Nutrition information videos

The videos below and supplemental handouts were created to better educate you on dietary differences:

Pros and cons of a low carb diet - Historically, lower carbohydrate diets have been promoted mostly for weight loss. Recently these diets have been found to improve triglycerides, as well as glycemic control in people with pre-diabetes and T2DM; however, some concerns remain over their long-term use for those with elevated cholesterol.

Dairy versus plant-based milk - The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommend a healthy eating pattern, which includes low-fat or fat-free dairy due to it's association with the reduced risk of chronic diseases. These students compare the nutrients found in cow, soy, almond, coconut, almond, oat, and flax milk and discuss the advantages or each. In addition, they address the concern that cow milk is inflammatory. 

Plant-based diets - Eating a more “plant-based” diet is recommended to reduce many chronic diseases. The 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease recommends vegan, vegetarian, or Mediterranean diets to prevent heart disease. Nutrients of concern when following a vegetarian diet are discussed, for example, getting enough protein.

Make every bite count: Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025The USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services co-developed the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide recommendations on what to eat and drink to promote health and prevent chronic disease. These guidelines are a useful tool/resource that reflects the latest available evidenced based findings.

Check out this cooking demo highlighting recipes with no added sugar!

There is more information available on National Nutrition Month, and don't forget to browse the resource library.


Jan. 8, 2021

Jump start 2021 with these programs from New Year, New You

Happy New Year! The Benefits and Wellness team at UT Southwestern understands the importance of financial, mental, and physical health as the UT community continues to push through into a new year. Check out these amazing offerings to start 2021 off right!

Strive for a healthy body

See what is available to assist in weight loss, eating healthy, physical activity, and pain management. Whether you're interested in joining the Naturally Slim program (application period opens Jan. 11-22), virtual classes from Equinox gym, or simply finding ways to work more comfortably at your desk, we have tools for you. 

Strive for a healthy mind

Some may find the COVID-19 pandemic overwhelming, and some may enjoy the changes that came along with the "new normal." In both instances, a healthy mind is always beneficial. Explore ways to help relieve stress, dig into the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits, and get tips on good sleep.

Strive for healthy finances

Sign up for these January webinars offered by several finance management companies.