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Wellness Program Updates

Employee Wellness Updates - 2026

January 2026

BCBS Well onTarget® Member Overview

We will learn about:

  • Getting started on the Well onTarget portal and app
  • How to create your own personal wellness journey
  • Accessing the wellness activities and helpful resources
  • How to earn and redeem Blue Points for valuable gift cards!

Date: January 14, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM

Registration: Click here to register


BCBS ONBOARDING FOR WELLNESS

We will learn:

• How to be your Best Healthcare Advocate
• How to make the most of available wellness programs for TAMUS employees and their dependents on the BCBSTX Medical Plan

Date: January 15, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM

Registration Link: Click here to register

 


BCBS CREATING LIFELONG HEALTHY HABITS

We will learn about:

• Good vs bad habits
• The habit loop
• The 4 laws of behavior change
• How to create a successful action plan

Date: January 29, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM

Registration Link: Click here to register

 

February 2026

Healthy Heart, Healthy You with Hello Heart​

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States affecting nearly 60% of the population. There are several lifestyle habits shown to reduce risk and support prevention. Join TAMUS Wellness Coordinator, Cindy Quinn, and the Hello Heart Team to learn more about the many ways to improve your heart health.

February 12 @ 2:00 PM​

Register here- Healthy Heart, Healthy You with Hello Heart | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

 

​We will learn about:​

  • What is heart disease?​
  • Risk factors for heart disease​
  • High blood pressure – know your numbers​
  • Tips for improving your heart health​
  • How Hello Heart can improve your Heart Health

 


Heart Health and Nutrition with Wondr

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting over 12% of adults. However, prevention is possible with a heart healthy diet that includes a variety of nutritious and delicious foods. Please join TAMUS Wellness Coordinator, Cindy Quinn, and the Wondr team to learn more about how healthy eating can support heart health, along with suggestions for meal planning and snacking.

February 19 @ 2:00 PM

Registration link: Heart Health and Nutrition with Wondr | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

 

We will learn about:

  • How healthier eating can help with heart health
  • Ideas for meal and snack planning
  • Tips for making healthier choices at home and while eating out
  • How the Wondr program can improve your Heart Health

 


 Heart Health: Movement is Medicine with Hinge Health

Being active is one of the most important things we can do for our overall health. It enhances our ability to function, can prevent the effects of aging, and reduces the risk of some chronic health issues, including Heart Health. Join TAMUS Wellness Coordinator, Cindy Quinn, and the Hinge Health team to discover the many benefits of movement as medicine.

February 26 @2:00 PM

Registration link: Heart Health: Movement is Medicine with Hinge Health | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

 

We will learn about:

  • Benefits of physical activity for Heart Health
  • How movement is medicine
  • How to stay strong and flexible for total physical fitness
  • How to utilize Hinge Health to improve your overall fitness

March 2026

 

Stress Isn't What You Think

I'll be the first to say it: stress gets a bad reputation. As a culture, we are obsessed with finding a food, a program, or a supplement to make the stress in our lives magically evaporate. We want our days to feel easy and smooth, free of daily trials and tribulations. And when we feel stressed out anyway, we panic. 

"Maybe I'm doing it wrong."

"I'm just no good at this."

But the difficult truth is that there is no single thing you can do to make stress disappear completely. And frankly, that's a good thing. Life moves like a heartbeat on an EKG, rising, falling, and rising again. The ups and downs are the very signs that we're alive. A flat line means the end. As long as life keeps rising and falling, we're still alive and moving forward. 

We know through research that stress itself can be positive. It can motivate us to action, encourage us to write that paper, meet that deadline, or raise a hand to share a unique viewpoint. Stress becomes problematic when it overwhelms the nervous system. Author and stress specialist Jon Kabat-Zinn is noted for saying, "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf." Like a surfer learning how to ride the waves, the goal is not to try to rid ourselves of stress completely. Instead, the aim is to learn tools, techniques, and methods to ride the waves when they inevitably come, so we don't let the water pull us under. 

This week, you're invited to reflect on your experience with stress: 

  • Think of a time when stress led to something meaningful or productive in your life. What did you learn from that experience?
  • How does your body or mind signal that stress is becoming too much?
  • How do you usually notice stress showing up for you, either physically, mentally, or emotionally?

Stress may be unavoidable, but the way we respond to it is deeply personal. In the coming weeks, we'll be exploring different patterns with curiosity so we can deepen into self-study. For those who would like to explore further, the Yoga Stress Fingerprint Program launching September 2026 will offer a deeper dive into understanding your unique stress response and learning targeted practices designed to support the way your nervous system naturally operates. 


BCBS Well onTarget® Member Overview

Date: March 4, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM

Registration:Register Here

We will learn about:
• Getting started on the Well onTarget portal and app
• How to create your own personal wellness journey
• Accessing the wellness activities and helpful resources
• How to earn and redeem Blue Points for valuable gift cards!


TIAA Financial webinar

Date: March 11, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 8:00 AM

Registration:Register Here

Your guide to living well in retirement

Retirement is a major life transition that can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. ThisThe 
webinar will focus on the human factors that can help you add a new and exciting chapter
to your life story.
We’ll talk about how you can:
• Find your purpose
• Stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy
• Create a community to stay connected


 Trust Your Gut and Support a Healthy Microbiome

Date: March 19, 2026

Time: 2 pm

Registration: Register Here

A healthy gut, including our stomach, intestines, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is important for overall health. Please join TAMUS Wellness Coordinator Cindy Quinn and the Cylinder Health team to learn more about how our body digests food, details about our gut microbiome, and food and lifestyle choices to keep it healthy. 


 GLP-1s and Lifestyle Basics

Date: March 24, 2026

Time: 2 pm

Registration: Register Here

Ozempic, Wegovey, Zepbound. You’ve likely heard about these medications as “new” ways to lose weight. Glucagon-like peptide-1 medicines are being prescribed to growing numbers of patients worldwide for type 2 diabetes, obesity, and associated comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. We invite you to join Dr. Mark Varies and learn more about the lifestyle basics of GLP-1s. Attendees will learn about how GLP-1s work, the role of a healthy lifestyle, and what happens when you stop.


TIAA Financial webinar

Date: March 26, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM

Registration:Register Here

Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

When you make pretax contributions to your retirement account, taxes aren’t due until you
Withdraw your money in retirement. But what if you don’t withdraw the money? Well, the
IRS makes sure you do—through required minimum distributions when you turn 73. In this

Webinar you’ll get insights on:
• What RMDs are and when they apply
• Exceptions to the basic RMD rules
• How to take your RMDs
• How to avoid costly mistakes
• What you can do with your money

 

April 2026

Stress is a Personal Experience

If you’ve ever worked on a group project that is not going well, it’s easy to see that stress is a deeply personal experience. 

Imagine this: The assignment is due tomorrow, much of it is unfinished, and the group of four is scrambling. One member of the group snaps at everyone. “We should have started this earlier! I told you that, but no one listens to me!” she yells. Another seems to simply give up. He puts up his hoodie, shrugs his shoulders, and says, “It’s too late now to really do anything.” Another member looks to be on the verge of tears. The last one has her head buried in her phone, furiously texting her best friend about how frustrating this group is, hoping to get a little empathy. Each member of the group is going through the same experience externally. But internally, they are experiencing something very different. 

There are many recommendations out there for dealing with stress. You might hear experts recommending more time in nature or carving out time to meditate. You might read about letting yourself cry or protecting your alone time. If you’ve ever tried out a general recommendation for stress and found that it did absolutely nothing to help you, you’re not alone. That’s because if your response to stress is unique to you, the way you address it needs to be just as personal, or you won’t feel the shift. Stress management is not “one-size-fits-all,” and as long as we keep treating it like it is, we’ll be forever stuck in frustration, wondering why nothing seems to work. 

Let me be the first to tell you, you’re not too stressed out to be helped. You’re not too far gone. 

Self-Study:

This week, you’re invited to notice when stress feels loud. Then, reflect:

·      What is something you do that makes yourself feel even 5% better? 

·      What is something you’ve tried in the past that has no effect on your stress levels?

·      What is something you’ve done to manage your stress that makes you feel worse? 

Recognizing our preferences and patterns is the first step to understanding how we respond when stress strikes. Stress is a guaranteed part of the human experience, but we don’t have to let it take over. When we discover the techniques and tools that resonate with our unique stress response, we put ourselves back in the driver’s seat. 

If you’re ready to take charge of stress in your life, the Yoga Stress Fingerprint Program is coming to campus September 2026 to help you better understand yourself, your stress, and your nervous system. Stay tuned for campus updates as the launch gets closer. 

 

Here's a brief overview of the topics for the 14 weeks of the program

Week 1- Stress isn't what you think.

Week 2- Stress feels different for everyone.

Week 3- Your body keeps the score

Week 4- What is a "Stress Fingerprint"

Week 5- Why one-size-fits-all stress advice fails

Week 6- 12- Review/overview of the stress profiles

Week 13- What is your stress fingerprint?

Week 14- Program overview review and last push


BCBS Stress Less, Live More

Date: April 16, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM

Registration: Click here to register

We will learn about:
• Causes and effects of stress
• Stress Assessment Test
• Mood, food and stress
• Stress management tips and techniques


BCBS Better Sleep for Better Health

Date: April 23, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM

Registration: Click here to register

We will learn about:
• How much sleep is enough
• Importance of quality sleep
• Common sleep disorders
• Tips and resources for getting better sleep


BCBS Financial Wellbeing

Date: April 30 , 2026

Time: 3:00 PM

Registration: Click here to register

We will learn about:
• What is financial wellbeing
• Financial stress and risks to your health
• Tips on budgeting and saving
• Setting financial goals to help reduce stress


 

 

May 2026

Money psychology: Beyond the numbers

It’s easy to think that how you approach money is all about formulas, facts and figures. The truth is, the decisions we make are influenced by other forces too—our own biases, life experiences and human nature. We’ll explore what some of those forces are and how to tame them for our advantage.

You’ll learn about:

· Human nature and what shapes our feelings about money

· How those feelings might make us behave

· The importance of the big picture when making decisions

· Doing what’s best for your long-term interests

 

Date: May 7, 2026

Time: 11 AM

Registration: Click here to register

 


Finance for new grads

Starting out in the job world can be exciting—and overwhelming. The financial foundation you build now can impact your life for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to understand how to manage your money, create good financial habits and save and invest for the long term.

In this webinar you’ll learn about:

· Benefit packages that come with your job

· How a spending plan helps you in the short term

· What a retirement plan does for you in the long term

· Choosing traditional (pretax) versus Roth (after-tax) contributions

· The importance of an emergency fund

 

Date: May 9, 2026

Time: 12 PM

Registration: Click here to register

June 2026

Set your retirement date: Understand the factors to get you to your goal

For anyone starting to think seriously about when to retire, this webinar takes you through steps to deciding when the time is right, including estimating retirement expenses, closing any income gap and understanding key milestones that can impact your retirement finances.

We’ll cover how you can:

· Create your vision

· Understand what’s ahead

· Estimate expenses and income

· Make your plan

 

Date: June 10, 2026

Time: 12 PM

Registration: Click here to register

 


 

Identity theft: Safeguarding your finances

Identity theft is a danger for each and every one of us—almost on a daily basis. Whether it’s an email or text that sounds enticing, a suspicious phone call or a social media post with an urgent request from a supposed “friend,” someone may be trying to steal your identity for financial gain.

In this webinar we’ll look at how to:

· Understand the threats

· Know how it can happen

· Secure your information

· Look out for others

· Act quickly if you’re a victim

 

Date: June 25, 2026

Time: 11 AM

Registration: Click here to register

 

July 2026

Investing for beginners: Start your wealth journey 

Investing isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for everyone. Even small, consistent contributions can grow significantly over time. In this session, we’ll walk you through the fundamentals to help you start investing with confidence.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

· How investing works and where to begin

· The power of time and compound growth

· What to consider when selecting investments

· Understanding risk vs. reward

 

Date: July 7, 2026

Time: 11 AM

Registration: Click here to register

Financial Wellness through Core bridge: Link here 

 


 

Quarterly economic and market update

Hear from the experts in our Wealth Chief Investment Office about key drivers of the markets and economy that are impacting investors.

We’ll share views on:

• The state of the U.S. economy and key market drivers

• Factors influencing market volatility

• Investing in public markets

 

Date: July 9, 2026

Time: 11 AM

Registration: Click here to register

 


 

Steps to help secure your income in retirement: A mid-career check-in

Only 34% of non-retirees think their retirement savings plan is currently on track. A check-in at this stage of your career can help you take action now to set yourself up for greater financial security later.

In this webinar, you’ll find out how to:

· Know where you stand

· Set financial priorities

· Optimize your savings and investments

· Make a plan for lifetime income

 

Date: July 22, 2026

Time: 12 PM

Registration: Click here to register

 

August 2026

Did you know that snoring may be more than just a loud and annoying noise? It may be a sign of something more serious like sleep apnea. Besides snoring, individuals with sleep apnea can make periodic gasping or “snorting” noises during sleep because their airway gets blocked.

 

What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea occurs when your airway gets blocked repeatedly during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for short amounts of time. Sleep apnea affects how much oxygen your body gets while you sleep, and increases the risk for many health problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

 

Sleep apnea can occur in people of any age, including in babies. Among children, it is most common between ages 2 and 8. Women may be at increased risk for sleep apnea during pregnancy, or during and after menopause, in part because of hormone changes. Hormone problems in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also raise the risk for sleep apnea.

 

Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea vary from person to person.

Common symptoms include:

  • Frequent loud snoring. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. 
  • Daytime sleepiness which may result in difficulty focusing and falling asleep during the day, potentially while driving.
  • Pauses in breathing: If you have sleep apnea you may wake up suddenly with jerking body movements after these breathing pauses, often gasping and choking. If you share a bed with someone, they may notice these noises and movements.
  • Difficulties with memory and concentration
  • Unusual moodiness or irritability
  • Frequently waking up to urinate at night
  • Morning headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Erectile dysfunction and decreased libido

 

Because sleep apnea can pose serious health complications, symptoms of sleep apnea should be taken seriously.  Snoring should be evaluated by a health care provider.

 


 

Live long and prosper: Your guide to understanding longevity

Longevity is a gift. But as life-prolonging medical advancements proliferate, how can you improve not just the length of your life, but also the extent

of your health and wealth? During this webinar, learn about:

• Challenges and opportunities associated with increased longevity

• How longevity literacy affects retirement planning and saving decisions

• Actions for maintaining an aging population’s health, wealth and happiness

 

Date: August 6, 2026

Time: 12 PM

Registration: Click here to register

 


 

Take control of your financial life: 5 steps to save money and manage debt

Learn how to manage money, uncover how to set goals, balance your budget and use debt wisely. With the know-how you need and a little determination, you can put yourself on the path to greater lifelong financial security.

In this webinar you’ll learn how to:

· Set your goals

· Know your spending

· Create a plan

· Manage credit and debt

· Practice healthy money habits

 

Date: August 18, 2026

Time: 11 AM

Registration: Click here to register

September 2026

How can I afford college for my kids or grandkids?

Saving for a child's education is a crucial financial decision that can have a lasting impact on their future. In this webinar you’ll gain insights into how to make the best decisions for your situation.

We’ll discuss:

· Why saving for college matters

· Common questions

· Ways to save

· How to avoid excessive debt when considering loans

· Tips to get started

 

Date: September  9, 2026

Time: 11 AM

Registration: Click here to register

 


 

Understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Smart saving for healthcare expenses today and tomorrow

 

Health care expenses can rise quickly. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a tax-advantaged way to save for those expenses. This webinar explains how HSAs work and how to use them to your benefit.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

· HSA eligibility and contribution limits

· What counts as a qualified medical expense

· How an HSA account works

· Tax benefits of HSAs

 

Date: September  24, 2026

Time: 12 PM

Registration: Click here to register

 

October 2026

What no one ever told you about job pay and benefits

 

Landing your first job can be exciting—and intimidating. Between tax deductions, insurance elections and retirement plans, your first paycheck might be smaller than expected. This session breaks down what’s actually on your pay stub and why your benefits matter more than you think.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

· How to understand your paycheck and what’s being withheld

· The difference between gross pay and net pay

· How employer benefits (like 401(k), health insurance, and HSAs) factor into your total compensation

· Smart questions to ask during onboarding

· How to make the most of your benefits from day one

Whether you’re starting a new job or simply want to make more confident decisions, this session will help give you the clarity you need.

 

Date: October, 6, 2026

Time: 12 PM

Registration: Click here to register

 


 

Quarterly economic and market update

Hear from the experts in our Wealth Chief Investment Office about key drivers of the markets and economy that are impacting investors.

We’ll share views on:

• The state of the U.S. economy and key market drivers

• Factors influencing market volatility

• Investing in public markets

 

Date: October, 14, 2026

Time: 12 PM

Registration: Click here to register

 


 

What is an annuity? Know the basics.

Annuities have been around for more than 2,000 years. But many people don’t know much about them. We’re going to talk about today’s annuities, what makes them unique and how they can help provide financial security for life as part of a long-term financial plan.

This webinar covers:

· What an annuity is and how it works

· Financial risks in retirement

· How annuities help address those risks

· Annuity myths and the real story behind them

 

Date: October, 21, 2026

Time: 11 AM

Registration: Click here to register