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Human Resources Wellness
In addition to HR's Health & Wellness Program, there are additional resources that are available to you through the University Wellness Initiative.
Aetna Health Your Way
Good news! Aetna has enhanced their wellness product for all clients. We are pleased to introduce the new Aetna Health Your Way™ Achieve program effective January 1, 2025.
Program Summary
Aetna Health Your Way™ is focused on increasing healthy behaviors through creating a greater awareness of risks, weighing individual concerns and trends, and understanding members to inspire action. It encourages healthy behaviors by offering activities tracking and device integration, individual challenges, rewards and omnichannel support including phone, video and group coaching.
Features and Rewards
This new program aims to increase member engagement. Through convenient 24/7 digital resources and member discounts, members are empowered to engage in healthy actions. As part of Aetna Health Your Way you have access to a digital health platform that helps you achieve your best health in a whole new way. You will get personalized resources and challenges to help you earn rewards every year, making it easier to stay on track and reach your goals.
Rewarding healthy actions
List of rewardable activities for January 1, 2025 (subject to change):
- Learn about Pathway (digital coaching)
- Learn about Explore (digital coaching)
- Learn about health actions
- Get a pap test
- Get a colonoscopy
- Health assessment
- Connect your device and track your physical activity – Device integration is required. 5,000 steps or 30 minutes per day.
- Personal challenges - There are a total of 23 challenges a year that members can join. Each challenge can earn ”hearts” which are redeemable for prizes!
- View wellness webinars
- Complete your mental health check-in
- Get an annual well adult or well woman exam (claim-based)
- Get a breast cancer screening (claim-based)
- Get your immunizations (claim-based) (e.g., shingles, pneumonia)
- Get a flu shot (self-attest)
- Complete a vision exam (claim-based through vision data for Aetna)
- Attest to being tobacco free
- Explore personal coaching
Personal challenge information
The new Aetna Health Your Way™ Achieve program replaces the Aetna Get Active challenges and sponsorship of on-campus athletics classes effective January 1, 2025. With the new program, members can join personal challenges which will be available according to a predetermined schedule and will have set durations of one, two, or four weeks. Members can challenge themselves on steps, workout, distance, and stair steps. They will also choose an activity level of low, medium, or high. Members can track their progress compared to other participants in the same challenge and at the same activity level.
Learn more
To learn more about this great new program, we are excited to welcome our Aetna Wellness Consultant, Rebecca Rapoport to present the new program at an upcoming meeting. More details coming soon. Meanwhile, please see the Aetna Your Way Health Presentation (PDF) for a preview of the Achieve experience.
Aetna's EAP Resources & Webinars
Aetna Resources for Living is Pace’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider. You may contact Aetna’s EAP at 1 (888) 238-6232. You may also visit the Resources For Living website (Use "GET STARTED" tab. Username: Pace University, Password: EAP).
Webinars
Aetna’s EAP offers free weekly webinars on a variety of topics such as communication, stress management, coping skills, parenting, relationships, healthy living and more. You may watch a recorded webinar from the webinar library. Newly recorded webinars will be available in the webinar library 1-2 weeks after the live presentation.
Please plan up to an hour for each presentation. This includes webinar and Q&A time. Webinar participant seating is limited.
Please register early to ensure availability.
Exercise and Mental Health
Tuesday, January 7 | 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Did you know that exercise was good for your physical and mental health? Join this webinar to discuss how:
- Exercise affects mental health
- Specific mental health conditions are impacted by regular exercise
- You can use exercise to improve your well-being
Ready, Set, Relax
Thursday, January 9 | 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join this webinar to fill your toolbox with relaxation techniques like:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Guided imagery, and more
Raise Confident Kids: Tips for Parents
Thursday, January 16 | 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Kids who are confident are better able to deal with difficult choices and situations. They tend to create healthier relationships and fulfill their potential as they grow into adulthood. Join this webinar to learn ways to help improve your child's self-confidence.
- What helps a child feel confident?
- What undermines a child’s confidence?
- Do's and don’ts for parents
Perils of Perfectionism and Procrastination
Thursday, January 23 | 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Let's talk about the reasons people may postpone, delay or put off doing a task even when it impacts their life negatively. We will also learn helpful approaches to overcome procrastination so you can start to work toward what you hope to achieve in your daily life.
The Many Faces of Loss: Healing Through Grief
Thursday, January 30 | 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Everyone experiences loss. Attend this webinar to learn about grief, its purpose, its challenges and strategies to take care of yourself while you grieve.
TIAA Financial Wellness Resources & Webinars
TIAA has gathered advice and education in one place, so you can start getting answers to the financial questions that are important to you. Please visit the TIAA website to check out articles, webinars, and more. When markets get rocky, it's tempting to take action. But that may only disrupt your long-term goals. Here are some things you may want to consider during times of market volatility.
Don’t plan for your future alone—you can schedule a counseling session today - call (800) 732-8353, weekdays, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Or, sign up for a virtual or in person/on New York City Campus session (PDF); Pleasantville Campus session (PDF); Valhalla session (PDF); or White Plains Campus session (PDF) with Pace's TIAA representative:
Mex Borjas
Phone: (212) 913-1153
Email: mex.borjas@tiaa.org
Webinars
If you have difficulty accessing the registration site, please clear out your browser cache and cookies, then try again. If still having issues, please contact healthwell@pace.edu.
Tai Chi Classes
- Tai Chi/Qigong
January 9, and January 16 | 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
All levels are always welcome! Join the Tai Chi/Qigong Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 860 9161 6719. Please contact healthwell@pace.edu for the password. Originating in ancient China, Tai Chi and Qigong are some of the most effective exercises for health, combining mind and body. Join us for a moment of tranquility in your day. Gently improve muscle strength, coordination, flexibility, balance, stiffness and overall wellness through coordinated body-postures and movement, breathing and meditation. Classes are provided by Master Lynn X. Lin of Sitan Tai Chi. Master Lynn X. Lin is co-founder and Vice President of Tai Chi Qigong Association of America and Vice President of Sitan Tai Chi & Martial Arts.
In-Person and Zoom Classes Hosted by Athletics
Some of our Athletics classes are in person (at the Goldstein Health and Fitness Center in Pleasantville) with a Zoom option, and some are via Zoom only.
January 2025 Schedule:
All classes will be virtually until January 20, 2025, and resume with in-person options on January 21, 2025.
Email JR Pouncey to obtain the Zoom links for the live Athletic classes.
- Yoga with Ingrid
January 6, January 13, and January 20 | 12:00 p.m.–12:45 p.m.
Zoom only
Ingrid’s approach to yoga in this setting, is breath and movement-based and informed with her deep experience in the practice with a focus on inner listening and cultivating a deeper connection to oneself through yoga asana and pranayama, (postures and breath). Health and wellness isn’t just about understanding your body better, but developing the habits and practices that will bring you the transformation you seek. Whether you want to get stronger and more flexible, learn optimal movement, or start or improve your yoga practice, Ingrid welcomes all levels and experience. - Zumba with JoAnn
January 6, January 13, and January 20 | 5:00 p.m.–5:45 p.m.
Zoom only
JoAnn’s Zumba class combines fun, sweat and dancing. - Meditative Yoga with Lauri
January 6, and January 13| 6:15 p.m.–7:15 p.m.
Zoom only
Want to wind down after the first day of the work week? Join veteran yoga teacher Lauri Nemetz for a gentle and restorative yoga practice with extra time for long guided meditations, savasana (active relaxation) and more! - Yoga with Lauri
January 7, January 14, and January 21 | 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Zoom only
Yoga is an ancient practice based on philosophy, mindfulness and asana work. Asanas or “poses” can also be translated as “comfortable seat” meaning that as we practice different poses they become more comfortable for our body and give us more ways to move with ease. Class will have modifications and emphasize an all-level practice and will include breath work and final relaxation. Come join! - Guts and Butts with JoAnn
January 7, January 14, and January 21 | 5:00 p.m.–5:45 p.m.
In person and via Zoom beginning January 21, 2025
In this strength conditioning class, you’ll burn fat, tone your abs, and reshape your booty with a variety of exercises that will have every muscle in your body burning. From squats and steps, to crunches and curls, you won’t stop moving from beginning to end. This class is the perfect way to take your fitness to the next level...no matter where you’re at right now. - Boot camp with Omar
January 3, January 8, January 10, January 15, January 17, January 22, and January 24 | from 12:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Zoom only
This boot camp circuit workout works your entire body with cardio, lower body, upper body and core exercises. You won't need any equipment, which makes this the perfect workout for small spaces, travel exercise or for anyone who wants a challenging workout using their own body weight. You will be walked through how to modify each exercise towards your fitness level so that you can have a fun and enjoyable workout! - Toning with JoAnn
January 2, January 9, January 16, January 23 | 5:00 p.m.–5:45 p.m.
In person and via Zoom beginning January 21, 2025
The toning class combines weights, cardio floor work, balance and combination of barre exercises that will tone your body. - Cardio Kickboxing with JoAnn
January 2, January 9, January 16, January 23 | 6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m.
In person and via Zoom beginning January 21, 2025
Get ready to punch and kick. This class bring lots of sweat, fun and hard work to this workout.
Get to Know the Instructors
Ingrid Tarjan has been teaching yoga at Pace since 2002 and has been a yoga practitioner for more than 25 years. She is also Nutrition Counselor and Personal Trainer at Equinox. As a lover of deep learning with a myriad of certifications in her field, along with prior corporate experience and a Masters in Philosophy, she brings a unique perspective to the practice. Having learned from and practiced with renowned yogis worldwide, she imparts the teachings of the practice, including mindfulness, to enhance your health and wellbeing.
JoAnn Hamilton is a certified Aerobics and Zumba instructor. She has taught at Pace for over 10 years.
Laurice (Lauri) Nemetz, Adjunct Professor, MA, BC-DMT, E-RYT500, LCAT, C-IAYT is a well-known yoga teacher and has taught at Pace for over 20 years. She is a past president of the Yoga Teachers Association (YTA), a certified yoga therapist, and is registered at the highest level with Yoga Alliance (YA) in addition to being a YA and IAYT (yoga therapy) education provider. Nemetz has taught yoga and anatomy workshops internationally and presents regularly at conferences and other universities, including Harvard Medical School and Oxford University. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD at Eastern Virginia Medical School. She enjoys continuing to bring yoga to the Pace Community and is a visiting associate professor at Rush Medical.
Omar Torres is an active student and an Army veteran of more than 12 years. He's competed in numerous fitness competitions such as mixed martial arts, powerlifting, marathons and Spartan races. His various certification include kettlebells and TRX suspension training.
Online links to practice on your own time
- Yoga: Ingrid, our yoga instructor in NY recommended this online website for yoga.
- Tai Chi: Olivia, our tai chi instructor recommended this Youtube video to practice tai chi.
Mental Health Resources
- Counseling Center
Counseling is a process that helps people work out personal, academic, or vocational problems. The professional staff at the Counseling Center at Pace is available to assist students, staff, and faculty in the resolution of these problems. Through this process, people often gain increased awareness, independence, and effectiveness in the pursuit of personal goals. To make an appointment, call (212) 346-1526 in New York City or (914) 773-3710 in Pleasantville. In case of an emergency when the Counseling Center is closed, call 9-1-1 or Pace Security at (212) 346-1800 in New York City or (914) 773-3400 in Pleasantville. Also available on the Pleasantville Campus is the Counseling Center’s Relaxation Room, which is located in the lobby of Elm Hall. - Additional Resources on the Counseling Center’s website.
- Dial 988 for immediate mental health support. 988 is available if you’re having thoughts of suicide, feeling emotional distress, or struggling with substance misuse. 988 is also available if you have concerns about someone else and need guidance, help, or support.
- The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides cost-free professional consultation and referral services for Pace University staff and faculty who are experiencing work and personal-related difficulties. You do not need to be an Aetna health plan member to use this service. Services are available to members of the employee’s household, too. You may contact Aetna’s Employee Assistance Program at 1 (888) 238-6232. You can also visit the Resources For Living website (Username: Pace University, Password: EAP).