At the University of Pennsylvania, wellness is not just a priority—it’s an integral part of the campus experience. With a comprehensive range of resources available to students, faculty, postdocs, and staff, Penn weaves wellness into every aspect of life on campus. As part of an ongoing effort to highlight these initiatives, this article focuses on the robust programs designed to promote physical wellness, complementing earlier features on mental health and financial well-being.
Comprehensive Health Support at Penn
To begin with, physical wellness plays a key role in ensuring a thriving Penn community. The university provides preventive healthcare services such as flu clinics, biometric screenings, and gym discounts, making it easier for members to stay healthy. Benoit Dubé, Penn’s chief wellness officer and clinical professor of psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine, underscores this commitment: “Wellness at Penn is dedicated to supporting our students’ physical health through comprehensive services and initiatives. Together, we’re building a healthier, more resilient Penn community.”
Moreover, the Peer Wellness Coaching program offers students individualized guidance to manage sleep, nutrition, and physical activity, creating a holistic approach to health that supports academic success and personal well-being.
Preventive Care: Flu Clinics and COVID-19 Boosters
In addition to these services, Penn holds an annual flu clinic that offers free vaccinations to the university community. This year, the clinic is scheduled from October 16-18 at the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center, and all students, faculty, postdocs, and staff are encouraged to drop by with their Penn Card for a free flu shot.
Furthermore, Penn is partnering with local pharmacy SunRay to offer free COVID-19 booster shots on November 13-15 at the Wellness at Penn office. While flu shots are available without an appointment, the COVID-19 boosters require advance registration. Both initiatives reflect Penn’s strong focus on public health and wellness.
Fitness Initiatives and Gym Discounts
Beyond preventive care, Penn promotes an active lifestyle by offering significant discounts on gym memberships. Specifically, full-time employees who receive benefits through Penn or the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) can take advantage of a 50% reduction in membership fees at the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center. This discount is just one of many ways Penn helps faculty, staff, and students incorporate fitness into their daily routines.
Additionally, the Penn Healthy You program provides a comprehensive range of fitness and health services, including nutrition counseling, fitness classes, wellness walks, and health challenges. These programs ensure that the entire Penn community has access to the resources needed to lead a healthy and active life.
Commitment to Employee Wellness
Meanwhile, Penn’s Human Resources Department takes a proactive approach to supporting employee health. According to Sue Sproat, executive director of HR benefits, “Penn has a long history of providing quality healthcare benefits for our faculty and staff, but HR’s commitment to wellness doesn’t stop with health insurance. Through the Penn Healthy You programs, we support our colleagues on their physical and behavioral wellness journeys.”
For instance, one key initiative is the Be in the Know campaign, which offers free biometric screenings for eligible faculty, staff, and postdoctoral researchers. These screenings measure key health metrics such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, helping participants track their wellness over time. The program also offers personalized health coaching, goal-setting tools, and timed health challenges to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle.
Furthermore, Penn offers a range of family and self-care benefits, including adoption assistance, fertility support, backup care for dependents, and access to on-campus lactation spaces. Health insurance plans at Penn also include comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, vision, and prescription services.
Wellness at UPHS: A Preventive Approach
At the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), the focus on wellness is equally strong. “By engaging in regular activity and eating healthy, we may reduce the risk of chronic disease and enhance our quality of life,” says Janna DeCicco, senior employee health and well-being consultant at UPHS. This emphasis on physical wellness helps lay the foundation for a healthier tomorrow.
Moreover, UPHS offers several innovative wellness programs, including:
- Wellfocused: An app that tracks progress toward wellness goals, connects to health devices, and monitors fitness activities.
- Wellthy: A concierge service providing personalized support for logistical and administrative tasks, including care for aging family members and veterans.
Creating a Healthier Penn Community
In conclusion, Penn’s commitment to physical wellness extends across the entire university, from students to staff. Through its extensive wellness programs, flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics, fitness initiatives, and employee support services, the University of Pennsylvania fosters a vibrant, healthy community. Whether you’re a student striving to balance academics and health, or an employee working toward personal wellness goals, Penn provides the tools and resources necessary to achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life.