UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Whether it is making an annual physical appointment, incorporating mindful breathing into daily tasks or managing a household budget, all are important components to maintaining overall well-being. These topics and more are part of a "Well-Being Week" webinar series, hosted by Penn State Human Resources, from April 6 to 10.
Penn State employees will have access to 19 different online sessions, spanning physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being. These one-hour webinars are at no cost to employees and will be recorded and available for viewing after the live events.
“We care deeply about the health and well-being of our employees, and that’s why our team strives to provide resources and education that support and promote the physical and mental health of our staff and faculty members,” said Jennifer Wilkes, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer. “We are excited to offer these learning opportunities to our valued employees. By creating and encouraging a culture of well-being, we want our employees to have healthy, vibrant and fulfilling lives in their professional and personal lives.”
For more information about the sessions and links to register, visit the Well-Being page on the HR website. The sessions can also be found on the “Well-Being Week 2026”playlist in Penn State’s Learning Resource Network.
Webinar topics and times
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9 a.m. April 6: "Dining on a budget" – Participants will learn how to plan and prepare meals efficiently, shop for groceries strategically, manage a sustainable food budget, and identify local food resources to support their needs.
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10 a.m. April 6: "10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's" – Participants will learn about typical age-related changes, common signs of Alzheimer's, and how to approach someone about memory concerns. Other helpful Alzheimer's resources also will be provided.
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11 a.m., April 6: "Building Brain-Health Habits" – Participants will receive research-backed guidance on brain health and the importance of taking action to protect their brain at every age.
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Noon, April 6: "Vision Well-Being" – Participants will learn about eye health throughout life stages, how it affects overall health and well-being as they age and the importance of routine eye exams.
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1 p.m., April 6: "Health Aging and Bone Health" – Participants will learn about how bone health can affect musculoskeletal pain, the role nutrition plays in bone health, and gentle movements for strong bones at every stage of life.
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9 a.m., April 7: "Menopause Uncovered: What's Happening, What's Normal, and What Helps" – From sleep and mood changes to hot flashes and long-term health considerations, this session, presented by Mount Nittany Health, will provide practical information and guidance to help women better understand their bodies and navigate this stage of life with confidence.
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10 a.m., April 7: "Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia" – This session covers the differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia, disease stages, risk factors, current research, and treatments. It is designed for caregivers, newly diagnosed individuals, and anyone seeking more information.
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11 a.m., April 7: "Introduction to Home Food Preservation" – Participants will learn the basics of canning, the best practices for safely drying foods, and how to preserve food at home.
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Noon, April 7: "Healthy Aging Dental Tips & Tricks" – This interactive session will feature dental trivia that is focused on aging and oral health questions.
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9-10 a.m., April 8: "Men’s Health: What Every Man Should Know (But doesn’t often ask)" – Participants in this session, presented by Mount Nittany Health, will learn what screenings to consider at different stages of life, common warning signs not to ignore and practical steps men can take to stay healthy, active and feeling their best.
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10 a.m., April 8: "Getting the most Out of Your Preventive Benefits" – Participants in this session will learn about the screenings, exams, and services typically covered at no cost under their health plan — and hear practical tips for making preventive care an easy, proactive part of their wellness routine.
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Noon, April 8: "Child, Adult Dependent & Elder Dependent Care FSA – Turn Caregiving into Tax Savings" – This webinar will focus on how a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFS) can let employees use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dependent care expenses.
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1 p.m., April 8: "Ticks and Tick Bite Prevention" – Participants will learn about what ticks are, how they cause disease, and how to prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases.
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10 a.m., April 9: "Highmark Tools and Resources" – Participants will learn how these offerings can help them understand their plan, make informed health care decisions, and efficiently manage their benefits to help them get the most from their coverage.
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11 a.m., April 9: "Understanding the Stress Response to Restore Balance to Your Mental Health/Neuroplasticity" – Participants will learn how the brain manages emotions, detects threats, and uses executive functioning to support decision-making and self-control.
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2 p.m., April 9: "Managing Mental Health and Finances" – Participants will learn about the connections between financial habits and mental health, as well as techniques to reduce stress and manage finances.
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10 a.m., April 10: "Mindfulness Practice for a Joyful Day" – This activity-based session will offer practical tips for how participants can incorporate mindfulness into their busiest days to increase joyfulness.
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11 a.m., April 10: "Life Blend – Work/Life Balance" – In this session, participants will learn how to balance their work life with their personal life, in an effort to avoid burnout and promote well-being.
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Noon, April 10: "TIAA: Advice is for Everyone" – This session will help participants understand why advice matters in retirement planning. It will also focus on the digital experience provided by TIAA and the convenience of a digital platform.
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Bonus program: "A Journey to a Healthier Heart:" – Participants who join this 12-week program from Penn State Extension will receive weekly emails that include: meal planning tips, the benefits of keeping a food journal, information about heart-healthy food choices, and tips for how to help reduce blood pressure and manage cholesterol. Register for this course via Penn State Extension.
More information about well-being benefits and resources available to Penn State employees can be found on the Human Resources website.