Question:  How do I find out the balance of my flexible spending account?

Answer:  Contact Wells Fargo Flexible Benefit Services at 246-3710 or their website at www.wffbs.co

Question:  Where can I find a Flexible Spending Account reimbursement form?

Answer:  This form can be found at the following link, www.hr.utah.edu/forms/lib/WellsFargoFlexReimbursement.pdf

• the birth and first year of care of a child;
• the placement of a child for adoption or foster care in the employee’s home;
• the care of the employee’s spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition;
• the employee’s own serious health condition which renders him/her unable to perform the essential functions of the employee’s position.

FREE Professional and Leadership Development Workshops

It's not too late to enhance your professional and leadership skills.

Register on-line today at www.hr.utah.edu/ods/ or download your copy of the 2004 Summer-Fall Workshop schedule at http://www.hr.utah.edu/forms/lib/ODSSummer-Fall2004Workshops.pdf. Workshops are subject to change and are FREE to University of Utah employees. For more information call 585-2300.

Exit Survey:   Helping the University Improve

After Human Resources receives at least three (3) Surveys from one department/college, a summary of the evaluations will be sent. No identifying information regarding the employees who submitted the surveys is provided to the department or supervisory team. The Survey can be accessed on-line at www.hr.utah.edu/er/exit/survey/.

If you are a manager who has an employee leaving your employment, please encourage them to visit the website to complete the Survey. The information they share will provide valuable insights into how your department is operating.

If you are an employee who is leaving the University, this is an excellent opportunity to provide confidential feedback regarding your experience as a University employee.

You can help make a positive difference at the University by participating in the Exit Survey program. Please contact Employee Relations at 581-5469 if you have any questions.

Does the Heat Have You Down?
Brought to You by the College of Health

Summer is here and we are facing rising temperatures. Do you feel tired and weak? Does the trip between air conditioned buildings seem like crossing the dessert? Here are some tips to help you beat the heat.

There are many things you can do to help cope with the heat of summer. First and foremost, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You have probably heard the importance of drinking at least eight, 8 oz glasses of water per day. That is recommended for most adults under normal conditions. During the heat of summer you need at least that much and for most people you should add two more glasses a day just for the heat. This does not have to be fancy or expensive. What your body needs is water. For most people, sports drinks are not necessary. Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda. These will cause you to lose fluid due to their diuretic effect. Also be aware of medications such as antihistamines and heart medications that cause an increase fluid loss. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about any medication you may be taking. In most cases simply increasing your fluid intake can make up for this loss.

Enjoy the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are available in the summer. We go through some nutrients faster in hot weather, but these can easily be replaced by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Can you think of anything better than melons, strawberries, peaches, fresh corn, crisp lettuce and all the other great things to eat during the summer?

Don’t stop exercising. Exercise will increase your energy but choose indoor activities in air conditioned facilities or enjoy your exercise in the early morning or evening. Avoid the heat of the day when choosing to exercise and remember, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Remember you need much more water when you exercise so add another couple glasses a day. Look at the bright side, this many glasses of water per day will increase your exercise just in trips to the restroom.

Enjoy the cool times of the day in the morning and the evening. Go for a walk or sit on the porch and read a book. It does not matter what you do, but enjoying the cool times make the hot times easier to face. Be sure to wear mosquito repellant with DEET. Around dusk and dawn are the times that mosquitoes are most active and West Nile Virus is here to stay. Don’t let it stop your enjoyment, just take proper protective actions.

When you are out in the sun, remember the sunscreen. Loose, light colored, breathable material will keep you cooler and help reduce your risk of skin cancer. And don’t forget that hat with a brim. Again, avoid being out in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are at their peak. Pay particular attention to young children and older people who have less ability for their skin to accommodate the suns rays.

Do not forget those special groups such as the very young, very old, and already physically weakened. These people cannot accommodate as quickly to changes in temperature and may be seriously affected by a hot spell or a picnic in the middle of the day or even sitting in a car or hot room for short periods of time. If you have any questions about your health and hot weather or if you start feeling poorly, talk with your physician or health care provider.

Summer is a great time of year. Think back to when you were a school kid and how much you looked forward to summer and all of the things you did. It can be just as much fun as an adult if you just take the appropriate actions, stay hydrated and make an effort to get out and enjoy the season.

This health article is brought to you by the College of Health.