March Is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

This month is designated for early detection advocacy and sharing survival stories. Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer survive if it’s identified and treated early. While colonoscopies are the best way to detect colorectal cancer, the noninvasive Cologuard test may be preferable if you’re at low risk.

Risk factors include:  

• Colon cancer history in your immediate family 
• Carrying a gene for hereditary colon cancer syndrome  
• History of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) 
• Smoking
• Being overweight

Starting at age 45, preventive colonoscopies and Cologuard tests are covered at 100% if you’re enrolled in a Princeton Medical Plan with a provider’s prescription.

MSK Direct, offered through the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, is a Princeton employee benefit that gives patients immediate access to a team of relevant specialists. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, contact Princeton’s dedicated MSK Direct line at (844) 303-2123, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or visit the MSK Direct for Princeton website.

It’s Also National Nutrition Month

A healthy diet can prevent chronic disease, boost energy levels, improve moods, help with healthy weight management and reduce inflammation.

This month, consider these key nutrition basics to kickstart your path to healthier choices:

• Healthy fats (e.g., nuts, seeds, olive oil and avocados) support heart and brain health.
• Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and antioxidants for immunity and disease prevention.
• Whole grains (e.g., oats, whole-wheat bread and quinoa) are fiber-rich and improve digestion.
• Lean and plant-based proteins (e.g., fish, chicken breast, eggs, peas and beans) are essential for bone and muscle health. They also keep you feeling full longer. Men should aim for a daily protein intake of at least 56 grams, and women should target 46 grams.

Princeton’s health coaches offer personalized nutrition education to help you pursue and maintain a healthy approach to eating. The My Health Coach program is free, confidential and available to you and your eligible dependents. To schedule an in-person or virtual meeting with a health coach, call (866) 237-0973.

Wellness events and resources

Healthy Eating: Elevate Your Plate Part 1 and Part 2, video recorded by Health Coach Gerry Pierre, RDN, CDCES

Gerry Pierre, an experienced registered dietitian, nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist, discusses strategies for eating and managing portions that promote health without sacrificing enjoyment.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Care for Young Patients with GI Cancers, on-demand video

MSK’s Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer is the first clinic in the world dedicated solely to the specific needs of patients under 50. This is the story of one of those patients, Rebecca Genter Lerner, a 32-year-old diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer just weeks before her wedding day.

Financial wellness resources

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

TIAA recorded webinar
Set goals, balance your budget and use debt wisely.

Navigating the sandwich generation: Financial strategies for the caregiving squeeze

TIAA recorded webinar
Manage caring for your aging parents while supporting your adult children.

Four steps to take now to retire well

CAPTRUST recorded webinar
Discover key strategies to help you optimize your financial picture and lifestyle choices so you can achieve your personal retirement goals.

Retirement Plan enhancements

Managing your retirement savings just became easier. Princeton recently introduced enhancements to its Retirement Plan, offering more options to help you effectively manage your plan. Learn more.

Flexible spending account — Claims deadline for 2024

If you were enrolled in a healthcare or dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) in 2024, you have until March 31, 2025, to submit claims for eligible expenses incurred during the 2024 calendar year. Claims can be submitted by logging in to your Inspira account. Learn more. 

Financial planning

Making decisions about your retirement accounts can be challenging. The University provides free, confidential resources from TIAA, CAPTRUST and Isles to help you manage your financial and retirement goals. 

• TIAA offers individual retirement planning advice, virtually or in person. To schedule a session, call 800-842-2252 or make an appointment online. For a Spanish-speaking adviser, call 800-414-5180.
• CAPTRUST, an independent investment advisory firm, provides confidential investment advice to retirement plan participants. For information, including articles, videos and other valuable resources, visit their website. To speak to a counselor about the University’s retirement plan or other financial issues, call (800) 967-9948.
• Isles is dedicated to helping people manage everyday money issues such as budgeting, saving and debt reduction. Contact Isles at (609) 341-4714. Counseling is available in English and Spanish.

In-person wellness consultations

The Employee Wellness Center at 350 Alexander St. is open for in-person consultations with health and financial advisers. Schedule a free, confidential appointment with one of the following resources:

• My Health Coach: Call (866) 237-0973
• Carebridge: Call (800) 437-0911 or visit their appointment website
• TIAA: Call (800) 732-8353 or schedule online
• CAPTRUST: Call (800) 967-9948 or visit their website
• Isles: Learn more about their programs and services
• Doctors in Your Office: Schedule online

Questions?

For specific inquiries regarding physical or mental wellness resources, contact Lynn Herbine. For financial wellness questions, contact Jane Edgar. The benefits team is also available to assist you at (609) 258-3302 or [email protected]. Visit the HR website for full details on all wellness resources and programs.

For comprehensive information about staff benefits, check out the March 2025 Thrive Every Day newsletter.