CU Thrive is a continuing education series focused on wellness - a healthy lifestyle, financial wellness and mental well-being. Columbia’s Human Resources team seeks to collaborate with subject matter experts across the University and with our vendor partners to create one-hour webinars each quarter to help employees thrive in all areas of their lives.
Featured Event
Event Details
Healthy eating can feel straightforward in theory, but real life (and real budgets) can make it complicated. Realities like food access in your community, dietary preferences and needs, and affordability all shape how we feed ourselves and our families.
Featuring experts from Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC): Jamie Leskowitz, MS, RD, CDN, and Moneek Madra, PhD, we'll define what "good nutrition" means and connect it to the choices we make every week—from takeout breakfasts and lunches to grocery lists and weeknight meals. We'll also share supportive, judgment-free approaches to navigating cost and access constraints and easing the stress of planning and preparing meals.
If you're trying to make mealtimes a little easier, or simply want clear, credible nutritional guidance you can use right away, this session can you build healthier habits for you and your family.
Meet the Panelists
Jamie Leskowitz, MS, RD, CDN
Registered Dietitian and Certified NY State Dietitian-Nutritionist, Metabolic and Weight Control Center, CUIMC.
Moneek Madra, PhD
Assistant Professor of Nutrition in Pediatrics and the Institute of Human Nutrition, CUIMC.
Benefits Resources
More Events
GLP-1s & Metabolic Health
Event Details
Weight management and metabolic health play a vital role in energy, quality of life, and reducing the risk of chronic disease. With the recent rise of GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) making headlines, you may be wondering: Are these medications right for me? What are the benefits, risks, and misconceptions? And what are the alternatives?
This CU Thrive discussion on GLP-1s and metabolic health features experts from Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Sabrina Diano, PhD, and Dr. Judith Korner, MD, PhD, will explore the science behind obesity and metabolic health, explain how GLP-1 medications work, discuss lifestyle strategies for long-term wellness, and address common myths and misconceptions.
Whether you are curious about improving your metabolic health, considering medication, or supporting a colleague or loved one, this session will provide evidence-based insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions for your health and well-being.
Meet the Panelists
Dr. Judith Korner, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Dr. Sabrina Diano, PhD
Director of Columbia Institute of Human Nutrition, researches brain mechanisms in energy and glucose regulation.
Benefits Resources
Mind-Body Connection
Event Details
Discover how your body shapes your brain at work. Explore the intersection of ergonomics and neuropsychology—how posture, movement, and physical awareness influence focus, mood, and stress. This CU Thrive webinar offers practical advice to help you align your body and mind for greater clarity, energy, and resilience throughout your workday.
Benefits Resources
Meet the Panelists
Dr. Victoria Leavitt, PhD, FAAN
CUIMC clinical neuropsychologist and cognitive neuroscience researcher who studies cognitive impairment and lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, sleep, mood, and social support that contribute to optimal cognitive function in neurologic populations.
Kevin Myers, MSc
Columbia University's onsite ergonomist who is passionate about using his expertise to empower the workplace culture for the common good.
Cancer Support
Event Details
Cancer is a widespread disease that affects us all—whether through a personal diagnosis or as a loved one supporting someone with cancer. Understanding this challenging journey and how we can help one another is vital for patients and their families.
Whether you're a patient, a caregiver, or part of a support network, watching the session will equip you with practical tools, emotional resources, and expert guidance to navigate cancer diagnoses with confidence and compassion.
Benefits Resources
CUIMC Resources
- Cancer Care
- Patient and Caregiver Support
- Supportive Care Services
- Genetic Counseling and Testing
- Clinical Trials
UnitedHealthcare Cancer Support Program
- UHC's specialized cancer nurses can help you manage your symptoms, find doctors that fit your needs, and explore treatment options based on your unique needs.
- Members can learn more by calling the member phone number 1-866-936-6002 TTY 711 or by visiting myuhc.phs.com/cancerprograms.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- All benefits-eligible employees and their household members have access to confidential sessions for cancer support and resources. 24/7, 365 days a year. Call: 1-844-636-1260
- Up to 6 counseling sessions per case for emotional support for impacted individuals and their families
- Referrals to longer-term mental health support
- Research services:
- Finding in-home care and rehab facilities
- Community support groups
- Transportation services
- Financial consultations
- EAP Log In: https://one.telushealth.com/
(Username: Columbia Password: eap)
Meet the Panelists
Dr. Dawn Hershman, MD, MS, FASCO
Dr. Melissa Accordino, MD
CUIMC oncologists from the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, who will provide expert insights into cancer diagnosis, patient care, and overall disease understanding.
Dr. Mayrene Hernandez, DO
An expert from the UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Cancer Support Program (CSP), who will discuss support resources available through CSP from UHC.
Alan Levin
A specialist from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), who will share information about EAP cancer support resources available for you and your family.
Financial Wellness
Event Details
From budgeting to planning for the future, our expert Financial Wellness panel shared practical tips and strategies to enhance your financial health.
Benefits Resources
Financial Planning Assistance
- Certified Financial Planning Board
- Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education
- XY Planning Network
Financial Planning Books
- Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth. (Atwood, Margaret)
- The Behavioral Investor. (Crosby, Daniel)
- The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness. (Housel, Morgan)
- Thinking, Fast and Slow. (Kahneman, Daniel)
- Mind Over Money: Overcoming the Money Disorders that Threaten Our Financial Health. (Klontz, Brad and Klontz, Ted)
- A Random Walk Down Wall Street: Including a Life-Cycle Guide to Personal Investing. (Malkiel, Burton).
- The Geometry of Wealth: How to Shape a Life of Money and Meaning. (Portnoy, Brian)
Meet the Panelists
Meghaan R. Lurtz, PhD
Lecturer, Master's in Wealth Management Program at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies.
Chris M. Nichols
Relationship Executive, Relationship Management at Optum Financial.
Tracy Schwartz, MBA
Senior Program Director, Master's in Wealth Management Program at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies.
Henali Shah, MS
Lecturer, Masters in Enterprise Risk Management Program at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies.
Heart Health
Event Details
CU Thrive's inaugural event recognized American Heart Health Month. A panel of medical professionals from Columbia University Irving Medical Center discussed how the heart is affected by more than just blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels.
Discover ways to make easy tweaks to your diet, activity levels, and daily habits to keep your heart working best for you.
Benefits Resources
Meet the Panelists
Biana Roykh, DDS, MPH
Associate Professor of Dental Medicine and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Corey Bradley, MD, FACC
Cardiologist with specialized expertise in clinical lipidology, genetic lipid disorders, and the prevention of cardiovascular disease at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Margaret McEntegart, MD
Director of CTO and Complex PCI Programs and Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Yelitza Castanos, MSN, BSN, DNP, AGPCNP-BC
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner; Assistant Professor of Nursing at the Columbia University Medical Center.
Disclaimer
The Human Resources/Benefits website is intended only to provide information for the guidance of Columbia University Officers, staff and union employees. The writers of the content have exercised their best efforts to ensure accuracy of the information, but accuracy is not guaranteed. If there are any discrepancies between the information on the website, verbal representations and the Plan documents, the Plan documents will always govern. The information is subject to change from time to time, and the University reserves the right to change or terminate these Plans at any time. The information contained on the website is not intended to replace the plan documents, nor is the information in any way intended to imply a contract.