March Health Observance is on Nutrition
How Nutrition-Savvy Are You? Take Our Nutrition Quiz!
How much do you know about whole grains, fiber and healthy fat? Test your nutrition knowledge here.
Meal Planning Presentations
Both our physical and emotional health is tied to what we eat. Eat Better, Stress Less by planning your meals. Sonia Coyle, Nutritionist, with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will provide education on meal planning for better heath.
Join her on the following dates:
Wednesday, 3/11/15
700 Lavaca, 2nd floor #2.110
12 PM -1 PM
Thursday, 3/19/15
5501 Airport Blvd.
HR Training Rm #214
12 PM - 1 PM
Choose MyPlate
MyPlate helps you make healthier food choices. It prompts you to think about building a healthy plate. The place setting includes a plate divided into four parts. These represent different food groups. They are fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins. It also includes a circle to the side, representing dairy. Visit these links for more information: MyPlate & Weight & Calories
Three Surprising Superfoods
These three foods not on your health radar? They should be. Learn about the many health benefits of mushrooms, quinoa, and pistachio nuts.
Upcoming April Events
Healthy People, Healthy Planet Fair
Mark Your Calendars!!!
April 22, 2015, 11 AM – 2PM
Hall of Government, 700 Lavaca, 1st floor
Million Mile Month
This coming April 1-30, Travis County TX Departments will be participating in the fun health challenge called Million Mile Month™. Million Mile Month is a challenge to complete 1 million miles of physical activity, together as one community, across one month. Let's show our County, State and nation just how many miles we can do together this April.
How to Register
Below are instructions on how to register for this challenge as a part of Travis County, TX Departments. Note: If you have previously registered for Million Mile Month, you DO NOT need to register again. Just log in to your account and you will be prompted to renew for this year and update your personal info. Be sure to select "Travis County, TX Departments" from the MY ORGANIZATION pulldown.
If you have not registered before, follow these steps:
- Visit http://millionmilemonth.org/register Registration page populates.
- Step 1 – Create Login. Provide email address and create password.
- Step 2 – Choose Your Level. You may choose to donate or for free participation select Bronze and enter 0 for amount.
- Checkout page populates. Click on Submit Order.
- Edit Your Profile page populates. Fill in blanks-where you are asked for birthdate, name, city, etc...
- On this page, choose "Travis County, TX Departments" from the MY ORGANIZATION pulldown.
- Then select your specific department from the "Select Group/Team" pulldown
- Make sure all other required blanks are completed and click "Complete Registration".
You are now registered to participate in Million Mile Month 2015 as a member of Travis County, TX Departments.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
- Starting April 1, visit www.millionmilemonth.org from any device (phone, tablet, laptop, desktop) and log your physical activities (walk, run, bike, yoga, Zumba and more accepted) in your profile to track your personal stats and help Travis County, TX Departments stay at the top of the leaderboards.
- Starting March 1st, you can connect a device (like Fitbit) or app (like Map My Fitness) for automatic mile logging. The manual entry option (by typing in your minutes or miles) will always be available as well.
- After you have logged in for the first time, just click the MY PROFILES button in the upper right corner of the page to get to your profile.
- Be sure to log miles daily in April (register now to see how it all works), check out the Leaderboards page of the website, and keep an eye on the homepage mile ticker as we inch closer to 1 million miles together in April.
If you have any questions, please direct them to [email protected].
Health Coaching FAQ’s
Learn how healty coaching appointments work, how they can help, and how to set up an appointment.
Frequently asked questions about health coaching
Q: How long do health coaching appointments take?
A: The first appointment is in person and lasts 45-60 minutes. Any follow up appointments can be done in person or over the phone and usually last 10-30 mins.
Q: Where does the appointment take place?
A: We recommend that the first Health Coaching appointment takes place at your Travis County worksite. Becky will be able to travel to your location. Follow up visits can be done over the phone or in person.
Please note: Break rooms, cubicles, lobby's, etc. are not appropriate locations for health coaching appointments. Privacy is important as you will be discussing personal health information. Please reserve a private room prior to the appointment. If you would prefer to meet away from your specific location, you can request to meet with Becky at 700 Lavaca.
Q: How soon can I make an appointment?
A: Depending on the time of year, Becky schedules appointments out from 1-3 weeks depending on her availability and your location.
Q: How many times and how often do I or should I meet with the Health Coach?
A: The amount of visits will vary based on your specific health goals. There is no set "limit" of visits; your number of visits will be determined by your progress. The time between appointments will also be determined according to individual needs and progress.
Q: How much does health coaching cost?
A: Health Coaching appointments are free of charge, with no co-pay. It is a service that is included in your benefits offered by UnitedHealthcare and Travis County full time employees who are enrolled in the UnitedHealthcare medical plan.
Q: Who is eligible for Health Coaching?
A: Anyone who has UnitedHealthcare benefits with Travis County is eligible. IE: Employees, spouses, retirees, dependents (over 18 years of age.
Q: When are appointments available?
A: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Special exceptions can be made for those that work special shifts.
Q: What can Becky help me with?
A: Becky is able to assist with making improvements to their overall health and wellness, and provide resources and recommendations based on your needs. She can work with you on setting and achieving nutritional, health, and fitness goals. In certain cases she may also refer you to your primary care doctor, employee assistance program, registered dietician or onsite nurse.
Q: How do I set up an appointment?
A: Please contact Becky at [email protected] or 512.542.4346.
Meet Your New Onsite Health Coach
Becky Howell Health Coach for Travis County.
Learn about Becky and her health coach services
About Becky Howell
Becky Howell has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from the Arizona State University. She has over 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and was most recently the health and fitness Program Manager for Freescale in Austin. She is excited about her new Health Coaching role with Travis County and is passionate about helping others reach their health and fitness goals through progressive, realistic and lifelong lifestyle choices.
How can a Health Coach help me?
Becky is available to meet with you to discuss any lifestyle behaviors you may want to improve such as weight loss, nutrition counseling, and disease prevention. Your Health Coach will help you create and achieve personal health goals.
Will my personal information that I share with my Health Coach be protected?
Yes, all of your personal health information will be protected in accordance with HIPAA. None of your personal information will be shared with your employer.
What other services does my Health Coach offer?
Your onsite Health Coach will plan and implement worksite wellness events and activities such as:
- Increase understanding of modifiable health risks
- Coach employees to develop personal health behavior goals
- Teach employees how to navigate UnitedHealthcare myuhc.com wellness tools and resources
- Refer employees to appropriate wellness programs and services
- Plan, design, implement and evaluate workplace wellness programs
- Provide noninvasive health screenings and health education
- Overall, your Health Coach will inspire and motivate you to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
What's for Dinner Tonight?
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County offers healthy meal inspirations that are simple and delicious. Watch video now!
Free Glucometers
If you are diabetic or newly diagnosed diabetic and need a glucometer or replacement, then please stop by the clinic with your old glucometer for a replacement. Must be on Travis County United Healthcare Plan.
Tobacco Cessation Resources
Are you a smoker? Want to be smoke free? Resources to help you quit.
Employee Health Clinic
Visit the clinic for your annual screening. It’s FREE! Clinic contact information.
