CARE Program Newsletter - August 2015
Checkups
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
We all need shots (also called vaccinations or immunizations) to help protect us from serious diseases and to help keep our community safe. Shots can prevent serious diseases like the flu, measles, and pneumonia. It’s important to know which shots you need and when to get them.
Everyone age 6 months and older needs to get a flu vaccine every year. Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages.
More about vaccinations...
- If you have a child age 6 or younger, find out which shots your child needs.
- Find out which shots adults and teenagers need.
- Use this chart for adults to see if you are up to date on your shots.
- If you are pregnant, check out this recommended immunization schedule.
Talk to your doctor or nurse to make sure that everyone in your family gets the shots they need. To learn more, contact the CARE Program or schedule an appointment with the Employee Health Clinic.
Additional Immunization information:
uhctools.com
Indigo-360.com/uhcweb
Know Your Numbers! Know Your Health!
Are you at risk for diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases? And how do you know?
Thankfully there is a system of “numbers” we can use to tell us how we compare to the healthy state. By knowing your numbers, you can take action to make positive changes that will help prevent the onset of chronic health conditions.
Thank you to all who participated to Know Your Numbers events! Over 200 employees participated!
Annual Checkup
Is your annual checkup due or long overdue? If the answer is yes, then call the Employee Health Clinic for a FREE checkup! Part of the checkup includes blood work which screens for cholesterol, diabetes, and much more! All FREE!!!
Visit the Employee Health Clinic for clinic contact information to schedule your checkup.
Checkout UHC RALLY
It is a fun and interactive Health Survey providing you with a measure of your overall health!
How do I start Rally?
Visit myuhc.com and click on Register Now (found on the left side of screen). Once registered on myuhc.com, click on Rally Health Survey found on the right side of screen.
It is fun and interactive! Earn Rally coins for taking the survey and use them to win awesome stuff, such as gift cards and an iPod.
The sweepstakes is offered by United Healthcare. Get started now to get a measure of your overall health!
Employees completing the RALLY Health Survey
A Healthy Outlook
Creative Escape
Looking for a little stress relief? Want to feel better? Then escape during lunch and lose yourself in a creative endeavor of arts and crafts. Starting on Tuesday, 6/9/15, classes will be held monthly from 12 PM – 1 PM at 700 Lavaca, Multifunction Room C. Join Laura Seaton to relieve stress and have some fun! Register on http://tcapps/eReg/
How to Meditate at Work
Health Minute video from UnitedHealthcare explains how to meditate at work, with step-by-step instructions for managing stress.
The CARE Program offers resources for A Healthy Outlook!
Regular Exercise
Deskercise!
33 Smart Ways to Exercise at Work
Eating Right
Soda Consumption
Americans guzzle 31 gallons of soda per person, per year, nearly three times the global figure (11 gallons per person, per year).
Learn what happens to your body when you pop a can of soda
Reference:
myfitnesspal. (2015, July 6). Hello healthy- Your Body On Soda. Retrieved July 27, 2015, from myfitnesspal: blog.myfitnesspal.com/your-body-on-soda
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!
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.
Eating Right resources and success stories in the CARE Program website.
Additional Information
Health & Lifestyle Expo: Friday, August 7, 2015
9AM- 2 PM 5501
Airport Blvd., Elections Training Room
CARE Program
Follow the CARE Program on twitter and view fun pictures of events! @TravisCo_CARE
Save the CARE Program website as a favorite to stay up to date with events!
Advocate4Me
Need help finding a doctor? Not sure what resources are available for a recent diagnosis? Having claims issues? Advocate4Me is your one-stop-shop for help and answers to your questions. Call 1-800-846-4678 now to get started. More about Advocate4Me...
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?
Enhance the Health & Well-being of Your department!
The mission of the CARE program is to inspire, create and maintain a workplace environment that supports healthy lifestyle choices.
Contact the CARE Program for a customizable health and well-being program for your department. Your CARE Program offers education on various topics, such as:
- Fitness programming
- Health coaching
- Nutritional education
- Being a Better Healthcare consumer
- And so much more…
Visit our website CARE Program to learn more!
