CARE Program Newsletter - October 2015

The Pink Bus – Seton’s Cancer Screening Mobile Mammography will be providing free digital screening mammograms on:
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
5501 Airport
8 AM – 3:00 PM

Call 512-324-1000 ext. 18226 to schedule your free screening. Click here for more details.

Healthy Pregnancy Owner’s Manual Whether this is your first child or you have other children, you need information on diet choices, risk factors and exercise programs to make sure your pregnancy is as healthy as possible. UnitedHealthcare® has created the Healthy Pregnancy Owner’s Manual, an educational, interactive guide with easy-to-read tips on how to stay healthy during your pregnancy. Inside you'll find information on all things baby-related including pre-conception health to taking care of your newborn. It’s designed for you to read cover-to-cover in a reasonable amount of time – and easy-to-access to find answers to your questions and to calm your concerns. The manual will help you work closely with your doctor during every phase of your pregnancy before and after delivery. You can even access the information online with your doctor during your pre-delivery check-ups. When reading the Healthy Pregnancy Owner's Manual for the first time, pay close attention to the What Now? Section, which describes the specific pregnancy programs offered to you through your health plan. To view the Healthy Pregnancy Owner's Manual, visit:mypregnancymanual.com/uhc. 

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

• Exercise can ease symptoms of depression. It can help anyone, at any age or fitness level, but it has the most dramatic effects on those who are the unhealthiest.
• Exercise is as good as antidepressants at reducing depression. If your depression is mild, exercise alone may be enough to help lift your mood. If you have major depression, the greatest benefit comes from combining exercise with antidepressants and psychotherapy.
• Almost any type of physical activity can improve mood. People often choose walking or running, but even non-aerobic activities such as weightlifting can help. The main thing is to get up and get moving and keep at it.

Exercise and mood: what's the connection?

Research suggests that exercise increases the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that affects mood, sleep, appetite and sex drive. Low levels of it have been linked to depression. Exercise also stimulates the production of endorphins, "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, and helps reduce the level of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Physical activity can help you:

• Sleep better
• Feel better about yourself
• Gain a sense of accomplishment
• Take an active role in your mental and physical health
• Keep depression at bay after your recovery

Taking the first step

By its nature, depression makes it tough to get motivated to take care of yourself. If you hardly feel like getting out of bed, you may wonder where you'll get the energy to exercise.

The first step is to talk with your doctor. This is especially important if you haven't been exercising nor have a chronic health problem. A doctor can tell you what type and level of exercise is safe for you. If you're not taking an antidepressant, your doctor may prescribe one or recommend a counselor.

Next, try these strategies to help you get started and be successful:

• Pick an activity you like. You're more likely to stick with it if you enjoy it.
• Identify your roadblocks. Think about the things that get in the way of exercise, and make a plan for how you will overcome them. Can't afford a gym? Walk or ride a bike. Too cold or wet outside? Walk at a mall. Too tired in the morning? Exercise over the lunch hour. If you anticipate the problems, you can find ways around them.
• Enlist a workout buddy. Having a companion to exercise with often helps people stay motivated. If you're walking, a dog can be an eager and supportive partner.
• Start out slowly. At first just aim for 10 minutes a session. Over time increase activity to 30 or more minutes most days of the week.
• Cut yourself some slack. There may be days you just don't feel up to exercising. If you miss a day or can only do 10 minutes, that's fine. Just get back on track the next day.
• Remember the benefits. Physical activity can improve your mood, and it can also strengthen your heart and bones, help control your weight and cut your risk for many diseases. Each time you exercise, you're doing something positive for your health.
• Be patient. It may take a few weeks to see an improvement in your mood. If you don't notice any change in this time, talk to your doctor about increasing the intensity or trying another activity.

(UHC, 2015)

To register for an upcoming Source4Women online seminar, visit Source4Women.com and click on “Online Seminars & Events.” All seminars are recorded and archived for viewing after the live seminar date.

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.

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.