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CARE Program Newsletter - November 2015

Checkups

nov diabetes

November is American Diabetes Month

Are you at risk of developing pre-diabetes or diabetes? Take Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test

If the answer is yes, then click on the link below for clinic contact information to schedule a doctor visit and/or lab appointment for screening: traviscentral/hr/wellness/wellness-clinic 

 
oct breast cancer

November 19, 2015 is the Great American Smokeout

The American Cancer Society (2015) states- Quit Like a Champion! Get ready to lose the habit, and become victorious over tobacco. The American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout event is your chance to triumph over addiction.

 

View facts & flyer

smoking flyer

Download flyer

Additional Support Resources can be found at:traviscentral/hr/wellness/smoking-cessation 

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Healthy Pregnancy

Making healthy choices during pregnancy is important — but first you need information. That’s why we offer the UnitedHealthcare Healthy Pregnancy Program at no cost to enrollees. Call 1-866-649-4873 to enroll. Also, view the Healthy Pregnancy Owner’s Manual for additional healthy pregnancy information.

 

More information the Healthy Pregnancy Program

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

oct doctor

Annual Checkup

Need your cholesterol levels checked? 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!!! Click on the link for clinic contact information to schedule your checkup.

 
rally

Checkout RALLY! It is a fun and interactive Health Survey providing you with a measure of your overall health!

It is a fun and interactive Health Survey providing you with a measure of your overall health!

 

How do I start Rally?

rally full

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

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A Healthy Outlook

holiday season

Mindfulness for the Holidays – entering the holiday season brings lots of emotions; try these to help reduce the stress.

- Walking for a brisk half hour, helps to decrease anxiety and improve sleep.
- Laughing reduces stress hormones, read some jokes!
- 5 minute guided meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR57rug8NsM 

If emotions are long lasting, then call Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Our benefit offers 5 free visits. Call 1-866-327-2400 for assistance. Click here for the resource: Deer Oaks EAP.

caregiver

Source4Women Online Seminar

Source4Women® offers the following online seminar: Protecting Your Health and Happiness while Caring for a Loved One

November 17, 2015
11:30 AM

Seminar Details

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.

craft project

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 tcapps/eReg 

 

The CARE Program offers resources for A Healthy Outlook!

Regular Exercise

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Be More Active Throughout the Day

Remember – the more you move, the more calories you burn and the easier it is to keep your blood glucose levels on target (American Diabetes Association, 2014).

 

Per the American Diabetes Association, here are a few way you can do it:

At Work

  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator at the office and in the parking garage
  • Get up once an hour while you are at work and take a quick walk around your office
  • Stand up and stretch at your desk
  • If you go out for lunch, walk to the restaurant
  • If you take public transportation to work, get off a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way to your office
  • Use a speaker or mobile phone so you can pace around your office during conference calls
  • Try some chair exercises during the day while at your desk
  • Fidget (when appropriate) – tap or wiggle your foot while working at your desk

At Home

  • Take the dog for a walk around the block
  • Do your own yard work such as mowing the lawn or raking leaves
  • Do your own housework such as vacuuming, dusting, or washing dishes
  • Play with the kids – play catch or throw the Frisbee around
  • Walk in place during the commercials of your favorite television show
  • Carry things upstairs or from the car in two trips instead of one
  • Walk around the house or up and down stairs while you talk on the phone

While You’re Out and About

  • Park at the far end of the shopping center lot and walk to the store
  • Walk down every aisle of the grocery store
  • If you are at the airport and waiting for a flight, walk up and down through the terminal
  • When on a road trip, stop every few hours to stretch and walk around
oct walk

Walking... A Step in the Right Direction!

 Have you been thinking of adding more physical activity to your life? Starting a walking program may be a great way to be more active. And walking on a regular basis may lead to many health benefits. More... (en español)

 
desk stretch

Deskercise!

33 Smart Ways to Exercise at Work

 

Eating Right

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November 17, 2015 – National Healthy Lunch Day

American Diabetes Association states National Healthy Lunch Day raises awareness about the need to make healthy choices at lunchtime and beyond – Lunch Right with Every Bite!

Send pictures of your healthy lunch to the CARE Program at [email protected] or post them on twitter: @TravisCo_CARE

 
diabetes diet

Source4Women Online Seminar

Source4Women® offers the following online seminar: Eat to Control and Prevent Diabetes and Prediabetes

November 10, 2015
11:30 AM

Seminar Details

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.

family cooking dinner

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-goals

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.

coaching-goal

Meet Your New Onsite Health Coach

Becky Howell, Health Coach for Travis County.

 

Learn about Becky and her health coach services

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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

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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!

 
donate blood

Travis County United in Giving Blood Drive

Monday, November 9, 2015, 2 PM – 4:30 PM, Airport Campus Parking Lot,  5501 Airport Blvd.
Thursday, November 19, 2015, 9 AM - 12:30 PM, Downtown Campus, 7th Street and Lavaca

View flyer

 
group doctors

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...

 
glucometer person

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.

 
quit smoking hands2

Tobacco Cessation Resources

Are you a smoker? Want to be smoke free?

Resources to help you quit.

 

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!

2025 TAX RATE: TRAVIS COUNTY ADOPTED A TAX RATE THAT WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR’S TAX RATE. THE TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 8.0 PERCENT AND WILL RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY APPROXIMATELY $24.73.