CARE Program Newsletter - March 2016

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

 Taking a screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition (Mental Health America). Click here for screenings

Additional resource and support is the 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

Join your colleagues for 30 days of Yoga with Adriene on a You Tube video. This journey is about more than just a flexible, strong and tone body. It is about full mind, heart, and body wellness. Yoga benefits a healthy mind, body, and spirit! Bring your mat and comfortable clothing. Reach out to the CARE Program to set up the You Tube video at your worksite!

1. Once on Employee Self-Services, click on Training Home found under Learning.
2. On Training Home – Search for course name by entering Creative Escapes in search box.
3. Click on the name of course.
4. Select date(s) of attendance
5. Click on Request Participation
6. Click OK
7. Then click on Training Home to view your bookings.

Register online on SAP Employee Self Service (ESS)

1. Once on Employee Services, click on Training Home found under Learning.
2. On Training Home – Search for course name by entering Creative Escapes in search box.
3. Click on the name of course. Select date(s) of attendance
4. Click on Request Participation
5. Click OK
6. Then click on Training Home to view your bookings.

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Experts say that exercise can help prevent mental decline as we age. Regular exercise may enhance memory and mood, and may improve our ability to juggle multiple mental tasks.

The aging brain

Severe memory loss or other serious mental impairments are most often caused by disease. But age-related mental declines may be the result of decreased brain activity and stimulation. Both mental and physical exercise can help keep your brain sharp.

Your brain with exercise

So how does physical activity boost brain power? It helps you:

• Think more clearly. Getting your heart rate up pumps blood to the brain. This helps your brain perform better. Low-impact exercises like walking may be best for "clearing your head" because muscles don't work hard enough to use up extra oxygen and glucose.
• Improve your memory. Experts say that exercise brings on the growth of nerve cells in the hippo campus, the region of your brain involved in memory. Studies show that seniors who walk regularly have better memories than inactive older adults. And the more you exercise, the better your memory gets.
• Better your ability to do complex tasks. One study found that aerobic exercise helped people with mild cognitive problems to organize information, pay attention and multi-task better. This may be because exercise helps the body move glucose to the brain, which improves its function.
• Possibly ward off Alzheimer's disease. There is growing research that suggests regular exercise is linked with a lower risk of Alzheimer's. Brain activity has been shown to increase with physical fitness. One study found that adults who exercised three times a week had a much lower chance of getting Alzheimer's than those who didn't.
• Ease depression and anxiety. Exercise increases the level of serotonin (a chemical that affects mood) in the brain. Low levels of serotonin are linked with clinical depression. Some studies show that exercise can work just as well as medication in treating mild depression in some people.
• Reduce stress. Physical activity helps lower the release of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is a hormone linked with stress.
• Help keep your blood pressure in check. High blood pressure can harm blood vessels in your brain and reduce your brain's oxygen supply. This damages nerve cells that are used for decision-making and memory.

Time to get moving

Check with your doctor first before starting an exercise program. Then use these tips to get moving:

• Pick an activity you enjoy. Try walking, swimming or playing tennis. You'll be more likely to stick with exercising if you enjoy doing it.
• Start slowly. Work your way up to at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Get a workout buddy. Exercise can help build friendships. It may be easier to stick to a fitness schedule if you have someone counting on you to show up.

Even if you've lived an inactive lifestyle up until now, regular activity will help keep your body - and brain - in shape.

• ACES (Activating Children Empowering Success) Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation, psychosocial support, behavioral health support and treatment for overweight and obese children and teens. The program includes consultation from our dietitian and offers teen cooking classes to help achieve better nutrition.
• Healthy Living, Happy Living / Vida Sana, Vida Feliz is an after-school, family-based obesity program. The 10-week program focuses on empowering children and their families to make lifelong healthy changes.
• Teens Empowered for Exercise and Nutrition (TEEN) Group The TEEN group helps teens learn to cook healthy meals and helps teens and families with social-emotional skill building.

Contact Information
Diolanda Lovings 
Department Assistant
4900 Mueller Blvd.
Austin, TX 78723
Phone: (512) 324-9999, x86437
Fax: (512) 406-6520

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.

Here are some tips that are useful when looking to book a same day appointment:

1. The earlier you call in the morning for a same day appointment, the greater the chances we can get you in the same day.
2. Be flexible on clinic location whenever possible. If the Main clinic is booked up and the Airport Clinic or DVC has openings our staff would love to get you in. Remember we have appointments up to 5:00PM every day except for Fridays, so if one of our clinic locations are on your way home those late appointments may be a great option.