CARE Program Newsletter - April 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

Further, excessive drinking was responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2010 were estimated at $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink.

What is a "drink"?

In the United States, a standard drink contains 0.6 ounces (14.0 grams or 1.2 tablespoons) of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in

• 12-ounces of beer (5% alcohol content).
• 8-ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content).
• 5-ounces of wine (12% alcohol content).
• 1.5-ounces of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, whiskey).

What is excessive drinking?

Excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women or people younger than age 21.

• Binge drinking, the most common form of excessive drinking, is defined as consuming
  • For women, 4 or more drinks during a single occasion.
  • For men, 5 or more drinks during a single occasion.
• Heavy drinking is defined as consuming
  • For women, 8 or more drinks per week.
  • For men, 15 or more drinks per week.

Most people who drink excessively are not alcoholics or alcohol dependent.

What is moderate drinking?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines moderate drinking as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. In addition, the Dietary Guidelines do not recommend that individuals who do not drink alcohol start drinking for any reason.

However, there are some people who should not drink any alcohol, including those who are:

• Younger than age 21.
• Pregnant or may be pregnant.
• Driving, planning to drive, or participating in other activities requiring skill, coordination, and alertness.
• Taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol.
• Suffering from certain medical conditions.
• Recovering from alcoholism or are unable to control the amount they drink.

By adhering to the Dietary Guidelines, you can reduce the risk of harm to yourself or others.

Short-Term Health Risks

Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. These are most often the result of binge drinking and include the following:

• Injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.
• Violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
• Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels.
• Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
• Miscarriage and stillbirth or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) among pregnant women.

Long-Term Health Risks

Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including:

• High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
• Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon.
• Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.
• Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
• Social problems, including lost productivity, family problems, and unemployment.
• Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism.

By not drinking too much, you can reduce the risk of these short- and long-term health risks.

Additional Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions about alcohol 
• Are you wondering if you have an alcohol problem? This simple self-test is intended to help you determine if you or someone you know needs to find out more about alcoholism. Take the Test
• Flyers: Alcohol Use & Your Health (en español)

CDC (2016)

 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 port 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

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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Health benefits of alcohol

The most widely known benefits of alcohol may be a small increase in HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing blood clotting. Research continues on understanding the potential benefits more clearly. Red wine is thought to have even more benefits because it contains polyphenols and flavonoids. Both of these substances may have additional cardio-protective effects.

Resveratrol

A specific antioxidant, called resveratrol, is thought to be especially good for the heart. Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes. It's also found in peanuts and some berries. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory effects and also reduces blood clotting. Researchers believe resveratrol can slow tumor growth in some cancers. They also believe it can help prevent nerve cell damage and death. Studies on resveratrol have not yet been done on humans.

Risks of alcohol

Excessive drinking can damage your liver, pancreas and nerve cells. Studies have shown alcohol increases a woman's chances for breast cancer. Pregnant women should not drink any alcohol due to the potential harm to the baby.

Health problems

People with certain health problems shouldn't drink alcohol. These problems include:

• High triglycerides
• Pancreatitis
• Liver disease
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Depression
• Heart failure

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), moderate alcohol may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in some people, but more research is needed. The AHA cautions people not to start drinking if they do not already drink alcohol. The evidence is overwhelming that drinking may be unhealthy -- even risky -- for others.

Too much alcohol increases the risk for:

• High triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart disease and heart attack
• Certain cancers
• Accidents
• Suicide
• Delivering children with birth defects
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Dementia

Diabetes

The AHA warns people with diabetes to be extra careful about alcohol. Any drinking should be done moderately and with a meal. Otherwise, alcohol can lower blood sugar to dangerous levels.

USDA recommendations

If you don't drink, don't start. Consuming alcohol can have beneficial or harmful effects depending on several factors such as amount consumed, age and unique characteristics to the person drinking the alcohol. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends moderate alcohol consumption. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. A serving is a 4-ounce glass of wine or a 12-ounce glass of beer. Drinking extra red wine won't give you extra protection. It may do just the opposite and give you new health problems.

Many fruits and vegetables, as well as red grape juice, contain antioxidants. Although red wine may make HDL levels higher for some people, regular exercise can do the same thing. Work in up to 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Check with your doctor before you start or increase your physical activity level. Other things that may increase your HDL levels include lowering your blood pressure, controlling your weight, getting enough exercise and following a healthy diet.

(UHC, 2016)

This may be news to some, but alcohol has a lot of calories, often more than the dessert you turn down. To boot, having a drink or two before or with a meal may actually stimulate you to eat more and take in more calories. Researchers speculate that alcohol increases the pleasure of eating. While "under the influence," it's also more likely that you will lose your inhibitions and indulge in foods that are less nutritious.

Without a doubt, the calories in your alcoholic drink can affect your waistline just as the alcohol can affect your mental functioning and physical health. But you can enjoy small amounts of alcohol and still maintain or even lose weight. The key? Arm yourself with calorie facts and follow the tips below.

How many calories are you drinking?

Weight gain, loss, or maintenance depends on how many calories you take in. Most people are completely unaware of how many calories are in certain drinks. It's easy to go overboard without realizing it.

The calorie amounts listed here are for an average size drink. Many drinks may have even more, depending on how big the tumbler, glass, or beer mug is.

Other facts to consider

Here are two more things to keep in mind about alcohol:

Alcohol can cause dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water when you have alcohol. Your body is better able to process fat when it's properly hydrated. Alcohol does not fill you up. Alcohol contains calories but doesn't typically make you full. This still leaves plenty of room for other indulgences.

Strategies for smart drinking

• If you drink, do so only in moderation. This means no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
• Check with your doctor before drinking alcoholic beverages if you take any medicines (over-the-counter or prescription) or if you have any medical problems.
• Pay attention to the calories in alcohol. Know your facts so you can balance your calories for the day.
• Never drink on an empty stomach. This will lead to faster absorption of the alcohol and even more impaired judgment.
• Drink slowly and alternate each beverage with water or seltzer. This allows you to have something in your hand while spacing out your alcohol intake.
• Dilute alcohol with water, ice, or seltzer. This avoids the extra calories found in mixers, sodas, and juices.
• Trade a higher calorie drink for a lower one. If you love eggnog, look for lower calorie versions in the supermarket.

In the end, a smart strategy includes a plan for both eating and drinking. With that in mind, it may be possible to include some alcohol in your meal plan without piling on the pounds.

UHC (2016)

• ACES (Activating Children Empowering Success) Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation, psychosocial port, 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.