CARE Program Newsletter - May 2016

Attend the screening to identify skin issues early, when your chance for treatment and cure are better. By getting the right screenings and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life.

Click on link to post flyer in your department.

If you have skin concerns and missed the event, you can schedule an appointment with one of the Employee Health Clinic doctors by calling 512-854-5509. Travis County Employee Health Clinic

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

Who Can I Talk to About Mental Health Issues? Many different types of professionals offer talk therapy. Learn more about their training and how to choose a therapist. If you are struggling with an emotional problem, a mental health professional can help. Psychotherapy offered by a trained and licensed therapist can often successfully treat relationship problems and many mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Many different types of professionals offer psychotherapy (talk therapy). Some of them can also prescribe medication if needed.

Psychiatrists

A psychiatrist is a medical or osteopathic doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. Like other doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. A psychiatrist should have a state medical license and be board-eligible or board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Psychologists

A psychologist has an advanced degree from an accredited graduate program in psychology and two or more years of supervised work experience. Most states require a doctoral degree and a state license for psychologists. Psychologists can make diagnoses, do psychological testing, and provide therapy.

Clinical social workers

Social workers have a master's degree in social work from an accredited graduate program. They are trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. Their qualifications should include a state license and membership in the Academy of Certified Social Workers.

Licensed professional counselors

A licensed professional counselor has a master's degree in psychology, counseling or a related field. Licensed counselors are trained to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. They are required to have a state license.

Marriage and family therapists

A marriage and family therapist (MFT) has at least a master's degree and two years of supervised clinical experience. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental health and substance abuse problems from a family perspective. They can provide individual, couples, family and group therapy.

Certified mental health counselors

These professionals have a master's degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience in mental health. They can diagnose and provide treatment for many emotional and mental health issues. They are certified by the National Academy of Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors. Certified alcohol and drug abuse counselors Certified alcohol and drug abuse counselors have specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse. They can diagnose substance abuse issues and provide individual and group counseling. They must carry a state license.

Psychiatric nurses

These are registered nurses (RNs) with a master's degree in psychiatric and mental health nursing. They may also be called advanced practice registered nurses, psychiatric nurse practitioners or psychiatric clinical nurse specialists.They can diagnose and treat people with mental health disorders, and in most states they can prescribe medication. They are certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and must have a state license.

Pastoral counselors

Pastoral counselors are clergy with a degree in mental health and extensive supervised clinical practice. As a result, they approach emotional issues from both a psychological and a spiritual perspective. They are required to have certification from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.

Choosing a therapist

Picking a therapist is a very personal matter. It's fine to get a name from a friend or family member. But a therapist may work well with someone you know and yet not be a good match for you. To choose a therapist, first talk with him or her on the phone or in person. Find out about licensing and level of training, approach to psychotherapy, fees and any specialty area. Some therapists focus on one area, such as treating depression, traumatic stress, substance abuse or grief.

If you feel the therapist is a good fit for you, the next step is to make an appointment. But if you are not satisfied after meeting in person, keep looking. The type of training or license a therapist has is not the most important factor. What matters most is how well you connect with the therapist. You should be able to talk openly and feel heard and understood.

(UHC, 2016)

Employee Resources:

• Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Find a UHC Mental Health Clinician – on right side of screen, click on Find Mental Health Clinician.

 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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Total Miles: 25,998.9
Total Calories: 1,673,403
Total Minutes: 324,516

Remember you can continue using the MMM portal to track your activity all year.

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.

(UHC, 2016)

DASH to Lower Blood Pressure

What you eat has a lot to do with good blood pressure control. Find out what delicious foods to include in your diet to help combat high blood pressure.

Want to lower your blood pressure? Try the DASH eating plan, short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

If your first thought is that the DASH is bland and boring, think again. The DASH is as much about adding tasty, nutrient-rich foods as it is about limiting fats and sugars.

What the studies say

Two large studies, both supported by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, have offered proof that DASH works.

The first study looked at the effects on blood pressure of eating a varied, wholesome diet versus the typical American diet.

• Results showed that compared to the typical American diet, blood pressure could be lowered by eating combinations of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
• DASH eaters also ate reduced amounts of fats, red meats, sweets and sugared beverages.
• Noteworthy is that blood pressures were reduced on the DASH, even though this first study did not restrict sodium intake.

The second study then looked at the added effect of a reduced sodium intake on blood pressure as people followed either the DASH eating plan or a typical American diet.

• Results showed that reducing sodium lowered blood pressure even further for those already on the DASH eating plan. It also lowered pressures for those on the typical American diet.
• The biggest benefits were seen in people on the DASH eating plan who also lowered their sodium intake.

How the DASH works

Experts believe the DASH works for these reasons:

• By choosing fruits and vegetables, you're more likely to cut out high-sodium, processed foods.
• The DASH diet is rich in calcium, potassium, fiber and magnesium. A lack of these nutrients is linked to high blood pressure.
• DASH is low in saturated and trans fats, which are known to raise blood pressure.
• Instead of supplements, the DASH focuses on combinations of healthy foods, which work together in your body to help lower blood pressure.

So what exactly IS the DASH eating plan? Specifically, it includes the following:

Daily servings:

• Seven to eight servings of grains, from mostly whole grains
• Four to five servings of vegetables
• Four to five servings of fruit
• Two to three servings of low-fat dairy foods
• No more than two servings of lean meat, poultry and fish
• Two to three servings of fats and oils

Weekly servings:

• Four to five servings of nuts, seeds and dry beans
• No more than five servings of sweets

Fitting the DASH into your lifestyle

You can work these DASH nutrient-foods into your meal plan in these ways:

Up your vegetable intake

• Add a variety of veggies to lunch or dinnertime salads and soups.
• Have cut-up veggies such as carrots, colored peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and celery for snacks, with a low-fat yogurt dip.
• Increase vegetable portions of casseroles and stir-fries while decreasing meat portions.
• Add beans/legumes to salads, soups and casseroles.

Go whole-grain

• Choose whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas.
• Instead of white rice or potatoes, experiment with brown rice, quinoa, barley and bulgur.

Go nutty

• Sprinkle nuts into whole-grain cereal, yogurt or salads.
• Add natural peanut or almond butter to whole-grain bread with sliced banana.
• Snack on small amounts of nuts and dried fruit.

Do it with dairy

• Use skim or low-fat milk in smoothies with fresh fruit and 100 percent juice.
• Add skim or low-fat milk to coffee for lattes.
• Choose low-fat yogurt for breakfast or snacks.
• Use low-fat cheese on whole-grain bread, sprinkled on salads, or topped on a baked potato with broccoli.

DASH isn't just for people with high blood pressure. It's an overall healthy, wholesome, high-fiber eating plan than can also help reduce cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss.

(UHC, 2016)

En Español

• 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

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.

Although the word arthritis actually means joint inflammation, we use the term arthritis in the public health world to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround the joint and other connective tissue. The pattern, severity and location of symptoms can vary depending on the specific form of the disease. Typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body. More information about arthritis.

To learn more about and/or get screened for asthma and arthritis you can schedule an appointment to speak to a physician free of cost by stopping in, or calling the Employee Health Clinic at 512-854-5509.