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January 2009 Issue

 

www.kingcounty.gov/healthmatters
Eat Smart, Move More, Stress Less, Quit Tobacco, Get A Flu Shot, Choose Well

January 2009 Subscribe to your home email address

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Ron Sims message to employees

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Welcome to our brave new electronic newsletter

In an effort to save county dollars and be more environmentally friendly Health Matters has left the world of hard copy behind and will now publish electronically.

As with our paper version, this e-newsletter will continue to publish on the first week of every month. By sending Health Matters to your email address, we’ll be able to go more in-depth, and be timelier than ever. Read more.

In this issue:

Health Matters goes electronic

Go for the gold

Health Heroes do the Danskin

Eat Smart in lean times

Help for your weight loss resolution

Move More tips for bad weather

Stress Less help for a tough economy

Quit Tobacco in 2009

Gym Discounts for your good health


click here for a text only printer-friendly version of the newsletter

In the News —

Study: Generic heart drugs as effective as brand
HealthDay News

Hard time holiday blues raising health concerns
HealthDay News

CDC changes recommendations for physical activity
New recommendations for weekly aerobic activity and muscle strengthening exercises. Read the latest.

Employee Sponsored Workouts Boosts Workers' Health Study at Home Depot saw big increase in employees working out. Read all about it

More In the News

You’re good to go for the gold
Take the wellness assessment now

Every year, over 90 percent of King County employees join Healthy IncentivesSM to get healthy and stay healthy, while helping to control the health care costs. Every year, over 90 percent of King County employees join Healthy IncentivesSM to get healthy and stay healthy, while helping to control the health care costs.

Don’t miss your opportunity to improve your health and save thousands of dollars. Two easy steps that you, your covered spouse or domestic partner take to earn the gold out-of-pocket expense level for your 2010 medical benefits. Take the wellness assessment by Jan. 31. Read more about how to earn gold.


Health Heroes say "You can do the Danskin”

Think a triathlon is out of your reach? These health heroes say "Think again."

The annual Danskin Triathlon is structured for both first time and veteran athletes – from couch potato to seasoned athlete - behind one simple credo: “The woman who starts the race is not the same woman who finishes the race.” Read the entire story.

Last year, feeling a bit spontaneous on a sunny spring afternoon, I signed up for the Danskin Women’s Triathlon supporting breast cancer research.Jessie Israel, King County Parks

My physical activity status was couch potato when I decided to do the Danskin. It was only after I registered that reality dropped like a brick in my gut. In most areas of my life I aim high. I take pride in competence. I am unapologetic about my internal drive to get things done, fast. But immediately after signing up, reality sank in. Read Jessie's story

Diane Ferrero, HIV/AIDS Program – Public Health

I decided to do the Danskin because I had been running for 2 years and felt like I was in good enough shape to try a Triathlon.  I decided to do the Danskin because I had been running for 2 years and felt like I was in good enough shape to try a Triathlon. I knew that the run part of the Danskin would be okay for me and I could probably get through the biking okay. The swimming was going to be a problem. My idea of swimming is floating in the pool in a blow-up pool chair with a glass of wine. Read Diane's story

I participated in my first Danskin when I was 45 years old. At the time, I was concerned about gaining weight, and my naturopath recommended that I participate as a way to keep my weight in check and to get in better shape…Beth Humpreys, Recyling and Environmental Services, DNRP
I participated in my first Danskin when I was 45 years old. At the time, I was concerned about gaining weight, and my naturopath recommended that I participate as a way to keep my weight in check and to get in better shape… That first year, I was just trying to finish the event. Read Beth's story


Eating smart in lean times - Here are some ideas to help you reduce your food costs and still purchase healthy items.

Eat Smart in lean times

Financially stressed shoppers are more likely to trade whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables for low-cost but high-fat alternatives. Here are some ideas to help you reduce your food costs and still purchase healthy items. 
Read more.


You are not alone: help for your New Years weight loss resolution

Losing weight is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Weight Watchers at Work® brings county employees together to face the same challenge.

Losing weight is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. According to a recent survey 97% of people who resolve to lose weight in the New Year say they think they will need some assistance to keep their resolution. However, each year, many people go it alone without any support. Read more.


When the weather outside is frightful - Move More!

When the weather outside is frightful - Move More

When the weather outside is cold and dreary, it can take extra effort to get your 30 minutes of physical activity. Here are some suggestions for staying active and warm. Read more. 


The current economic climate is causing stress and anxiety for many of us.

Managing Stress in tough economic times

The current economic climate is causing stress and anxiety for many of us. Left unmanaged, this stress can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, depression, and high blood pressure. Read more.


The New Year can be a great time to find a new fitness routine and stick with it.Gym Discounts: For your good health in 2009

The New Year can be a great time to find a new fitness routine and stick with it. King County offers employees and their families the Gym Discount program as an incentive to Move More.


Make this the year. Your King County health plan has you covered. We've got county and community resources to help you reach your goal.Resolved: Quit Tobacco in 2009

Make this the year. Your King County health plan has you covered. We've got county and community resources to help you reach your goal.

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