King County Health Matters - www.kingcounty.gov/employees
Eat Smart ● Move More ● Stress Less
Quit Tobacco ● Get A Flu Shot ● Choose Well



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June 2009  Did you know? Did you know? Scroll over the question marks for details

Southbase
Join other King County men who've taken the pledge!
(click on the photo
to watch the video)

National Men's Health Week (June 15-21)

National Men’s Health Week is a time for men of all ages to get informed and take action to improve their health. Health Matters encourages you to schedule a check up, record your family history, and take the pledge to make your health a top priority.Read more

June Health Hero - Denny Pingeon

Denny Pingeon takes his health pretty seriously. For years, he ate what he wanted, knowing he’d burn the calories keeping up with his active family. But the kids grew up and moved away and after two knee surgeries, Dennis needed a new plan for staying healthy. Read more

In this issue:

Eat Smart

Move More

Stress Less

Quit Tobacco


Announcements

Reminder:
June 30 is deadline for completing individual action plans


To earn gold for your out-of-pocket medical expenses in 2010, you and your covered spouse or domestic partner must complete your individual action plans by June 30, 2009. Read more


In the News —

Swine flu comeback this fall?

Flu lesson: keep sick kids home

Congress plans incentives for healthy habits

Hospitals: Cutting costly readmissions

Obama tells health pros to do cost 'homework'

What's really in a lot of 'healthy' foods

Outgoing nature could get you to 100 

Runners tell their stories

Walking towards well-being

Take care of your feet

Read how Cathy Gaylord and her 2008 Live Well Challenge team the Phytonutrient Nibblers have bonded and thrived following last year’s Live Well Challenge. Live Well Challenge creates lasting change
The 2009 Live Well challenge is almost here. Read about the long term changes Cathy Gaylord and her 2008 Live Well Challenge team the Phytonutirent Nibblers have experienced. Read more


June Health Hero - Richard Palmer
Richard Palmer - June Health HeroFor most people, finishing one marathon is a
If you’re thinking about running your first marathon or ½ marathon, there are community resources to help you train.  Read Richard’s story for links.
challenge. Not for Richard Palmer. This 49 year old set a goal to run a marathon in every state before his 50th birthday. With just 9 more states to go, he's almost there. Read more

Health Hero Update: Helen Ivory

Move More in June

Ready to find your own challenge activity?  Check out these local events.  Remember that the Centers for Disease Control recommend 150 minutes a week of moderate-level physical activity and 2 days a week of muscle-strengthening exercises.  Read more

Run With Cops Not From Them 5K Run/Walk
Run With Cops Not From Them 5K run/walk - Sat., June 20, Marymoor ParkSaturday, June 20, Marymoor Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m., the run/walk begins at 9 a.m. this third annual family-friendly event benefits the Behind the Badge Foundation and the 47th Annual Training Conference of the International Association of Women PoliceRead more


Deputy Sherriff Jessica Cline enjoys shopping at the Farmers MarketEat Smart: Farmers Market season
A weekly visit to your local farmers’ market is an easy way to Eat Smart. And June is a great time to start. There are more than 40 farmers’ markets in King County and most are now open for the season. Read more

The Recipe boxRecipe Box: Asparagus and Radish Salad
Here's a recipe using fresh asparagus combined with fresh radishes, toasted sesame seeds and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. An easy to make salad, perfect for lunch or dinner. Read more


Spring cleaning is good for your health
Don't let this be your garage!You’ve pushed them to the back of the garage or the corner of the basement. Whether its pesticides, paint, computer monitors, unused medicine or old gasoline, spring is a great time to deal with them. Read more


Stress Less: Judi Chapman credits her dogs with keeping balance in her life. (Shown here with Elmo)Can pets keep you healthy?
People have lots of reasons for owning pets. Now a small but growing body of research suggests that owning or interacting with animals may have the added benefit of improving your health. Read more


Bike to Work Month recap
Congratulations Bike to Work Month participants! Almost 40 King County teams participated in Bike to Work Month. At publishing time, 176 riders made over 1,000 round trips, logging more than 15,000 miles. For team statistics and information on bike commute resources, read more


Nurse line: Talk to a registered nurse 24/7
Call anytime for reliable information on your health, including prevention strategies, self-care and chronic conditions, medication, tests, procedures and surgeries, and when to seek urgent or emergency care.
KingCareSM Members: (800) 556-1555
Group Health Members: (800) 297-6877


Smoking is expensive. Quitting is free.
Celebrate spring with a commitment to quit

Smoking is expensive.  Quitting is free. Learn about no-cost tobacco cessation programs. Read more
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