Holiday closure Monday May 28: Most county offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

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Welcome to your June Health Matters e-Newletter

King County Health Matters

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June Health Heroes

Susan Komen Race for the Cure - Executive Office Team

Susan Komen Race for the Cure - Executive Office Team

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Announcements

Bike Month results King County’s 15 teams came in ninth in terms of total mileage out of more than 1,000 organizations entered. Results are on the Cascade Bike Club site, or download this pdf.



Seattle City Hall Farmers Market opens June 21
Fresh produce and flowers will once again be available this summer at Seattle City Hall Plaza, 600 Fourth Ave. The satellite Pike Place Market will open June 21 and will repeat every Tuesday from 10 am - 2 pm throughout the summer.


June is Home Safety Month During June, the Home Safety Council (HSC) is working educate and motivate families to take actions that will increase the safety of their homes.


June is Cataract Prevention Month
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. There are close to 22.3 million Americans age 40 and older with cataracts. For information, contact us online, or call 1-800-331-2020.


June is Prevention and Wellness Month - Find out how the health reform law is helping Americans stay healthy at HealthCare.gov.



Making Life Easier's

June newsletter

Puget Sound Health Alliance
Community Checkup Report

Know any Health Heroes?

Tell us your success stories


In the News

Help your children eat well during summer vacation

What I did on my summer vacation

On your marks, get set, measure heart health

Cheaper eye drug proves as good as pricier one

Health care deal could save money, but skeptics question how soon



Astounding weight loss since launch of county wellness program EXCITING RESULTS TO REPORT
Astounding weight loss since launch of county wellness program

An in depth study of anonymous wellness assessment data shows that since the county’s Health Reform Initiative launched in 2006, 2,029 people have lost enough weight to see health benefits. Weight Watchers at Work has played a significant role. More




When will you know you're gold, silver or bronze?
YOUR INDIVIDUAL ACTION PLAN

When will you know you’re gold, silver or bronze?

Officially, you’ll receive a letter from WebMD in mid-July telling you whether your family will be covered at the gold, silver or bronze level for 2012 medical out-of-pocket expenses. More






Plant vegetables to harvest at home ENJOY HEALTHY VEGGIES AT HOME

Plant vegetables to harvest at home

Plant veggies now and you could be harvesting your own healthy produce this fall. Garden expert and Goat Hill Giving Garden volunteer Cristina Del Alma shares her tips for planting a summer vegetable garden. More




Recognizing Quality

KICK THE TIRES ON YOUR HEALTHCARE
Recognizing quality when you experience it

Before making a major purchase, most of us do our homework so we know that we’re getting a good deal. Then we take all of this information and think about what is a priority given how we will use it. Here are some things to know as you search for quality health care.
More




MyPlate replaces Food Pyramid
EAT SMART

MyPlate replaces Food Pyramid


First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently unveiled the federal government’s new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. More



Find healthy eating ideas in the
Recipe Boxrecipe box



Be a consistent mover
MOVE MORE

Be a consistent mover


Are you suddenly inspired to Move More now that shorts season is upon us? Take a lesson from consistent exercisers and focus on activity you can maintain year round. Then, you’re always ready for shorts season whether it’s Alki in August, or Hawaii in November. More


Gym Discount Program


Did you know King County employees are eligible for discounts at over 30 gyms representing more than 160 facilities in the greater Puget Sound region? Many gyms are offering seasonal specials this month that may be better than their county discount , so if you’re interested in a new gym membership, check out the Gym Discount Program and remember to ask if there are any additional membership discounts that can be applied to you.



Outer emotions reflect inner stress response

STRESS LESS

Outer emotions reflect inner stress response


According to research published in February in Brain, Behavior, and Inmmunity, your emotional response to challenging situations could predict how your body responds to stress. More





Breathe freely this summer
QUIT TOBACCO
Breathe freely this summer


Fresh air and outdoor fun might mean you’re feeling ready to give up tobacco for good. If you’re ready to quit, make June you’re time. Smoking is expensive. Quitting is free with King County’s comprehensive tobacco cessation support. More

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