March 2009 Issue

Helen Ivory: March Health Hero

Helen Ivory, a Human Resource professional with the Sheriff’s Department, is committed to improving her health. She signed up for a gym through the Gym Discount Program and is making other changes. Read Helen's "before" story  and follow her progress

Time to spring in to your individual action plan!

If you are one of the thousands who met the Feb. 9 deadline for taking the wellness assessment, well done! Healthways will be contacting you about your next step to gold, to better health and big savings — your individual action plan. Read more

Vision screening for kids has huge potential benefits:
Councilmember Kathy Lambert & Dr. Mary Baker

With our children now fully engaged in the school year, now might be a good time to make sure they are on the road to academic success.

However, in the average classroom, 20 to 30 percent of students may have a vision problem. What do we know? What can we do? Read more. Click the photo to see Councilmember Lambert's video.

Are you at risk for diabetes? Find out at free health screenings

More than 150 employees and their spartners are projected to develop diabetes next year and even more will become pre-diabetic. Currently, over 1,300 are being treated for the disease. This April, the King County Health Reform Initiative and the American Diabetes Association are holding free diabetes education and health screenings for employees. Read more and sign up.

Survey says: County Health Reform Initiative heading in the right direction

According to an annual survey, employees and their spartners believe the Health Reform Initiative is headed in the right direction, with over half stating that participating in an individual action plan helped them build or maintain healthy habits. Read more.  Download the entire 2008 Employee Survey.

2009 budget halts Healthy Workplace Funding Initiative, but Health Matters support still available

As a cost saving measure, Healthy Workplace Funding Initiative (HWFI) has been discontinued for 2009. In the past, initiative dollars -- allocated at the rate of $25 per eligible employee -- supported worksite physical fitness, nutrition seminars; produce delivery; stress management classes and more. While the funds are no longer available, King County’s Health Reform Initiative still supports Eat Smart, Move More and Stress Less programs at county worksites in many ways. Read more.

Stress Less: Sleep on it — National Sleep Awareness Week

Coinciding with the return of Daylight Saving Time, March 1-8 is National Sleep Awareness Week. If you sleep more on the weekends then you do during the work week, you probably aren’t getting enough sleep. Read more.

Logon and Learn: Reduce the (financial) discomfort of colonoscopy

Sure, colonoscopies are uncomfortable, and paying more than you have to just adds insult to injury. The cost of a colonoscopy varies by as much as $2,000 depending on where you go. Though there is no cost to you because the county covers preventive services at 100 percent, that’s a big cost differential for the county. Cost is not the only consideration. So is getting the screening once you turn 50. When detected early, chances of surviving the cancer improve dramatically.

You can use the county’s free online resources to find the best care convenient to you and at a cost you can accept. Read more.

Eat Smart: King County makes eating healthier easier

March is National Nutrition Month – King County’s new nutrition labeling regulation makes it easier to choose healthier food when eating out. Read more.

Good luck, good food and good health this St. Patrick's Day

When your thoughts turn to St. Patrick's Day, the foods that come to mind are not always the healthiest. But the day’s celebration does not have to focus on traditionally high fat or high calorie foods. Read more.

Move More: March into action!

The Centers for Disease Control recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate-level physical activity and 2 days a week of muscle-strengthening exercises. Read on for events and happening all around our region.

Health Hero Tom Moore will be missed by many

Tom Moore was a part-time Transit Operator for King County Metro Transit from May of 1983 until his passing on Feb. 16, 2009. Tom was best known for his work with MetroFit health promotion program. His work helped hundreds of King County employees get and stay healthy, even saving a life. Read more.

This is your wallet on drugs

Don’t let brand names pick your wallet. The New York Times offers smart strategies for saving on prescription drugs. Get more help by visiting King County’s Choose Generics web page.

Quit Tobacco: Make March your time to quit

King County offers comprehensive support for tobacco cessation. Studies show you'll be more successful if you use quit tools such as nicotine replacement therapy, prescription drugs, and/or the support of family and friends.  Read more.