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Welcome to your December 2010 Health Matters e-Newsletter

King County Health Matters

December 2010 Health Matters browser view Send to my home email

December
Health Hero

John Murphy, December Health Hero

DOT's John Murphy talks
about the impact of
knowing family history
and other factors as he strives for better health.


Announcements


Open Enrollment is closed.
Open enrollment ended on Friday, Nov. 26. Go online to review your 2011 benefits. Log in to My Benefits and then My Open Enrollment. If you need assistance, call Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations at 206-684-1556 or e-mail us.

Onsite flu shots are over.
Onsite flu clinics are now over.  More than 3,300 flu shots were delivered at onsite flu clinics.  Thanks to the many coordinators who made this possible. Check this online resource if you still need a flu shot.


Making Life Easier's December newsletter

Puget Sound Health Alliance
Community Checkup Report

Know any Health Heroes?

Tell us your success stories


In the News —


WashYourHandsingTon: new campaign to promote flu vaccine

Disease prevention could save U.S. billions of dollars annually

Eat your fruits & veggies for longer life

Smarten up about antibiotics, CDC urges

US health officials urge adults to think beyond the annual flu shot

Winter skies still pose sun danger, experts warn

Few make lifestyle changes that could keep their heart healthy

Are you at risk of developing diabetes?

Spread cheer, not germs, at holiday gatherings


Happy Holidays from the Health Matters TeamThe Health Matters staff thanks you for your patience. This month’s e-newsletter was late being delivered due to the recent fire in the Yesler Building.

Have a happy and safe holiday season and new year.




HEALTHY INCENTIVES PROGRAMSM
Look for the blue letterGet ready to earn gold in 2011

At the end of this month, you will receive a blue letter telling you how to earn gold with the improved 2011 Healthy IncentivesSM program.   More




INITIATIVE BECOMES EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING PROGRAM

Five year retrospective shows Health Reform Initiative improved employee health and reduced increase in health care costs

In the past five years we have gotten older, but healthier. We got moving and we started eating better.In the past five years we have gotten older, but healthier. We spent $26 million less than expected on health care costs. Now, the Health Reform Initiative transitions to the Employee Health and Well-Being Program to support critical goals of the King County Strategic Plan. More



Look for these international symbols on the label. They all indicate some form of chemical safety oversight.HAVE FUN WHILE PROTECTING CHILDREN
Buy safer arts, crafts and toys for the holidays

Buy toxic-free toys, arts and crafts this holiday season. Have fun while protecting children who are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure at younger ages.

Look for these international symbols on the label. They all indicate some form of chemical safety oversight. More

 

Don’t let your good habits take a holiday this year. Small changes in the way you shop and cook can make a big difference.EAT SMART
Tips for healthier holiday cooking


The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can make it hard to stick to your healthy eating routine. But don’t let your good habits take a holiday this year. Small changes in the way you shop and cook can make a big difference. More

Find healthy eating ideas in the Recipe BoxRecipe Box

This season, why not give the best gift of all – the promise to enjoy some active time with your loved ones.
MOVE MORE

Active gifts for the holidays


This season, why not give the best gift of all – the promise to enjoy some active time with your loved ones.  Prevent the “too much stuff” syndrome and start a new family tradition building memories through your active adventures.  More




Balancing your work commitments with family expectations and social obligations can make this joyous season the most stressful time of the year. STRESS LESS
Managing holiday stress at work

Balancing your work commitments with family expectations and social obligations can make this joyous season the most stressful time of the year. Try these strategies to reduce holiday stress in the workplace. More




The holidays can be a stressful time to try quitting tobacco, but a great time to plan for success in the new year.
QUIT TOBACCO
Have a healthy holiday


The holidays can be a stressful time to try quitting tobacco, but a great time to plan for success in the new year.  Research shows you’ll be more successful at quitting if you use resources such as your support network and quit plans such as Free & Clear.  More
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