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October 2009 Health Matters Email Newsletter

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Video of the Month

Janet Palmer crosses the finish line of the Rock and Roll Marathon

DOT's Janet Palmer on the merits of moving more
click to play video


Announcements

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month
Focus on prevention

H1N1 (swine flu) is circulating in King County
Stay up-to-date with Public Health

VEBA vote tallied for union employees on tax-free contributions for future health expenses. Results



In the News —

Swine flu vaccine to arrive

Flu campaign: vaccinating against rumors

Eating in America still unhealthy: CDC

Cost savings in preventing chronic disease

Overweight women and life expectancy

MRI/CT overdose? Radiation tests questioned

Claim: less sleep = more colds

Bicycle commuting rising, but still pales compared to Europe


WebMD to power Healthy Incentives in 2010PARTNERSHIP TO ADD SPEED AND CHOICE

WebMD to power Healthy IncentivesSM in 2010

Say goodbye to Route 66, Colorful Choices and Passport. Say hello to better access and more choice. Beginning this January, county employees will have access to a new Healthy IncentivesSM Web site, powered by WebMD. King County has partnered with this highly trusted source to give you a powerful new set of tools to reach for the gold and better health. More


Seasonal flu shots are coming to County worksites.SEASONAL FLU SHOTS COMING TO MANY WORKSITES
Onsite seasonal Flu Shot program – Nov. 2-20

Everyone should get a seasonal flu vaccine. Check out our web pages with the schedule and other free resources. Click here for tips to avoid colds and the flu. These onsite clinics will not provide H1N1 influenza (swine flu) vaccines which will be available later this fall through health care providers.


Your choices in the next Open Enrollment could mean a difference of thousands of dollars.
PLAN NOW FOR 2010 OPEN ENROLLMENT
Benefit choices will affect your pocketbook

The 2010 open enrollment period begins November 2nd. The annual window will offer brand-new opportunities to choose quality, affordable health care and protect your pocketbook. Don’t miss out. The health plan choices you make could mean the difference of thousands of dollars. More


Janet Palmer (top) and Jackie Phillips (lower), October Health HeroesOCTOBER HEALTH HEROES
DOT presents a tale of two heroes

Janet Palmer and Jackie Phillips both work for DOT.  Janet has been a Metro operator for nearly 20 years.  When she turned 50, she began to move more. Jackie, a graphic designer in the Director's Office, turned 50 last year. Seeing in her mother the health outcomes of not moving,  she began training for her very first triathlon. Both of their stories remind us all that it's never too late to begin a healthier lifestyle.


Pumpkins: good for more than just carving.EAT SMART - TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HALLOWEEN
Pumpkins: Good for more than just carving

A trip to the pumpkin patch followed by a fun-filled afternoon of carving jack-o-lanterns is a fall tradition for many families. But pumpkins are great for more than just fall décor.  Also this month, how to avoid toxic candies.


Take a walk with your co-workersTake a walk with your co-workersMOVE MORE - TAKE YOUR BREAK!
Ten minutes of exercise can have health benefits

The next time you’re tempted to work through your break or lunch time, take 10 instead.  Get up, move around and get your heart pumping. You’ll return to your work refreshed and clear headed, ready for the next challenge. More


Depression: Know the signs, take actionSTRESS LESS - KNOW THE SIGNS. TAKE ACTION.
National Depression Screening Day

Did you know that depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide? If you think that you might be suffering from depression getting screened is the first step. The Making Life Easier program can help. More


Quit TobaccoQUIT TOBACCO
Start a fresh, new life — commit to quit

Smoking is expensive. Quitting is free. Learn about no-cost toabacco cessation programs offered through your King County Benefits. More

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