AlaskaCare Wellness News | November 2016

Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 11/01/2016 07:30 AM AKDT

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

If you are having trouble viewing images in Outlook, you may have to adjust your settings.

Instructions are available here.
Right-click here to download pictures…

November 2016 | #51

Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment 2017

Effective January 1, 2017, your health plan benefits are changing. Understanding these changes will allow you to save money by avoiding unnecessary out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Open Enrollment for AlaskaCare is from November 2 through November 23.

This is the time to review your current elections and the covered dependents under your health plan and to make changes for the upcoming benefit year, effective January 1, 2017.

Visit Alaska.gov/drb/OpenEnrollment.

November is American Diabetes Month

Glucose test

November is American Diabetes Month. Do you know if you’re at risk? Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing complications. Learn about diabetes basics, risk factors, and common symptoms of diabetes on the American Diabetes Association website.

There are several Diabetes Prevention and Management Programs available through the Division of Public Health. Learn more on their website.

Source: American Diabetes Association

Back to Top

Meet Susan Keltner—Juneau AlaskaCare Weight Watchers Meeting Leader

Susan Keltner

Meet Susan Keltner, the new AlaskaCare Weight Watchers meeting leader in Juneau:

“I have struggled with my weight since childhood. I was always embarrassed to take the fitness assessments in school and other kids teased me about being chubby. As I grew up, I was successful in losing weight, but even when I was at my lowest, I was still overweight. My insecurities inflated as I finished college and began a career in TV news, but they peaked when I had my first child and was left with more weight to lose than ever.

In 2011, I joined Weight Watchers at 198.8 lbs. At 5'8", my hope was that I'd be able to lose enough weight to put me in the elusive healthy BMI range. That meant getting to 164 lbs. I found that tracking points was much different and much simpler than counting calories and my eating habits quickly began to change. Six months later, I reached my initial goal and decided to keep going. After a year on Weight Watchers I reached my ultimate goal of 145 lbs.

This program works! I have been able to keep my weight off since I lost it and I have also achieved something I had never done before and never thought I'd ever do: I wore a bikini on the beach!”

Learn more about AlaskaCare and Weight Watchers on our website. If you would like to start a meeting at your location, the first step is finding a location coordinator/liaison volunteer and 15 people who want to sign up. For more information, contact Grey Mitchell at (907) 465-2334.

Back to Top

Webinar

Webinar

It’s a Guy Thing | November 15

Men can have health challenges during their lives that women never face. If you’re a guy—or even if you just love one—this seminar is for you. We’ll discuss men’s health and how a man can lower his risk for certain conditions through preventive screenings.

Register…

Back to Top

Group Coaching

Health Risk Assessment

MyActiveHealth is offering a free online group coaching program for stress management: Eat, Drink and Be Healthy (PDF).

This program is a six week series that begins on Tuesday, November 8 at 12pm. Please register ahead of time as space is limited.

Back to Top

Exercise of the Month: Dolphin Pose

Dolphin pose

The dolphin pose helps improve muscle balance and coordination while strengthening the upper back, abdominal muscles, and shoulders.

Try it out...

Back to Top

Recipe of the Month: Shepard's Turkey Pie

Shepard's Pie

This warm and comforting fall dish is loaded with vegetables and healthy turkey breast.

Get the recipe...

    Source: United States Department of Agriculture

    Back to Top
       
       
      AlaskaCare.gov AlaskaCare Wellness Are you an AlaskaCare Employee Health Plan member?
       
      SOA Employee Gym Discount AlaskaCare Wellness Events Contact the Wellness Team

      This electronic newsletter and services described within applies only to State of Alaska AlaskaCare Employee Health Plan members and their dependents.