AlaskaCare Wellness News | October 2013

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

Right-click here to download pictures…

October 2013 | #14

October is National Depression Awareness Month

sadMan

Depression is more than feeling blue. It is a serious medical condition that can affect your mood and thinking. It also affects how you feel about yourself, your relationships, and your daily routine. Read about the signs of and treatment for depression to learn how to help yourself or your family during National Depression Awareness Month...

If depression impacts you or one of your family members, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help. Counselors are available to support you and your family at no cost.  Your EAP counselor can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (800) 478-2812, or by logging on to MagellanHealth.com/member.

Back to Top

Don’t Miss the 2013 Health Fairs in Anchorage and Juneau

Health and Wellness Basket

The AlaskaCare Health Fairs are coming to Anchorage and Juneau! Health screenings will be offered to employee and retiree AlaskaCare Health Plan members, age 18 and older. See a list of available tests.

  • Juneau, October 26, 8 a.m. to 12 noon, 8th Floor of the State Office Building
  • Anchorage, November 2 and 3, 8 a.m. to noon, Alaska Regional Hospital

Congrats to Cindy Bole for completing the health fair scavenger hunt and winning a Health and Wellness Basket with items to encourage her to stay fit like a CamelBak, an Ultimate Frisbee, a journal, and hearty healthy snacks at the Fairbanks Health Fair! Don’t miss your chance to win one in Anchorage and Juneau!

Back to Top

Avoid the Sniffles, Sign up for the Flu Shot Clinics!

Boy Getting Flu Shot

Avoid the sniffles this winter! Getting a flu shot lowers your risk of getting sick by protecting you against common influenza viruses. It also helps prevent you from spreading the virus to others. Flu shots are covered for AlaskaCare Employee Health Plan members through our partnership with Costco pharmacies and onsite clinics are planned for the Juneau and Anchorage areas. Members can also get this shot by visiting their local Costco pharmacy. Anyone not covered by the AlaskaCare Employee Health Plan can also register to receive the flu shots as part of the onsite clinic for $14.99. Be sure to register in advance so we have enough shots for everyone!

View clinic schedule and register...

Back to Top

Become More Functionally Fit

manLiftingBike

Join the HealthSmart Wellness Team to find out how you can become more functionally fitWhat does “functionally fit” mean? It means improving your flexibility and performance while reducing your risk of common injuries. Mike DiFilippo will be giving in-person presentations coming up in Anchorage, Palmer, and Juneau. Register today for a workshop in your area.

Back to Top

Reminder: Gym Discounts are Available for State Employees!

Fit Couple

Stay fit through the fall and winter! Discounts with gyms, clubs, or fitness services are available for State of Alaska employees in many communities throughout Alaska. Check out participating opportunities...

Back to Top

Employee Assistance Plan Webinar: Bullying Awareness

youthsAgainstBullying

Bullies can appear in virtually any social setting—at school, at work, and even online. You are invited to learn more about bullying during a live Webinar on Wednesday, October 9, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Register for this Webinar or learn more about bullying awareness on our Web site.

Back to Top

Lunch-n-Learn Webinar: Developing a Nutrient Dense Diet

Lunch-n-Learn

Caloric intake plays a key role when trying to lose and maintain weight. A healthy diet should include nutrient dense foods or foods that provide substantial amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients with relatively few calories. Join the HealthSmart Wellness Team this month to find out how to get the most bang for your caloric buck! Sign up for one of the following lunch-n-learns:

  • Tuesday, October 8, 12 noon to 12:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 10, 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

 Back to Top

October Wellness Challenge: Don't Get Tricked by Empty Calorie Treats

Empty Calorie Treats

Candy, soda, potato chips, and fast food can negatively impact your wellness goals. You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel when you eat some fresh fruit instead of a sugary snack or drink some delicious unsweetened tea instead of soda. Visit the Wellness Challenge page to participate in this month’s challenge and learn how to trade in the empty calorie treats in your diet for healthier alternatives!

Back to Top

Health Hero: Dianna Roberts

Dianna Roberts

Dianna Roberts is an active individual who also encourages her coworkers and friends to be active. She recently achieved her goal of running a half marathon. Learn what Dianna has done to stay healthy and to inspire others to do the same...

Back to Top

Healthy Recipe: Alaska Game Stew

Alaska Game Stew

This Alaska Game Stew from Eat Smart Alaska is slow-cooked to perfection in your oven over the course of 3 hours. Game meat of your choice is first browned then simmered with plenty of veggies in a stew of dry red wine and tomato juice, spiced with cumin, rosemary, and thyme. Check out the recipe... 

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.