AlaskaCare Wellness News | December 2013

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December 2013 | #16

Holiday Survival: Plan for a Smoother Holiday Season

Holiday activity

The winter holiday season can be fun and festive. It can also be stressful and tiring. With so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Learn more about thriving during the holidays on our Web site or watch a replay of "Holiday Survival and Stress Management - An EAP Webinar. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, remember that 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: (800) 478-2812 or MagellanHealth.com/member.

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Defining Your Stress-Less Plan - A Lunch-n-Learn Webinar

Stress-less woman

Stress. There’s no way around it. But is stress always bad? Experts say it’s not. What’s important, they claim, is to learn how to manage stress and find a balance in your life. Join the HealthSmart Wellness Team this month to learn effective strategies for reducing and preventing stress! Sign up for one of the following lunch-n-learns:

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

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Health Hero: Courtney Bacom

Health Hero Courtney Bacom

Courtney had been casually running with her dog, Kiska, for a while before she was asked to be an alternate on a Klondike Road Relay team made up of some of her hiking buddies. When one of her teammates was injured, she got her chance to contribute to the team by running the “Glory Leg”—the last, 12.1-mile stage of the relay. Find out how she did and how she stays motivated and motivates others to achieve their fitness goals…

December Wellness Challenge: Maintain, Don't Gain

Thanksgiving meal

On average, Americans gain about one to two pounds during the holidays. Since gaining weight is almost as difficult as losing weight, avoiding weight gain during the holidays is feasible. Luckily, these extra pounds can be avoided by using simple strategies: mindful eating and moderation. Visit the Wellness Challenge page to participate in this month's challenge and learn how to maintain not gain during the holidays.

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Reminder: Gym Discounts are Available for State Employees!

Gym discount

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

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Driving Employee Engagement - An EAP Webinar

Employees

As a leader in today’s fast-moving workplace, where change is a constant, you can support your team by being positive about what’s on the horizon. Showing your enthusiasm, with a can-do attitude about challenges, helps get people behind you in pursuing the organization’s goals.You are invited to learn more about driving employee engagement during a live Webinar on Wednesday, December 11, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Register for this Webinar and learn more about effective leadership on our Web site.

Healthy Recipe: Brown Rice and Beans with Ginger Chile Salsa

Brown Rice and Beans

Ginger adds a twist and some heat to this traditional meal of brown rice and black beans. The beans are a low-glycemic-index food that helps you feel satiated and are packed with fiber, potassium, iron, and other essential nutrients. Top with a salsa made from chiles, garlic, lime, and onion for a bit of spicy zest and round it out with some avocado, cilantro, and Cojita or feta cheese. Check out the recipe...

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Plant-based Alternatives for Turkey Day

Plant-based Turkey Day

There are many healthy options out there if you're looking to cook up vegetarian options for a main dish this Thanksgiving or looking for healthier alternatives for side dishes. Check out some of the options... 

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