Kansas Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 03/05/2024 10:46 AM CST
March 2024
Join us for a Wellness Webinar:
Get Financially Fit
Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 1:00 pm
The news is filled with financial advice and information about what is happening with the economy. Please join Rebecca Berlin, Health Coach to learn strategies you can implement today to save money and reduce financial stress.
Live sessions are limited to the first 2,000 attendees. All others can view the recording 6 hours after the live event.
Members that attend the live session or view the recording within 7 days of the original broadcast, will receive 1 HealthQuest Credit for attendance. Credits take 7-10 business days to be reflected in your HealthQuest Portal post completion.
No registration required! Simply follow the instructions on how to access this webinar directly on the HealthQuest Portal under Marathon Health Webinars.
It is the perfect time to start thinking about your preventive services such as well-person exam, dental exam and annual eye exam to earn HealthQuest credits and/or reward dollars!
HealthQuest also offers a wide array of activities as well, such as, health education modules, wellness webinars, EAP webinars, EAP on-demand training videos and statewide challenges!
The First Statewide Challenge of 2024 is just around the corner! More information to come soon!
As part of the HealthQuest program, you have access to four condition management programs. Each 8-week program is confidential and conducted by Marathon Health medical professionals. All four programs are in full swing so remember to watch all videos in their entirety each week, you're doing great! Please note, the second weight management cohort registration opens this month!
You may only participate in one program at a time, but don't worry! Upon completion of the program including watching all the videos in their entirety, submission of the pre-survey (completed during your registration process) and submission of the post-survey, members will receive Five (5) HealthQuest Credits.
Note: You can only participate in each program once throughout the calendar year (i.e. you cannot complete the same program twice).
Weight Management
Registration: March 12 - March 22, 2024
April 1 - May 20, 2024
This program offers a supportive, judgement free environment where we’ll focus on understanding the psychology behind decisions and the impact that lifestyle and behavior choices have on our health, focusing on weight.
Healthy Hearts
January 22 - March 11, 2024
The Healthy Hearts Program includes education and group support to help you lower the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Who should participate? Anyone looking to achieve and maintain healthy levels for blood pressure and cholesterol with the overall goal of living a heart healthy lifestyle.
Diabetes Management
January 22 - March 11, 2024
The objectives of the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program is to support informed decision-making, self-care behaviors, and problem solving. As well as support active collaboration with the health care team to improve clinical outcomes, health status, and quality of life. DSMES covers topics that a person diagnosed with diabetes needs to know about including, but not limited to, standards of medical care for diabetes, an overview of medications used to treat diabetes, nutrition, physical activity, and planning for sick days and their impact on blood glucose.
Tobacco Cessation
January 22 - March 11, 2024
The ALA’s Freedom from Smoking® Program has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans end their addiction to nicotine and begin new tobacco-free lives. Freedom From Smoking® is based on proven addiction and behavior change models. The program offers a structured, systematic approach to quitting, and its positive messaging emphasizes the benefits of better health.
March 6 - EAP Webinar: Managing Personal Finances, Register Here
March 14 - Wellness Webinar: Get Financially Fit. Access the webinar directly in the HealthQuest Portal under Marathon Health Webinars.
April 3 - EAP Webinar: Making Connections at Work and in Life, Register Here
April 11 - Wellness Webinar: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life. Access the webinar directly in the HealthQuest Portal under Marathon Health Webinars.
Should you need accommodations for any webinar, please email SEHPHealthQuest@ks.gov two (2) business days in advance.
by Valerie Porter, HealthQuest Health Coach
Monthly recipes are provided by Valerie Porter, RN, HealthQuest Health Coach. Health Coaching appointments are available to all benefits-eligible employees, and their SEHP-covered spouses, free of charge. To schedule an appointment with Valerie or another health coach, call (785) 783-4080.
AIR FRYER SALMON BITES
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, coconut aminos, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground ginger (if using), salt, and pepper.
Add the salmon pieces to the bowl and mix well to coat. Marinate for 5-10 minutes, or up to 1 hour if you have time. When time is up, turn the salmon pieces in the marinade again to coat well.
Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with some spaces between most of them. (Do not crowd the basket. If they don’t all fit, cook in batches.) Air fry for 5-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees F (57-.60 degrees C).
Money is a fundamental part of our lives, influencing where we live, what we eat, and how we spend our time.
While it can provide security and opportunities, it can also be a significant source of stress. Your finances can negatively impact your mental and physical health, taking a toll on your sleep, energy, and relationships. Understanding the link between money and stress, and learning how to manage it, is crucial for our well-being.
Financial stress can arise from various sources, including:
Paying off Debt: High levels of debt, especially when coupled with high interest rates.
Income: A low income or unstable income can lead to uncertainty about meeting basic needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
Unemployment: Losing a job or facing unemployment can cause financial strain and lead to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
Financial Goals: saving for retirement or buying a home, can create pressure and stress.
Managing money-related stress is essential for our mental and physical well-being. Here are some strategies to help cope with financial stress:
Create a Budget: A budget can help you track your income and expenses, identify areas where you can cut back, and prioritize your spending.
Build an Emergency Fund: An emergency fund can provide a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing you have money set aside for unexpected expenses.
Seek Support: You can speak with your HR/Benefits Department to discuss Retirement Opportunities (401k, 457, etc.), Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursements Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Savings Accounts, and your Employee Assistance Program who can provide free financial advising or counseling.
Don’t forget about Self-Care: Engaging in activities that help reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones, can improve your overall well-being.
Money-related stress is a common experience for many people, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. By understanding the link between money and stress and implementing healthy coping strategies, you can reduce the impact of financial stress on your life and improve your overall well-being.
Goals and Money!
Money and goals are intricately connected, as money is often how we achieve our goals.
Whether your goals are short-term or long-term, financial planning plays a crucial role in their attainment. Here are some points to consider when it comes to money and goals:
Define your Goal or Inspiration: Your goal can be related to career, education, travel, or personal development, having Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals can help you stay focused and motivated.
Examine your Situation: Determine the financial resources needed to achieve your goals. This may include saving for a down payment on a house, funding your education, or building an emergency fund.
Create a Budget: A budget is a powerful tool for keeping finances on track and working towards your goals. It helps you track your income and expenses, identify areas where you can cut back, and allocate more money toward your goals.
Save and Invest: Set aside a portion of your income for savings and consider investing in assets that align with your goals and risk tolerance.
Seek Professional Advice: They can help you create a personalized financial plan based on your goals and circumstances and help monitor your goals with you to keep you on track.
Treat Yourself: Achieving your goals takes time and effort, so take the time to acknowledge your progress and reward yourself for your hard work.
By aligning your money with your goals and taking proactive steps to manage your finances, you can work towards achieving your dreams and creating the life you desire.
