June 2024

Join us for a Wellness Webinar: 

Taking Charge of Your Health

Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm

Please join Rebecca Berlin, Health Coach as she focuses on the topic of empowerment as participants learn how to improve their physical and emotional health. Topics include recommended health tests and screenings, and ways to connect with behavioral health providers. 

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.

2024: Condition Management Programs

Earn 5 HealthQuest Credits for Completion

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.  

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:  June 4 - June 14, 2024

June 24 - August 16, 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.. 

June 5 - EAP Webinar: Learning to Say "No", Register Here June 13 - Wellness Webinar: Taking Charge of Your Health.  Access the webinar directly in the HealthQuest Portal under Marathon Health Webinars. July 10 - EAP Webinar: Becoming a Better Listener, Register Here July 18 - Wellness Webinar: Value of An Annual Exam.  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.

Cauliflower Chicken Nachos

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil or avocado oil

• ¾ teaspoon chili powder

• ¾ teaspoon ground cumin

• ¾ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt, divided

• 8 cups large cauliflower florets, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

• 1 cup chopped tomato

• 1 avocado, diced

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño peppers or fresh jalapeño pepper slices

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

• ¾ cup canned reduced-sodium refried black beans

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

• ¾ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

• ¾ cup finely shredded cabbage

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large, rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Combine oil, chili powder, cumin, onion powder and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add cauliflower and gently toss to coat. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared pan. Bake until tender and starting to brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, combine tomato, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, onion and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt in a small bowl.

4. Top the cauliflower with beans, chicken and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

5. Serve the "nachos" topped with the salsa and cabbage.

June is Men's Health Month

Each year in the month of June, we bring awareness to and acknowledge men’s health topics during Men’s Health Month.

Did you know that only 60% of men go to the doctor for a yearly check-up?

Studies show that men may avoid getting proper medical care for multiple different reasons: they might feel fine, they might avoid an exam because they are nervous of the results, or they might even view getting medical care as a sign of weakness. 

It is extremely important to seek routine care as prostate cancer, depression, and chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are manageable or treatable if found early on.

Here are some practical steps to keep your whole health in check:

• Take care of your heart
  • Make sure to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Even if you don’t have symptoms, men are at greater risk for heart disease.
• Get screened
  • Getting checked for colorectal cancer and prostate cancer becomes more important as you get older.
• Recognize your feelings
  • Depression affects both men and women, but men are less likely to talk about their feelings or get treatment for depression. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
• Reach out to friends and support
  • Friends are often tied to common interests like a hobby, sports, raising children, or our work. Friends can also change over time, making them harder to keep. Make time for others – friendships can have a positive impact on your health.
• Stay involved
  • Find your passions, talk to people who share your interests, learn a new skill, go back to school, or find other ways to help people in your community.
• Be fiscally fit
  • Plan for your future and invest each month in a retirement savings plan. Even a small amount adds up over time.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Understanding the various components to health is very important in taking charge of our health.

Health is physical, emotional, environmental, social, and even spiritual.

Physical health changes don’t have to mean major changes. Just focusing on one small change at a time – drinking 1 more cup of water per day, adding fruit to your morning, going for an evening walk, or reading before bed to calm your mind, are all ways to make goals surrounding your physical health.

Taking steps to reduce or manage your stress is the most impactful way to manage your emotional and mental health. Seek out support, manage your time, and take time for yourself to ensure a better balance in your work and personal life.

Social supports like friends, family, mentors, online forums, or groups like book club, faith community, or bingo night all provide different aspects of support that we may crave. Maintaining social relationships is recommended by experts to decrease risk of dementia and other health conditions as we age.

Questions?

HealthQuest Portal

Each person's path to well-being is unique and personal. Need an accessible alternative for an activity? To learn more email SEHPHealthQuest@ks.gov.