Consider donating to the Emergency Leave Program 

Increasing cases of COVID-19 in King County highlight the need to limit close contact 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider 

Public Health—Seattle & King County continues to monitor cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 and has noted an increase in cases over the past two weeks. Public Health expects to see some increase in cases as we get back to work and other activities in the community because there are more opportunities for COVID-19 to spread.  

It’s been one week since King County moved into Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan. With more re-opening of businesses, community activities and contact with one-another, Public Health—Seattle & King County is warning that the risk for infection has increased. 

As more businesses re-open and people get back to work and other activities in the community, there will be more opportunities for COVID-19 to spread, leading to an increase in cases. Public Health has already noticed an increase in cases the past two weeks. Read more.  

If you’re living with a long-term health condition, these free programs can improve your quality of life 

We know that for many people, daily life looks a little different right now. As we continue to adapt, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves — especially if you’re living with  a long-term health condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 in 10 adults in the United States have a long-term health condition (also known as an “ongoing condition” or a “chronic disease”). Doctors generally define long-term health conditions as lasting three or more months, and many don’t have cures. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and asthma are a few common examples. 

If you have a long-term health condition, you already know how it can affect your body. Ordinary things like going to work, running errands, taking care of your house, and even spending time with friends and family can be challenging or painful. They can also take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Frequent doctor’s appointments and the cost of treatment may cause extra stress. An activity you used to enjoy might drain your energy. And the uncertainty of your health can make you feel irritable or sad, which can affect your relationships 

For many people with long-term health conditions, small lifestyle changes can result in big improvements. If you’re not sure how to get started, Kaiser Permanente’s Living Well programs can help. These programs are free to employees and dependents. Visit the Balanced You blog for more information. 

Routine dental care again allowed 

Dentists began seeing patients for routine visits again on May 19. Prior to reopening, dental offices have implemented new protocols, including additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to further protect the health and safety of you and your family members. 

Some employees have reported that their dentists are charging them for the additional PPE needed to prevent the transmission of COVID 19. Delta Dental is now paying dentists an additional amount for each visit to cover the cost of PPE. Covered members are not required to pay any additional charges for PPE. Delta Dental contracts with network dentists do not allow for dentists to charge members anything additional for supplies. 

You may wish to check with your dentist before your next dental appointment to see if they are going to charge you an extra fee for PPE. You can share the information above with your dentist, but if your dentist insists on charging you extra for PPE, you are not obligated to pay it. Read more.  

Webinar for employees: How are you? A
Conversation on Emotional Health, July 8 

As we continue to navigate life during the COVID-19 era, our mental and emotional health is likely shifting. We may experience waves of different emotions, ranging from fear and anxiety to grief and gratitude. And, we may struggle with how to understand or regulate them. 

Join Shawna Johnson, Balanced You Employee Health Specialist, and Heather Steffensen, Interim Employee Assistance Program Manager, for How are you?:  A Conversation on Emotional Health. During this live, interactive webinar facilitators will share some of the feelings that may be arising during the pandemic, techniques and tools to regulate them, and benefits and resources available to support King County employees. 

• How are you?: A Conversation on Emotional Health, Wednesday, July 8, from 10 – 11 a.m. Register here.

For questions or more information, contact Balanced You at BalancedYou@kingcounty.gov
or call 206-263-9626.  

BECU discount available for employees 

With BECU, King County employees who apply by Sept. 30, 2020, can receive a $150 statement credit on cash back credit cards. There is also a 0% intro APR for 12 months. This offer is valid July 1 - Sept. 30, 2020. Find out more. Free financial education webinars are also available: self-paced and in-person.  

View all available discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts. 

Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.