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Spotlight
Today's Wellness Wednesday reminds you that oral health is important for good over-all health, shares a program change to Active&Fit Direct and introduces a new One Pass Select program, explores how to be financially fit via a self-care webinar, invites you to a webinar about financial success with My Secure Advantage money coaches, and more!
 Employee dental plans provide free checkups
Oral health is an important part of overall well-being. That’s why King County offers comprehensive dental care for employees and their family members.
Most King County employees have access to two dental plan options: Delta Dental PPO and Cigna Dental HMO (offered only to the Regular & Transit ATU 587 employee benefit groups). These plans cover a wide range of services, including preventive care, diagnostic services, and restorative treatments.
Preventive services—such as routine cleanings, exams, and x-rays—are key to maintaining oral health. These regular check-ups help catch issues such as cavities or gum disease early, saving you from more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
 In the know
This section focuses on news, education, and resources about well-being and your King County employee benefits and retirement.
 Active&Fit Direct change and new Optum One Pass Select program
Kaiser Permanente has phased out the Active&Fit Direct program and has introduced a new program called One Pass Select by Optum.
The Optum One Pass Select program is available to Kaiser Permanente members only. This subscription-based fitness membership and well-being network is designed to support a healthier lifestyle. Members have unlimited access to all gym locations available within a selected plan, extensive digital resources, and more.
The Active&Fit Direct program is now available to Regence members only. If Kaiser Permanente members signed up for the Active&Fit Direct program prior to January 1, 2025, your membership with your gym(s) will continue as is and will not change.
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There are a variety of upcoming events and classes related to financial wellness, mindfulness, movement, and physical activity opportunities. Check them out below!
Please note, attendance for Balanced You programming is voluntary and may be done on your time. During work time, please work with your supervisor for approval.
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Self-care webinar
 Self-care Webinar: Financially fit for the New Year
Once again, it’s that time of year where we make goals and resolutions to save more and spend less! Whether you want to clear up bills from the holidays, plan a family vacation, or find ways to increase your bank account—we got you. Balanced You welcomes back Tiffany Willis, Senior Financial Wellness Speaker with My Secure Advantage. She will share some tips on recovering from holiday spending, chopping down credit card debt, and saving techniques to help you get into great shape for the new year.
Thursday, Jan. 16, noon to 12:50 p.m.
 Mindfulness classes
 Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment—free from distraction or judgment. It’s a proven method to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. Balanced You partners with mindfulness providers CuriosityBased, SolJoy, and Mindfulness Northwest.
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Introduction to Practicing Curiosity
Our vendor, CuriosityBased, likens curiosity to a practice instead of as an external personality trait. The first step of this practice is self-awareness and mindfulness. In this learning experience, the instructor will break down the practice into actionable steps. You will get to connect with and learn from your colleagues while also contributing to King County’s culture of learning. Practicing curiosity at work leads to more trust and less miscommunication.
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
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Qigong Tai Chi Movement
Move your body to feel more health, happiness, and peace. The rhythms of modern life often require too much sitting staring at a screen. Get ready to release stress, detox emotions, and relax the mind to transform your energy for more health, happiness, and peace. Each class is different and may include but not limited to: stretching and flexibility, core strengthening, energy accumulation, releasing stagnant energy in joints, meditation, and learning tai chi forms. All levels are welcome.
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2 to 3 p.m.
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 Financial wellness
 The following webinar is hosted by My Secure Advantage (MSA) - a free financial wellness program that provides King County employees with financial tools and coaching.
Achieving Goals – Success Stories
Are your New Year’s resolutions falling flat and your goals feeling more like wishful thinking? Don’t fret, MSA Money Coaches are here to save the day. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill broadcast. We’re giving you a backstage pass to meet our coaches as they provide examples of how people overcome setbacks and those inevitable temptations to change priorities.
Thursday, Jan. 23, 9 a.m. and noon class
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 Get Movin'
 Movement and physical activity are proven to have a positive impact on mental health. These 30-minute movement breaks are free and virtual so you can tap in from anywhere and benefit from the instruction of a certified trainer. Join us for all the classes in the Get Movin' with Balanced You series focusing on yoga, stretching, cardio, core, mat-based Pilates, and strength training. Classes are for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
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Supervisors: Here is a printer-friendly PDF with the new Get Movin' winter 2025 schedule to post at your worksites for employees who do not have access to email. |
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Cardio
Come ready to get your heart pumping to energize the rest of your day.
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
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Tai Chi
Come ready to learn some basics of this ancient martial art.
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
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Fitness classes
 Want to boost your mood while working out in the comfort of your own home? Join the Balanced You complimentary live fitness classes! We’re currently offering two different classes with multiple schedules. Registration is required.
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Core conditioning classes
Learn to access your “core” muscles (chest, abdomen, hips, and back) to enhance total body movement through power, strength, and stabilization exercises like woodchops, planks, and glute bridges. This type of movement is perfect for combatting the effects of sitting at a desk all day. Heavy floor work with minimal jumping is involved. Exercises are taught at an intermediate level with variations suitable for all fitness levels available.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 to 5:50 p.m.
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Yoga classes
This yoga practice has a strong emphasis on deep breathing, core connection, and overcoming stiffness or pain in the body. It’s a moderate flow class where you’ll move from one yoga position to another in an effort to strengthen and stretch your body. It features a variety of standing, seated, balance, and lying down sequences. Heavy floor work with no jumping is involved. Exercises are taught at an intermediate level with variations suitable for all fitness levels available.
Tuesdays, 5 to 5:50 p.m. and Fridays, noon to 12:50 p.m.
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