Health Tips

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a three-step approach to fight the flu:

1. Get Vaccinated

• A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in helping to protect against flu and its potentially serious complications.
• Getting vaccinated may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable, like babies and young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
• Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year.

2. Practice Prevention

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

3. Treatment

• Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.
• CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have influenza infection or suspected influenza infection and who are at high risk of serious flu complications.

Visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/flu to learn more about the flu.

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A Physician Health Information Session (PHIS) through PWNHealth and Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness, is a new option offered this year in the Wellness Screening Program.

The PHIS provides participants an opportunity to ask a board-certified PWNHealth physician questions about their screening results over the phone. This session is voluntary, confidential and at no cost to you.

Why Participate?

Understanding your screening results is important to your overall health. During the call, the physician will not only help you better understand your results but will also offer you personalized education and wellness tips. The physician can also refer participants to an in-network provider for care, if needed.

Details on how to schedule your PHIS will be provided to you after your screening results are posted to your My.QuestForHealth account.

Who is PWNHealth?

PWNHealth is a network of physicians providing medical oversight to Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness participants.

Learn More

A short video to provide you with details of the Physician Health Information Session (PHIS) is posted on the website HERE. You may also contact the Crown HealthWise Department with any questions.

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Regular eye exams are an important part of finding eye diseases and if detected early enough, your doctor can help manage or treat the condition.

Here are the most common eye diseases that can lead to vision loss:

• Diabetic Retinopathy
  Living with diabetes can put you at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when blood vessels in the retina become swollen or leak when blood sugar levels are too high. Monitoring and controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure levels can help prevent retinopathy.
•  Cataracts
  This condition occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and causes blurry vision. Risk factors such as smoking, heavy drinking, diabetes, and UV light exposure can lead to cataracts.
• Glaucoma
  When fluid pressure in the eye builds up over time, it has the potential to damage the optic nerve. While lost eyesight cannot be restored, preventive measures can protect what’s left of the remaining vision.
•  Macular Degeneration
  Partial vision loss could be attributed to macular degeneration. With age, the small center portion of the retina, the macula, can begin to deteriorate. Risk factors include smoking, being overweight, and having light-colored eyes.

All the conditions listed above share a common characteristic, no early warning signs. Getting an annual eye exam is vital to protecting your vision, even if your vision is fine.

Visit vsp.com to learn more about vision health.

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The concept of mindfulness is simple. It is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present, both inside of you and all that is happening around you. Being mindful allows you to experience life as it unfolds moment to moment, good and bad, and without judgment.

Mindfulness has been shown to help people better manage stress and anxiety, be less reactive, and sleep more soundly.

Becoming a more mindful person requires commitment and practice. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Enjoy a stroll. As you walk, notice your breath and the sights and sounds around you. As thoughts and worries enter your mind, note them but then return to the present.
• Practice mindful eating. Be aware of taste, textures and flavors in each bite, and listen to your body when you are hungry and full.
• Engage in conversations. Be mindful and give everyone your full attention when you interact with others at home and at work. This may require you to put down your electronic device momentarily.
• Find resources in your community,including yoga and meditation classes, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs and books.
• Utilize the EAP. Crown’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help you bring more mindfulness into your life. Contact a BHS Care Coordinator at 800-245-1150.

For more information on the benefits of mindfulness, visit www.mindful.org.

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Quitting smoking is the most important thing individuals can do to protect their health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States.

It’s never too late to quit smoking. There are many free resources available to help you quit smoking, including quitlines and smartphone apps. You can also talk to your doctor about other strategies that may be right for you.

Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW)
All states have quitlines with counselors who are trained specifically to help smokers quit.
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW and connect with a Quit Smoking Coach.

Smokefree Apps
Smokefree.gov offers free apps that provide 24/7 encouragement based on your smoking patterns, moods, motivation, and goals.

• QuitGuide. Use the app to track your cravings by time of day and location and get motivational messages for each craving you track.
• quitSTART. This app helps you quit smoking with tailored tips, inspiration, and challenges.

There isn’t one right way to quit but getting prepared and knowing what to expect can make things easier. Smokefree.gov can help you or a loved one!

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Build healthy practices into your daily routine.

• Eat breakfast. An empty stomach can’t maintain stable blood sugar levels. Without stable blood sugar we tend to gain weight as we grab for pastries, donuts and other less healthy choices. Start your day with a breakfast that stabilizes blood sugar with healthy sources of protein, fat and whole grain, fiber-rich carbohydrates.
• Be mindful. Mindful eating means paying attention to when you are tempted to reach for the first available “comfort” food. Take charge of your choices. Try meditation, yoga, listening to music or creating a personal ritual such as preparing and drinking tea.
• Pack a lunch. Avoid takeout lunches, which tend to be expensive, oversized, heavy in fat and calories, and lacking in nutrients. Lunch is a great opportunity to make healthier eating habits. Bring a salad with chicken, nuts, beans and veggies.
• Move more. Just a few steps at a time can add up. Walk to the water cooler, take the farthest spot in the parking lot — anything you can do to move your muscles. Better yet, schedule a workout. Physical activity can help offset stress and help you make better nutritional choices.
• Eat with a friend. Try not to eat at your workstation. It’s important from an emotional well-being standpoint to take a break. Chat with a friend or catch up on a book while eating your lunch.

Take Charge. Live Well!

 Source: www.anthem.com/timewellspent

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through BHS is another great resource that is available to help improve overall health and well-being.

EAP services can address a variety of topics including:

• Child/elder care
• Health coaching
• Tobacco cessation
• Weight management
• Legal and financial direction
• Stress, anxiety, and grief support
• Personal growth and development
• Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and migraines.

Contact your BHS-EAP Care Coordinator at 800-245-1150 and connect with a trained professional that will provide the direction you need in any situation.

As a reminder, Crown employees and their eligible Dependents (spouse and dependent children) are each eligible for 5 EAP visits per calendar year with no out-of-pocket expenses billed to the participant.

Lean more about your EAP benefit by visiting the BHS MemberAccess portal at www.behavioralhealthsystems.com. Use CROWN as the Employer ID.

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Spring is seen as a time of growth and renewal. Use the change of the seasons as your reminder to take charge of your health. Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Spring Tune Up. To keep your body running at peak performance, it needs regular maintenance. Spring is a great time to schedule a wellness check with your primary care physician and discuss any cancer screening tests and immunizations you will need to complete this year. Don’t forget to schedule your vision and dental exams, as well. 

• Lace Up Your Walking Shoes. There’s no better way to explore the season then by walking. It’s one of the best physical activities to improve health. On an emotional level, getting outside and breathing fresh air can be calming and relaxing.

• Lighten Up Your Diet. Many healthy fruits and veggies, like asparagus, peas, lettuce, and strawberries come into season in the spring, making it the perfect time to replace heavier winter meals with salads, light soups or other lightly cooked fare.

• Adopt Healthy Habits. Set goals to adopt healthy habits that will improve your overall health and well-being, such as getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol use, becoming tobacco-free, and maintaining a work-life balance.

• Watch for Allergies. Spring can mean the beginning of allergies for people who react badly to grass and pollen. Keep an eye on weather. Untreated allergies aren’t just uncomfortable, they can lead to breathing problems, sinus infections, and colds.

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Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and other naturally occurring substances that may help prevent chronic diseases. Eating fruits and vegetables are also a great way to manage and maintain a healthy weight.

If you’re like many Americans, you’re most likely not eating enough fruits and vegetables. Make fruits and vegetables the focal point of every meal and snack, covering at least half the plate.

How Much is Enough?

According to MyPlate, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s symbol for healthy eating, the recommended adult daily servings for fruits and vegetables are:

Fruits

• Women: 2 cups (ages 19-30), 1½ cups (ages 31+)
• Men: 2 cups (ages 19+)

Vegetables

• Women: 2½ cups (ages 19-50), 2 cups (ages 51)
• Men: 3 cups (ages 19-50), 2½ cups (ages 51+)

With a wide variety of colors, textures, tastes and shapes, there is a fruit and vegetable out there for everyone.

To learn helpful tips on ways to increase your fruit and vegetable consumption, visit  www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org.

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One of the top New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight. Unfortunately, many people look to fad diets and weight-loss products to achieve their goals quickly. While these may prove effective initially, research shows that many people don’t find long-term success with these types of diets.

Instead of setting a goal to lose weight this New Year, set a goal to lead a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Exercise regularly. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week and to do strength training exercises of major muscle groups at least twice a week.
• Maintain a well-balanced, healthy diet. Try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods and healthy fats.
• Make sleep a priority. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
• Practice prevention. Regular checkups may help you stay well now and protect your future health. Discuss with your doctor what screenings and immunizations you may need this year based on your age, gender and family history.

Let’s make health and well-being a priority in 2019.

Take Charge. Live Well!