WELLNESS 2021: "Take Action"
ESHCA Wellness Newsletter
June 2021
The shareable link (printable) for this issue: https://conta.cc/3hrpzI8
For complete member services visit us at: www.eshca.org
Lyme Disease
What do you need to know?
  • 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated annually (CDC)
  • In 2019, NYS (2,847) had the second most confirmed cases (Pennsylvania had 6,763)
  • 50% of adult deer ticks and 25% of nymphs carry the bacteria

Signs and symptoms: include fever and rash
  • Erythema Migrans Rash (bullseye)
  • present in 70-80% of infected people
  • occurs 3 to 30 days after "bite" (average 7 days)
  • may feel warm to the touch, rarely painful or itchy

  • Later signs and symptoms (if left untreated)
  • severe headaches and neck stiffness
  • facial palsy
  • arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling (knees and large joints)
  • pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones
  • heart palpitations or irregular heart beat (Lyme Carditis)
  • dizziness and shortness of breath
  • inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
  • nerve pain
  • shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in hands or feet

Check for Ticks (risk of infection is low if tick is removed within 24-48 hours)
  • check clothing and pets
  • tumble dry clothing on high heat for 10 minutes
  • showering within 2 hours of coming inside reduces risk
  • body check
  • under the arms
  • in and around the ears
  • inside belly button
  • back of the knees
  • in and around hair
  • between legs
  • around waist

If you think you are infected, seek medical attention immediately (PCP or Urgent Care)
  • Note: My doctor tests me for Lyme Disease yearly at my Annual Physical
Boost Your Immunity:
3 Natural Pathways to Good Health
1) 5 vegetables and fruits per day!
  • High in antioxidants and vitamin C
  • Great choices include:
  • Blueberries, citrus fruits, red peppers, and dark leafy green vegetables
  • Try: Hearty Oatmeal Recipe

2) Exercise
  • 75 minutes of vigorous or 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week!
  • Strengthens the heart and lungs, also helps to maintain weight
  • Obesity is a significant risk factor in the onset of chronic disease (heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, etc.)

3) Get sufficient sleep
  • Recommended 7-9 hours per night
  • adequate sleep is a crucial part of healing and recovery
  • 2015 study found:
  • people who slept less than 6 hours per night are 4 times more likely to catch a cold when exposed to the virus than those that get 7 or more hours of sleep
  • note: all subjects were exposed using a nasal spray containing the virus
$25 July Incentive Challenge:
Upper Body Stretch and Flex
The May Newsletter examined the effectiveness of Stretch & Flex Programs, 2017 research revealed the following data collected from 13 heavy highway companies who had incorporated such a program over a 3-year period:

  • 51.2% reduction in work-related musculoskeletal disorder injuries
  • 48.7% reduction in OSHA recordable injuries
  • 60.8% reduction in OSHA lost workday injuries

A $25 incentive was given to those who participated in the Lower Body Stretch and Flex Challenge (Part 1: May). This month, ESHCA will be offering a $25 incentive to anyone participating in the Upper Body Stretch & Flex Challenge (Part 2). How to participate:

  • 1) Download the Upper Body Stretch & Flex Log and the Upper Body Exercise Guide.
  • If you are unable to print, make your own, I will take it.
  • If you use different exercises than the ones provided, you are welcome to record them in their place.
  • 2) Complete and record 12 stretching sessions (12 separate days). Submit by 8/15.
  • Email, mail, or fax me a copy.

Reminder: Every member of the household is encouraged to participate but only one (1) incentive can be issued to each member-household with exception that more than one employee-member lives in the household.
Financial Wellness
Did you know? The ESHCA Retirement Plan gives you access to a Financial Planner!

ESHCA encourages members to contact QCI and complete a Retirement Analysis ($25 incentive)
  • Click the link under "Wellness Bucks" for incentive details!

Read this months article:
"Wellness Bucks"
  • ESHCA encourages you to live a healthy lifestyle while being informed on your health and retirement benefits
  • Click on the link to review Wellness Incentives for 2021
  • Incentives encourage members to "Take Action":
  • use preventative services (annual physical)
  • engage in healthy lifestyle activities: exercise and nutrition
  • stay connected through email and text notifications (online newsletter)
Contact Patrick if you have questions or need assistance!