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Monthly News & Updates
4th Quarter 2021 - October-December
In this edition:
  • October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • November - World Diabetes Day
  • MHC Fall Wellness Conference
  • The Incredible Lemon
  • Healthy Fall Recipes
  • Get the Most from HSA's
  • Gratitude Challenges
MHC Fall Wellness Conference
October 19th - 8:45 AM - Noon
Work - Life Balance

Are you ready to... Retrain the way you THINK. Rethink the way you MOVE. 
When we know better, we do better!

Getting the Most Value
From HSAs
 
Research shows that employees overwhelmingly use their health savings accounts (HSAs) for current medical expenses. But being able to invest and carry forward the account balance can help the account holder establish better retirement security. It’s important for employers to understand how they can educate their workers on HSA’s as a financial wellness tool and provide information on how to use them. In the 15 months since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, MetLife has discovered further reasons to offer HSAs: They have a positive impact on workers shaken by the pandemic’s resulting financial uncertainties.
Lower Stress and Blood Pressure with Simple Breathing Technique
 
Dr. Andrew Weil has been sharing the benefits of 4-7-8 Breathing for over 40 years. He refers to it as a "natural tranquilizer for the nervous system". It has been proven to lower blood pressure and many people find the technique to be a very useful stress-reduction tool. The practice consists of breathing in for 4 seconds through your nose, holding for 7 seconds, and breathing out your mouth with a “whoosh sound” for 8 seconds. Individuals who practice this technique a few times a day have also reported feeling a difference in their mood and focus. If you’d like to learn more, here’s an official instruction guide and a list of all the benefits of the technique.
Another Squeeze Please – Feel Great by Incorporating The Incredible Lemon into Your Diet
Not only will you most likely feel better by making lemons a staple of your diet, you’ll be enjoying their anti-aging benefits (start your day with a big, icy-cold glass of lemon water!), increased blood flow, and lowered cholesterol. They also improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, suppress inflammation, and have anticarcinogenic benefits. No wonder these superfruits are one of the key 8 fruits of the Blue Zones diet. Click below to learn more!
Program Reminder – OMADA
As a member of the Minnesota Healthcare Consortium, you have an opportunity to change your lifestyle with Omada. There are currently two different programs available to you:

Omada for Prevention is a digital lifestyle change program that helps at‐risk employees lose weight and reduce their risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Omada for Diabetes provides personalized support and digital tools to help employees with diabetes meet their goals.

Apply today and start on a healthier lifestyle!


October is
Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Small changes can lead to improvements in your health!

October is a great month to get outside and enjoy the crisp air. Women and men who exercise for at least 30 minutes a day/5 days a week, are less likely to get breast cancer. Diet and exercise can play a part in reducing your cancer risks.


Making good choices at the grocery store can also help you to live your best life. Diets that are full of whole grains, fiber, and fruits and vegetables have been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer. Here is a great quide to helping you make your shopping decisions.


Here is a chart that can be hung up in a staff room or on your fridge as a good reminder!

Cancer Screenings
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this is a friendly reminder to schedule an appointment to get checked for a variety of cancers. These screenings include breast, cervical, colorectal (colon), and lung for some people who may be at a higher risk. Talk to your doctor about when and how often you need to schedule screenings. Screening recommendations may be more important for some people who have personal and family history or other risk factors. The timing of your last screening could also be important to consider. Check with your doctor to see what makes sense for you.

·      Schedule your cancer screening tests. Getting your screening tests done on a regular basis may help find breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early. Check with your doctor to see what tests you might need. 
·      Get your vaccines (shots). You can help lower your cancer risk by getting your vaccines. For example, the hepatitis B vaccine can help lower liver cancer risk. Check with your doctor for more information, including which vaccines may be appropriate for you or your family.
·      Make healthy choices. Reduce your risk of getting cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices. Avoid tobacco, eat healthy, exercise regularly, limit alcohol, and protect your skin from the sun.

Healthy Fall
Recipes

With the cooler weather that will be coming our way, it is a great time to change things up with some new recipes! Check out some of these great ideas!
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects more than 34 million people in the U.S., and one in five people don’t even know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it does make as well as it should, resulting in high blood sugar. Over time, too much sugar in your blood can cause serious health issues – including heart disease, kidney disease and eye problems (even blindness).

There are three different types of diabetes:
·      Type 1 diabetes. Previously called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, teens and young adults, but can develop at any age. Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented, but it can be managed.

·      Type 2 diabetes. This is the most common type of diabetes. It’s typically found in adults over the age of 45. However, with increasing childhood obesity rates, type 2 diabetes is affecting many kids and teens, too. 

·     Gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy. Women who have gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 

It’s never too late to change your lifestyle to help prevent type 2 diabetes. You can start by being more active whenever possible. Start a new healthy routine like going for a walk during your lunch break or after dinner. Eating healthy is another way to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Getting plenty of fiber and choosing whole grains are excellent ways to help lower and maintain blood sugar levels.

30-Day Gratitude Challenges Ideas
In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
Members Found Well-Being Bingo
a Great Way to Kick-Off Summer!
 
Thank you to all of our members who participated in our first ever statewide wellness challenge! Participants enjoyed engaging in a variety of fun, summer-themed activities including going fishing, walking barefoot in the grass, blowing bubbles, and much more. Folks who completed the challenge were sent a handy double-sided spatula. Finding and embracing our inner child can do wonders for our well-being, and this challenge offered many ways to do just that!

Watch your in-box for future wellness challenge opportunities from your MHC Wellness Team.