March 1, 2016

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Here at Texas Children’s, we are a community that cares for each other, so as we get ready to celebrate National Nutrition Month in March, it is important to remember that healthy eating is always in season.

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is Savor the Flavor of Eating Right. Let’s take time to enjoy your meal traditions, savor great flavors and cultivate the social experiences that food can add to our lives. To celebrate this important month, the Food and Nutrition department in partnership with Employee Health and Wellness is sponsoring several events throughout the month of March that will provide you with tips on how to develop a mindful eating pattern while enjoying nutritious and flavorful food.

Keep in mind that how, when, why and where we eat are just as important as what we eat. Develop a mindful eating pattern that includes nutritious and flavorful foods – that’s the best way to savor the flavor of eating right.

Bon Appetit!

Upcoming events:

Main Campus

My Plate Bridge Event
Date: Wednesday, March 2
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: The Auxiliary Bridge

Dietitians and diet technicians with Clinical Nutrition Services are hosting a bridge event that will focus on creating a healthy plate that includes adding flavors and other ingredients that will improve the quality and nutrition of the food we eat. There will be games for children and lots of information for everyone.

Cooking Demos
Dates: Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 11 a.m. (while supplies last)
Location: Pavilion for Women Fresh Bistro

We have challenged our chefs to make exciting meals flavored with various herbs and spices instead of salt. The meals – which are listed below – will be available for purchase while supplies last.

March 8: Chef Achim will be serving savory herb crusted tilapia with tomato/lime vegetable fettuccine.
March 15: Chef Lyle will be serving quinoa crusted fish tacos with whole wheat tortilla, Spanish brown rice and cilantro black beans.
March 22: Chef Kenya and Chef Joseph will be serving lemongrass chicken wraps with Asian slaw topped with sriracha sauce.
March 29: Chef Holley will be serving grilled chicken breast, roasted chayote, chipotle black bean cake, avocado and corn salsa.

Well-Being Brown Bag with Registered Dietitian Amy Kennedy
Date: Wednesday, March 23
Time: noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Feign Center, 18B

Amy Kennedy will provide educational tips on how to develop healthy, mindful eating patterns. She also will talk about how to infuse flavor while reducing sodium, sugar and unhealthy fats while cooking.

West Campus

Cooking Demo
Date: Tuesday, March 15
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Luby’s DOTS Kitchen

Chef Joe will cook a dish from Luby’s Livin’ Smart recipes, which have 600 calories or less, less than 30 percent of calories from fat, and more than 3 grams of fiber. The meal will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Cooking Demo with Samples
Date: Tuesday, March 22
Time: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Luby’s DOTS Kitchen

Chef Joe will cook a dish from Luby’s Livin’ Smart recipes, which have 600 calories or less, less than 30 percent of calories from fat, and more than 3 grams of fiber. Samples of the meal will be provided while supplies last.

Texas Children’s Blog Post
Check out Texas Children’s blog during the month of March for periodic posts from our dietitians about healthy eating and proper nutrition.

Resources to support your nutrition
The Employee Health and Wellness team supports our staff in achieving optimal well-being by providing a variety of nutrition resources.

  • My Fit Foods, 15 percent off purchases in store, register for discount card here.
  • Snap Kitchen, 10 percent off purchases in store
  • Weight Watchers, 50 percent subsidy on membership
  • The Employee Medical Clinic provides free nutrition counseling and health coaching. Call Ext. 4-2150, opt. 2 for more information.

For more information about proper nutrition and National Nutrition Month events at Texas Children’s, please visit the Wellness website on Connect or email wellbeing@texaschildrens.org. And, to learn more about healthy eating opportunities at Texas Children’s cafes and eateries, click here.

September 2, 2015

The Employee Health and Wellness Team recently facilitated the 21-day H20 challenge to 4,935 employees, making it the largest organization-wide wellness challenge in Texas Children’s history.

Employees were asked to drink 64 ounces of water a day from July 20 – August 9. To provide encouragement, the Employee Health and Wellness Team provided participants with a water tracker, weekly educational and motivational emails, water discounts at various onsite cafeterias and a pre- and post-challenge survey.

The survey showed an increase from 9 percent to 35 percent of challenge participants who reported drinking 64 ounces of water per day and a decrease from 22 percent to 5 percent of challenge participants who reported drinking only 0-16 ounces of water per day.

Participant testimonials include:

  • “The challenge actually made it fun to drink water. In the Emergency Room we encouraged each other and even cheered each other when drinking water. It was just fun!”
  • “Leaders supported us in enrolling. That was nice. It showed they care!”
  • “The fun facts were motivational! Drinking water is something I knew I needed to do, but having support at work made it a reality.”
  • “The challenge caused our team morale to go way up!”

All participants who completed the post program survey will be given a 21-day H20 challenge water bottle. Bottles will be distributed September 2-9. Click here for more details.

Thirsty for more?

Texas Children’s videographer, Wally Crow, chronicled each week of his 21-day H20 challenge journey. Click the following links to review: Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3.

Thank you all for amplifying unity around this challenge! You can continue to rock the ripple effect by staying hydrated and encouraging your co-workers to do the same.

July 14, 2015

71515PFWmassages640As a neonatal nurse at Texas Children’s Newborn Center, Brittany Gonzalez spends most of her day on her feet doing what she loves – taking care of sick infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.

“At the end of my 13-hour shift, my feet are tired,” Gonzalez said. “When I get massages, it soothes my sore muscles and helps me relax. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, the effects are long lasting.”

Like Gonzalez, Texas Children’s and Baylor College of Medicine employees are taking advantage of massage therapy at the Bella Luna Boutique on the third floor of Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. While these services cost a fee and require an appointment, the feeling of complete relaxation keeps employees coming back.

“I can clear my mind, listen to relaxing music and mentally drift away,” said Vickie Broussard, an employee development coordinator in the Facilities Operations Department. “The more I do it, the better I feel, and the longer the good feeling lasts with repeated sessions.”

Massage therapy helps Derek Blaylock unwind from the stressful challenges of balancing responsibilities at home with his job duties as a Texas Children’s patient and family advocate.

“It brings me to a place that’s relaxing and healing all at the same time,” Blaylock said. “It also helps me become more aware of my own body which can lead me to improved posture and the desire to exercise more and ultimately work and stress less.”

As a board-certified massage therapist at Texas Children’s, Candace Heredia says massage therapy is not a luxury, but something our bodies need regularly to improve emotional, mental and physical well-being.

When we’re stressed, our bodies release a stress hormone called cortisol. Regular massages reduce production of this stress hormone and increase production of dopamine and serotonin – the hormones that make us feel good, resulting in an endless list of soothing health benefits.

“A single massage session can increase energy levels, improve blood circulation and enhance mental and physical performance,” Heredia said. “Other health benefits include reducing lower back pain and fluid retention during pregnancy, strengthening the immune system and improving rehabilitation after injury.”

Since taking advantage of massage therapy at the Pavilion for Women, Texas Children’s Cardiology Chief Dr. Daniel Penny notices immediate relief from his chronic back pain.

“I’ve had a number of major back operations over the past few years,” Penny said. “There is nothing better to ease my back spasms than scheduling a massage appointment with Candace.”

Aside from these services, Heredia maintains a pretty busy schedule. She also performs massage therapy for Texas Children’s inpatients and outpatients after receiving written consent from their physician, provides massages during employee wellness events, and teaches infant massage classes to ease colic in newborns and promote parental bonding.

“It’s very rewarding to see employees, patients and their families benefit from massage therapy,” Heredia said. “It’s all about improving their quality of life and helping them achieve a healthier lifestyle.”

Need a relaxing massage? For more information about the Pavilion for Women’s Massage Services, click here. A half-hour massage is $45 and one hour is $75. Chair massages also are available for $1 per minute up to 15 minutes.

To schedule an appointment with Candace Heredia, call Ext. 6-2556 and to sign up for the next infant massage class, click here.

July 7, 2015

7815H2OChallenge640Texas Children’s is launching a 21-day water challenge for all staff starting Monday, July 20 to promote consuming the recommended amount of water during the dog days of summer.

As the temperatures rise, it is more important than ever to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water provides a variety of benefits including proper digestion, sustained energy levels and reduction of food cravings. It also prevents headaches and promotes a clear complexion.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends adults take in at least 64 ounces of water per day. Although it sounds simple, consistently drinking the recommended amount can be challenging.

That’s why we are encouraging all Texas Children’s staff to take the 21-day H20 challenge! We want you to commit to drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day for 21 days. Challenges are usually more fun with friends, so invite your coworkers to participate. Let’s rock the ripple effect and unite around this simple yet powerful wellness goal.

Challenge details

  • Each participant will receive an individual 21-day H20 Tracker by July 20.
  • Post this tracker near your workspace and track your daily water intake.
  • Receive motivation and wellness tips throughout the challenge.
  • Look out for special water deals at our dining venues.
  • Get a Texas Children’s water bottle when you complete the program!

Ready to dive in?

Click here to take the challenge!

June 9, 2015

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Have you ever thought about becoming a runner, one of those people who laces up their brightly colored shoes and takes off rain or shine just to get some exercise? Or, maybe you already are an avid runner and simply enjoy logging in the miles. If you are either of these people, or are somewhere in between, now is the time to hit the pavement.

Texas Children’s Hospital recently was chosen to be an official charity for the January 17, 2016 Houston Marathon and Half Marathon, which means you can run for a reason. You can be on the Texas Children’s Running Team and fundraise on behalf of Texas Children’s Hospital, knowing your donations will directly impact the lives of countless sick children. The team is led by Kelli Calderwood, an employee of Texas Children’s and a sponsored distance runner. Read her blog post about the run here.

61015runforreasoninside200Signing up for the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon as a Texas Children’s Runner guarantees your entry into the race distance of your choice and all of the money you raise will go directly to the Promise Campaign, which focuses on five key initiatives:

  • CareFirst, for the expansion of our Critical Care services, ORs/PACU and Emergency Center at the Main Camp
  • Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, our new 548,000-square-foot dedicated pediatric hospital serving the growing communities north of Houston
  • Endowed Chairs, which are a powerful tool in recruiting and retaining world-class physicians and scientists
  • Divisions and Centers of Excellence to provide ongoing support for specialty care programs and projects
  • Charity Care and hospital priorities, to help alleviate the financial burdens families take on with complex medical care and to provide flexible funds to address the hospital’s most pressing needs at any given time.

There is no better excuse to try something new or hone what you already know. Make your promise today and join the Texas Children’s Running Team. Here’s how:

Fundraise to Run

A fundraising entry is a way for runners to secure a guaranteed entry to the race of their choice, while fundraising for Texas Children’s Hospital. The minimum fundraising milestone to receive the guaranteed entry is $1,500 ($500 for Texas Children’s employees). Please complete this form and email it to Kelli Calderwood at kkcalder@texaschildrens.org to sign up and secure your registration. Donations can be received from May 2015 – February 2016. These donations can come from friends, family and employer matching programs. Some of the perks of being on the team:

  • Custom Texas Children’s race jersey
  • Prizes for fundraising milestones
  • Organized team runs
  • Access to a trained and experienced marathoner
  • Calls with a Development Manager to assist you in your fundraising efforts
  • A sponsored pre-race pasta dinner
  • A post-race party
  • A wild cheering station to cheer you to the finish
  • A personal tour of Texas Children’s Hospital – to show how your hard work will pay off
  • And much more!

Fundraising Milestone Prizes

  • $350 – A set of notecards designed by a Texas Children’s patient
  • $500 – Texas Children’s tumbler
  • $1,000 – Texas Children’s tee shirt
  • $1,500 – Texas Children’s hat
  • $2,000 – Texas Children’s sports bag
  • $5,000 – Framed artwork, painted by a Texas Children’s patient
  • $10,000 – A 2016 Ambassadors Membership

Support the Team

To support the Texas Children’s running team with a donation, please visit our fundraising page.

May 12, 2015

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Texas Children’s is excited to announce a new partnership with Weight Watchers allowing all Texas Children’s employees to receive 50 percent off all Weight Watchers services.

Weight Watchers programming helps individuals lose weight in a healthy holistic way. This is accomplished by developing healthy routines, creating social support, learning to eat smarter and finding physical activities you enjoy.

51315weightwatcherschart900Texas Children’s is proud to partner with Weight Watchers because both organizations believe that every person has the power to succeed and want to help motivate you every step of the way.

Weight Watchers participants will have access to information, knowledge, tools and support to help them make decisions about nutrition and exercise that are right for them. The program encourages participants to enjoy their relationship with food and their bodies while accomplishing their health and image goals.

According to Weight Watchers, “Weight management is a partnership between our knowledge and your effort, and trust us; your efforts will pay off!”

Partnership Perks

  • 50 percent off monthly at work and community meetings pass
  • 50 percent off monthly online pass
  • Ability to attend unlimited community meetings
  • Hold At Work group meetings at any campus location with 15 or more employee participants
  • Optional weekly confidential weigh-ins to help you stay accountable
  • eTools to track points and activity, browse recipes, and receive social support
  • 24/7 online chat support

Texas Children’s is committed to supporting your health and well-being by creating opportunities for you to thrive in the workplace, at home and in the community. We appreciate your hard work and hope you take advantage of this incredible offering.

For more information about the Weight Watchers program or to enroll, visit the Wellness website on Connect.

April 21, 2015

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Texas Children’s values your total well-being. As a result, the Wellness Department offers various onsite wellness services, programs and discounted community offerings. To better inform you about such opportunities, Texas Children’s is launching a Wellness Ambassador Program comprised of employee volunteers who will serve as an extension of the Wellness Department. The responsibilities of a wellness ambassador include:

  • Completing one hour of service work a month for a year. Service work includes forwarding emails, making announcements in your staff meeting, and serving as a point of contact for questions related to onsite wellness offerings from your department.
  • Promoting onsite wellness offerings to your coworkers.
  • Receiving annual training and the opportunity to develop personal and professional skills.
  • Having access to wellness perks and invitations to community wellness events.
  • Being the first to know about upcoming events, programs and challenges through monthly newsletters.

Below you will hear from long-time wellness program supporter, Linda Younger from Medical Staff Services. She will tell you about her personal wellness journey, why she makes it her mission to share wellness information with her co-workers and why you should too.

If you have questions about the Wellness Ambassador, please contact Wellness Coordinator Jenna Sneed. If you are ready to enroll in the program, please click here to fill out the 2015 Wellness Ambassador Enrollment questionnaire. You also can nominate someone, by clicking here. Enrollment and nomination period closes Friday, June 5.

Thank you for helping your coworkers thrive and enjoy Linda Younger’s story!

Q: Why are you passionate about wellness?
A: I am a breast cancer survivor since June 30, 2006. That was the first thing that made me very aware of my mortality. I am also 66 years old now. The older I get the more funerals I attend. I am a very involved person both in and outside of work. I even play in a rock band “Mydolls!” I had a granddaughter on August 3, 2013. That definitely sealed the deal. I’m in it for the long haul now. It’s hard to stay in shape, but I am determined to do my best to keep living the kind of active life I desire.

Q: Tell us a bit more about your personal wellness journey.
A: I came from Louisiana where eating and drinking with family and friends is the culture. It wasn’t uncommon to plan dinner while eating lunch! Being “healthy” was something that wasn’t on my radar screen. Through the programs offered at Texas Children’s and community support, I realized that wellness is my personal journey-from the inside out. By engaging in an active lifestyle and eating food that fuels my body, I’m able to energetically show up for my family and friends.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to help others take care of themselves?
A: Everyone needs a little reminder once in a while. At Texas Children’s, we are fortunate to have so many opportunities either onsite or discounts to community offerings. I take advantage of them all and encourage co-workers to do the same. The Weight Watchers group is a wonderful support network, services through the onsite Employee Medical Clinic are incredibly convenient, and the healthy options and new monthly cooking class at The Fresh Bistro are extraordinary!

Q: How do you motivate coworkers to practice healthy behaviors without being the food police?
A: I invite them to walk with me around the hospital during a break or after work, participate in the different fundraising events like the Komen Race for the Cure and March of Dimes, and occasionally bring healthy snacks to share with them.

Q: Will you sign up to be a Wellness Ambassador?
A: Yes! I hope others do as well. I can see the small change in my little group. Imagine what it would feel like if more people banded together to help support each other.