January 13, 2015

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If getting in shape or losing weight top your list of New Year’s resolutions, you are not alone. According to several polls and surveys conducted across the United States, the No. 1 New Year’s resolution for 2015 has to do with fitness, whether it be “losing weight,” “getting in shape,” or “staying fit and healthy.”

At Texas Children’s, our goal is to help you thrive in 2015 while building a collective atmosphere supporting your well-being. Given the popularity of fitness and weight loss this time of year, we want to remind you of the fitness center discounts available to all Texas Children’s Hospital badge holders and their families through Employee Health and Wellness.

Participating fitness centers include: 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, Lifetime, Blast Fitness, UT Recreation Center and the YMCA. Discounts apply to current and former members, so check your current rate to see if the discounts provided through Texas Children’s can reduce your costs.

Another perk offered at Texas Children’s that will help maximize your fitness and weight loss goals is access to a new 17-week series of Weight Watchers, the world’s most effective weight loss program. The program is launching soon onsite at Main Campus. An informational open house will take place Tuesday, January 20 in Feigin Center 02A and the first official session of the series will be Tuesday, January 27 in FC 18A. All sessions will be from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Please fill out this form if you’re interested.

In addition to fitness and weight loss, there are several other ways you can thrive in 2015, and Texas Children’s has a variety of services available to help you look, feel and live your best life yet. Some of those services are:

Employee Medical Clinic – Did you know the Employee Medical Clinic can serve as a convenient solution to all of your primary care needs? All Blue Cross Blue Shield medical members are covered at 100 percent for annual exams, and additional lab work can be done for a small co-pay. The Employee Medical Clinic also offers a variety of educational programs to help you live well with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A team of medical providers and a Certified Diabetes Educator/Dietitian will provide you with the practical tools and knowledge to effectively manage your conditions. Contact the Employee Medical Clinic for more information and to schedule your appointment: Ext: 4-2150.

Tobacco Cessation – As of September 1, 2014, Texas Children’s medical plan members can receive free tobacco cessation medications and over-the-counter treatments with a prescription. For more information or additional guidance, please call the Employee Medical Clinic at: Ext: 4-2150.

Employee Assistance Program – Offers counseling, stress management, financial assistance and grief recovery programs. For more information, please call: Ext: 4-3332.

We wish you a Happy New Year and hope you thrive in all areas of your life in 2015 and beyond.

May 13, 2014

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Employee Health & Fitness month is an opportunity to educate employees on the resources available for you right here at work to help you improve your health and well being. Texas Children’s Employee Health & Wellness wants to help you achieve your fitness goals by making a fitness plan you can follow consistently. Read the tips below and come to recess day on The Auxiliary Bridge on Wednesday, May 21, to have some fun while getting fit with your colleagues.

Tips to make fitness fun:

1. Find exercise you love: While exercise provides amazing health benefits it also provides an outlet and release from the world. Everyone needs their own authentic way to unwind through movement. Is running and yoga not your cup of tea? Keep trying new things until you are hooked!

2. Get techy: Health and fitness apps can help you create a customizable workout regimen, personalized diet plan, track your healthy habits, and monitor your health status over time. Most apps allow you to set goals and can keep you accountable by tracking your progress. Employee Health and Wellness has compiled an introductory list of some of the most popular fitness apps on the market. Click here to learn more!

3. Play outdoors: If possible, go for a walk outside to get some fresh air. Take a brisk walk around the medical center, the MD Anderson pathway (at the corner of Holcombe and Fannin) or through the pretty tree-lined neighborhoods near Main Street. West Campus and J.P. McGovern employees also have access to convenient outdoor walking paths. Find a local walk near your work location.

4. Adopt the buddy system: Walking, running, or attending a group exercise class is much more fun with a friend or coworker. Help yourself and your rolodex look and feel the best by inviting others to sweat with you.

5. Move outside your comfort zone: Whether dancing in public, participating in a running event, or rock climbing, challenge yourself to move outside your comfort zone.

6. Come out to Recess Day on Wednesday, May 21: Employee Health and Wellness will be hosting a Recess Day on The Auxiliary Bridge from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come over and take a break or “recess” from your busy day with classic games to get you in fitness mode.

Other Upcoming Wellness Events

  • New Series of Weight Watchers at Work starts Monday, May 19
  • Employee Well-being Fair is Thursday, June 18

Your wellness matters, click here to learn more! (This link will only open internally)

April 8, 2014

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Everyone hears that proper nutrition plays a significant role in your overall health though it’s not often as easy as it sounds. A healthy meal is the best start to achieving your optimal health and wellness goals but where do you start?

Texas Children’s is dedicated to supporting you as you strive to meet your health and wellness goals. Employee Health and Wellness is sponsoring an upcoming nutrition program, MyPlate Challenge, so gather your co-workers and join together or start planning goals of your own to make Texas Children’s a healthier campus all around.

Don’t eliminate, just add! It’s a refreshing and positive way to shift the way we look at food and have fun with your coworkers along the way.

Follow these simple weekly themes and eat at least the recommended amount of a particular food group four days a week or more. It’s about being consistent, not perfect!

Week Number
Dates
Weekly Theme
Week 1
April 21-27
Fruit
Week 2
April 28- May 4
Whole Grains
Week 3
May 5-11
Lean Protein
Week 4
May 12-18
Vegetables
Week 5
May 19-26
Dairy
Week 6
May 27-June 1
Eat Well
 

Throughout the program, participants will receive an incredible amount of nutrition information and support through such things as Motivational Monday emails, interactive discussion boards, and online resources. In addition, all participants will receive a Texas Children’s MyPlate mouse pad and have the opportunity to earn bonus points toward a drawing for one of ten Fitbits.

The challenge begins Monday, April 21.

Click here to join the challenge! (This link will only open internally)