August 10, 2021

As we reflect on the many moments of triumph, determination and sportsmanship during a truly unique Olympics, we also wanted to congratulate Texas Children’s team members who participated in the Go for the Gold health and wellness initiative that’s all about improving physical well-being.

How to receive your free exercise band

Remember to complete the Go for the Gold post-challenge survey and send your tracker sheet to wellbeing@texaschildrens.org. Your exercise band will be sent to you via interoffice mail.

  • For a chance to win a Ninja Blender, tell us how you incorporated your 30 minutes of exercise in the post-challenge survey.
  • If you have been participating but did not have a chance to register, please click here.
July 13, 2021

 

Come on, One Amazing Team! Together, let’s embody the bold spirit of the Olympics and push each other to achieve greater heights of physical well-being.

As the official pediatric center of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Texas Children’s is excited to cheer on the world’s most amazing athletes during this year’s Summer Olympics, beginning Friday, July 23.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, determination and teamwork, Texas Children’s is inviting all of its team members to participate in its Go for the Gold health and wellness initiative, which challenges participants to work out for 30 minutes, at least 5 days a week, while the summer games are being played.

Program details

Go for the Gold will run from Monday, July 19, to Sunday, August 8.

To win Gold, participants must complete 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week (a minimum of 15 active days). To register, click here.

Once registered, you will receive a welcome email with a tracking sheet to follow your progress, as well as additional tips on nutrition, hydration and strength training. Participants will also receive weekly motivational tips.

To complete your workouts using Active and Fit Direct, learn more by visiting our Well-Being page on Connect.

All participants who win Gold receive a free Texas Children’s workout band.

Now, let’s Go for the Gold!

May 25, 2021

Life is busy, especially more so during the pandemic. As we continue to navigate our reconstructed future, it is more important than ever to keep healthy and strong for ourselves, and our families and friends.

As part of our commitment to your total well-being, Texas Children’s Employee Health and Well-Being teams have organized a variety of programs and resources around Women’s Health Month to help refresh your focus on your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Watch for more on Connect.

This week, we are focusing on your emotional well-being.

Social Connections: Feeling socially connected, especially when physically distanced, is more important than ever. Studies show that friendships and social connections provide intellectual stimulation and emotional support through hardships. People who provide you with a sense of belonging, love or value can be buffers against stress. Here are some ways to create and establish your social network:

  • Pick up the phone and have a conversation with a loved one.
  • Video calling also helps us see and connect with our long-distance loved ones.
  • Be creative with how you engage with people, even in your own home. Find ways to connect that does not involve technology such as writing letters, switch off the TV to have a game night or enjoy a backyard picnic with household members.
  • We know women do better both physically and mentally when they are in groups, some examples are joining a virtual running group, virtual exercise class, a book club or a mother support group.

Be Kind: To others and especially to yourself. We are still in a pandemic and it is okay to feel hopeful about the future as more people are becoming vaccinated but at the same time, anxious about our reconstructed future. Continue to surround yourself with people you trust and can reach out for support and do the same thing for them as well. Coming together as a community is how we have navigated the pandemic thus far and will continue to do so. If you need additional assistance to support your emotional or physical well-being, our EAP and Well-Being teams are here for you at 832-824-3327 and 24/7 at our EAP and Well-Being websites.

May 11, 2021

Life is busy, especially more so during the pandemic. As we continue to navigate our reconstructed future, it is more important than ever to keep healthy and strong for ourselves, and our families and friends.

As part of our commitment to your total well-being, Texas Children’s Employee Health and Well-Being teams have organized a variety of programs and resources around Women’s Health Month to help refresh your focus on your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Watch for more on Connect.

Today, we are kicking off with your physical well-being.

Well-Woman Exam: Don’t forget to schedule your annual physical with your health care provider as part of your self-care routine. This is a great opportunity to check in on your general health status and physical body as well as address any health concerns.

  • Texas Children’s Employee Medical Clinic provides full-service primary care that includes annual physicals and the well-being physical, which offers a more in-depth and comprehensive approach to understanding your key health numbers. As part of our safety protocols during the pandemic, the Employee Medical Clinic is currently conducting well-woman exams in a two-part process. The first part is a virtual appointment where you can discuss concerns with one of ours providers, and the second part is in person for the physical tests. Click here to view Employee Medical Clinic locations and hours of operation, and call 832.824.2424 to make an appointment.
  • Virtual Wellness Screenings by MDLive: If you are enrolled in our Cigna medical plans, you can also get your virtual wellness screening from anywhere via video or phone at your convenience and at no cost, as part of your preventive care benefits. First, you will schedule an in-person appointment with an in-network lab for the necessary blood work and biometrics before meeting virtually with your MDLive provider online to discuss your results. Click here to learn more about this option.

Health Coaching: Texas Children’s offers free health coaching to all employees. This is a great way to make positive long-term health changes with the advice, motivation and support of your health coach. Texas Children’s currently has two health coaches to help support your well-being needs. Please contact Staci Tobolowsky-Astrein for the Medical Center and Ashley Miller for community locations.

Movement: Daily mobility contributes greatly to your overall health by stimulating our entire body from our brains to our joints. There are various types of movements ranging from quick neighborhood walks, yoga or cycling. Frequent and consistent movement is key to reducing stress and improving circulation. Check out our new Active and Fit Direct Partnership where you have the opportunity to utilize 200 on-demand workouts at no cost. If you prefer the gym, you can join Active and Fit Direct for $25 a month and have access to over 2,500+ on-demand workouts and unlimited access to gyms that are part of the network. It is also always more fun exercising with others. Try out this fun cardio workout video with your family!

November 2, 2020

It’s easier than ever this year to make your flu shot plan. By getting vaccinated against the flu, you are helping to keep our patients and families, our workforce and our community safe.

For a step-by-step guide to making your flu shot plan, visit texaschildrensbenefits.org/flu. On this site, you can:

  • View information on the new and convenient ways to receive the flu vaccine. These options include attending an on-site or car-side event at Texas Children’s; visiting the Texas Children’s Pediatrics practice where your child receives care; and getting your shot from your primary care provider or a retail pharmacy.
  • View our robust on-site event schedule, which includes new dates and locations across the system to better accommodate our team members’ needs.
  • Complete consent forms online in support of a touchless experience.
  • Review answers to the most frequently asked flu questions.
  • Upload proof of vaccination with a mobile device.

Thank you in advance for receiving your flu vaccine and helping to protect the safety of our patients and their families, our entire workforce and the community we serve.

August 10, 2020

In keeping with Texas Children’s pledge to support you in every aspect of your well-being, we’ve compiled resources to help keep your families healthy and strong. This handy guide covers various topics such as parenting resources, tips for physical activity, nutrition, stress management and much more. Read More

July 20, 2020

Dance, learn and perform with the Houston Texans Cheerleaders! Presented by Texas Children’s Hospital, the 2020 Junior Cheerleaders program will be virtual this year but just as fun and at a lower cost.

For just $50, 2020 Junior Cheerleaders get:

  • 2020 Junior Cheerleaders 2020 Junior Cheerleaders T-shirt, hair bow and poms
  • Instructional video with new choreography for the 2020 performance
  • Rehearsal time with Texans Cheerleaders in your Junior Cheerleaders’ age-specific Zoom class
  • Zoom performance with Texans CheerleadersZoom performance with Texans Cheerleaders and all 2020 Junior Cheerleaders. The performance will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 15.

Registration for the program is open to children ages 7 to 12 through 5 p.m. Friday, July 31. Click here to sign up. Have questions or need more information? Visit the Houston Texans website for more information on virtual Junior Cheerleaders performance details, FAQs and more, or email CheerPrograms@HoustonTexans.com with questions.

Tell your friends and family that your loved one is going to be a HTC Junior Cheerleader! Download this shareable graphic to share on your social stories and type in the name of your Junior Cheerleader! Be sure to tag @texanscheerleaders to be featured on our social stories!