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WOW! Survey Results |
Thank you for your participation. Click here to see what we heard from you! |
| Don't Forget! |
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The second eligibility period for WOW! Rewards began on April 1st and ends on September 30th.
For more information on Rolling Rewards and Instant Incentives, go to the WOW! Homepage.
How do you tell if you've completed the program requirements? Click here to find out! | |
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Greetings from the MaineHealth WOW! (Works on Wellness) Team!
Welcome to July! This month we celebrate sun-kissed days and sultry summer nights; red, ripe strawberries and relaxing water sports. July is also UV safety month. As you enjoy the wonders of the season, avoid over-exposure to ultraviolet rays:
- Shield your skin with hats, light-colored clothing, and SPF 15 sunscreen (FMI, visit www.aad.org).
- Hide your eyes with UVA & B blocking sunglasses (FMI, visit www.aao.org).
- Pick up the produce. Research suggests that Vitamin C, Vitamin A and selenium-rich fruits and vegetables (such strawberries) may decrease our risk of skin cancer. For a simple, sumptuous recipe, see below.
- Exercise regularly. A recent study found that a combination of exercise and caffeine can also cut our skin cancer risk. Live in the Greater Portland area? Join me for Walk with the Doc, Tuesdays at 11:30 in Yarmouth (FMI go to www.walkthewalkdoc.org). Looking for other local options? Download the "Get Up and Go Guide" at www.letsgo.org.
- Monitor your moles. Keep an eye on any abnormal appearing bumps, lumps or freckles--and have them double-checked by a health care professional. For dermatologist-directed skin cancer screenings, call the MaineHealth Learning Resource Centers (1.866.609.5183).
- Discuss sun safety with the little ones in your life. Begin with a book. Raising Readers recommends Beach Day by Patricia Larkin (Penguin, 2004). FMI, visit www.raisingreaders.org.
Want more summer-oriented health tips? See the WOW! Calendar and WOW! Newsletter. For more thoughts on sun protection, see July's Enlightened Living column (click on In Good Health at www.themaineswitch.com), courtesy of the MaineHealth Learning Resource Centers.
Finally, find out whether your summer wellness activities make you eligible for WOW! Rewards, at www.mainehealth.org/wow.
Happy July!
Lisa Belisle, MD, MPH
Medical Advisor, MaineHealth WOW! |
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RECIPE: For delicious, skin-nourishing dish - or two - try the following:
Sumptuous Balsamic Strawberry Duo 
- 1 quart strawberries (preferably local-consider picking your own!)
- 1/4-1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (enough to coat strawberries well)
Option #1:
1/8 tsp pepper, freshly ground
Option #22 Tbsp fresh mint, washed and finely chopped (we used "chocolate mint" leaves) Wash and slice strawberries, removing stems. Combine with vinegar and EITHER pepper OR mint. Mix thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. Remove from vinegar mixture with a slotted spoon. Serving suggestion #1: For a refreshing summer salad, layer berries over greens on a festive plate. Drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil. If desired, add 1-2 Tbsp of chopped, toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts and pine nuts work well). Serving suggestion #2:
For a subtle, mouth-pleasing dessert, serve ½ cup of berries in an elegant parfait glass. Or spoon over vanilla ice cream/frozen yogurt/"Rice Dream." Refrigerate any leftover vinegar/pepper or vinegar/mint mixture and use for future salads. The longer the strawberries are left in the vinegar, the stronger the berry taste will be. Note: For best results, use high quality balsamic vinegar. Look for those with "Modena" or "Reggio Emila" on the label, and for those that have been aged longer (3-5 years is the minimum--and these are considered 'young' vinegars.). Vinegars that are aged longer tend to be thicker and sweeter. (From www.bountiful-blog.com) |
LifeBalance
Employee Assistance Program
July is UV Safety Month. Too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation (including the type that comes from the sun) can lead to skin cancer-the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States.
Patients with cancer and their families often find themselves faced with significant emotional, physical and financial concerns. These don't have to be faced alone. MaineHealth employees who are dealing with cancer-related issues can get help through the Employee Assistance Program. For more information, visit www.mainehealth.org/wow or call 1.877.259.3785.
For information on skin cancer prevention and screenings, call the MaineHealth Learning Resource Centers at 1.866.609.5183.
Lisa Belisle, MD, MPH
Medical Advisor, MaineHealth WOW!
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WOW! Rewards Update
We are off to a good start and had 30% of eligible employees take part in WOW! Rolling Rewards between October 1, 2007 and March 30, 2008.
We need your involvement to reach our participation goal of 40% system-wide. Truthfully, we'd be even happier if we exceeded that goal as we know that these tools can help employees lead the healthiest lives possible. If everyone who participated told one colleague about WOW! Rewards and how easy it is to get started we would double our participation and more employees would be aware of the resources that WOW! has to offer.
All employees with health benefits still have another chance to complete or update their HealthQuotient Risk Assessment and either call a health coach (1.800.574.8494) or enroll in a Dialog Center online lifestyle self-management program (www.mainehealth.org/wow). If you take these steps towards your health you will receive $130 incentive in January but you must complete these activities by September 30.
Did you know it only takes 15-20 minutes to complete the HealthQuotient Risk Assessment? And be sure to have your lab values and blood pressure handy for the most accurate results.
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