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WOW! E-News  
November 2009
In This Issue
WOW! Notices
Great American Smokeout-Thursday, November 19th
Superhero Spotlight - MMC CPI-weight loss group
Tobacco Tales
Raising Readers
KidsHealth
LifeBalance
WOW! Notices
Learning Resource Center Classes
 The Learning Resource Center is offering an abundance of classes this fall and winter. See the list here or visit
www.mainehealth.org/LRC
 
Did you know? If you are a MaineHealth employee and pay for a class through the Learning Resource Center it is reimbursable for up to $50 through WOW! Rebates. 

Print your WOW! Rebate form here.  
  
Become a "Fan"
For late breaking WOW! news, become a "Fan" of the MaineHealth Works on Wellness (WOW!) Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.
 
Catch up with WOW! e-news and recipes by visiting our WOW! News page.
Quick Links
 
Dr. Lisa's Happy, Healthy Wellness ABCs
Welcome to November!

breathDr. Lisa's Healthy, Happy Wellness ABCs for November focus on Healthy Lung Month Month .

Did you know that a healthy diet can lead to healthy lungs? November's feature recipe is Wild Rice with Apricots, Pecans & Winter Squash. Find out how this tasty autumn dish can help you breathe easier by reading Dr. Lisa's ABCs for November.

MaineHealth offers a wealth of healthy lung resources, including the AH! Asthma Health Program  and The Center for Tobacco Independence . Click here  for more information on these programs and Dr. Lisa's Wellness ABCs.

This November, learn your Healthy Lung ABC's and don't forget to breathe!

Lisa Belisle, MD, MPH
Medical Advisor, MaineHealth WOW! Program
Great American Smokeout
Thursday, November 19th 
Join the Great America Smokeout, Thursday, November 19th. Support a health lifestyle change.
 
HopeChris Graves from HomeHealth Visiting Nurses, our WOW! Champion for November, has been smoke-free for more than two years. Despite the recent loss of her mother she has continued her smoke-free status. She says: "Quitting smoking was difficult, but the support of my co-workers and the encouragement of my doctor made the challenge that much easier. I would recommend 

quitting to anyone who thinks they are ready to quit."

 
Tyring to Quit? Trying to Not Smoke at Work? Tobacco counseling is available for MaineHealth system employees, spouses and dependents at no cost at facility-based sites. Medications are covered for those with the MaineHealth insurance. Learn more here www.mainehealth.org/wow 
 
If you are interested in becoming tobacco free contact the Center for Tobacco Independence at 662-7150 or the Maine Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-207-1230.
Superhero Spotlight

CPINine employees from the Center for Performance Improvement (CPI) at Maine Medical Center have collectively lost over 100 pounds through Weight Watchers®. Joyce Mendoza, program manager at CPI, attributes their success to a supportive environment, reinforcement from colleagues, and support from management. In recognition of their weight loss, the employees donated 100 pounds of dry goods to the Wayside Soup Kitchen in downtown Portland.

To find out more about who these CPI employees are and read their weight loss triumphs, read the WOW! Newsletter arriving in your mailbox the first week of December or click here.
Tobacco Tales 
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Thinking about smoking cigars?  You may want to think twice.

Click here to learn more.
Raising Readers 
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As we mention in Dr. Lisa's Healthy, Happy Wellness ABCs , one of WOW!'s favorite themes is role modeling.  This month, Raising Readers Recommends Mama Mama/Papa Papa Flip Board Book (ISBN 978-0060519155), which focuses on the relationship between baby animals and their parents.

For other healthy reading choices, visit the Raising Readers Blog, or check out the Raising Readers Recommends Great Books: Great Topics brochure, available through Raising Readers.

MaineHealth believes that literacy is a family affair. If you are a healthcare provider, read more about this important topic in "Beyond Raising Readers: Literacy as a Family Affair."

Read on, friends.
KidsHealth
We at WOW! know that good health begins early. Go to KidsHealth for articles such as:
 
LifeBalance Employee Assistance Program
Caring for a loved one?
 
You may be caring for an aging relative or making decisions about another loved one's health care needs -- LifeBalance can help you find the support you need. Being a caregiver can be emotionally and physically draining, yet rewarding. It is important to recognize the signs of stress as you manage the everyday pressures of caring for your family.

You can call any time, day or night, to get expert help from a consultant on how to:
  • Talk with an older relative about his health or living situation and decide whether a change is needed
  • Find support for your child with special needs
  • Learn how to select and evaluate different support services and living arrangements
  • Understand the physical or mental health problems your loved one may be facing
Read or download these informative articles:
You can also order the Time Together CD. On this free recording, Arthur Kornhaber, M.D., president and founder of the Foundation for Grandparenting, shares advice on how to strengthen family ties with loved ones across the generations. You'll also hear stories of people young and old talking about their best times together with extended family.

For managers and supervisors:
When an employee is away from work on disability or family leave, it can be a challenge for managers as well as employees. Read or download the article, Managing an Employee Through a Disability or Family Leave to learn steps to take when employee goes on leave.
 
For more information on other services that LifeBalance offers, click here. Your contact with LifeBalance services is free and completely confidential. 

To access LifeBalance, visit www.lifebalance.net.
ID: mainehealth
Password: lifebalance
Or call: 1-877-259-3785 
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