Thursday, December 1, 2011

Nordic Walking Poles

Dear SOMHELP Members,
Robert Sweetgall, who came and did our Spring Fitness walking presentation, has offered this deal on Nordic Walking poles through December 9, that I thought some of you may be interested, either for yourself, or as a gift.
If you are interested in keeping your walking going during the snowy months, Nordic poles can be especially beneficial. Check out our recorded Lunch n’ Learn on walking if you’d like: http://mtdept.na4.acrobat.com/p27143780/.
Please feel free to forward to anyone else you think may be interested. Thank you!
******

Here is a special deal for State Employees who are interested in Nordic Walking:

Nordic Walking is for everyone, but you might be a strong candidate for Nordic Walking if …..
• You have foot, knee, ankle or hip sensitivity and wish to take a load off your joints;
• Your walking program has plateaued, and you really want to see better results;
• You are concerned about osteoporosis and want stronger bones and connective tissue;
• You want the cardio benefits of running with a lot let impact stress;
• You want to reduce your risk of high blood pressure, high body fat and high blood sugars;
• You want to improve your balance and posture while toning your core muscles and firming up your abs.

A Christmas Gift Suggestion: If employees have parents or friends with compromised balance, orthopedic issues, sensitive knees and hips, giving them a pair of Nordic Walking Poles might be the “health gift” of a lifetime.
Price
The poles are being offered at a special discount rate of $49/pair; unless one needs x-long poles, which are $54/pair. The instructional DVD, manual and baskets come with each set of poles. Deadline for ordering is December 9, 2011.
For those wishing to ship poles to relatives and friends, we can supply a special shipping box if desired. These boxes run approx. $2 each at cost so specify if you’d like any of these custom boxes and add that to the pole cost. One box can accommodate 2 pairs of poles.

To order:
Contact Teri Palmer at ttpalmer@msn.com or (406) 459-0253.

Here is some concise info on Nordic Walking:
A) In Nordic Walking, one plants and pushes off on specially designed shock-absorbing poles, which in turn engages all the muscles in the upper body, toning the arms, stomach, back and chest muscles – much more than in walking or running. The workout parallels cross-county skiing, except you can do it 365 days a year. The net result is you burn 40% more calories than plain vanilla walking (due to the upper body muscle engagement); and you take significant pressure off your feet, ankles, knees and hips. Superior cardio-conditioning too.
B) Technique is important which is why we supply both an instruction book and a DVD with each pair of poles.
C) Equipment : Our Exerstirder poles have the most comfortable ergonomic grip, a sure-lock telescoping design that will not permit the poles to collapse, and super-durable shock-absorbing tips.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Maintain, Don't Gain This Holiday Season

One of the best ways to maintain your health is to prevent weight gain during the holiday season.  The best way to do that is to commit to it, and think of strategies to get you through the holiday season, enjoying all your favorite activites and treats, but not to excess.  North Carolina has a great, free resource if you are interested in signing up: http://www.myeatsmartmovemore.com/HolidayChallenge/index.html  
Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Holiday Strategies Lunch 'n Learn November 9, 12-1

Please Join Us!
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but sometimes we can all be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of food, activities, and expectations. Would like you like some strategies for a fresh perspective and positive frame of mind? Please join your State of Montana Healthy For Life Wellness Program Leaders to learn more about strategies to sleep better, eat better, and just feel better this holiday season.
What: Holiday Strategies Lunch N Learn
When: Wednesday, November 9 at 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Who: Anyone who wants to come
Where: On the day and time of the presentation, from a computer with speakers and access to the Internet, just click on this link: http://mtdept.adobeconnect.com/hflm5/.

This webinar will be recorded and will be available for viewing later if you cannot make this day and time, or if the room fills up: http://benefits.mt.gov/healthwealth.mcpx#webinars_and_education.

For more information:
Health Care and Benefits
State of Montana Healthy For Life (HFL) Program
Web site: http://www.benefits.mt.gov/wellness.mcpx
Toll Free Telephone: (800)287-8266
E-mail: benefitsquestions@mt.gov

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Annual Change is Now Underway! Deadline is October 26

Annual Change for this year’s State of Montana health care plan elections is currently underway.
Please plan to attend one of the presentations, either in person, or via Webinar. The full schedule is available here: http://benefits.mt.gov/annualchange.mcpx.

The due date for 2011 elections is October 26. For complete instructions, please see your annual change booklet or http://benefits.mt.gov/annualchange.mcpx. Remember you must re-enroll every year if you want to participate in Vision or the Flexible Spending accounts.

If you have already submitted your elections, great! Take this time to go for a quick walk and refresh your mind – but make sure and attend one of the presentations anyway – you may find new information that will change your elections (which you can do, online until October 26).

Friday, September 9, 2011

Don’t Forget Your Health Screening!


September screenings include Helena, Lewistown, Havre, Shelby, Columbia Falls, Miles City, Kalispell, Billings and Great Falls. We also have opportunities in Big Timber and Augusta. Remember, you DON’T have to wait a full year between appointments, but can take advantage of your screening anytime during the plan year (our last screenings will be in November and always fill up) that works best for you. Employees, Retirees, spouses and dependents the age of 18 or over on the State of Montana health insurance plan are eligible for one health screening with no out-of-pocket cost per plan year. Health screenings are sponsored by the State of Montana Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP).

$5 Discount off Monthly Premiums!
Participants covered under the State of Montana health care plan can get a $5 discount off their monthly health care premiums! For questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at www.benefits.mt.gov/wellness.mcpx.

To Register:
VISIT WWW.BENEFITS.MT.GOV/WELLNESS.MCPX AND CLICK ON “REGISTER FOR HEALTH SCREENINGS.”
First Time Users: Click “Create An Account”. Create a User Name & Password for yourself, along with the other requested information. You will need a copy of your insurance card handy.
Returning Users: Click “Login”. Enter your username and password. (If you’ve forgotten them, use the “Forgot your user name?” or “Forgot your password?” links.) 1. After following the directions for “first-time users” or “returning users” (depending on if you created an account last year) you will reach a section that asks for your Company Code. Use Company Code: 3711786
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a screening to attend.
3. If you are registering yourself and a spouse, a separate account must be created for each of you. Simply start at “Create An Account” again when registering your spouse. Due to federal privacy regulations, an e-mail address may only be used on one account. If you share an e-mail address, one account can be created online and the other may be set up via the It Starts With Me toll-free number, 1-866-932-6467.

For assistance with registration please contact For other questions please contact:
It Starts With Me Health Care and Benefits Division
(866) 932-6467 (10 AM – 4 PM MST) (406) 444-7462 - or - (800) 287-8266
info@itstartswithme.com healthregistrations@mt.gov

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Sign up for the Hunter/Backcountry Challenge today!

The 2011 Hunter Fitness Challenge Archery Season Begins July 25th!
Fun, Prizes, Motivation, More Successful Backcountry Sporting! The Hunter’s Challenge is for anyone who participates in hunting, backpacking or other fall sports and wants a jump start. It’s simple, free, and there are prizes to be won…
Please note: You may sign up for one or both challenges! The Rifle season challenge directly follows the Archery season challenge. Archery begins July 25 and the Rifle season challenge begins on September 12.
If you are interested in participating in this FREE program, just e-mail benefitsquestions@mt.gov your name, e-mail, and telephone number by Friday, July 22. IN THE SUBJECT LINE, PLEASE PUT “HUNTER FITNESS.” The 2011 Hunter's Challenge Archery Season will begin on July 25. All you need to do is keep track of your activity (either minutes or steps) and turn in the entry page at the end of the challenge(s) to be entered for prizes.
The goal of the program is to train your body to excel at the physical demands that hunting and backcountry sports put on it (like hiking long distances and carrying heavy loads), make your activities more enjoyable, and reduce your risk of getting hurt. Every man and woman can benefit from this program!
If you are interested in participating, just e-mail your name, e-mail, address and telephone number to benefitsquestions@mt.gov. We will send you back an e-mail verifying that you are signed up, and additional information.
You can read more about the program and download entry forms (these are the forms you fill out as you go through the program, and then turn in to us at the end) at http://www.benefits.mt.gov/hunterfitness.mcpx.
Any questions, just let us know. Feel free to forward this to anyone else you think may be interested. We hope you all accept the Challenge this year! The Hunter’s Challenge is sponsored by the State of Montana Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP).
For more information:
Health Care and Benefits
State of Montana Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP)
Web site: http://www.benefits.mt.gov/hunterfitness.mcpx
Toll Free Telephone: (800)287-8266
E-mail: benefitsquestions@mt.gov

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

SPRING FITNESS IS HERE! Registration Deadline April 22

Spring Fitness 2011 is Here – Our favorite way to come together, get fit, stay fit, and get fitter! Don’t miss out! We have great prizes and fun planned for this year – the deadline is April 22!

Think warm! This year we'll "Go Walkabout" Down Under. Our virtual route will follow the coast of Australia from Rocky Point on the northern peninsula, to Melbourne and all the wildlife WAY Down Under. Come along as we “visit” one of the most beautiful places in the world. Spring Fitness is designed around walking and running, but all physical activities can also be counted. We hope to “see” everyone “Down Under” as we travel the miles in Australia!
FUN, FUN, FUN! Spring Fitness is is an 8-week program designed to provide a fun and easy way to improve or maintain your health. To register a team (single-member and teams up to 10 members) or for more information click http://mine.mt.gov/programs/SpringFitness/default.mcpx.

Register your team starting today! Don’t wait!! *We encourage you to use your pedometer from last year, but if you need a new pedometer we have brought back the ever popular and very reliable DIGIWALKER! Click here to learn more about the pedometer: http://mine.mt.gov/programs/springfitness/pedometers.mcpx.
Register your team - You’ll need to know team member names, step lengths, pedometer (or not) and contact information. Please note that the team captain must have access to MINE to register their team and put in the weekly step totals – click on the link – if you get there, you have access! Click here to learn more about the pedometers: http://mine.mt.gov/programs/springfitness/pedometers.mcpx.
1. Click on “Print Waiver” after all team members are entered. Team Captains, remember to click “submit changes” button FIRST, then click “exit update” or your information won’t be saved.
2. Send your signed team waiver and one (1) team check in the mail.
The deadline for team registration and receipt of waiver and ONE registration fee payment check sent to Health Care and Benefits is April 22. Spring Fitness will officially start on May 2 and run through June 26. Pedometers and welcome kits will be mailed as registrations are received.
For everything Spring Fitness, please visit the Spring Fitness site at http://mine.mt.gov/programs/SpringFitness/default.mcpx. Spring Fitness is sponsored by the State of Montana Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP).
If you still have questions after reviewing the Spring Fitness web site, please contact Health Care and Benefits:
- benefitsquestions@mt.gov
- (406) 444-7462
- (800) 287-8266

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Blood Pressure Monitoring Now Available at the Capitol!

Attention Legislators and Helena-area State Employees:

The Department of Administration and the Department of Public Health and Human Services are pleased to announce that Montana legislators, employees, and visitors to the Capitol building now have access to a table-top blood pressure monitor.  Your State of Montana Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP), wishes to particularly recognize the Montana Cardiovascular Program for donating the machine for use and working on the details to get it installed.

The blood pressure machine is installed and ready for use. It’s located on the first floor of the Capitol building inside the south entrance, between the post office window and the stairs to the cafeteria.

Legislators, employees, and visitors to the Capitol are encouraged to use this machine to monitor and improve their health!

We hope you will celebrate American Heart Month and take advantage of this opportunity to monitor your health.


Sincerely,
Janet R. Kelly, Director
Department of Administration
Anna Whiting-Sorrell, Director
Department of Public Health and Human Services

Monday, January 31, 2011

Go Red Day is this Friday, February 4

This February 4 is National Wear Red Day®
Did you know...
That heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year?
Did you know…
That heart disease claims the lives of over 433,000 American women each year? 

Please celebrate National Wear Red Day® on Friday, February 4, or any day to raise awareness about heart disease among women.
Here is how you can Make It Your Mission to fight heart disease among women:
• Wear red on February 4th, 2011
• Raise awareness about heart disease, its impact on women and how we can fight back
• Love our hearts by being physically active, eating a heart-healthy diet and being educated about heart disease and its risk factorsWhat are your chances? Do you know your risk? Taking the American Heart Association (AHA) risk assessment quiz is a good start toward understanding your heart health. See the  AHA Special Report to assess your risk.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, which includes heart disease and stroke. Thirty percent of all deaths in the United States and Montana are due to CVD. This statistic is distressing since CVD, like most chronic diseases, can be prevented through lifestyle steps such as choosing a healthy diet, being physically active and avoiding tobacco.

For more information contact Linda Krantz at 444-4105.

Learn more about Women’s Heart Health at upcoming local events:
February 4th, St. Peter’s Wellness will offer free health screenings and heart-health education from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4, at Macy's, as part of the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" movement.
February 22nd, “Heart of the Matter,” St. Peter’s Hospital’s annual, free heart-health event is Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6 – 8 p.m., at the hospital. The Health Fair, which includes over 40 booths from St. Peter’s and the community, plus free wellness screenings will be available from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Screenings include Body Mass Index, lipid panel, peripheral artery disease and blood pressure. A panel discussion on the prevention and treatment of heart disease begins at 7:30 p.m., with Cardiologist Carla Kingsley, D.O., Cardiac Rehab Nurse Lynne Maierle, Charlotte Fuson, LCPC, and heart attack survivor and Montana’s only “Woman Heart Champion” Shirley Mangini.
February 28th, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. Women’s Heart Health Lunch-n-Learn Webinar, featuring local Cardiologist Dr. Carla Kingsley, D.O. - sponsored by SOMHELP and the Montana Cardiovascular Health Program.