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#FluProof your company with a WellAdvantage Flu Shot Clinic this fall!

Published by in Health on September 4th, 2014

#FluProofWellAdvantage’s Flu Shot Clinics are win-win, #FluProof propositions for employers and employees alike. Not only do these easy-to-administer clinics offer companies the opportunity to reduce absenteeism during the flu season and increase worker productivity, they are widely viewed by staff members as a valuable employee perk that demonstrates their employer’s concern for their health.

Most companies conduct Flu Shot Clinics in the fall before the onset of the flu season. WellAdvantage’s clinics may be an element of a company-wide health fair, part of an event to coincide with the open enrollment period for insurance plans, or simply a single-day opportunity to promote wellness among employees. Anyone attending one of our clinics quickly and easily receives the shot that will best protect them against the strain that is anticipated to be most prevalent in the upcoming flu season.

The WellAdvantage administration team works hand-in-hand with human resources personnel and insurance companies interested in holding a Flu Shot Clinic. A minimum of 20 participants is required. Information and release forms are provided in advance for employers that wish to streamline the process for workers.

Typically the hosting organization will designate an office or conference room space for the clinic and one staff member to help with registration – which may be by appointment or on a walk-in basis. A WellAdvantage nurse will administer shots to patients in a private or semi-private setting once the release form is executed. Typically the entire process takes less than 10 minutes and can be even faster when employees are provided the chance to pre-register and bring the release form with them.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintains a wealth of information on influenza and why flu shots are the public’s best way to keep the virus at bay during the winter months. The CDC also provides guidelines on who should consider a shot, what strains are being reported, and the symptoms that typically accompany a severe case of the flu. More information can be found at www.cdc.gov. Anyone who is unsure of whether or not they should get a flu shot should consult their physician.

Fall is just around the corner, so it’s a great time for your organization to make the #FluProof commitment by scheduling a WellAdvantage Flu Shot Clinic today. Just call 410.795.7579 or visit https://www.welladvantage.com/services/flu-shots/ to learn more.

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Cataract Surgery: It’s Come a Long Way!

Published by in Health on August 28th, 2014

By Maria C. Scott, M.D.

Cataract Surgery Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. Long gone are the two-week hospital stays for cataract patients. Today, cataract surgery is performed in less than 15 minutes in most cases. Patients, whose eyes were dilated prior to surgery, leave wearing simply a pair of dark glasses. Within 48 hours, the majority of patients return to most routine activities with minimal restrictions.

While age is the primary reason why we develop cataracts, it is not the only factor. Increased exposure to sunlight, diabetes, certain medications, ocular inflammation, ocular trauma and family history may also play into the equation.

Cataracts  form over the course of a few months to a few years, thus patients may not realize they are at risk. Having  an annual eye exam is critical to detecting cataracts. Annual check ups allow you and your eye care physician to monitor the health of your eyes and take any steps necessary to preserve your vision. If you notice double vision or a sudden increase in cloudiness of your vision, immediately contact your eye care professional.

Today, bladeless laser cataract surgery is further revolutionizing the entire procedure and providing patients with unparalleled visual results. The FDA-approved bladeless femtosecond laser uses the same technology as that used in bladeless LASIK surgery. Whereas, manual cataract surgery requires handheld surgical instruments to make incisions, the bladeless femtosecond laser provides image-guided control for increased accuracy and predictability. Additionally, this laser enables surgeons to precisely program the size, shape and location of the incision and lens capsule for each patient. The femtosecond laser also softens the lens to reduce the amount of energy and fluid needed to remove the cataract, resulting in faster recovery time. The femtosecond laser can correct for low astigmatism, allowing patients to see as clearly as possible for distance vision without relying on glasses.

When selecting a cataract surgeon, make sure he or she is an experienced, highly skilled, board- certified ophthalmologist. It is important that he or she offers the most proven technology, treatments and testing to provide the best results possible. Talk to your doctor, ask questions, and discuss the options that are right for your situation.  Dr. Maria C. Scott, M.D.

It is an exciting time for cataract patients who want to improve their full range of vision, regain their quality of life and minimize or eliminate their dependence on glasses.

The author, Dr. Maria Scott, is one of the most respected cataract surgeons in the country.  Founder and Medical Director of Chesapeake Eye Care & Laser Center in Annapolis, Maryland, Dr. Scott is a board-certified ophthalmologist, who is consistently named one of the area’s “Top Docs.”  

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Kayla Kavoukas WellAdvantage Account Manager

Published by in Corporate Wellness on August 19th, 2014

Kayla Kavoukas Since joining WellAdvantage in 2012 as an event staff fitness generalist, Kayla Kavoukas embraced her career with the company and now is an account manager with oversight of more than 10 corporate clients. Kayla brings an enthusiasm for health and fitness that is appreciated  by her clients. She strives to make her clients’ wellness programs exciting and refreshing for all participants.

Kayla understands the goals of her clients and is dedicated to building programs that target health risks while making health education fun and rewarding. Establishing Wellness Champion teams, enhancing incentive campaigns, educating clients about the wellness website, and surveying program acceptance and success levels are just a few of the steps she takes to ensure her clients’ satisfaction. She is truly an valued partner – both to her clients as well as to her WellAdvantage colleagues.

Taking her creativity to the next level, Kayla leads projects that include the development and customization of company-wide challenges and online wellness workshops. Maintaining close partnerships with her colleagues and sharing best practices, Kayla demonstrates how successful team efforts are a critical component in keeping WellAdvantage customers informed, engaged and eager to pursue their wellness goals.

Despite the demands of her role as account manager, Kayla’s dedication to fitness continues. She became a LesMills BodyStep instructor in April 2014 and plans to pursue additional fitness certifications that will continue to expand her career and her personal health horizons.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! What you need to know to protect yourself and your family

Published by in Health on August 14th, 2014

niam-logoDid you know that the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) ranks immunizations among the top 10 accomplishments in the field of pubic health during the 20th century?

While immunizations have significantly reduced the incidence of many serious infectious diseases, many vaccine-preventable diseases are still common across the United States. Any of these diseases could be serious ¾ even for healthy people.

Throughout the month of August, the CDC has teamed up with the National Public Health Information Coalition to help promote awareness of the importance of vaccinations. Ensuring you are up-to-date on the vaccinations you need can help prevent serious – and sometimes deadly – diseases.

Some may think that vaccines are just for children, but that is not the case. In fact, they’re needed throughout life to help protect people of all ages. Even if you were vaccinated at a younger age, the immunity from those vaccines can wear off, or the virus or bacteria that the vaccine protects against may change, thus reducing your immunity. It’s important to realize that while young children are particularly vulnerable to disease, many others, including older adults and those with chronic health conditions, can be at higher risk for getting some diseases or experiencing serious illness if they were to get sick.

The CDC offers a host of materials that will help you learn more about vaccine recommendations at every stage of life so that you can begin a discussion with your health care professional and determine which vaccines are right for you.

WellAdvantage encourages you to learn more about vaccines and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. In addition, to help celebrate National Immunization Month, WellAdvantage is offering a special incentive to employers who book an On-Site Flu Clinic this fall to help #FluProof your employees. Visit https://www.welladvantage.com/services/flu-shots/ for more details on how to help curb the spread of flu at your company.

 

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Breakfast: Fueling a Child’s IQ

Published by in Health, Nutrition on August 7th, 2014

As summer winds down, parents everywhere are starting to think of the tools they can provide their children to make this school year successful. Did you know, the key to a successful school year can be as easy as providing a healthy breakfast? It’s true! Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing discovered that children who regularly eat breakfast have increased IQ scores and decreased behavioral disorders.

Whole Strawberries in Vanilla yogurt with Spoon in bowlAfter gathering data from 1,269 children in China, researchers found that children who do not eat breakfast have a 4.6 lower point IQ score than children who regularly consume breakfast. Not only does breakfast provide nutrition and energy to begin the day, but it also aids in brain development. Eating breakfast helps children receive proper nutrients, increase IQ, and is associated with a decrease in behavioral disorders. These factors are an indication of why breakfast is vital for future health and career success outcomes.

Children should be regularly eating breakfast to assist in physical and mental development. Proper breakfast consumption may be difficult during rushed mornings because of early school start times. If lack of time is an issue, try preparing breakfast the night before to ensure food is quickly available in the morning. Cooking a large batch and freezing the meal can also assist with mornings where making a meal is not a viable option.

As more parents are working longer hours, preparing healthful meals for children may seem difficult. For quick kid friendly recipes for busy parents, visit Parenting.

Article by Kelli Oligney, Associate Editor

Reference:
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. (February 12, 2013). Can Breakfast Make Kids Smarter? Science in Action. Retrieved on February 12, 2013, from http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/sia/Pages/Can-Breakfast-Make-Kids-Smarter.aspx

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Renee Tripp WellAdvantage Manager, Customer Service & Data Management

Published by in Corporate Wellness on July 22nd, 2014

Renee Tripp, WellAdvantageAs the manager of WellAdvantage’s Customer Service & Data Management Department, Renee Tripp brings nearly six years of experience in the field to her role. She has particular expertise in database management and development, customized Web design platforms, Web administration reporting and incentive campaign design.

She thrives in a fast-paced environment and is right at home handling the new challenges and opportunities that come with working for a growing company like WellAdvantage. Since joining the company in 2008, Renee has continually broadened her scope and has expanded her department’s staff to include several additional customer service team members.

A valued member of WellAdvantage’s management leadership team, Renee provides insight and guidance on IT support and process re-engineering needs. Her forward-thinking approach allows the company to stay on the cutting edge of technology while continuing to maintain its exceptional customer service and satisfaction levels.

Renee is a mother of five children and enjoys managing a boys’ soccer travel team.

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Be Smarter than the Sun!

Published by in Corporate Wellness on July 10th, 2014

Without realizing it, the sun could be damaging your eyes or your skin. Take the necessary precautions to prevent UV radiation complications.

Being exposed to too much UV radiation has been shown to cause a variety of visual impairments. The American Optometric Association (www.aoa.org) informs, “The sun’s UV radiation can cause cataracts; benign growths on the eye’s surface; cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes; and photokeratitis, sometimes called snow blindness, which is a temporary but painful sunburn of the eye’s surface.” They recommend practical over fashionable sunglasses. For more information on what to look for while shopping for sunglasses search the AOA website. Many people realize that their skin needs protection from the sun, but they neglect to protect their eyes. Putting sunglasses on can save your eyes from overexposure to the sun.

Name five items you would never forget to bring to the beach . . . go! Ok, I imagine that a towel and a beach ball were at the top of your list, and I hope sunscreen was too. In the hot summer months it’s easy to remember your sunscreen. What many people don’t realize is that it’s just as important in these late spring/early summer months to apply sunscreen before spending time outdoors. Where there is sun, there is UV radiation and it’s important to protect your skin against the harmful effects of over-exposure. Minimal sunburn is usually just a nuisance and disappears in a couple of days, but it’s also an indication that you should have applied more sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation warns that, “One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.” Take preventative steps to deter becoming one in five. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outdoors and to continue applying sunscreen every two hours of sun exposure. For more skin cancer prevention tips visit www.skincancer.org.

Don’t let the sun fool you. Wear your sunglasses and sunscreen whenever you spend time outdoors!

Posted By National Wellness Institute, Saturday, May 01, 2010
Updated: Friday, December 28, 2012

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Want to quit smoking? Start with these three tips!

Published by in Health on July 3rd, 2014

Quit Smoking When it comes to making the commitment to stop smoking forever, there are three basic tips that WellAdvantage Director of Coaching Programs Liz Clark believes can make the difference between success and failure.

“Every time we talk to ex-smokers, these three tips are cited time after time,” Liz reports. “Best of all, they are simple and free.”

So are you ready for success? Here’s how to start:

1. Develop a plan and set a quit date. You wouldn’t go on vacation without packing would you? Give yourself a date to quit and have your plan in place. Start planning activities and outings where temptations are minimized – the gym, a museum, playing tennis or a smoke-free restaurant.2. Tell others you’re quitting and seek their support.

Let your friends and family know you’re quitting. Ask them for their support and encouragement. Engage non-smokers to help you. Invite others to quit with you. Harness the energy of peer pressure to stay the course!

3. Find new ways to manage stress.

If you are a smoker who uses tobacco to counter stress, finding new ways to reduce tension is important. Many ex-smokers report that the increase in physical activity they build into their lives when they quit smoking is an amazing stress reducer. Another stress reliever is meditation. Rely on the things that relax you to aid in your smoke-free journey – whether it’s reading a book, gardening, exercising or simply enjoying the simple pleasure of a sunset.

A final tip from Liz is one that everyone will appreciate: the financial rewards. To calculate just how much money you can save as an ex-smoker, go to: http://smokefree.gov/reasons-to-quit

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Meet WellAdvantage’s Vice President of Operations Bonnie Monroe

Published by in Corporate Wellness on June 17th, 2014

WellAdvantage VP of OperationsVice President of Operations Bonnie Monroe brings nearly 23 years of experience in human resources to her role at WellAdvantage. She has worked in a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, aviation, international non-profit, and corporate wellness

Bonnie’s expertise includes executive-level operational leadership, organizational development, strategic planning, organizational risk assessment, IT systems oversight, human resources development, human capital management and employee development and training.

Since joining WellAdvantage in February 2013, she has been primarily focused on the development of organizational and infrastructure advancement through systems, processes and human resources.

Bonnie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Baltimore.  Her passion is facilitating collaborative decision-making and coaching.

Why You Should Know How Fast You Can Run a Mile

Published by in Fitness, Health on June 12th, 2014

Knowing your long-term risk for heart attack and stroke is a simple fitness test away.

In two separate studies, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found that how fast a middle-age person can run a mile can help predict the risk of dying of heart attack or stroke decades later for men and could be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease for women.

Doctors have recently validated that middle-aged men’s risk of heart disease is closely tied to their fitness level. Their results were recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology For example, a 55-year-old man who needs 15 minutes to run a mile has a 30 percent lifetime risk of developing heart disease. In contrast, a 55-year-old who can run a mile in eight minutes has a lifetime risk of less than 10 percent, according to the researchers. Researchers further found that a higher fitness level lowered the lifetime risk of heart disease even in people with other risk factors. In a separate study in Circulation, UT Southwestern researchers found that the same treadmill test predicts how likely a person is to die of heart disease or stroke more accurately than assessing the risk using only typical prediction tools such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association funded the studies.

Posted By National Wellness Institute, Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Updated: Thursday, December 27, 2012

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