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• Governor Recognizes Employees for Wellness Achievements
• Annual Steps to Qualify for the 2012-2013 Wellness PPO
• State of Nebraska Leadership: Leading By A Healthy Example
• Timing was Everything: “A choice of personal wellness over costly medications”
• State of Nebraska Governor ‘Walks the Talk’ With Active Senior Leadership
• Wellness Program Positively Impacts Quality of Life for State Employees
• Submit a Healthy Recipe

Governor Recognizes Employees for Wellness Achievements

Article provided by Administrative Services - Employee Benefits

Each year, the Governor will host a Wellness Awards luncheon to recognize three different groups:

1. Wellness Wall of Fame Recipients
2. Wellness Champions
3. State Agency

All three groups are recognized for demonstrating actions towards improving their health personally, in addition to positively impacting wellness throughout the entire State of Nebraska workforce.

Wellness Wall of Fame Recipient Recognition
An important part of the Wellness Program is to recognize those who have made significant lifestyle improvements or have had a positive experience from participation in the wellness program. All Wellness Wall of Fame recipients are invited and honored at the ceremony. Wall of Fame recipients are nominated and selected for the following reasons:

• To recognize individual success and/or improvement in a healthy lifestyle
• To encourage and motivate others. These real-life stories may positively change some one else’s life!

Governor’s Wellness Champion Award
All Wellness Champions are invited and recognized at the ceremony. However, a few select Wellness Champions who go above and beyond the call of duty receive the Governor’s Wellness Champion Award. Each year, the Governor’s Wellness Champion award recipients are selected for their involvement, actions, and efforts that:

• Contribute towards achieving wellness goals
• Promotes wellness
• Demonstrate a positive attitude that inspires others.

2011 Governor’s Wellness Champion Award Winners:

• Paul Norrid, Department of Corrections
• Dave Hattan, Administrative Services
• Barbara Peterson, Department of Insurance

Governor’s Agency Wellness Award
Each year, the Governor’s Agency Wellness Award goes to the agency that has objective measures that contribute towards two key outcomes:

1. Wellness Program Participation: % participation among all those who are eligible to participate in each Agency
2. Health Improvements: based on Agency aggregate health assessment and biometric data comparing the current year to the previous year.

2011 Governor’s Agency Wellness Award Winner: Department of Environmental Quality

Here’s how the Department of Environmental Quality won the award:

• Out of all agencies with 100 or more eligible employees, Environmental Quality has achieved the highest participation rate at 52%, which increased 9% from last year.
• Based on the average number of individual risk factors, the Department of Environmental Quality was the healthiest. What is also impressive is DEQ got healthier by reducing the average number of individual risk factors even further compared to last year.
• In plain terms, out of a total of 14 potential individual risk factors, the average Environmental Quality participant has just over 1 individual risk factor.
• Melissa Ellis, Wellness Champion, does a number of things to promote wellness throughout the entire agency
• Most importantly, senior leadership support allows Melissa the time to promote and communicate wellness.

For further information regarding the State of Nebraska wellnessoptions program, view www.wellnessoptions.nebraska.gov.

 

Congratulations to the following wellness difference-makers!

2011 Wall of Fame Recipients
Barb Peterson,Insurance
Mike Rooney, DHHS
Mike Scanlan, DHHS
Jim Buehler, AS
Craig Connolly, DHHS
Tom Armstrong, AS
Larry Molczyk, DHHS
Steve White, Roads
Susan Young, Motor Vehicles
Carol Niemann, Corrections
Charles Roberson, AS
Jana Peterson, DHHS
Vicki Hopkins, State Patrol
Bobbi & Steve Olson, Roads
Paul Norrid, Corrections
Starlet Ware, DHHS
George Howard, Roads
Debra Gilmore, DHHS
Ann Alden, Supreme Court
Mike High, Wkr. Comp Ct
Claudia Trexler, DHHS
Terri Wilson, AS

2011 Wellness Champions
Paul Norrid, Corrections
Dave Hattan, AS
Barbara Peterson, Insurance
Miste Adamson-Damoude, Education
Shauna Groenewold, Education
Melissa Ellis, DEQ
Ashley Dart, DHHS
Kathleen Nelson, DHHS
Laura Davis, DHHS
Peggy Walters, DHHS
Todd Kraus, DHHS
Gina Goodro, Insurance
MaryAna Grodnova-Ware, Insurance
Catherine Payne, Labor
Jacqueline Schroberger, Roads
Linda Bos, Corrections
Roberta Davis, Labor
Nisha Avey, Labor
Scott Loos, Military
Blane Osterman, Roads
Steve White, Roads
Katina Farritor, Corrections
Carly Salak, Game & Parks

 

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Annual Steps to Qualify for the 2012-2013 Wellness PPO

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State of Nebraska Leadership: Leading By A Healthy Example

Article provided by Administrative Services - Employee Benefits

Governor Heineman and other State leaders are challenging others to follow in their footsteps –literally!

After participating in the State of Nebraska’s wellnessoptions programs, many are now reaping the benefits of having changed their old habits and behaviors, and adopting new and healthy physical activities and nutritional lifestyles.

The Governor doubled his steps from 2010 to 2011, from 2 million to 4 million. The Governor indicated, “Honestly, it was not difficult after I made up my mind. The key for me was making small changes, starting with simply standing up and walking while talking on my cell and eating healthier. Now, it’s a habit for me.”

As a result of these small lifestyle changes, the Governor experienced many health improvements in his biometric screening measurements. Specifically, his improvements include the following:

• Loss of over 10 pounds
• Decrease in total cholesterol
• Increase in HDL (good cholesterol)
• Decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Decrease in triglycerides
• Decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure

Upon seeing his 2011 results, the Governor stated, “After learning the progress I have made with a few small changes, I want to encourage all state employees to make time for wellness.”

First Lady Sally Ganem also experienced several improvements with her screening measurements. Both the First Lady and the Governor attended the screening at the same time this year and upon comparing their results, they were excited and ready for a little family competition. The challenge is on!! The First Lady indicated, “It’s now a family effort in which we will challenge each other and compare results again next year!”

In addition to the Governor, other senior leaders have experienced success with their biometric screening results and have provided permission to share their experience and outcomes. Dr. Joann Schaefer, Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer was excited to have all her biometric results within normal range, which she credits to fruits and vegetables and running with her husband. Carlos Castillo, Jr., Director of Administrative Services, had significant improvements in his cholesterol levels due to increasing his level of physical activity and whole grains. Bob Houston, Director of Department of Correctional Services, keeps his biometrics ‘in-check’ and exercises as much for his mental wellbeing as he does for his physical health, by enjoying long bike rides, kayaking, and long runs. These wellness efforts are now a family effort in which Bob is joined by his wife.

Making small changes in your activity levels and eating habits can have many health benefits. Over time, these changes become a lifestyle, a healthy lifestyle of wellness. Join Governor Heineman and other senior leaders to make some healthy changes for the benefit of your health and wellness. Help us to create a culture of wellness across the state of Nebraska!

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Timing was Everything: “A choice of personal wellness over costly medications”

Article provided by Administrative Services - Employee Benefits

Prior to enrolling in the Wellness PPO medical plan, Paul Norrid, Corrections, smoked over a pack of cigarettes a day and also ate whatever was easiest to fix, with no consideration for nutrition. Paul says, “I ate very little fruit and vegetables with the exception of maybe once per week. If it was easiest to drive through and grab a burger and fries, that’s what I did.”

Upon visiting Paul’s doctor for back pain, they ran some other tests while he was there and found that he had high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and also discovered that he was borderline diabetic. “When I found out I had these medical conditions, it wasn’t a shock to me. It was something that my doctor said could easily be fixed with diet and exercise.”

Luckily for Paul, the timing was perfect. “I had already told my doctor about the State of Nebraska employee wellness program, and she thought it was wonderful that I was planning to participate. If not for already planning to participate in the wellness program, I probably would have struggled mentally with that news and would probably be taking several different medications each day.”

Upon participating in the wellnessoptions program, Paul changed his diet and began exercising. “I make it a point to eat more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. I eat almost no processed foods, with very little fast food. My 6 year old daughter and I ride bikes together almost every day. Even on days when I don’t want to, it’s hard to tell your daughter that you don’t want to go with her when she looks forward to the time together.” Paul received support and assistance from Angela, his Health Coach (choosing smoking cessation, aerobic exercise, and stress management focus areas), in addition to ‘actively’ participating in the Walk this Way program as he approaches 1 million total steps.

As far as how Paul’s lifestyle changes have impacted his quality of life, Paul says, “I feel at least 10 years younger. I feel like I can take on any challenge without worrying about whether I will be able to complete it or not. It’s also nice to be able to walk up a flight of stairs or walk across the parking lot without feeling winded. In addition, being in better shape has given me the ability to manage stress better. My relationship with my wife has improved greatly. She thinks I am a nicer person and that is probably the thing I am most proud of. I even see my children choosing the healthy fruits and snacks that I am now buying instead of the sugary snacks that used to be around the house.”

The smoking cessation prescription benefit was the main reason Paul signed up for the Wellness PPO Medical plan. The Wellness PPO Medical plan covers a wide range of age and gender appropriate screenings at 100%, including generic diabetic prescriptions at a reduced co-pay. State of Nebraska employees and spouses covered in the Wellness PPO medical plan are also eligible to obtain the approved smoking cessation prescriptions at no cost. “I was planning to mainly use the smoking cessation benefit, but participating in the wellnessoptions program resulted in improving many other health issues that I didn’t even know was possible when I signed up for the program.” For further information on the smoking cessation prescription benefit, view the wellness website (www.liveforlife.net/hfit/wellnessoptions) within the wellnessoptions section (left toolbar) under ‘Smoking Cessation Rx.’

Saving The Best for Last
By the way, with the combination of diet and exercise, Paul has been able to lose over 35 pounds in 3 months. Paul has also quit smoking with the assistance of the smoking cessation prescription benefit with the Wellness PPO plan. “I have not smoked for over 4 months and have no cravings whatsoever.” And for the back pain which started this whole experience – the pain went away after losing the first 10 pounds and he has not had any pain since!

Shared Responsibility for Personal Health
“My experience is a perfect example of how lifestyle changes through the help and support of the wellnessoptions program helped me save money on prescriptions that I was able to avoid. This also saves the State of Nebraska money with medical expenses, which will help us all as we try to control the rise of healthcare costs.”

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State of Nebraska Governor ‘Walks the Talk’ With Active Senior Leadership

Article Provided by Administrative Services - Employee Benefits

Active, visible senior management support for the employee wellness program, wellnessoptions, is serving to be a critical lever to affect employee behavior. Governor Dave Heineman is leading by example and effectively driving the initiative through a variety of ways:

• He actively participates in Walk this Way®, a walking program, challenges direct reports to keep up with his step totals, leads group walks, and had challenged state employees to achieve 360,000 steps through the program before March 31, 2010. To date, approximately 40 percent of enrolled employees have met or exceeded their distance goal, including the Governor. More than 500 state employees have reached 1 million steps, including 60 that have achieved over 2 million steps.
• He recognizes employee life style achievements and Walk This Way successes through a “Wellness Wall of Fame” posted on the wellness website. Wall of Fame participants describe the impact of wellnessoptions on their health and can have their picture taken with the Governor. One Wall of Famer, for example, lost 70 pounds and was able to stop taking medicine for high cholesterol and high blood pressure, thanks in part to participation in Walk This Way.
• Governor Heineman speaks highly of the wellness program at speaking engagements, highlighting the importance of the program to manage health care costs.

For further information on wellnessoptions, view www.liveforlife.net/hfit/wellnessoptions.

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Wellness Program Positively Impacts Quality of Life for State Employees

Article Provided by Administrative Services - Employee Benefits

Several employees are ‘off and running’ by participating in a wellnessoptions program. The wellnessoptions program is available to all those employees enrolled in any of the State of Nebraska medical plans.

By the numbers…at the beginning of October, we had:

• 2,540 enrolled in Walk This Way
• 2,613 enrolled in the EMPOWERED Health Coaching Program
• 93 self-referred into the Condition Management Health Coaching Program (NOTE: outreach calls to those eligible for Condition Management began in September).

Two State of Nebraska employees that are currently participating in wellnessoptions are Barbara Ems, Department of Insurance, and Mike Rooney, Department of Health and Human Services. They were proud to share their accomplishments with you…and they should be.

Barbara has always exercised, but the Walk This Way program has dramatically increased her activity level. Barbara says, “I feel better than I have in years. I sleep better and I’m making better food choices because I don’t want to undo all the benefits from exercise.”

Barbara also indicated that the launch of the State of Nebraska wellnessoptions programs prompted her to take her health more seriously. To provide additional support, Barbara is also enrolled in the EMPOWERED Health Coach Program and states, “I love my Health Coach, Robin. I can ask her anything and get a straight answer without a lecture. Being accountable to her keeps me out of McDonalds!”

As far as a recommendation to others in terms of managing their health, Barbara says, “I have a chronic health condition, so don’t tell me you can’t do it! Everybody can do something to improve their health and you’ll feel better. It’s very empowering!”

Talk about “empowering,” Mike Rooney, DHHS, also has a very motivational story that will hopefully inspire others to never take their health for granted, and, in addition shows that everyone is more than able to take personal responsibility to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Four years ago, Mike underwent a very serious surgery (removal of his entire left liver lobe) that resulted in the development of Type II diabetes. Mike’s younger brother was diagnosed with diabetes 14 years ago, which has progressed to a much more serious case over the years. Mike says, “He shared with me what exercise and medication he needs in order to provide some control of his blood sugar. During the past three years I have been able to adjust my diet to allow me to remain on oral medication but I knew that I needed to also commit to some physical activity.”

We all know how hard it is to maintain exercise without someone tracking progress and encouragement to stay the course, and Mike soon lost focus of his goal for improving his health. Around the launch of the State of Nebraska wellnessoptions program, Mike began to walk again whenever possible, even choosing to walk to a bus stop farther away.

With enrolling in Walk This Way, Mike was excited to have a tool to track, measure, and reflect his activity and health benefit. “It was then that I set my health priorities to improve my physical activity/exercise habits. Having a tracking tool available to me and a health coach who is interested in my goal has increased my commitment to continue with good habits and even increase my walking on days when I take the time.”

Lastly, Mike indicates, “With the wellnessoptions program, ’Walk This Way’, I am aware everyday of my commitment to have a healthy vision of myself. By choosing to take charge, I have elected to optimize my health so that my diabetes (blood sugars) continues to be well managed and I will lower my risk for complications from this disease. Walking, along with a good diet, has lowered my daily blood sugar by 12 mg/dl … I call that success! Even with a disease like diabetes, I know that by being true to my health priorities, I will have the vitality and energy to live my life fully, now and throughout my senior years.”

FOR THOSE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN ANY STATE MEDICAL PLANS:
To qualify for enrollment into the Wellness PPO Plan for the next plan year (2010/2011), enroll in your choice of at least one of the following wellness programs anytime before January 4, 2010.

EMPOWERED Lifestyle Management Coaching
Work with a coach to support and guide you in making lifestyle changes by selecting among 13 different focus areas related to physical activity, healthy eating, stress management, and smoking cessation. Enroll by calling 866-956-4285 option 2 and have at least three contacts with your health coach via phone and/or the wellnessoptions message board (‘My Coach’ toolbar selection) before March 31, 2010.

Walk This Way
Whether you are currently inactive or active, boost your activity level by wearing a pedometer and tracking your steps online. Enroll at www.liveforlife.net/hfit/wellnessoptions and strive to pursue 360,000 steps by March 31, 2010.

Condition Management Coaching
Individuals with a chronic condition (Heart or Respiratory Conditions, Diabetes, Depression, Back Pain) can work with a coach, in conjunction with your physician, to learn how to manage your health, feel better, and enjoy the best quality of life. Enroll by calling 866-956-4285 option 3 and complete three coaching calls before March 31, 2010.

Coming in Spring 2010 - Completion of the Health Assessment and a Biometric Screening (further information to come) will be required for both the covered employee and spouse (if applicable) during April and May for the 2010/2011 Plan Year requirements. Therefore, spouses will not be required to complete a wellness program – just the Health Assessment and Biometric Screening in the Spring 2010.

FOR THOSE NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN ANY STATE MEDICAL PLAN:
To qualify for enrollment into the Wellness PPO Plan for the next plan year (2010/2011), completion of the Health Assessment and a Biometric Screening will be required for both the covered employee and spouse (if applicable) during a period after Open Enrollment (further information to come).

Program Highlight: Walk This Way (as of October 1, 2009)

• 2,540 are enrolled in Walk This Way
• 1,583 Individuals have logged steps
• Total Steps Logged: 533,554,293
• Approximately 254,000 miles (10 times around world)

How many steps have you accumulated? Are you on track to reach the goal of 360,000 by March 31, or are you going to exceed that goal? So far, over 900 participants have already surpassed 360,000 total steps, in addition to over 70 exceeding 1 million steps!

Currently, only 60% are logging their steps, so don’t forget to record your steps and track your progress on the wellnessoptions webpage. Go to www.liveforlife.net/hfit/wellnessoptions, log-in and select the “Step Tracking Tool” within the Walk This Way section on the left toolbar.

Collectively, Walk This Way participants have logged enough steps to total 10 times around the world! Imagine the total distance accumulated at the end of the program (March 31, 2010) if everyone logs their steps online! Many are enjoying the online tracking features and graphs that serve as a motivational source to increase physical activity.

NOTE: Participation is to be done on personal time, and is in no way to be considered part of or arising out of employment for the purposes of workers’ compensation or for any other purpose. Approved activities during work hours are allowed only for completing Open Enrollment, the Health Assessment and on-site Biometric Screening.

 

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