National Men's Health Month
Studies show that men are less likely to go the doctor, see a therapist and/or participate in preventative wellness activities such as workplace wellness programs. So why is this? Research tells us that many men view reaching out for help as a sign of weakness. Sadly, this is deeply rooted in American culture. Many men can also feel embarrassed or uncomfortable when discussing certain health issues.

In addition, men often feel they don't have time and do not prioritize their overall mental and physical wellness. This can contribute to the life expectancy of men. "In the United States, life expectancy in 2021 was 79.1 years for women and 73.2 years for men. That 5.9-year difference is the largest gap in a quarter-century. (The data aren’t parsed to include differences among nonbinary and trans people.)” “We tend not to prioritize men’s health, but it needs unique attention, and it has implications for the rest of the family. It means other members of the family, including women and children, also suffer" said Derek Griffith, director of Georgetown University’s Center for Men’s Health Equity in the Racial Justice Institute.

It is important for employers to do what they can to provide mental and physical wellness education that also appeals to their male population. See below for a free meditation session hosted by Mindfulness educator Brett Kokoruda.

Check out information below about how to book a Men's Health lecture/webinar. In the Peer Profile section, find out how this session was incredibly impactful for one individual. "Worksite wellness has the potential to save lives."

Be well,
The HealthWorks Team
June
2023
Helpful Links
Share the Love!
Feel free to pass along any information that your employees may be interested in.
Free, Live Virtual Meditation
June 27th // 12-1PM
with Brett Kokoruda
 
Brett Kokoruda is a meditation and mindfulness coach with over two decades of experience. Drawing from a multitude of techniques and teachings, Brett has developed a unique method and style of meditation coaching that seeks to optimize wellbeing and performance for individuals and organizations. He applies an intuitive approach to his teaching, placing a premium on clarity, simplicity and client-focused instruction.

Previously, Brett spent 15 years working in the fitness and nutrition space as a coach and operator, even working for a time with professional athletes to help them establish simple and repeatable daily routines to boost performance. On a personal note, Brett lives in Boston, MA with his wife and two daughters and enjoys yoga, running, writing and is a die-hard Beatles fan. 

Please feel free to share with your staff!

Reach out to HealthWorks for more information:
703.558.6740 // [email protected]
Fuel Your Fitness
New! Webinar $275 / Lecture $325

Creatine, protein, carbs, electrolytes… the list goes on and on when it comes to fueling your fitness, and with so much information out there, it’s hard to know the facts. While every person has their own individual needs, it’s important to know how to fuel your body so you can feel your best during exercise. Join us as we dive into the when, what, and how much to eat and drink prior to, during, and after exercise. We’ll explore the ideal range of calories to consume, and discuss the ever popular supplements of creatine, protein powders, and electrolytes.

Reach out to find out more about this new session!
Men's Health Session
Live Webinar $275 / Lecture $325

Studies show that men are less proactive in taking care of their health needs. They can often take care of their cars better than their bodies. Book a men's lecture/webinar for your organization. It will cover an overview of how to reduce the risk of heart disease and the following cancers: lung, colorectal, prostate & testicular. Learn how prevention and early detection is an important part of routine health maintenance.

VHC Health
Annual Cancer Survivor Day!
Please join us

Hosted by: The Dewberry Cancer Resource Center
Where: VHC Health Healing Garden
When: June 2nd from 6PM-8PM
What: To celebrate cancer survivorship. Will include face painting, food, music and giveaways.

To Register: email [email protected] or call 703.558.5555

For more information, visit our website!
Free Healthy Aging Webinar
Navigating Early Stage Dementia
June 23rd 11AM-12PM

The changes that occur with early stage dementia can be scary, confusing and unpredictable. Finding support, resources and answers is an important first step. Melissa Long, CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, BF-CMT, Director of Education and Support at Insight Memory Care Center will provide an in-depth understanding of the signs and symptoms of early dementia, review diagnostic steps, and provide guidance on how to navigate uncharted territory, including common concerns, such as driving and home safety.

Feel free to share this link with your staff!
Christel Bull
Care First BlueCross BlueShield
Account Manager

My name is Christel Bull, proud mother of Celia (18) and Victoria (12), who people think are twins in spite of the age difference. I was born in France, but my family is from beautiful Gabon in Central West Africa. I go back to both countries to visit family every few years and my happy place is the beach as I grew up surrounded by the beautiful turquoise waters and white sand beach of Port-Gentil, Gabon. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from the University of Maryland, College Park.

I started my career with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield in March 2017. However, my experience with the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program dates back to 2005. I have had the privilege of serving the federal employee population in the Washington metropolitan area through a wide array of services. I have implemented worksite wellness programs, conducted pre-retirement seminars, provided educational resources for new hires, and participated in Open Season health fairs. I firmly believe that everything I do should always be centered around the needs of the federal employees and annuitants that I proudly serve. Thank you VHC Health for being a fantastic partner in our service to federal employees.

What wellness programs do you feel employees would benefit the most from at this current time?
Employees are still dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic and the trauma associated with it. Anything around mental wellness and stress management is highly needed right now.

What is your favorite part about corporate/employee wellness?
Knowing that people can use these tools while at work to improve their overall health and quality of life.

What is your go to wellness tip for your corporate clients/employees?
Focus on the pillars of good health: Preventive care, Stress Management, Nutrition, Exercise, and mental wellness.

What advice would you give a company to enhance their wellness culture?
Conduct surveys to find out what employees want. Rely on data to identify chronic diseases within the employee population and target those thru wellness seminars, health fairs, fitness challenges, etc.

How do you feel your employees are impacted by providing them wellness programming?
A man once emailed me month after a Men’s health presentation. He went for his physical for the first time in over 10 years after what he heard at the presentation. He ended up being diagnosed with early prostate cancer. Started treatment and in remission afterwards. This is the impact of worksite wellness. It has the potential to save lives.

What self-care activity do you find benefits you the most? 
Long walks, quiet reading time, having fun making smoothies with fruits or vegetables I don’t normally use (for example, I found out that okra is amazing in smoothies. Although I’ve always hated it, now I put it in my smoothie and get all the nutritious benefits).
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703.558.6740