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NOVEMBER 2024
WELLNESS NEWSLETTER
| County of Monterey Employee Wellness Program | Thrive Together! | |
November marks the beginning of the holiday season—a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection. As we reflect on what we have accomplished thus far in 2024, we are grateful for the opportunity to support your journey to health and well-being in the workplace and beyond. We thank you, County Family, for your hard work, dedication, and positive energy, which you bring to your respective departments and the communities we serve each day. | |
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
- November National Observances: Information & Resources
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Caregivers
- Employee Vaccine Clinics Recap
- Wellbeats Wellness Platform | Get Ready to Thrive!
- Resources
- Community Events
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BUILDING HEALTHIER WORKSITES
November National Observances: Information & Resources
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National Diabetes Awareness Month: Information & Resources | |
Take steps to manage diabetes and prevent diabetes health problems with tips from the @National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), here. |
Take the American Diabetes Association Risk Test to determine if you are at increased risk for having type 2 diabetes. | |
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National Diabetes Awareness Month is celebrated each November. This November, we want to spread awareness and resources to join the fight to end diabetes! With over 38 million (11.6%) of the United States population having diabetes, the impact of diabetes on physical and mental well-being is real.
Diabetes not only poses serious health risks as it can affect many organs, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys but also impacts the mental and emotional aspects of living with diabetes.
For millions of people living with diabetes, everyday life can be a struggle. Over 1 in 3 people with diabetes are estimated to experience distress related to their condition, and over 63% of people surveyed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) indicate that the fear of developing diabetes-related complications affects their well-being. People with diabetes must approach every part of the day—home, work, school—with constant caution and extra effort, which are at the heart of diabetes care.
The most common types of diabetes are type 1, an autoimmune disorder diagnosed in childhood; type 2, often linked to lifestyle factors; and gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy—they all require proactive management. Managing blood glucose levels can help prevent future health problems (eye damage, hearing impairment, sleep apnea, dementia, and more) by implementing healthy lifestyle choices that include regular physical activity, nutritious eating patterns, weight control, and teaming up with a healthcare provider to prevent complications and promote overall well-being.
Start the change for a better diabetes life or the onset of type 2 diabetes today. Talk with your doctor about making a diabetes care plan this National Diabetes Month. Managing diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis can help prevent serious health problems.
Take the American Diabetes Association Risk Test to determine if you are at increased risk for having type 2 diabetes. About 98 million, or one in three, have prediabetes—and most don't know it!
Here are three simple ways to help prevent diabetes:
Keep your weight in check:
Excess weight is the primary cause of type 2 diabetes. If you’re overweight, losing just 7%–10% of your current weight could reduce your risk in half. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent other health problems, including heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Be carb-smart:
Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and rice. Focus on high-fiber, whole-grain complex carbohydrates — they’re digested more slowly, which helps keep your blood sugar steady.
Stay active to stay healthy:
Inactivity promotes type 2 diabetes, so regular exercise is essential. You don’t have to spend hours sweating in the gym to get the benefits— walking briskly for a half-hour daily can reduce your risk.
For more resources, visit kp.org/diabetes.
Explore the facts by visiting the American Diabetes Association website.
#DiabetesAwareness | #KnowYourNumbers | #PreventDiabetes
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Natividad Medical Center Diabetes Education Center
For information about diabetes in the County of Monterey, please view the February 2022 video from Natividad Medical Center (NMC) below. Lupe Bravo, RN, a Natividad Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, will discuss diabetes, including risks and how to prevent it. Natividad’s Diabetes Education Center offers outpatient services to children and adults with diabetes type 1, type 2, gestational, and prediabetes.
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New for CalPERS Members Health Plans for County of Monterey Employees
Diabetes Prevention Programs (DDP)
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Starting in the 2025 coverage year, CalPERS health plans will offer a free Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to eligible members through preventative tech solutions.
DPP is designed to slow and prevent type 2 diabetes among CalPERS members with prediabetes, a condition in which a person's blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetic.
Note: If you have questions about the health insurance plans below, contact
the Employee Benefits Team at BenefitsHelp@countyofmonterey.gov.
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Kaiser Permanente HMO
Omada® is a personalized lifestyle change program designed to help you gradually change how you eat, move, sleep, and manage stress — 4 lifestyle behaviors that can directly impact your weight and health. Learn how to enjoy every meal with no deprivation required. Get motivation to start a “no pain, all gain” fitness routine, see how being able to sleep well is like having a superpower, and navigate tough times like a pro with strategies that genuinely work.
You'll get your own:
- Interactive program
- Wireless smart scale
- Weekly online lessons
- Professional health coach
- Small group of participants
Learn More Now.
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Anthem HMO ( as of 1/1/2025)
Lark’s diabetes prevention program (DPP) offers access to a digital coach who is available 24/7 and offers friendly, personalized, text message-based coaching through the Lark app.
There are no meetings to attend or phone calls to schedule in advance. You can check in from your smartphone when it’s convenient for you. As part of the program, you will also receive a wireless scale that automatically uploads your information to the app so you can easily track your progress and share it with your coach. Lark will even send you a personal activity tracker if you stay active in the program.
Your Lark coach provides personalized support and guidance in several areas to help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including:
- Weight loss and weight management
- Prediabetes nutrition
- Weekly prediabetes education
- Stress management
- Sleep and physical activity
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You can also take the survey at lark.com/anthem
Learn More Here. (Page 5)
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Blue Shield HMO (as of 1/1/2025)
Wellvolution platform offers several different programs to help treat and prevent Diabetes. These programs include Betr Health, Habitnu, Dario, and Virta. These various programs provide members with a health coach and an individualized plan that meets their unique needs and addresses several areas of their lives, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management.
Learn More Here.
Blue Shield PERS PPO ( as of 1/1/2025)
Wellvolution platform diabetes prevention program (DPP).
Learn More Here.
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Employee Wellness Recommends | |
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What We're Reading
Glucose Revolution
A book like no other, Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé, is a compelling guide that dives into the science of blood sugar and its impact on our health, energy, and overall wellness. Inchauspé, a biochemist and health researcher, breaks down complex scientific concepts in an accessible way, showing how balancing glucose levels can significantly improve mood, cravings, sleep, and even skin health.
The book includes practical tips and hacks, such as meal timing, food pairings, and easy dietary adjustments to reduce glucose spikes without strict dieting or deprivation.
Available at the Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) Catalog, Here.
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It's Alzheimer's Disease & Caregiver Month | |
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Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's is growing — and growing fast. Nearly 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's. While primarily impacting
individuals aged 65 and older, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Key warning signs include:
memory loss, trouble planning or completing familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, and shifts in mood or personality.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for early detection and
evaluation.
Visit the Alzheimer’s
Association website for more information.
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National Family Caregivers Month
Let's celebrate the incredible dedication of family members who provide essential care for loved ones managing health challenges, including mental health conditions. This month, Mental Health America (MHA) wants to help ease the journey for caregivers by offering resources that promote both caregiver and care recipient well-being.
Explore MHA's Caregivers Resource Center:
Access Now
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Employee Vaccine Clinics Recap
We want to thank our partners and volunteers who helped us deliver employee on-site vaccination clinics at six convenient locations in October 2024.
Thank you to the 462 employees who participated in our vaccination efforts, collectively receiving 791 vaccines! We sincerely appreciate your commitment to health and safety.
Thank you for helping to keep us all safer!
Don’t let respiratory illness season throw you off track. Stay current with recommended vaccines.
Here are a few ways you can prepare:
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Walmart Pharmacy & Employee Wellness Program | Montage Health Blood Pressure Checks | Social Services Employees | |
Employee Wellness Program | Natividad Medical Center Blood Pressure Checks |
Natividad's Diabetes Education Center Team
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Sonia M. De La Rosa, CAO, Andreas Pyper, Director of Human Resources, and
Vilma Andari, Employee Wellness Program
| I signed up for mine 🙂 -Nick Pasculli | | |
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Employee Wellness Program and
Elections Department-
Voter Registration & Outreach Team
| Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself and those around you! | | |
WELLBEATS WELLNESS - GET READY TO THRIVE! | |
Rest, Revive, Thrive: Unlock the Power of Sleep & Movement - Check Out Our Programs | |
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November marks the beginning of the holiday season, which can be stressful due to increased obligations and financial demands, leading to burnout. can help you understand the importance of rest, encourage healthy habits that can alleviate stress, and improve resilience during this busy season.
Wellbeats programs can help people feel refreshed, refocused, and renewed.
For example, you can access on-demand meditation, yoga, and stress reduction classes to improve your mood and mindset. Meditation and restorative yoga classes connect the mind and body to enhance self-awareness and gratitude, establish inner peace and acceptance, reduce stress, and more.
Click throughout to see the complete insights from each luminary HERE.
Note: Complete our Sleep & Movement program by November 30th, 2024, to win a Wellbeats accessories gift card!
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Webinar: Nutrition + Sleep | | |
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Save the Date: A-Zzzz - Nutrition + Sleep Webinar on 11/14
Presenter: Registered Dietician Megan Green.
In this live webinar, you will learn about the many factors that impact the quality of your sleep and tips on how a healthy diet and habits can help.
Register Now
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Class: Reduce Stress, Improve Mood, & Enhance Focus and Energy | |
About This Class
This guided walk is focused on developing a quieter, more peaceful state of mind and improved concentration.
20 mins | 4.7 (313)
Wellbeats Calming Walk
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Schilling Place Fitness Center | |
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LOCATION: 1441 Schilling Place, Salinas (1st Floor)
HOURS: 24/7
COST: Free. Available to Monterey County employees only
AMENITIES: Free weights, cardio machines (elliptical, treadmill, rowing, bike), storage cabinet room, and showers. For information on how to operate the cardio machines, please see our Equipment Guide.
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Wellbeing & Work-Life Resource Paid Leave Hours | |
Alexa’s Charity Toy Drive and Car Show to
Collect Toys for Natividad Medical Center Wish List
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