Wellness Wednesday - June 5, 2019

Click here to watch the City of Houston’s tobacco cessation video to learn more!

If you are ready to quit using tobacco, you can now take advantage of the free City of Houston Tobacco Cessation program. Take a few minutes to explore the two options available.
  1. To participate in a Telephonic smoking cessation class, contact Cigna at 800-997-1406 to begin today.
  2. Click here to reserve your spot for the onsite “Living Tobacco-free Program. Spaces are LIMITED to 10 employees per class. 
Note: Dependents may only complete the Telephonic smoking cessation classes, they will not be permitted to attend onsite classes.

By participating in one of these options or completing a notarized Tobacco Usage Discount Form, you can remove the $17.50 per participant per pay period Tobacco User charge. 

For questions or comments please call the Benefits Division 832-393-6000.

 
 



The City of Houston Wellness Team is offering one-on-one Health Coaching, led by a Cigna Health Coach. Our Health Coach will work with you on weight management, medication adherence, chronic condition management (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) and many other health concerns.

Reaching a health goal during your Health Coaching visits will earn you 80% within the 2019-2020 Win for Life Wellness Program.

Click here to register and for the full upcoming Summer Schedule.

Please contact the Benefits Division for questions or concerns, 832-393-6000.
 

 
Summer is upon us! Get that summer bod in shape. Join us for ongoing City Fit classes
City Fit Schedule
 

Join us tomorrow, Thursday, June 6th at 11am in the Garden Level Tunnel area at 611 Walker as we finish the first week strong for the City of Houston’s Walking Club.

**** Starting the week of June 10th, the Walking Club will meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 10AM! ****

Come out and get those steps in for a quick 15-20 minute walk! Don’t let the hot temperatures slow down your progress. Let’s beat this heat with our feet!

 
 



On average, men die five years younger than women, and die at higher rates from nine of the top 10 causes of death. Men are also less likely than women to be insured. All of this impacts their ability to be involved fathers, supportive partners, and engaged community members.

The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. Here a few things you can do for your loved ones:

Encourage him to get a physical. Most of the factors that contribute to men’s shorter, less healthy lives are preventable. And that prevention starts with seeing a healthcare provider on a regular basis. Adult men in the United States visit primary care providers at lower rates than adult women. Establishing baselines for factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and PSA (a screening test for prostate cancer risk)—and monitoring how they change over time—will enable the provider to catch potentially dangerous conditions early, when they’re still treatable

Encourage him to get physically active. The benefits of physical activity on health outcomes are extensive, and many people find it difficult to get motivated for physical activity on their own. Join a recreation league at your local community center, sign up for group personal training sessions to get fit together, or simply make a routine out of regular walks. Simple, yes, but not always easy.

Let him know you care. One reason men disregard their own health is that they’re too busy taking care of everyone else. What they don’t realize, however, is that if they die early, they’ll be hurting the very people they’ve worked so hard to protect. Remind him that you and your other family members love him and need him to be alive and healthy for as long as possible.

Source: menshealthmonth.org
 
 
Be sure to update your address in the Employee Self Service Portal!

The Employee Self Service (ESS) Portal provides the following payroll functionalities:
  • View your current and past remuneration statements
  • Update your direct deposit banking instructions
  • Update your W-4 withholding instructions
  • View your current and past W-2 earnings statements
  • View your current leave balance summary with estimated values
     

The portal is located at https://portal.houstontx.gov/irj/portal. If you have login problems, contact the HITS help desk at 832.394.4487 or HITSCustomerServiceCenter@houstontx.gov



Urgent Care FacilityReminder: The deadline to submit your 2018 WageWorks HFSA claims is July 31, 2019.

This includes eligible medical, dental and vision HFSA funds that you spent on or before April 30, 2019.


Examples of eligible expenses include:
 
  • Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles for medical, vision and dental services
  • Chiropractor
  • Eyeglasses, contact lenses, LASIK
  • Hearing aids and batteries
  • Medical equipment
  • Lab fees and diagnostic services
  • Hospital services and fees

For more information about HFSA, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits/hfsa.html. To view your claims and outstanding action items, visit  www.wageworks.com
 
 
Sheet Pan Chicken


Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil  
  • 4 cloves garlic — minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper  
  • 4 cups Brussels sprouts (1 pound) — trimmed and halved 
  • 1 large sweet potato — peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 medium red onion — cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 1 medium Granny smith apple — peeled, and cut

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2.  Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, then add the garlic, 1 tablespoon rosemary, cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Zip the bag tightly, then shake and rub the bag to coat the chicken in the oil and spices. Set aside while you chop the vegetables and apples.
  3. Once chopped, place the Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, onion, and apple on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, then sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to evenly coat, then spread into an even layer.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on top of the apple and vegetables. Place in the oven and roast until the chicken is cooked through, about 18 to 22 minutes, or until done. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove to a plate to rest and cover with foil to keep warm.
  5. Toss the apple and vegetables on the pan, then return the pan to the oven and continue baking until caramelized and tender, about 10 to 15 additional minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary. Serve warm with the rested chicken.
     
Nutritional Information

Amount per serving (1 (of 4)) — Calories: 316, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 64mg, Sodium: 394mg, Carbohydrates: 24g, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 8g, Protein: 30g
 
 

Have a safe and healthy week.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Wellness Connection
832-393-6000 / wconnection@houstontx.gov
houstonwellnessconnection.org



                          

 
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