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E xper ience. W ellness. E ver yw here. SM Fit for Work BlueResource SM From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions

From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

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Page 1: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

Experience. Wellness. Everywhere.SM

Fit for Work

BlueResourceSM

From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions

Page 2: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

Presenteeism represents a major problem for employers—when employeesdon’t feel good, they don’t do their best work. Workplace stress, illness,injury, and work-life balance are factors.** Encouraging your employeesto recognize and manage their health problems is key. If you’d like youremployees to be Fit for Work, this edition of BlueResource may be whatyou need!

This booklet showcases a variety of communications that promote:• Workplace stretches• Desk ergonomics• Proper lifting techniques• Stress management• Work-life balance

Check out the messages and artwork. Copy for all PDFs is providedin Word doc format, and most files shown are available in bothEnglish and Spanish. Locate the files you want on the CD providedby your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Representative orat www.bcbsok.com/employers.html.

BlueResource files have been designed for you to use electronically,cut and paste copy from Word docs, or print from PDFs and distribute.It’s your choice!

Be sure to keep each edition of BlueResource you receive. The theme ofeach booklet is different, and taken together, they offer a very useful

collection of employee communications.

*Harvard Business School, 2004**Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2005

An enormous threatto business productivityis “presenteeism”—employees who showup to work but aren’tfully functioning, whichis estimated to cost U.S.companies $150 billion.*How does this affectyour business?

Page 3: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

www.bcbsok.com1

BlueResource Posters

Is your workspacea site for sore eyes?You rub your eyes, squint and try everything you can to make them feel better.Could the burning, watering, blurred vision, even headaches be caused by eyestrainfrom your computer screen? Adopting these habits can help:

• Change the pace by getting up and moving at least once every two hours.

• Make a conscious effort to blink more often, or consider using over-the-counter artificial tears.

• Get appropriate eyewear that is fitted for computer work.

• Adjust your monitor about 18 to 30 inches from your eyes.

• Check the lighting and reduce glare.

45271.1007OK

Consider these tipswhen using a computer.

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Source: Mayo Foundation forMedical Education and Research

www.bcbsok.com

Eyestrain Poster45271.1007OK - English45272.1007OK - Spanish

Think before you lift. Lifting is strenuous—and your back will let you know if you’ve done it incorrectly.To avoid back pain and injury, think about these five approaches before you lift:

• Get as close to the load as possible— as if you’re hugging the object.

• Keep yourself in an upright position while squatting to pick up the object.

• Tighten your stomach muscles to help support your spine.

• Use your legs, the strongest muscles in your body.

• Turn with your feet, not twisting your back.

When you put your mind to it, you can avoid back injury when you follow thesesimple lifting techniques.

45269.1007OK

Putting mind over matter…

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Source: National Institutes of Health

www.bcbsok.com

Proper Lifting Poster45269.1007OK - English45270.1007OK - Spanish

Don’t get bent out of shape.If you’re bent on maintaining a healthier back, following these common sense workhabits can help keep injury away.

• When sitting, keep your upper back and neck comfortably straight with your back firmlyagainst the chair.

• Make sure your chair is right for you—adjust the height, tilt, armrests and backrest.

• Take a 30 second timeout every 15 minutes or so to stretch, move or relax.

• Try standing up when you answer the phone, to stretch and change positions.

• Limit the time you spend carrying heavy briefcases, purses and bags.

• Consider increasing the amount of exercise you get to help improve your physical condition.

45267.1007OK

Help prevent back injury.

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Source: Mayo Foundation forMedical Education and Research

www.bcbsok.com

Back Injury Poster45267.1007OK - English45268.1007OK - Spanish

Tip!Print and hang posters inemployee break rooms.

Look for new and updated files at bcbsok.com

Tip!Use BlueResource elementson your intranet site.

Page 4: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

www.bcbsok.com2

Pay attention to posture.Try these common sense tips.

• When standing, rest one foot on a stool or small box, and while sitting, choose a chair thatsupports your back.

• Lift the right way by letting your legs do the work, keeping objects close to your body and askingfor help if a load is too heavy.

• Reorganize your work to eliminate high-risk, repetitive movements.

• Avoid tripping by wearing low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles and remove anything from yourworkspace that might cause you to trip.

• Minimize stress and relax your muscles.

Take a break and log on to www.bcbsok.com for more healthy back informationfrom Blue Access® for Members.

45275.1007OK

Give your back a break.

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Source: National Institutes of Health

www.bcbsok.com

Healthy Back Poster45275.1007OK - English45276.1007OK - Spanish

Staying healthycan be just like clockwork.Take some time for yourself today so you can help improve your fitness,happiness and health.

• Work out before your shift to keep your heart healthy and use your breaks to exercise.

• Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks.

• Avoid late-night caffeine so you can fall asleep easier after you get home.

• Take a short nap before your evening shift to feel fresh and alert at work.

• Make social connections by calling home and schedule time for family and friends on your days off.

45277.1007OK

Working shifting hours?

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

www.bcbsok.com

Shift Workers Poster45277.1007OK - English45278.1007OK - Spanish

Harmonize yourwork-life balance.Change your tune with these balance-building hints that are sure to have youwhistling while you work:

• Keep a log of work-related and personal activities—eliminate unnecessary activities.

• Practice time management at home and at work.

• Set aside time each day for an activity you enjoy.

• Reserve one night each week for stress-relieving recreation.

• Get enough sleep to bolster your productivity and efficiency.

• Seek help and support from a trusted friend or co-worker, or a professional if lifeseems too unmanageable.

45279.1007OK

Juggling the demands ofcareer and personal life?

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

www.bcbsok.com

Work-Life Balance Poster45279.1007OK - English45280.1007OK - Spanish

BlueResource Posters continued

Look for new and updated files at bcbsok.com

Page 5: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

www.bcbsok.com3

Work got you onthe edge of your seat?When you use these tips, you can sit back, relax and enjoy improved postureand comfort while you work.

• Avoid overcrowding computer work areas and remove clutter from under your desk.

• If feet don’t rest flat on the floor, use a footrest or other object to provide support.

• Place the phone on the side of your non-dominant hand and frequently used items within easy reach.

• Adjust your computer monitor to avoid glare and keep the screen clean.

• Place the keyboard directly in front and close to you, keeping your arms bent at 90 degree angles.

45273.1007OK

Improve workstationcomfort and productivity.

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.bcbsok.com

Functional Workstation Poster45273.1007OK - English45274.1007OK - Spanish

Here’s the rundownon burnout.Learning burnout symptoms can help you improve your situation.

• Becoming increasingly cynical, critical or sarcastic.

• Lack of energy and difficulty starting or completing projects.

• Difficulty laughing at yourself.

• Self-medicating by using food, drugs or alcohol to feel better.

• Changing sleep habits or appetite.

• Headaches, neck pain or lower back pain.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t let the demands of life put you atrisk for poor health. Get help now and take steps to cool off from burnout.

45281.1007OK

Not getting joy from yourwork or personal life?

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

www.bcbsok.com

Burnout Poster45281.1007OK - English45282.1007OK - Spanish

The real truthabout stretching…We’re not stretching the truth—regular stretch breaks during the day can make youmore flexible and work wonders to increase productivity and reduce the risk of injury.Try these tips for stretching at your desk:

• Stretch gently and control your movements.

• Know your limits and stretch only to the point of mild tension.

• Make stretching a daily priority.

• Add fun to your routine by taking stretch breaks with coworkers seated nearby or play soft music,if allowed in your workplace.

• Include all areas in your stretching routine—arms, hands, wrists, forearms, lower back,neck and shoulders.

45283.1007OK

Stretch breaks canimprove flexibility.

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

www.bcbsok.com

Desk Stretches Poster45283.1007OK - English45284.1007OK - Spanish

Posters are designed in an 11x17-inch format. To scale down to an 8.5 x 11-inch format, use Adobe Acrobat(full version) and follow these steps:

• Select File, then Print Setup.

• Click on the Properties box, and select the Effects tab.

• Check the Print Document On box, then select Letter in the drop-down box, and check Scale to Fit. Click on OK.

Page 6: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

www.bcbsok.com4

BlueResource Exercise at Your Desk

Week 1 morning afternoonMonday m m

Tuesday m m

Wednesday m m

Thursday m m

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Week 3 morning afternoonMonday m m

Tuesday m m

Wednesday m m

Thursday m m

Friday m m

Week 2 morning afternoonMonday m m

Tuesday m m

Wednesday m m

Thursday m m

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Week 4 morning afternoonMonday m m

Tuesday m m

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Friday m m

You can perform Exercise at Your Desk stretches alone or with a group—just set aside

time each day in the morning to do upper body stretches and in the afternoon to complete

stretches for your lower body. Each stretching session should take no more than five minutes.

Keep good form, relax and continue to breathe while you stretch

Morning Stretches – neck, shoulders and chest

Afternoon Stretches – back, hands and legs

Tracking Log

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association 45287.1007OK

Exercise at your desk

www.bcbsok.com

Tracking Log Flier45287.1007OK - English45288.1007OK - Spanish

Putting the Exercise at Your Desk program into actionWorking Americans spend about 2,000 hours a year in the workplace.* So it’s no

surprise that all those hours can take a toll on your eyes, back, arms and neck. Exposure

to adverse working conditions can result in short-term pain or possibly long-term injury.

Fortunately, a careful approach to ergonomics in the workplace can help prevent injuries

and even help increase productivity and efficiency.

Is your workplace in a “slump”?The Exercise at Your Desk program from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma can

provide you with straight answers about overcoming ergonomic challenges in the

workplace. Following an easy-to-use program, employees learn how to perform a series of

eight simple stretches divided into two groups, morning and afternoon, lasting about five

minutes each. Take a look at the reverse side of this flyer to find easy suggestions for

promoting Exercise at Your Desk in your workplace.

www.bcbsok.com

The workoutfor your workplace...

Employer Guide Flier (2 pages)45289.1007OK - English

Give flextime awhole new meaning

You can reenergize with simple stretches at workStretching is a great source of relaxation for stiff, sore muscles and can also help

reduce tension and stress. You don’t have to be a star athlete or in great shape to

do stretching exercises. All you need is a little time and motivation and, before you

know it, stretching will become a way of life.

Remember that stretching should not be painful—it should feel good. Just stretch to

the point of tension and hold. And always consult your physician before starting any

new exercise program, especially if you have been inactive or are recovering from surgery.

Exercise at your deskPerform the Exercise at Your Desk program’s stretches either alone or in a group each day.

Practice good form and remember to relax and continue breathing while you stretch.

Performing these stretching exercises can help you:

• Reduce stress and tension• Ease anxiety• Relax• Increase your alertness• Enhance flexibility and reduce injury• Improve circulation

In just ten minutes a day, you’ll be on your way to a flexible new you!

www.bcbsok.com

Exercise at Your Deskcan help you achievea whole new level of flexibility andproductivity.

Desk Stretches Flier (2 pages)45285.1007OK - English45286.1007OK - Spanish

Tip!• Use Exercise at Your Desk to promote employee stretch breaks.

• Encourage employees to keep up with their progress usingthe Exercise at Your Desk tracking log.

Look for new and updated files at bcbsok.com

Page 7: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

www.bcbsok.com5

Exercise at Your Desk E-banner45290.1007OK - English45291.1007OK - Spanish

Introduction E-Mail45292.1007OK - English45293.1007OK - Spanish

PowerPoint Presentation45298.1007OK - English Only

Tip!Enhance your employee e-mail messages by including e-mail banners. In your e-mail program’s menu, select eitherCreate or Insert, then click on Picture. Find file 45290.1007OK on your BlueResource CD, and click on Import or OK.

Tip!Upload the PowerPoint presentationto your intranet site to provideemployees tips for properstretching techniques.

Get Fit Where You Sitwith Exercise at Your Desk

Ready for a moving experience? It’s within reachwith the Exercise at Your Desk Program from BlueCross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. This simplestretching program will limber you up and cool yourstress level down with routines you can performdaily in your workspace. Not only will you haveeasy access to a step-by-step program, you can getadditional helpful resources available through BlueAccess® for Members at www.bcbsok.com.

Page 8: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

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BlueResource Newsletter Articles

Relaxation Techniques45308.1007OK - English45309.1007OK - Spanish

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome45310.1007OK - English45311.1007OK - Spanish

Desk Stretches45312.1007OK - English45313.1007OK - Spanish

How to Put More“Ooh and Ah” into Your Day

Relaxation techniques can helplower stress

Stress is your body’s natural defensemechanism. This can be good inemergencies, such as getting out of the wayof a speeding car. But stress can causephysical symptoms, and even cause orworsen health problems, if not managedcorrectly when responding to life’s dailychallenges and changes. And no one likesto feel anxious, afraid, worried and uptightfrom out-of-control stress.

What changes may cause stress? Any typeof change can make you feel stressed, even

Helping Your Wrists ResistCarpal Tunnel Syndrome

You’ve probably heard of Carpal TunnelSyndrome (CTS), but what is it exactly,and what can you do to prevent it? Simplystated, CTS develops when a largenerve—the median nerve—is compressedinside your wrist. This nerve controls feelingin most of your hand. The condition getsits name from the eight carpal bones thatform the base and sides of the tunnel inyour wrist. The tunnel is very small, soanything that makes it smaller, or makesthe tendons that pass through it larger,makes pressure build up. This cuts offcirculation to the nerve resulting in pain,numbness and tingling in the fingers, the

Stretch Yourself Make stretching at your desk

a daily habit

Feeling the aches and pains of spendingtoo many hours tackling the pile of workon your desk or leaning forward hunchedover the keyboard? Sitting at a desk allday puts pressure on your lower back,neck and shoulders. When the day isover, you may feel the effects withsymptoms like soreness or exhaustion.

Fortunately, proper stretching is somethingyou can do to give your muscles andtendons the rest, recovery and nutrientsthey need for health and injuryprevention. Even if you have a comfy,

Put Your Best Foot ForwardHow to protect your back when lifting

Occupations such as construction, factorywork or other physical types of jobs canplace significant demands on your back.Exerting too much force on your back maycause injury. If your job is physical innature, you might face injury if youfrequently lift or move heavy objects. Thegood news is that you can avoid backpain and injuries by paying attention towhat causes them and focusing onprevention. Here are safeguards to keepin mind when you lift: Start in the bestposition Think through your task first,before lifting. Decide where you’ll placethe load and how you’ll get there.

Keeping Good Companyat Your Company

How to building winningrelationships with co-workers

Everyone could probably agree that a jobis only as good as the relationships youhave with your co-workers. When youconsider all the time you spend together,strong relationships are an importantfoundation for a positive work experience.Still, it is a fact of life that at some pointyou’ll most likely have to deal with someonewho is rude, a bully or who sabotages yourwork. We all have bad days, too, whichmeans our co-workers will also have todeal with us.

Take Five and Take Chargeof Your Stress

Five steps to healthier stressmanagement

Stress is what you feel when you react topressure. Many things can contribute tostress including work, family or friends,health issues, a death, divorce or moving.Stress is a normal reaction and is causedby your body’s instinct to protect itself fromemotional or physical pressure, or inextreme situations, from danger.

Stress becomes unhealthy when we reactto these events in a negative way or try tocontrol them too much. Feeling depressed,laughing or crying for no reason, blaming

Back Health45314.1007OK - English45315.1007OK - Spanish

Employee Relationships45316.1007OK - English45317.1007OK - Spanish

Stress Management45318.1007OK - English45319.1007OK - Spanish

Tip! Integrate copy in your company’s intranet site and existing materials,such as enrollment booklets and newsletters.

Look for new and updated files at bcbsok.com

Page 9: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

www.bcbsok.com7

BlueResource Fliers

Stress lessWe all feel stress at times. How you react to stress will determine its effect on you.Take steps to prevent stress when you can and manage it when you can’t. Practicingtime management and relaxation techniques are some positive steps you can take inhandling stress.

Lead to succeedParents can set a good example by being active, eating healthy and living a balancedlifestyle. If you are a parent, commit to making healthy choices and involve yourkids. Ask them what your family can do to make healthy changes in your lives.

Play every dayEveryone needs time to play—and that means grownups, too. Carve out some timefor individual and family fun each day. Limit screen time (TV, computer and videogames) and suggest other options like reading, board games and outside activities.

Make a clean breakA clean home is nice, but an unmade bed won’t alter the course of your life.Give yourself a break by doing what needs to be done and let the rest go.If you can afford it, pay someone else to clean your house.

Nourish to flourishPeople sometimes turn to popular diets to achieve quick weight loss. For lastingchanges and healthy eating, balance what you eat to meet your need for nutritionand enjoyment. Enjoy a variety of foods while keeping key food groups in mindand use moderation when choosing less nutritious foods.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians and Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

www.bcbsok.com

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association 45300.1007OK

�Resources for a Balanced Life

Balance is all about the choices you make. Choose Blue Access®

for Members at www.bcbsok.com and discover all the resourcesavailable to you:

• Health Management Programs• Healthy Living Centers• Workplace Stress Self Assessment • Ask a Specialist for health-related questions• Quizzes to test your health knowledge• Information on timely health topics

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company,an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Health is a state ofboth your mind andyour body. Strive to makethoughtful, healthy choicesand strike a balancebetween work and home—it’s one of the most importantinvestments you will makein your life.

Check your balance What youcan do:

Creating work-life balance addsup to better healthThe boundaries between work and personal life are no longeras clear as they used to be. In fact, work life may be spillingover into your personal life, blurring the line between yourwork and your family. Why is this happening more today?Several factors are contributing:

• Globalization of business with work continuing 24 hoursa day for some employees who are called upon fortroubleshooting or consulting

• Improvements in communication technology enablingpeople to work from virtually anywhere

• Longer hours required to move up the career ladder or,for some workers, mandatory overtime

• Changes in family roles with today’s married workertypically part of a dual-career couple

Despite today’s challenges to juggle the demands ofcareer and personal life, you can find the balancethat’s best for you and your unique situation.

Work-Life Balance GoalsSetting goals is an important way to achieve balance in your workand personal life. Take these steps to help get your work-lifebalance on track:

• Make time for important relationships• Ask for help when you need support from others • Find ways to relieve stress, like physical activity and

relaxation techniques • Be open-minded to try something new, such as a hobby or activity• Talk to your family doctor who can provide resources and advice

if you need it

Do something for yourselfCut out and carry this wallet-sized card and use it as quickreference to help balance your work-life priorities. Creatingwork-life balance can improve your outlook and help youenjoy a more rewarding life.

All things equal...

Work-Life Balance Flier45300.1007OK - English45301.1007OK - Spanish

front

back

Tip!Use handoutsat health fairsor add toenrollment packets.

Tip!Use copy providedto create messagesspecifically foryour employees.

Look for new and updated files at bcbsok.com

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association 45302.1007OK

1. Use chair adjustments properly and practice good posture. Stack your ears, shouldersand hips in a straight line.

2. Make sure the top of the computer monitor screen is level with your eyes.

3. Locate the screen away from windows to minimize glare.

4. Sit at arm’s length from the monitor, about 20 to 40 inches from your eyes.

5. Keep feet on the floor. If necessary, use a stable footrest or make your ownusing a stool or several books.

6. Use a document holder preferably in-line with the computer screen.

7. Avoid bending or flexing your wrists while using the computer keyboard.

8. Relax your arms and elbows, keeping them close to the body with elbowsbent at a 90-degree angle.

9. Center the monitor and keyboard in front of you.

10. Keep key objects, such as the phone or pencil holder, in easy reach.

11. Use a stable work surface.

12. Take stretch breaks.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

www.bcbsok.com

12 Tips for an ergonomiccomputer workstation:

Need more pointers onoffice ergonomics? Thenpoint your browser towww.bcbsok.com andexplore the resourcesavailable to you from BlueAccess® for Members.

A guide to planning acomfortable workstationHaving a well planned and designed computer

workstation can help increase your energy, minimize

stress and even boost morale. Of course, everyone

has different tasks and different body types, so a

workstation setup must suit your particular situation.

The ultimate goal of ergonomics is to design a

workspace that is comfortable and safe. Seat

adjustment, lighting levels, location of desk

accessories and tools and repetitive tasks can make

or break the functionality of a workstation. When

set up correctly, a properly adjusted workstation

can make all the difference in how you view and

perform your job responsibilities.

Refer to the following steps in12 Tips for an ErgonomicComputer Workstationfor sensible ideas on planning aworkstation that’s up to the task.

Set up right, sit up right

www.bcbsok.com

Functional Work Station Flier45302.1007OK - English

45303.1007OK - Spanish

front

back

Page 10: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

www.bcbsok.com8

BlueResource Tip of the Week

Tip!Send weekly e-mail messages to encourageyour employees to make healthy choices;we’ve provided 52 various tips for ayear-long campaign.

Look for new and updated files at bcbsok.com

Go nuts over almonds!

Like all nuts, almonds are a great sourceof protein. Plus, they’re good for yourheart. Most of the fat in this nut ismonounsaturated—a healthier type of fatthat may help lower your blood

There are 1,440 minutes inevery day.

How about scheduling 30 of them forphysical activity? Aerobic exercise getsyour heart pumping and increases youroxygen intake, and benefits range from

Trying to lose weight?

Here’s another reason to pack your dietwith fruits and vegetables – they havehigh water content. When you preparedishes and drinks with fruits and vegetables—such as stews, soups and smoothies—you

Take your laughter seriously.

With every chuckle, your body undergoesphysiological and chemical changes thathave immediate, positive effects on yourwell-being, such as improved immunity,reduced stress and increased

Has your coffee gone beyondbasic black?

A plain cup of coffee has only a couple ofcalories and zero fat, but when you“dress it up” with sugar, milk or cream,the calorie, fat and sugar count can make

Perk up your diet withsome peppers!

Green peppers have about three timesmore vitamin C as oranges. Better yet,red and yellow peppers have twice asmuch vitamin C as green ones – a

Become a menu-reading pro!

To stay away from high-fat entrées, watchout for these terms: creamed, crispy, breaded,a’la king, croquettes, carbonara,parmigiana, meuniere, tempura, fritters,fritto, Alfredo, au gratin, au beurre,

Is work causing a painin your neck?

If so, maybe it’s time to take a stretch break.Sitting at your desk all day can put pressureon your lower back, neck and shoulders,leaving you sore and exhausted by the

Thirty steps closer to goodhealth – just climb the stairs!

Climbing stairs is primarily an aerobicactivity, an activity that provides acardiovascular workout. Stair climbingmachines are also a good option.

Is heartburn keeping youup at night?

Try sleeping on your left side, which helpsreduce acid backup. Elevating the headof your bed might also help. Source:University of California, Berkeley Wellness

Physical activity is good foryour psyche, too!

Not only can exercise improve your moodand reduce anxiety, but it can also helprelieve clinical depression. Brain chemicalsthat influence our mood are affected by

Make TV time active time.

If you watch TV, why not add someactivity at the same time?• Stretch, lift weights or do yoga.• Challenge your kids to a contest—who

can do the most jumping jacks or push-

Tip of the Week E-Banner45304.1007OK - English45305.1007OK - Spanish Tip of the Week Copy

45306.1007OK - English45307.1007OK - Spanish

Page 11: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

Tip of the Week continued

Go for the greens!

Get the most out of leafy green vegetablesby choosing the darkest greens (and red,too)—these are the ones that have themost beta carotene and other vitamins,nutrients and phytochemicals. Your best

Fight colds and other illness,hands down.

If you have a cold or the people aroundyou do, wash your hands frequently.Colds are usually spread by hand contact. Source: University of California, Berkeley

What’s the magic bullet againstaging? Physical activity!

Regular physical activity prevents or evenreverses many of the problems commonlyassociated with aging. A long-term regimenof three to five brisk 30-minute walks

Observe the three-fourthsplate rule.

That’s how much of the food on yourdinner plate should be grains, vegetables,legumes and fruit. The remainingone-fourth is for meat, chicken or fish.

What’s your doctor’s name?

Many people can’t answer that questionbecause they don’t have an ongoingrelationship with a primary care physician.Developing this relationship is the bestway to make sure you get the care that’s

Walk off your weight.

A 200-pound person who starts walkinga mile and a half a day and keeps eatingthe same number of daily calories willlose, on average, 14 pounds in a year.

Tip!Find additional weekly tips onyour BlueResource CD.

Tip!If an electronic campaign isn’ta good fit with your employees,print and post weekly tips inyour break rooms.

FPOCD

button

www.bcbsok.com9

Page 12: From the Leader in Health Care Communication Solutions · • Pack a healthy brown bag lunch to help avoid the temptation of vending machine snacks. • Avoid late-night caffeine

70127.0807 A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

www.bcbsok.com