Health Advocate Activity Guide

2018

Exclusively for clients with our EmpoweredHealth program

Helping your employees better navigate healthcare, take control of their health and make informed decisions is an important, year-round initiative. This Activity Guide can help you plan and promote successful initiatives in your workplace. The Activity Calendar on the next page includes our monthly newsletter topics along with suggested activities to get your employees engaged in taking better control of their healthcare experience. In many cases, we can also provide materials you need to announce and promote these activities within your organization. Remember, this is only a guide—feel free to use some or all of the suggestions, switch up the activities or add your own! Plan your initiatives and activities based on the greatest health needs of your organization.

Need help getting started?

Your Health Advocate Account Manager can answer your questions and support you in creating a long-lasting culture of engagement for improved well-being and a positive healthcare experience.

Tips to keep in mind

• Consider employees’ health needs, interests and your company culture when planning

• Communicate and promote through multiple channels such as posters, emails, social media, company intranet, and mailers

• Ensure management demonstrates support for the program

Health Advocate Activity Guide

Need assistance? Contact us!866.799.2655info@HealthAdvocate.com

Newsletter TopicsReset Your Health This Year; New Goals for the New Year; Easing Financial Stress

Webinar: Money Smarts

Suggested Activities:• Host onsite health screenings • Plan a company-sponsored challenge

to kick-start the New Year• Encourage your employees to

download the Health Advocate mobile app to engage with their Health Advocate programs

Newsletter Topic:Stay Heart Healthy; Building Resilience; Love Your Heart

Webinar: Nutrition Know-How

Suggested Activities:• Refer employees to Health Advocate for

help scheduling appointments for blood pressure checks, routine check-ups

• Distribute Flyer: Protect Your Heart• February 2nd - Encourage employees to

wear red for heart health

Newsletter Topic:Avoid Medical Mistakes; Eat for Good Health; Preventing Burnout

Webinar: Excelling at Work

Suggested Activities:• Distribute Flyer: Keeping Safe from

Medical Mistakes• Refer employees to the Health Advocate

program for mental health issues • Provide a healthy snack and

bottled water

Alcohol Awareness Month

Newsletter Topic:Lower Medical Bills; Stay Strong through Stress; Strengthening Families

Webinar: Resilient Parenting

Suggested Activities: • Distribute Flyer: How to Avoid Surprise

Medical Bills• Hold a family fun day with

problem-solving competitions • Distribute tip sheet: Staying Strong

through Stress

Mental Health Awareness Month

Newsletter Topic:Support for a Serious Diagnosis; Get Fit, Stay Fit; Managing Your Money

Webinar: Essential Estate Planning

Suggested Activities:• Distribute tip sheets: Well-being at Work

and Get Fit, Stay Fit• Sponsor a “walk at lunch” week• Promote Got Fitness?

Newsletter Topic:Stay Safe this Summer; Summer Safety Tips; What to Know about Opioid Addiction

Webinar: Stress Management

Suggested Activities:• Distribute tip sheets: Healthy Traveling

and Road Trip Safety• Encourage employees to check their

smoke detectors• Plan a company-sponsored challenge

such as Healthy Hydration

Newsletter Topic:Preparing for Health Emergencies; Protect Your Skin; Digital Distractions

Webinar: Social Media Smarts

Suggested Activities:• Distribute Health Advocate wallet

cards/magnets • Remind employees that Health Advocate

can locate local urgent care centers for non-life-threatening health issues

• Distribute tip sheet: ABC’s of Skin Cancer

Newsletter Topic:Get the Most Out of Doctor Visits; Strengthen Your Resilience; Communicate Effectively

Webinar: Challenging Relationships

Suggested Activities:• Encourage employees to use the

Health Advocate Medical Checklist Builder on the website

• Hold fun, team-building activities, competitions; group volunteering projects

• Encourage employees to get their flu shot

Suicide Awareness Month

Newsletter Topic:Chronic Condition Support; Strive for 5; Coping with Caregiving

Webinar: Elder Care

Suggested Activities:• Distribute Flyer: Take Care of Stress

(Helps Manage Chronic Conditions)• Survey employees about

caregiving challenges • Refer employees to the Health Advocate

program for caregiver resources

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Newsletter Topic:Be Wise about Medications; Working Out Your Wallet; Get Out of Debt

Webinar: Investing Basics

Suggested Activities:• Hold money management workshops • Refer employees to the Health Advocate

program for personal and online help with financial issues, credit consolidation, bankruptcy, etc.

• Distribute tip sheets: Mind Your Money and Improve Your Credit

Newsletter Topic:Health for the Entire Family; Stay Active for Diabetes Prevention; Anger Management

Webinar: Workplace Differences

Suggested Activities:• Refer employees to Health Advocate

for help with healthcare and insurance-related issues affecting their parents and parents-in-law

• Distribute tip sheets: Diabetes Prevention and Turn Everyday Activities into Exercise

• Plan a company-sponsored step challenge such as 5 Mile

Newsletter Topic:Keep the Holidays Healthy; Let Go of Perfection; Mindful Holidays

Webinar: Mindfulness

Suggested Activities:• Remind employees that Health

Advocate helps parents and parents-in-law with a full range of eldercare issues

• Distribute Flyers: Staying Healthy During the Holidays; Wash Your Hands the Right Way

• Post healthy handwashing signs

January February March

April May June

July August September

October November December

Educational and Academic ResourcesJanuary - Cervical Health Month

• From the American Cancer Society, learn more about cervical cancer by clicking here

• Access the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Toolkit here

• Find additional resources from the National Cervical Cancer Coalition

February - Heart Health Month

• From the American Heart Association, learn how to help prevent heart disease at any age plus diet and exercise recommendations for a healthy heart

• From the Cleveland Clinic, share five things to do daily to keep your heart healthy

• From the World Heart Federation, learn about quick tips to help you protect your heart

• Click here to access a toolkit from the American Heart Association containing materials to help promote heart health every day

March - National Nutrition Month

• From the United States Department of Agriculture, read the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans Executive Summary for a concise description of healthy eating. See the full guidelines here*

• Click here to access several toolkits from the USDA • Find additional tools and resources from the United

States Department of Health & Human Services here

April - Stress Awareness Month

• From Federal Occupation Health, information to help take time to unwind including a toolkit with campaign materials

• From the American Psychological Association, five tips to help manage stress and coping with stress at work

• From the Health Advocate blog, a plethora of stress management articles

Alcohol Awareness Month

• From Federal Occupation Health, information to help avoid risky drinking including a toolkit with campaign materials

• From the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, learn facts about alcohol, why alcohol and energy drinks should be avoided, and discover the truths and myths about wine for health

May - Employee Health and Fitness

• From the National Association for Health and Fitness, what is Global Employee Health & Fitness Month?

• From HealthFinder.gov, click here to access a toolkit with tips and other resources

• From the Centers of Disease Control, learn about wellness at work

• Access searchable research-based tools and resources here

National High Blood Pressure Education Month

• Learn about An Effective Approach to High Blood Pressure Control*

• From the Centers of Disease Control, discover 5 surprising facts about high blood pressure

• From the American Heart Association, obtain high blood pressure tools and resources

June - National Safety Month

• Learn about various safety and prevention topics and safety information by industry, hazards and exposures, diseases and injuries, and chemicals from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

• From the National Fire Protection Association, share information about the importance of smoke alarms

• From HealthFinder.gov, click here to access a toolkit with tips and other resources

Men’s Health Month

• From Menshealthmonth.org, obtain printable flyers, posters and PSAs to share with your employees

• From the National Institutes of Health, share the basic facts, research and resources on important men’s health topics

July - UV Safety Month

• From Federal Occupation Health, information to keep summer breezy and fun, including a toolkit with campaign materials

• From the American Cancer Society, tips to be safe in the sun

• From the Federal Food and Drug Administration, tips to stay safe in the sun: from sunscreen to sunglasses

August - Resilience

• From the Mayo Clinic, resilience: build skills to endure hardship

• From the America Psychological Association, the road to resilience

• From Psychology Today, all about resilience

Immunization Month

• From the Centers for Disease Control, adult and child immunization schedules*

• Additional immunization resources from the CDC can be found here

• From the World Health Organization, 10 facts on immunization, infographics and embrace the facts about vaccines, not the myths

• From the National Institutes of Health, immunization information, resources and research

• From HealthFinder.gov, click here to access a toolkit with tips and other resources

September - Fruits and Veggies More Matters Month

Visit the Fruits & Veggies More Matters website, which includes a variety of resources such as:• The top 10 reasons to eat more fruits and veggies• A vegetable garden how-to guide• A guide to which fruits and vegetables are in season• Healthy recipes

National Cholesterol Education Month

• From the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), find out how often you should get your cholesterol checked—plus, learn more about cholesterol here

• From the National Institutes of Health, a comprehensive guide to lowering your cholesterol with therapeutic lifestyle changes

• From the American Heart Association, learn about the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• From the American Cancer Society, breast cancer screening guidelines*

• From the National Breast Cancer Foundation, information about breast cancer

• From the National Institutes of Health, breast cancer information, resources and research

• From HealthFinder.gov, click here to access a toolkit with tips and other resources

Financial Wellness Information

• From Employee Benefit Research Institute, access brochures, financial calculators, PSAs and additional resources

• From the Health Advocate Blog, modeling financial fitness for kids, fighting over finances, tips to curb impulse buying and minding your money

November - Diabetes Awareness Month

• From HealthFinder.gov, click here to access a toolkit with tips and other resources

• From the National Institutes of Health, obtain basic information, research and resources

• From the American Diabetes Association, share information to determine risk, lower risk and live with diabetes

• From the American Diabetes Association, learn about promoting health and reducing disparities in populations*

Great American Smokeout and Tobacco Cessation

• From the American Cancer Society, get resources to promote and educate around the Great American Smokeout

• From the National Guideline Clearinghouse Research, learn about Behavioral and Pharmacotherapy Interventions for Tobacco Smoking Cessation in Adults*

December - Safe Toys and Gifts Month

• From PreventBlindness.org, a safe toy checklist • From HealthyChildren.org, information on how

to buy safe toys• From Kidshealth.org, tips for choosing healthy toys

including how to choose toys by age group

Letting Go of Perfection

• From the Mayo Clinic, learn how to focus on progress and not perfection

Handwashing

• From the Centers for Disease Control, resources about the importance of handwashing, it saves lives!

• From the World Health Organization, illustrations of proper handwashing

*This information is part of Health Advocate’s Clinical Guidelines which are continuously updated to ensure our clinicians and coaches are up-to-date with the latest evidenced-based standards and information across a spectrum of medical specialties, enabling them to efficiently provide support to our members. Led by a team of experienced medical doctors, Health Advocate’s Clinical Guidelines are sourced from a wide range of trusted organizations including government agencies, leading medical associations and academic institutions. Please use this information as you educate your employees and plan your wellness efforts.

©2017 Health Advocate HA-B-1707005-1BRO

West’s Health Advocate Solutions is the nation’s leading healthcare advocacy and assistance company, serving more than 12,000 clients, including many of the nation’s largest companies. HealthAdvocate.com