Visit www.pinellascounty.org/hr/wellness or contact Wellness staff at 464-4049 or wellness@pinellascounty.org OCT 2020

The information included in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for consulting with, or any recommendation of, your healthcare provider.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

INSIDE◆ Getting a Mammogram in 2020 / Screenings Offered in

October page 2◆ Do You Miss the Mammo Bus? / Paint Pinellas Purple /

Easy as 1, 2, 3! The Rally Health Survey page 3◆ Flu Shots and COVID-19 page 4◆ Annual Enrollment 2021 / At the Wellness Water Cooler

with Jane and Amy page 5◆ October 10 is World Mental Health Day page 6◆ Virtual Tobacco Cessation Begins October 9 / ‘Tis the

Season to Maintain / Virtual Scavenger HuntOctober 16-31 page 7

◆ Healthy Eating Begins at Home page 8◆ Become a Meal Prep Pro page 9

The Clearwater Wellness Center is Reopening for Limited Hours and UseSatellite Fitness Centers remain closed.

Those who would like to use the Wellness Center in the Old Courthouse in Clearwater may do so during limited hours starting Monday, October 5. Adherence to safety protocols (wearing masks, social distancing, frequent handwashing and equipment cleaning) is required and will be monitored by staff.No fitness classes will be held. Showers are closed but locker rooms are open with limited capacity.The Wellness Department continues to monitor infection trends and may close the facility if data supports it.In an effort to offer flexibility, hours of operation are:

Monday / Wednesday / Friday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.Tuesday / Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

No new orientations are offered at this time.Please read the Important Wellness Center Reopening Information flyer before you visit the Wellness Center.

What’s Behind Your Belly Button?

Here at the Wellness Department, we like to talk a lot about nutrition, eating the right foods for optimal health, and switching unhealthy habits for healthy ones. I get it. Sometimes we sound like a broken record and it’s easy to tune out, especially when there are is so much other noise in our lives that screams “Priority!”, “Stress!” I’m willing to bet though, that if you caught a sneak peek into the science behind nutrition and lifestyle choices, you may just be inspired to make a change yourself. Over the next few months, we’ll be exploring the astounding sys-tems and science Behind the Belly Button that will shed some light on how all the puzzle pieces work together to form a healthier human.Eating right is just the beginning of the complex functions of the human body. Did you know our gut is the body’s second brain? The gut regulates so much more than diges-tion. This fall, join me to learn more about how a healthy gut impacts nutrient absorption, hormones, immunity, hunger, and DNA. Please note, these classes are NOT a Wellness Learning Series, nor do they qualify for an incentive. Although you will benefit from attending all sessions, that is not a requirement. Choose topics you’re interested in.What goes on behind the belly button may just blow your mind! Be well!

By Jane Grannis, Wellness Manager

Register in advance for one of these webinars.Behind the Belly Button: Digestion and Nutrient AbsorptionThursday, 10/8, 12 - 1 p.m.Tuesday, 10/13, 11:30 - 12:30 p.m.Friday, 10/16, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

TO YOUR HEALTH | OCT 2020

Susan Cheek Needler Breast CenterMorton Plant HospitalAxelrod Pavilion400 Pinellas St., ClearwaterTuesday, October 13 | 2:30 - 6:00 p.m.Friday, October 16 | 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.Friday, October 23 | 2:30 - 6:00 p.m.

BayCare Imaging - Carillon900 Carillon ParkwaySt. PetersburgFriday, October 23 | 12:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Visit Amy’s web page or contact her at 464-5579 or by email at amy_hertog@uhc.com.

YourUHCNurse

Amy

Getting a Mammogram in 2020

By Amy Hertog, RN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Liaison

Maintaining our normal wellness routines has been difficult over the last several months. Yet, delaying our own health care is counter-intuitive to the high priority need for health maintenance during this time. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective tests and procedures were put on hold. One conse-quence of this has been a decline in cancer screening, even though the occurrence of cancer will not dimin-ish because of COVID-19. Now that things have re-opened, we are tasked with resuming our preventive screenings.Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having mammo-grams at regular intervals can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all—which makes getting a mammogram so important.

A decision about scheduling a mammogram right now may seem a bit worrisome. Hospitals and imaging centers are taking many precautions to ensure patient safety. This includes social dis-tancing in waiting rooms, staggered appointments, pre-screening patients, face masks for both staff and patients, and extra cleaning measures. For more information, call your local provider so that you will know what to expect when you have your mammogram.Steps you can take to protect yourself during your mammogram appointment: Respect the social distancing guidelines in waiting

rooms. Practice proper hygiene by washing your hands

frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Use hand sanitizer before and after your visit. Avoid touching communal surfaces in the office,

such as doorknobs and elevator buttons, as much as possible.

Avoid touching your eyes, face, and mouth. Do not come in if you are feeling sick or if you

have a fever or cough.The Pinellas County Wellness Department has partnered with Baycare again to designate three days in October when appointments are held exclusively for our employees. Appointment scheduling is accessed through the link on the flyer. See below.

2

Annual October Mammo Days ScreeningThe Wellness Program is offering another 3D mammogram screening event for employees in October. These preventive screenings are 100% covered any time during the calendar year.▪ There is no need to wait 365 days from last year’s

mammogram date.▪ Please bring your health insurance card and a

photo ID to the appointment.View the flyer for more details and to register.

TO YOUR HEALTH | OCT 2020 3

Paint Pinellas PurpleThe month of October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Statistics show that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. October 1st is Turn Pinellas Purple Day.October 22nd is National Wear Purple Day. If Pinellas County employees do their part by wearing purple on both days, citizens will take notice and they will ask questions; asking questions leads to conversa-tions; conversations lead to awareness; awareness leads to prevention.

Missed the COVID-19 Webinars? The Videos are OnlineCOVID-19 Testing - Nurse Amy Hertog helps you navigate the options and find testing sites. (32 minutes)COVID Fatigue - Learn how to recognize and manage COVID fatigue with Jane Grannis. (26 minutes) Strategies for COVID-19 Prevention - Nurse Amy Hertog talks about masks, cleaning and handling public places. (27 minutes)Coping with Anxiety During Transitions - Nurse Amy Hertog shares coping strategies to manage anxiety (17 minutes)

Although we have not scheduled the Mammogram Bus to visit this year due to COVID, you can still take advantage of it at any location on the Mobile Mammography schedule. View availability and sign up.

Do You Miss the Mammo Bus?

Friday, October 23Wear pink on October 23 to help raise awareness of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is still here, still taking the lives of women and men we love.

Send a selfie/maskie or a group photo of your coworkers (following social distancing guidelines) by October 27 to wellness@pinellascounty.org and we’ll put it in the next To Your Health!

TO YOUR HEALTH | OCT 2020 4

Flu Shots and COVID-19

It is CRITICAL that everyone gets a flu shot this year.

Who should get the flu shot? Everyone over 6 years old, including those vaccinated last year.Why bother? I never get the flu. It protects not just you but everyone you come in contact with.I don’t want to be exposed to any virus by going somewhere to get a shot. Plan ahead. Make an appointment, wash your hands before and after, and wear a mask. Is the shot expensive? Under the County health plan, flu vaccination is covered at 100%.Won’t the shot make me sick? The flu vaccine can not cause the flu but you can feel mild side effects.But I can still get the flu even after getting the vaccine.You can; however, the symptoms will be milder.Will the vaccine protect me from COVID-19? It does not offer protection against the COVID-19 virus.If I have flu-like symptoms, how will I know if I have the flu or COVID-19? The loss of taste/smell may indicate COVID-19 but the only way to really know is to get tested.Why get a flu shot if I’m wearing a mask?It is possible to get the flu in different ways, including from touching other surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. People in your household can also bring the virus home, where masks are not worn.Get more answers by watching Flu and COVID-19: Answers to Your Top 20 Questions, featuring UHC Clinical Nurse Amy Hertog, RN, BSN. Or read the Q&A script.

If you could do something now that takes 10 minutes and it would protect you and your family, would you do it?

Flu Shot Q&A

Where can I get a flu shot?At your network physician’s office, pharmacies, convenience clinics, and some grocery stores. Some offer gift cards.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/flu or contact UHC Nurse Liaison Amy Hertog at (727) 464-5579 or amy_hertog@uhc.com.

TO YOUR HEALTH | OCT 2020 5

At the Wellness Water Coolerwith Jane and Amy

TIME: Any time between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. DATES: Fridays, September 11, 25, October 9 and 23Click here to add the Wellness Water Cooler to your calendar.

Chat “all things wellness” with Jane Grannis, Wellness Manager, and Amy Hertog, UHC Nurse Liaison. Ask questions, learn something new, or just join to say hello.

Are organic foods really better?Should I get a

flu shot?

What’s t

he

best w

ay

to mana

ge

anxiety

?

How can I improve my energy?

www.pinellascounty.org/hr/wellness(727) 464-4049

9/2/20

Click here to join the ZOOM meeting.

DROP IN—VIRTUALLY!

2021 Annual Enrollment will be October 28 - November 16. Watch for announcements from HR and evaluate your benefit needs now.

Annual Enrollment 2021

20,000 Acres of Parks Did you know that Parks and Conservation staff maintain 20,000 acres of parks and preserves? Start enjoying them! Learn about local parks, trails and recreation options then view more ways to stay active.

TO YOUR HEALTH | OCT 2020 6

October 10 is World Mental Health Day

Mental health impacts – and connects – us all.

The novel coronavirus pandemic and other recent events around the world have heightened many people’s fears and worries. Add to this, the reality that hundreds of millions of people globally live with a mental health condition. Worldwide, an estimated: 1 in 5 youths have a mental disorder 264 million people live with depression,

which is the leading cause of disability globally 45 million people live with bipolar disorder 20 million people live with schizophrenia 50 million people live with dementia

Don’t Say Do SayAbuse, abuses Use, uses Example: Person who uses drugsAddict Person with substance use disorderAlcoholic Person with alcohol use disorderAlcohol problem Alcohol use disorder More broadly: Substance use disorderClean Abstinent, not actively usingCommitted suicide Died by suicideDirty drug screen Tested positive for substance useDrug abuse Drug misuse, harmful useDrug abuser, drug addict, druggie, etc. Person with substance use disorderDrug problem, drug habit Substance use disorderFormer/reformed addict/alcoholic Person in recovery, person in long-term recoveryMentally ill, mental illness Diagnosed with a mental health condition, mental health conditionProblem Concern, condition, issue (depending on context) Example: His wife was

concerned he was living with alcohol use disorder.Suffers from Living with, diagnosed with, with, who has, etc. Victim of Living with, diagnosed with, with, who has, etc.

Words matter

Help increase awareness and reduce stigma — use these stigma-free ways to talk about mental health. Let’s work together to destigmatize situational and chronic mental health issues — and get people the help they need.1. REMOVEIf you use words like crazy, nutty, head case, lunatic, psycho, schizoid, etc., you’re reinforcing stereotypes and minimizing the importance of understanding mental health conditions. Simply remove these words from your vocabulary. Instead, be specific.2. REWORDRephrase how you describe the situation, keeping in mind a mental health condition does not define the person. So, for example, say: “someone who lives with a mental health condition” or “someone who is affected by a mental health condition.” Don’t say: “Someone who suffers from a mental health condition.”3. RETHINKUse a person-first approach. For example, say: “a person living with schizophrenia” or “someone diagnosed with schizophrenia.” Don’t say: “A schizophrenic person.”

From your EAP provider, Optum, and the World Health Organization.

TO YOUR HEALTH | OCT 2020 7

Virtual Tobacco Cessation Begins October 9thThe next virtual Tobacco Cessation class begins Friday, October 9th. Call to sign up today!Due to COVID-19, Tobacco Free Florida offers virtual Group Quit, a free support group led by a trained specialist. You need to attend all 4 one-hour classes in the 4-part series. To register for a Zoom virtual class series, call the local Tobacco Free Florida agency, Area Health Education Center, at (813) 929-1000. Fridays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

October 9 - October 30, 2020 Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

October 21 - November 18, 2020(no 11/11 session due to Veteran’s Day)

View Tobacco Premium information for other options. You may request a group virtual class at your location by contacting the Wellness Program or your Wellness Champion.

‘Tis the Season to MAINTAIN

Healthy Holiday HabitsRegistration opens October 28th

You are unlikely to experience snow this winter, but you are very likely to experience piles of food, to-do lists, and stress! The Maintain Campaign is a fun 8-week challenge that provides tools and team support to help you maintain your weight and keep healthy habits during the holiday season. Get Ready

1. Create a team2. Designate a captain3. Come up with a name

Need a Team?

If you don’t have a team but would like one, contact Wellness at wellness@pinellascounty.org. We will do our best to match you with a team. Watch your email for the registration information on October 28th. The Challenge dates are November 16 through January 10, 2021.We hope you are as excited as we are!

Jump on your bicycles and enjoy riding around beautiful Safety Harbor while finding enchanting scavenger hunt locations! Early Bird Registration is now open!Register here: bit.ly/BYCRegister Learn more about Bike Your City – Safety Harbor at www.ForwardPinellas.org/BikeYourCity.

SAVE THE DATE! October 16-31, 2020

Easy as 1, 2, 3!Only the Rally Health Survey is Required in 2020 to Save You $500 in 2021 Even though the biometric screening require-ment is waived for 2020, employees must still complete the Rally Health Survey before December 31, 2020 to qualify for the 2021 preferred premium. See the Rally Quick Guide.

1. Log in2. Take the survey3. Hit submit

TO YOUR HEALTH | OCT 2020 8

Online Group Sessions + Reference Library Join live sessions with a community of members to learn healthy tips like meal prepping, how to cook meals with fewer calories, and more.

Track Your NutritionYou can easily track your food intake on the Real Appeal app. Already use a tracking app? You can sync data from many popular apps to Real Appeal.

Recipes at Your Fingertips Find hundreds of recipes in the Real Foods Guide — including ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, smoothies, and desserts.

WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORTWEIGHT LOSS SUPPORTWEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT

We know — it can be hard to get healthy, homemade meals on the table each night. Real Appeal® can help provide the resources you need to take small steps and create

lasting, healthy nutrition habits.

Healthy Eating Begins at Home

Sign Up Todaypinellascounty.realappeal.com

Real Appeal is offered at no additional cost to members as part of their medical benefits plan, subject to eligibility requirements.© 2020 Real Appeal, Inc. All rights reserved.

Helping You Eat (and Live) HealthierReal Appeal is a program on Rally Coach™ available to you and eligible familymembers at no additional cost as part of your health benefits plan.

Read “How to Store Fruits and Veggies So They Last Longer” on the back and learn how to better preserve produce after you go to the grocery store.

You Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep

Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

You Need to De-StressFive to ten minutes

meditating, stretching, or walking can help.

You’re Hooked on Low-Calorie DrinksChoose drinks without

added sugar and artificial sweeteners.

You Forget to Stay Hydrated

Consider setting a timer every 20 to 60 minutes to remind

you to stay hydrated.

Surprising Reasons You’re Always Hungry:

TO YOUR HEALTH | OCT 2020 9

Adult LearningThe Employee Assistance Program

provides help finding adult education classes, financial aid assistance and online

learning opportunities. Visit www.pinellascounty.org/hr/EAP.

Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon, divided into 4 equal portions• 1 teaspoon olive oil• ¼ teaspoon salt (⅛ teaspoon to season fish;

⅛ teaspoon for bread crumb mixture)• Freshly ground black pepper• ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs, such as tarragon,

chive, parsley, cilantro (or 2 tablespoons driedherbs)

• 1 cup whole wheat cracker crumbs• 2 eggs, beaten• ½ lemon, cut into wedges

Herb-Crusted SalmonPair this entrée, which features one of the healthiest fish on the planet, with sautéed greens and a serving of seasoned grains or another whole grain side.

1. Preheat oven to 425°.2. Season salmon with oil, ⅛ teaspoon salt and black

pepper to taste.3. Place salmon on a sheet tray and top with herbs.4. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine cracker

crumbs, eggs and remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt andadditional black pepper to taste.

5. Place cracker crumb mixture on top of herbs andpat to make a crust.

6. Place sheet tray in oven and bake until there isjust a little bit of pink in the middle of the salmon,about 5 minutes depending on the thickness of thefish. Turn oven to broil and cook for an additional2 minutes to brown crust, taking care not to burn.Serve with a wedge of lemon.

TOTAL 15 mins PREP 5 mins

Directions

In last month’s issue, we wrote about the importance of having pantry staple ingredients on hand to avoid reaching for unhealthy food when basic ingredients to make a healthy meal run out. This month, we’ll explore how to become a meal prep pro! So what’s the big deal about meal prep, and why become a member of this cool club? Taking a couple of hours to prepare some basics saves a lot of time and energy during the week, when you’re probably tired or too busy to start a meal from scratch. Prepping doesn’t have to be super complicated. If the idea of finding specific recipes and the exact meals you want to make for 5 days causes anxiety, don’t worry, there’s an easier way. Read Rally’s great article on Sunday Meal Prep and save yourself some time!

Become a Meal Prep Pro

It’s hard not to feel isolated right now. We miss our old “normal” life and the daily connection of coworkers and friends. This blog is for you! Connect with other employees to share COVID-19 stories, photos and support. Link: www.pinellascounty.org/hr/blogBlog Guide