Free Prostate Cancer Screenings
(Saturday, November 21st)  One in six men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. Early detection and treatment of the disease can lead to complete recovery. To promote wellness and raise awareness of prostate cancer, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford is offering free prostate cancer screening exams to men who are over age 50 or at high risk.
Wellness Classes/Events for District Employees
Here are three wellness classes/events that district employees can participate in: 
      ●  Endurance and Stamina Style Boot Camp
      ●  Boot Camp
      ●  Jingle Bell Run
Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation is planning to hold their Tingle Bell Run/Walk on Saturday, December 5th in the Sundance Square in Fort Worth.  Any staff members interested in participating with an Irving ISD team contact Teresa Phillips tphillips@irvingisd.net.
Wellness Winners for National Run @ Work Day
Irving ISD held their "Walk with Us" program on October 12th at three tracks in the Irving Schools.  Participants walked or ran for 35 minutes to improve their health.   T.J. Lee, Good and Schulze all had a phenomenal turnout with all three having over 69% of staff participating.  Pierce had almost 60% participating.  Irving ISD had 522 people walk that day.  Winners for campus and school cluster with the most participants are ...

National Run/Walk @ Work Day
October 12 was National Run/Walk @ Work Day.   The purpose of the event was to encourage employees to get at least 35 minutes of exercise everyday. Walkers in Irving ISD started at 3:30 pm at three middle schools tracks which were open until 5:00 pm ore later at each location:  Austin MS track, Lamar MS track and Travis MS track.  Prizes were awarded to the campus and school cluster with the most participants.   Farine Elementary school (pictured below) participated with the National Run/Walk @ Work Day.
Join the Wellness Committee
Are you interested in joining the Wellness Committee?  Join the Irving ISD Wellness Committee to help Plan Districtwide Wellness activities such as: Exercise Programs, Healthy Cooking Classes, Nutritional Education Classes, Fitness/Fun Day Events and more.  Click here for more information.
American Diabetes Association
This has great information about portion control, what to eat, etc.  Knowing what to eat can be confusing. Everywhere you turn, there is a new report about what is or isn't good for you. Start with the basics to manage your diabetes.
Take the Health Check Challenge
Accept the Great American Health Check Challenge.  Take the online Health Check.  It's quick and easy.  Simply answer some question bout yourself or a loved one and instantly get a personalize health action plan to share with your doctor. 
Tests You Can't Live Without
Recommendations for preventive exams may differ among various health authorities. These apply only to healthy people who do not have symptoms of illnesses. Follow you doctor’s advice. Also, check with your insurance company to see if and when tests are covered.

Be Aware and Take Care of yourself and your family

Were you aware that knowing the following health factors could possibly save your life? 

  • Waist Circumference

  • Total Cholesterol

  • HDL/LDL

  • Triglycerides

  • Blood Pressure

  • Fasting Glucose

  • Body Mass Index (BMI)

These factors can indicate your health risks for developing Diabetes, having a Heart Attack or Stroke.  It is important to know your risk so that you can seek the care you need or change behaviors that may be contributing to your risk.  Below are Cardio Metabolic Risk Factor Values

For Men 

HDL

LDL

Trigl.

Waist Cir.

BP

Fasting Glucose

C-reactive protein

< 40

> 130

> 150

> 40

> 130/85

> 110

>  0.22

For Women

HDL

LDL

Trigl.

Waist Cir.

BP

Fasting Glucose

C-reactive protein

< 50

> 130

> 150

> 35

> 130/85

> 110

> 0.22

What you can do to Take Care ...

Participate in the District’s Annual Health Screening during the month of April or get some of the tests done at your physician’s office.  When you receive the results, if you are on the District’s Health Plan, register for and login to www.bcbstx.com. From there you can take the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) online.

How does the HRA work?  It will ask you questions about your family’s health history, eating behaviors and if available, to enter the biometric numbers that you received. All of the data is combined with clinical data to make you aware of any risk categories in which you may fall as well as guide you to appropriate care and educational resources.

Who will see my data?  Taking the assessment is completely voluntary and the information gathered is kept private within BCBS. The only information the District would ever receive may be an aggregate report letting them know what areas to focus on for wellness initiatives (i.e. Diabetic Care Classes, Heart Smart, Stress Management) but names of employees would not be known. 

Why Should I take the BCBS HRA? The goal is to make you aware of your risk and to help guide you toward any needed care. BCBS already has your medical and prescription information.  The additional information is used to better predict the likelihood of you having a serious medical episode in the future. If so, you would be provided with all of the necessary tools to try improve your health and reduce your risk for the episode.  Some of the tools may range from healthy newsletters, reminders to get your annual checkups, to a phone call from a registered nurse to answer any questions you may have. It is still up to you as to what you do with the information you receive. 

Can my family take the HRA? Yes, we want you and your family to be healthy and see this as an opportunity to help ensure that they are healthy too. 

What are some things I can do now to stay healthy?

  • Get an annual physical/check up each year

  • Get your annual/semi-annual teeth cleanings

  • Get more rest and drink more water

  • Eat a balanced diet that is low in fat, sugar and sodium

  • Park further away at work and the grocery store (Walk)

  • Learn some Stress Management Techniques

  • Research hospital/surgeon performance before surgery (some have better success rates – fewer days in hospital)

  • Laugh ... studies show this works wonders

How do I access the Health Risk Assessment (HRA)?

  1. Login to the BlueCross BlueShield Website


 www.bcbstx.com

  1. Then click on the personal health manager button:

  1. Then click on the link for "Take your Health Risk Assessment (HRA)."

Questions?  Visit BlueCross/BlueShield at www.bcbstx.com
                         or contact Alma Kennedy
                                email:   alma_kennedy@bcbstx.com  
                                phone:   972-600-5243.