We all experience it… And it usually happens around 2:30p. That feeling of exhaustion that leaves you wondering how you can possibly make it through the rest of your work day. Below are some helpful tips that will help you stave off the midday yawns!

1. Go Meat-Eating protein throughout the day will help increase mental alertness and energy. Almonds, hard-boiled eggs or low-fat yogurt are high impact alternatives to meat that can travel easily and are easy to store at work.

2. Try a New Brew-White tea contains amino acids that increase alertness, and doesn’t need a lot of sweetening.  

BONUS: White tea is more hydrating than coffee! Hydration is key to staying energized.

3. Walk it Out-Sunlight and exercise are two things that will immediately boost your energy, alertness and endorphins (endorphins make youJ).

4. WOOSAH- As your day progresses your muscles tend to become tense making it hard to relax and focus. Deep breathing will relax your muscles… So go ahead, Breath!

5. HELP!-Resist the urge to scream for help by helping someone else. We get an immediate high from lending a helping hand. Not to mention, focusing on something else may help you to stay alert for your own tasks.

 *In need of medical coverage? HealthChoice can help! Call 1-800-WELL NOW to find out how.*
  www.waynecounty.com/hhs_hchoice.htm

Does a Good Hair Day Really Boost Your Self-Esteem???

YES! It’s been socially and scientifically proven that how you look does matter. How you look has a direct effect on you personal, professional and social interactions.

Why do you think women cut and/or color their hair after a break up?! To many people confidence equals control, and your hair is one piece of your appearance that you have control of. One can easily change his/her hairstyle and if your hair is well kempt, you appear to be well managed or in control.

A woman’s hair is her crown and glory… As a matter of fact, 1 Corinthians 11:15 states, “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her”. And while women spend a considerable amount of time and money on their hair, men give their hair a considerable amount of thought. Men associate hair with youth and virility. Samson’s hair, the strongest man in the bible, gave him supernatural strength; strength that he lost the moment Delilah cut his hair.  And while the bible references hair in terms of health, Greeks, Romans and early Americans relied on one’s hair to determine their social status.

Remember how we look influences how we feel, and vice versa. So take that extra time to primp in the morning… It could lead to a wonderful day!

In need of medical coverage? HealthChoice of Michigan can help! Call 1-800-WELL NOW to find out how

http://www.co.wayne.mi.us/hhs_hchoice.htm

Healthcare Reform... Is it the cure???

Healthcare Reform has been a hot topic amongst Americans since the bill was introduced a few years back. President Obama believes reform is necessary to (1.) lower healthcare costs, (2.) guarantee your choice of hospitals and doctors, and (3.) assure affordable healthcare for all Americans. While most states, Michigan included, have lawsuits to stop the implementation of the bill in their states, many are passing a bill that will OK the set up of their state’s health insurance exchange.

Like many of you, I wondered what this “health insurance exchange” is; especially since the Michigan State Senate recently approved the bill that will begin the set-up of our state’s website and program. According http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#i1, the health insurance exchange is a database that will allow uninsured families/individuals and small businesses to shop for affordable insurance options best suited to their needs. This database will also provide employees of larger companies’ additional protections against unfair insurance regulations/practices.

Some pieces of Healthcare Reform have been implemented (i.e. dependant children are covered under their parent’s plan until the age of 26), but many Americans still have questions about reform and just how it will affect them. The best way to get answers to your questions is to (1.) ask and (2.) research. The White House has set up a website to answer many Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq, about the reform measures. And while many of your state representatives/senators/congressmen may have their own opinions about healthcare reform, they are a good source of information as well.

*In need of medical coverage? HealthChoice of Michigan can help! Call 1-800-WELL NOW to find out how.*

http://www.midwestakm.com/
www.ccarei.com
http://www.procarehp.com/

What do you look for in a good spa? Is it cleanliness? Experienced staff? An appealing décor? While all the aforementioned things are imperative to an enjoyable spa experience, many health professionals encourage you to be pro-active when it comes to receiving treatments like pedicures. When searching for a salon/spa, the feedback you give or receive is direct, either you liked it or you didn’t. And often times, the media tends to focus on the potential negative effects receiving these popular treatments can have to your health, but there are many positive effects as well. For example, you may not realize that your technician is increasing blood circulation to your calves and feet when you’re receiving that calming massage. This massage alone can reduce pain in your legs and feet. Proper foot care can prevent bacteria growth, ingrown nails as well as foot odor. Some may downplay the positive effects a pedicure can have on your health, but for someone with diabetes or lupus something as remedial as a foot fungus or infection can lead to serious health complications.

Most of us know what to look for when visiting our local salon or spa to ensure a clean enjoyable experience, but did you know many podiatrists recommend bringing your own pedicure tools? This one act will ensure that the instruments used during your treatment are clean and bacteria free. It is also recommended that you remove the polish from your nails a few days before a pedicure and by no means should you ever allow your technician to cut your cuticles or remove dead skin with a foot razor. Instead they recommend you have cuticles gently pushed back and dead skin removed with a pumice stone. Ingrown nails and calluses should be removed by your podiatrist to avoid cuts and infections. Avoiding dark colors is also highly recommended. Darker polishes often times contain formaldehyde, which can result in dry and/or yellow nails. Ladies should postpone shaving their legs till after receiving a pedicure as well. Open cuts and soars leave you susceptible to infection. Lastly, be sure to make your technician aware of any medical conditions you have and/or medications you are taking (e.g. blood thinners).

Following these tips will make every visit to your spa enjoyable and healthy.

Looking for medical coverage, HealthChoice of Michigan can help! Call 1-800-WELL NOW to find out how today!

www.midwestakm.com

procarehp.com

ccarei.com

In 1992, Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President of the Estee Lauder Companies, partnered with Self Magazine to create the Pink Ribbon as a symbol of breast health. This lead to a yearly campaign that encourages awareness, volunteerism and even a Guiness World record. Lets support companies that are promoting a cure for Breast Cancer!

In a few short weeks, school buses will be field with students eager to begin the new school year. Many parents may have begun their back to school shopping already; however there are a few more “Back 2 School” lists parents should check before dropping their learners off at the bus stop.

First Steps

Call the school district with question’s about your child’s school

Find out what day classes start and what time your child should arrive

Enroll your child (if not already registered from the previous school year)

Fill out emergency contact sheets and any other required forms

Check Medical Requirements

Make sure your child has all required immunizations

Schedule a physical exam for your child if needed to

participate in school activities

Get your child’s vision checked before school starts

Notify the principal’s office, the school nurse, and

your child’s teachers about any health problems or

medications

Learn About the School

-Find out whether the teacher prefers to communicate by phone, email or written note

Know what your child is expected to learn

Familiarize yourself with the information on the school website

Note the phone numbers for checking school closures or reporting absences

Find out the procedure for taking your child out of school early

Read the school handbook and make sure your child understands the rules

Plan To Be Involved

Mark school events on the family calendar

Attend the back-to-school program

Schedule and attend parent/teacher conferences

Meet leaders of the parent/teacher group

Plan Healthy Meals

Have nutritious food on hand for breakfast and after-school snacks

Find out how much school breakfasts and lunches cost

Find out whether snacks and drinks are available at school or can be brought from home

Ask where to obtain weekly school lunch menus

Alert school staff in your child has a severe food allergy

Arrange Transportation

Practice getting to school with your child

Bus:  Make sure he/she knows where and when to be picked up before and after school

Bicycle: Review road safety and make sure he/she has a helmet

Walking: Walk the route together and review pedestrian safety guidelines

Arrange a carpool if necessary and introduce your child to the other adults and children

Compile contact information of parents who can pick up your child in an emergency

Make After-School Plans

Arrange child care or after-school activities

Choose extracurricular activities carefully to avoid schedule conflictions

Make sure you child knows where to go after school each day

Help Your Child Prepare for School

Arrange for your child to play with others in their age group before classes start

Discuss your child’s feelings about starting school and talk over any concerns

Talk with your child about their daily school schedule

Talk about peer pressure with your child

Have your child memorize your home address and home/work phone numbers

Tour the school with your child so he/she can find their classrooms, the restrooms, and the cafeteria

Arrange a time for you and your child to meet their new teachers

Lay the Ground Rules

Establish a bedtime before school starts

Determine when and where your child will do homework

Figure out a plan for balancing homework and play time

Set rules for time spent on TV, video games, and the computer for non-school activities[1]

By following these easy steps, your child will be prepared to have a successful school year.

In need of healthcare coverage? HealthChoice of Michigan can help! Call 1-800-WELL NOW to find out how.

www.midwestakm.com

http://www.ccarei.com/

www.procarehp.com

 

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[1] www.schoolfamily.com

Millions of dollars are funded to the Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF) each year. These funds are then distributed to well-known and respected agencies, such as THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund) and the Michigan Department of Human Services. Since 2002, the Michigan Public Service Commission has awarded funds to LIEEF, until now. The Michigan Court of Appeals has decided LIEEF no longer falls under the Public Service Commission’s scope of power. This decision will result in the interruption of utility services for thousands of low-income Michiganders.

Stress is not the only factor that will affect the health of our neighbors, co-workers, family or friends if this decision is upheld.  Issues such as heat exhaustion/stroke or food-born illnesses are just a few issues that will have an immediate impact on the health of low-income utility customers in need. When the heating season begins, more serious health concerns come to mind. Hypothermia, pneumonia, frost bite, or carbon monoxide poisoning will send thousands of people to their primary care physicians, urgent care facilities or emergency rooms. Because so many low-income individuals are either under-insured or living without health benefits all together, all of these treatable conditions can result in death.

If you’re thinking there is nothing you can do to reverse the Court of Appeals’ decision, you’re wrong! Contact the local agencies (listed below) that depend on the millions of dollars LIEEF provides each year to help our community to find out how you can help. Together we can keep Michiganders healthy and warm!

·        The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW)

http://www.thawfund.org/   

    1-800-866-THAW (8429)

·        Michigan Department of Human Services www.michigan.gov/dhs

517-373-2035

·        Salvation Army www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/www_usc_emi.nsf

248-443-5500

·        Michigan Community Action Agency Association

www.mcaaa.org

517-321-7500

*Without healthcare coverage? HealthChoice of Michigan can help! Call 1-800-WELL NOW and find out how.*