NGH Communities

Pedal for a Purpose! The Smoothie Bike is going back on tour this summer to raise money for Bike to Beat Cancer, benefiting Norton Cancer Institute.

The Smoothie Bike will make the following stops, 11am-1pm:

• Monday, July 18: Norton Healthcare Pavilion, Patio (extreme heat or rain site: cafeteria)
• Tuesday, July 19: Norton Brownsboro Hospital, Patio (extreme heat or rain site: cafeteria)
• Wednesday, July 20: Norton Women and Children’s, Atrium next to cafeteria
• Thursday, July 21: Norton Audubon Hospital, Cafeteria
• Friday, July 22: Norton Children’s Hospital, Lobby

How it works

Each participant who rides the Smoothie Bike for at least two minutes will be treated to a free, fresh smoothie, and N Good Health will donate $5 to Bike to Beat Cancer on your behalf. Don’t want to ride? Donate $5 to the cause and receive a smoothie.

What’s back this year?

All riders will be required to wear a mask, we will be practicing 6 feet social distancing, cleaning the bikes after every rider and have hand sanitizer available.

We hope to see you riding!

The adult human body is made up of about 60% water! Water is essential in keeping every system in the body functioning at peak performance and feeling strong. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 8oz cups of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 8oz cups of fluids a day for women. Staying hydrated is important any time of the year, but especially in the summer. So, whether you are playing sports, traveling, or spending time in the sun this summer remember these tips to stay hydrated.

• Water is the Best Choice!  It doesn’t matter if it’s bottled or from the tap, water is the best drink to stay hydrated. If you want to make your water more appealing, try adding sliced fruit like, lemons, limes, or strawberries.

• Keep Other Beverage Options in Mind. In addition to water, many other drinks can help to keep you hydrated too! Some options include milk and milk alternatives, tea, sparkling water, and coconut water.  While sports drinks, juices and other sweet beverages may be hydrating, they can also be high in calories and sugar.  These are best enjoyed on an infrequent basis.

• Limit Soda, Juice Drinks, and Other Sugar-Sweetened Beverages.  More than 35% of added sugar consumed in the United States comes from soft drinks. They also have little nutritional value and can add a significant amount of calories to the diet. It’s best that these choices are not consumed regularly and depended on for hydration.

• Eat your Way to Being Hydrated! Your food choices can help you reach your water intake goal. Many fruits and veggies contain a high water content that can help keep you refreshed! Choose foods liker cucumbers, celery, strawberries, zucchini and cauliflower to name a few.

Watermelon Mint Water

Ingredients:

• 4 cups 1/2 inch-cubed watermelon
• 6 sprigs mint
• 2 quarters water

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into a pitcher and lightly muddle.
2. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse.
3. Stir well and strain, discarding the solids.
4.  For serving, pour infused water over ice.
5. Top with watermelon cubes and sprig of mint (optional).

The infused water will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Source: https://www.foodnetwork.com

National Picnic Month encourages you to get out and celebrate the warm summer days! A picnic can take place anywhere from your backyard to a local park.  Packing a perfect picnic doesn’t have to be overwhelming but there are a few key things to remember.

Food safety tips for picnics:

• ​Use plenty of ice packs to keep food cold
  • Pro Tip: Fill water bottles about two-thirds full and put them in the freezer overnight. They’ll help to keep your food cold and as they they melt, you’ll have ice cold water to drink.
• ​​​​For food safety reasons, none of your perishables should be out of the cooler for more than two hours. 
  • ​Ma​yo-heavy salads such as potato salad,​which can spoil more quickly in the sun. 

​​The best foods for picnics:

• ​For sandwiches, choose a sturdy bread and assemble them strategically:
  • ​​Place softer and juicier ingredients like tomatoes and condiments, in between the other fixings to keep them from making the bread soggy.
• For dessert, choose options that are pre-portioned and don’t require silverware to serve or eat.
  • ​Think cookies, hand pies, and bars.
• The frozen water bottles won’t be ready to drink the first few hours so be sure to pack additional zero calorie drinks like unsweet tea or diet lemonade.
  • ​Consider packing a refillable cup with a lid for each person (or bring a plastic jug and individual cups).

Miscellaneous items to pack for a picnic:

• 1-2 big blankets or sheets 
• Paper or reusable plates
• A roll of paper towels
• Wet wipes, or damp washcloths sealed in a zip-top bag.
• A small knife wrapped in cardboard for safety, and a small cutting board. Just in case!
• Trash bags
• Sunscreen and bug spray

​

Miss your chance to win BIG? We’re giving you another shot.

Complete the two program activities by June 15 to be entered to win free medical insurance for 2023 and 500 points to redeem in the N Good Health rewards mall. Three people will win free medical insurance, and 10 winners will be chosen for the rewards mall points.

Two program activities:

• Well-being survey, found in your new N Good Health account
• N Good Health physical

Schedule your N Good Health Physical
If you have a Norton Healthcare primary care provider, you can use MyNortonChart to schedule your N Good Health physical. Simply click on “Schedule an appointment with your physician” and select “N Good Health.” 

Need to complete your N Good Health physical but don’t have a primary care provider?
N Good Health participants who don’t have a Norton Healthcare primary care provider or simply need further after-hours or weekend options for scheduling can visit NortonHealthcare.com/PromptCare​ to schedule online for any Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens location. Or, you can call (502) 629-1234, option 3, to make an appointment. Be sure to say you are scheduling your “N Good Health physical” when making your appointment.  

Questions? Contact N Good Health at (502) 629-2162 or submit a service request on Nsite by selecting N Good Health under Departments and clicking on the “Contact Us” button. 

If it is unreasonably difficult or inadvisable due to a medical condition for you to complete the program activities to earn wellness credits, you may complete a medical exclusion form in order to qualify for them. Call N Good Health at (502) 629-2162 for the form or answers to any questions.

To celebrate Pride Month and discuss the importance of eating a colorful diet, N Good Health and NPride, Norton Healthcare’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, are partnering to encourage you to add the colors of the rainbow to your diet. 

The original rainbow flag debuted at the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. According to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, Gilbert Baker is credited with the flag’s design and is said to have seen rainbows as a “natural flag . . . from the sky.” The now universal flag uses six colored stripes with specific meanings: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for serenity and violet for spirit. Recently, a more progressive Pride flag has introduced additional colors, including black, brown, pink, light blue and white. This flag was designed by Daniel Quasar and adopted by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of greater inclusivity and progress.

Just as the Pride flag encompasses diversity in the LGBTQ+ community, a rainbow of color can also signify a diverse diet. A beautiful plate full of a wide-variety of different colored fruits and veggies is a great indicator that you are eating a diverse spread of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, nutrients and phytonutrients. When humans eat plant foods, phytonutrients protect us from chronic diseases. They also have potent anti-cancer and anti-heart disease effects.

Here are the five colors of phytonutrients and their health benefits to add to your diet:

• Red – These foods are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that is linked to protecting against prostate cancer and heart and lung disease.
  • Examples of red-colored foods: tomatoes, watermelons, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, radish and strawberries
• Orange/Yellow – Packed with Vitamin C and beta-carotene, these phytonutrients promote eye health and immune health.
  • Examples of foods orange/yellow foods include carrots, oranges, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, bananas and pineapple
• Green – These foods may be rich in lutein, fiber and vitamin K which helps support bone health, improved cognitive function and reduced risk of some cancers.  
  • Examples of green-colored foods: spinach, green grapes, edamame, avocado, asparagus, kale and green herbs
• Blue/Purple – Foods rich in this color are rich anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are described as compounds that is linked to encourage heart health, fight the effects of aging and help to protect and repair cells that were damaged by toxins (free-radicals).
  • Examples of blue/purple-colored foods: eggplant, blueberries, plums, blackberries, elderberries, Concord grapes, figs, prunes and purple cabbage

The American Cancer Society recommends 2 1/2 cups per day of fruits and vegetables. The most recent US Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming even more – 2 1/2 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Don’t worry if you’re not eating that amount or anywhere close to it; just do your best! Check back next week to learn tips that make it easier to add the colors of the rainbow to your diet!

Reach for the Rainbow

Reaching a total of 4 1/2 cups of colorful fruits and vegetable a day is the goal for a powerful plate. Here are some ways to make it happen:

• Give yourself the right amount of credit. 1/2 cup of chopped raw vegetables or fruit makes one serving. Leafy greens take up more space so 1 cup chopped counts as a serving. 1/4 cup of dried fruit equals one serving.
• Think in sets of twos. Try to eat two servings of fruit and/or veggies in the morning, two in the afternoon and two at night.
• Snacks count, too. Feeling hungry between meals? Munch on a piece of fruit or grab some sliced raw vegetables to go.
• When shopping, look at your cart. If you find most of your choices are the same one or two colors, swap out a few to increase the colors — and phytonutrients — in your cart.
• Dine out colorfully. Start out with a cup of vegetable soup. Choose an arugula r spinach salad and see if they can add extra vegetables. Top off your meal with fresh fruit for dessert and a soothing cup of green tea.
• Look local. Farmers markets, co-ops, buying clubs and community supported farms are usually great sources of fresh produce. Ask a farmer for fresh ideas on how to prepare fruits and vegetables that are new to you.
• Frozen and canned produce is okay too! It is best to eat in season, but since seasonal produce may be limited, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables count and are just as nutritious as fresh. Pick ones that do not have added salt, gravy or sauce.

Eating a wide variety of colors increases the opportunity for you to consume a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, nutrients and phytonutrients. Check out the Health and Wellness tab on NSite every Monday to discover a recipe that will help you add the colors of the rainbow to your diet. NPride members have submitted some of their favorite recipes to be featured during the month of June!

As part of Norton Healthcare’s Inclusion Strategy, ERGs enable a diverse and inclusive work environment that drives increased engagement. Membership on any ERG is open to all Norton Healthcare employees. ​NPride provides employees and patients access to a safe and supportive community that values diversity, trust and progress.​  For more information visit the NPride department page on NSite.

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Resources:

https://www.momsrising.org/blog/celebrate-pride-with-rainbow-snacks, https://www.cookandculture.com/celebrate-pride-month-by-eating-a-rainbow-this-june/

https://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2015/06/17/moma-acquires-the-rainbow-flag/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/phytonutrients-paint-your-plate-with-the-colors-of-the-rainbow-2019042516501

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Lettuce be happy and healthy! While there’s not a single magic food for brain health, there are many foods that have been shown to show be specifically beneficial in this area.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With the pandemic, social unrest, natural disasters and ongoing violence, the past few years have been difficult for many people. Know that you are not alone and support is available to you. Norton Healthcare provides all employees and their household family members with confidential, professional counseling, education and referral services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP can help resolve personal or family issues before they negatively affect health, relationships or job performance. For more information or to arrange for service, call Wayne Corporation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (502) 451-8262 or (800) 441-1327, or visit WayneCorp.com.

Brain function and mental health might not be the first thing you think about when you think about the food and drinks you put into your body, but Kristine Carlson RD, University of Washington Medicine dietitian,  draws a comparison between the brain and another complex, high-performance machine.

“Most people probably don’t equate a healthy diet with a good mood or better memory,” Carlson says. “But, like an expensive car, our brains require premium fuel to function at its best. This function includes managing our emotions and mood disorders.”

While there’s not a single magic food for brain health, there are many foods that have been shown to show be specifically beneficial in this area. One of which is dark leafy greens! Eating a variety of dark leafy veggies are a great way to get in the important vitamins and minerals that may help increase mood and lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Collards

Though mild in flavor, collards carry a powerful nutrient punch providing more dietary fiber than other leafy greens! A major player in heart disease prevention. It is also a great source of iron. Iron deficiency can cause a range of symptoms similar to those of depression, including mental and physical fatigue, low mood and irritability.

Arugula

Arugula belongs to the same family as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage and is a good source of Vitamin K and magnesium. Magnesium is often known as the relaxation mineral, as it has a powerful impact on mood and the nervous system. A shortage of both Vitamin K and Magnesium can lead to depression, anxiety, migraine, high blood pressure and several chronic health conditions.

Kale

When it comes to antioxidants, kale creams its competition! It contains lutein, a potent antioxidant shown to protect eyesight. Kale also boasts omega-3 ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a compound that helps lower the risk of depression.

Spinach

Among the greens, spinach harbors the most folate and potassium. Folate helps the body create new cells and supports serotonin regulation. Serotonin passes messages between nerve cells and helps the brain manage a variety of functions, from determining mood to regulating social behavior. Folate deficiency can cause fatigue in addition to lowering levels of serotonin.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is high in antioxidants that fight free radicals within the body and decelerates the aging process. In fact, Swiss chard 41 different types of antioxidants! The consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and folate-rich beans and greens may lower the risk for depression

Source: The Whole U

N Good Health and the Hispanic Organization of Latinx Awareness (HOLA) Employee Resource Group are excited to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with you! We invite you to learn about the true reason for celebrating Cinco de Mayo and enjoy recipes for authentic and delicious Mexican foods.

Many people are under the impression that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican Independence Day. This is not the case. In truth, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla, which took place in 1862. This holiday is not celebrated very widely in Mexico. However, in the United States, it has evolved into a festive celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.

History

Before the Battle of Puebla, Mexico was struggling under debt owed to foreign nations. France sought to take advantage of these struggles by sending their army to capture land. The Mexican army was sent to defend Puebla with a relatively small group of about 4,000 soldiers. The French had nearly twice that number, along with better training and equipment. Despite these disadvantages, the Mexican army emerged victorious against the invaders, which was a great source of pride for the nation.

The Chicano movement of the 1940s and 1950s saw many Mexican Americans advocating for greater social and political rights within the United States. It was during this time that people in the United States began celebrating Cinco de Mayo more widely. The Battle of Puebla inspired pride nearly a century earlier, and the day would once again represent pride and appreciation for Mexican heritage. The holiday became even more popular in the 1980s, when American companies joined in the celebration to promote food and beverage products. This helped to spark the culinary appreciation that is part of the holiday today.

Mexican food

Many people associate Cinco de Mayo with delicious food. As we celebrate the flavors and dishes we’ve come to appreciate today, let’s take a look back at the culinary history that paved the way.

Authentic Mexican food traces its roots to a wide variety of influences. The Mayans, Aztecs and Spanish contributed ingredients that would go on to become staples. With help from these sources, traditional Mexican food features a blend of corn, beans, chiles (hot peppers), rice, tomatoes, avocado and many more elements. These ingredients can show up in many forms and recipes. Corn, for example, can become tortillas, tamales or pozole, which is a robust stew. Beans and peppers are often featured in traditional cooking because they are nutritious, affordable and grow well in Mexican climates.

N Good Health and HOLA encourage you to check out the HOLA ERG page on Nsite, where you can find a few authentic Mexican recipes in the documents folder.

Who will come out on top?

Starting May 23^rd go to NGoodHealth.com to join the challenge. Get ready to walk or run starting June 6, the challenge will run for four week and wrap up July 3. All Norton employees can participate in N Good Health challenges. Spouses covered on a Norton medical plan can join in on the fun too!

Participating facilities:

• Norton Audubon Hospital
• Norton Brownsboro Hospital
• Norton Children’s Hospital
• Norton Hospital
• Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital
• Norton Cancer Institute
• Norton Medical Group
• System

When joining the challenge, participants will automatically be placed on a team based on their location at the process level. Some locations have been combined to the best suit the properties of the challenge. Spouses covered on a Norton medical plan, will be on the same team as the Norton employee. *Please note the location you are placed on cannot be changed.

Weekly cash prize drawings!

• Two participants from each facility will win 25 points to spend in the rewards mall!
• One participant from the leading facility will win 50 points to spend in the rewards mall!

You must walk at least 7,500 steps each day to be eligible for weekly prizes. Maximum number of daily steps to count towards your team: 25,000.

Will your facility hang on to the trophy? The facility team with the highest step average each week will get the traveling trophy and have their photo posted on Nsite. At the end of the challenge, the facility with the highest step average keeps the trophy and the bragging rights.

Questions?
Contact N Good Health at (502) 629-2162 or submit a service request by clicking the N Good Health link under Departments and then “Contact Us.”.

To celebrate Pride Month and discuss the importance of eating a colorful diet, N Good Health and NPride, Norton Healthcare’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, are partnering to encourage you to add the colors of the rainbow to your diet. 

The original rainbow flag debuted at the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. According to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, Gilbert Baker is credited with the flag’s design and is said to have seen rainbows as a “natural flag . . . from the sky.” The now universal flag uses six colored stripes with specific meanings: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for serenity and violet for spirit. Recently, a more progressive Pride flag has introduced additional colors, including black, brown, pink, light blue and white. This flag was designed by Daniel Quasar and adopted by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of greater inclusivity and progress.

Just as the Pride flag encompasses diversity in the LGBTQ+ community, a rainbow of color can also signify a diverse diet. A beautiful plate full of a wide-variety of different colored fruits and veggies is a great indicator that you are eating a diverse spread of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, nutrients and phytonutrients. When humans eat plant foods, phytonutrients protect us from chronic diseases. They also have potent anti-cancer and anti-heart disease effects.

Here are the five colors of phytonutrients and their health benefits to add to your diet:

• Red – These foods are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that is linked to protecting against prostate cancer and heart and lung disease.
  • Examples of red-colored foods: tomatoes, watermelons, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, radish and strawberries
• Orange/Yellow – Packed with Vitamin C and beta-carotene, these phytonutrients promote eye health and immune health.
  • Examples of foods orange/yellow foods include carrots, oranges, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, bananas and pineapple
• Green – These foods may be rich in lutein, fiber and vitamin K which helps support bone health, improved cognitive function and reduced risk of some cancers.  
  • Examples of green-colored foods: spinach, green grapes, edamame, avocado, asparagus, kale and green herbs
• Blue/Purple – Foods rich in this color are rich anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are described as compounds that is linked to encourage heart health, fight the effects of aging and help to protect and repair cells that were damaged by toxins (free-radicals).
  • Examples of blue/purple-colored foods: eggplant, blueberries, plums, blackberries, elderberries, Concord grapes, figs, prunes and purple cabbage

The American Cancer Society recommends 2 1/2 cups per day of fruits and vegetables. The most recent US Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming even more – 2 1/2 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Don’t worry if you’re not eating that amount or anywhere close to it; just do your best!

Eating a wide variety of colors increases the opportunity for you to consume a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, nutrients and phytonutrients. Check out the Health and Wellness tab on NSite every Monday to discover a recipe that will help you add the colors of the rainbow to your diet. NPride members have submitted some of their favorite recipes to be featured during the month of June!

As part of Norton Healthcare’s Inclusion Strategy, ERGs enable a diverse and inclusive work environment that drives increased engagement. Membership on any ERG is open to all Norton Healthcare employees. ​NPride provides employees and patients access to a safe and supportive community that values diversity, trust and progress.​  For more information visit the NPride department page on NSite.

Resources:

https://www.momsrising.org/blog/celebrate-pride-with-rainbow-snacks, https://www.cookandculture.com/celebrate-pride-month-by-eating-a-rainbow-this-june/

https://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2015/06/17/moma-acquires-the-rainbow-flag/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/phytonutrients-paint-your-plate-with-the-colors-of-the-rainbow-2019042516501

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N Good Health is designed to help you improve or maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. Over the past several years, employees from all over the organization have used the program to help make their health a priority. These individuals come from various backgrounds and stages in their wellness journeys, but the N Good Health team is always in awe of the dedication they show.  Recently, we received an email with an awesome story and we are so excited to share with you today.

This email is from Sharon Nolan, Executive Secretary. From Sharon:

On June 16, 2021 I decided it was time to face my demons.  I have struggled with my weight my entire life.  Like many people, I fit the perfect pattern of lose weight, gain weight, lose weight, and gain back more weight.  I’ve tried numerous programs and some even multiple times.  This time I had reached my highest weight ever.  I always try to portray a happy and positive person.  Sadly, the person that people see outwardly is not the same person inwardly.  I was so upset with myself that I allowed this issue to get out of hand, once again.  After receiving my yearly evaluation from my boss, it was then that the light bulb went off and I decided to do something about it.  For the upcoming year my boss encouraged me to embrace self-care and to take the time needed to “fill my bucket”.  As much as he said I do to support others, he reminded me it is also important to take time to “refuel”. His statement touched me in so many ways and truly motivated me.

I shared my deep seeded sadness with a few of my close friends.  They too have struggled with weight issues.  I proposed that we start our own group and meet weekly at my house.  We could provide support, motivation, and encouragement for one another and certainly don’t judge one another.   We named our group BOWLS (Beautiful Overweight Ladies).  The best part is that it wouldn’t cost a penny.  I utilized the Omada website through NGood Health for tracking and received a scale to help track my progress. At Christmas my boss gave me a fitbit and I have synced it to my NGood Health account.  I also utilized the membership that Norton offers with Planet Fitness.  I try to attend the gym at least 4-5 days a week.  My diet consists of eating low carb meals, drinking water, and exercise.  I’ve made it a part of my daily regimen and avoid breads, starches, and sugar.  Having eliminated these three things have improved my energy level, cravings, and overall well-being.  

Last week I went for my annual NGood Health appointment and my doctor was elated with my progress.  Since beginning my journey I’ve dropped 80 lbs., lowered my blood pressure, and made improvements with my A1C and  cholesterol levels.  During my exam, they measured my abdominal circumference and I’ve decreased 9 inches since my NGood Health visit last year. 

My co-workers, along with my boss, are very supportive with my new endeavor.  I’ve shared my story with several co-workers and some have made improvements with their own healthy lifestyles. Sometimes it takes someone to openly share their struggles in a topic that is embarrassing to discuss.  Like myself, you never know who is struggling with their own weight issues and the mental impact it can have on you along with the physical impact. 

My hope is that my story can reach someone else that is contemplating a new lifestyle change.  I can attest that the benefits far outweigh the struggles.  Being able to physically keep up with my five grandchildren and be able to do things that were physically becoming a challenge is such a relief and very rewarding.

Do YOU have a story to share?  Please send your wellness success stories to N Good Health by reaching out to Lacey Nelson at [email protected] with the subject line “Success Story”. You never know who may hear your story and get inspired to make their health a priority!