Making it easier to walk your way to better health!

Walking is one of the easiest, yet most beneficial forms of exercise. Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve heart and lung fitness, support bone health, alleviate joint pain, fight stress and burn fat.

With so many great health benefits at stake, we want walking to be accessible to employees 365 days a year. That’s why our N Good Health team is excited to announce the completion of updates to three indoor walking paths conveniently located at Norton Healthcare facilities.

Click below for the indoor walking paths at the following facilities. For any questions, please reach out to one of your facility Wellness Champions or Dannielle Hadaway of the N Good Health team at [email protected].

Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital Walking Path

Downtown Campus Walking Path

CPA Lab on Breckenridge Ln. Walking Path

Track your hard work!

Whether walking through your neighborhood, a nearby park or along one of our facility walking paths, track your steps on NGoodHealth.com to measure progress and help you reach goals. The N Good Health website also includes instructions for synching your fitness devices for even easier step tracking. ​

We know it’s good for us so let’s talk about how to incorporate it into our days. Everyone is different so if your baseline is 2000 steps, trying to shoot for 7500 steps tomorrow may feel daunting and could possibly lead to injury.  Set reasonable goals and progress slowly to your ultimate target of 7500 daily steps.  If you are already achieving a minimum of 7500 steps daily, think of what level you would like to reach and start increasing your steps by 10 to 20% each day to reach a higher goal.  

Don’t have time to walk the walking path at work? Here are some ideas to increase your daily steps:

  1. Park your car far from the entrance of work or the store
  2. After loading your groceries in the car, walk your cart all the way back into the store instead of parking it in the corral
  3. Schedule a “walking meeting” with an associate and take a clipboard or small notebook to take notes on if needed
  4. Walk to your coworker’s desk to ask a question instead of sending an email and stroll to the printer to pick up your copies
  5. Pick the restroom or water fountain that is farthest from your work station
  6. Enjoy a pre- or post-dinner walk around the neighborhood
  7. Put on your favorite tunes and shake your groovy to the beat of the music
  8. Walk along while the kids ride their bikes or walk around the field while they play their sport
  9. Meet for a coffee/drink date and take it for a walk
  10. Volunteer at a local animal shelter/veterinarian/doggy day care and walk dogs for them if you don’t  have your own dog to walk
  11. If you ride the bus, get off a stop early or get on a stop later
  12. Walk around the house during commercials if you watch television

Looking for a change of scenery? 

Explore the many parks and trails Louisville has to offer.  Maybe pick one from this list to visit each weekend.  Get creative, break any sedentary habits and enjoy the health benefits of walking each day.

Kicking 2022 off with a BANG- and a chance to win!

You may have noticed that NGoodHealth.com looks a little different right now- that’s because we listened to your feedback and we have made some BIG changes for 2022!  These changes include:

  • An easy-to-use well-being portal
  • Interactive tools and resources
  • Group and personal challenges
  • Video courses you can use throughout your well-being journey

Accessing your account is easy by using the mobile app, allowing seamless syncing of steps, activity, sleep hours, nutrition and more — even with Apple devices!

Earn real time rewards, through the rewards mall, for your engagement in the well-being portal*.  The choice is yours.  Choose from merchandise items, gift cards, wellness credits or give back to the community with charitable donation options.

Get started NOW!

Starting NOW, all employees need to visit NGoodHealth.com to create a new account. NGoodHealth.com is accessible on all devices with internet access. In addition, all employees should download the Navigate Wellbeing app on their mobile devices.

WIN BIG!

Create your account on the new NGoodHealth.com by Jan. 31, 2022, to be entered to win 200 points to redeem in the N Good Health rewards mall. Five winners will be chosen. There are challenges EVERY SINGLE MONTH from January – August. Click HERE for a listing of every opportunity to win prizes this year.

Who can participate?

All employees have access to the N Good Health wellness program, the well-being portal and mobile app. Spouses on a Norton Healthcare medical plan will have the same access.

The N Good Health team truly cares about your well-being and is available to help you along your path of creating a healthier you. In addition to our exciting program changes, we also offer a number of wellness opportunities and discounts; our team of wellness experts can provide you with in-person or virtual assessments to help guide you to resources that best meet your needs.

Have questions?

You can reach our team by calling (502) 629-2162 or submitting a self-service ticket. Go to Nsite, click on Departments, then N Good Health and select the Contact Us button.

*Employees and spouses enrolled in a Norton Healthcare medical plan will be able to earn points to redeem rewards.

Get steps and stay warm with our updated indoor walking paths!

Walking is one of the easiest, yet most beneficial forms of exercise. Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve heart and lung fitness, support bone health, alleviate joint pain, fight stress and burn fat.

With so many great health benefits at stake, we want walking to be accessible to employees 365 days a year. That’s why our N Good Health team is excited to announce the completion of updates to three indoor walking paths conveniently located at Norton Healthcare facilities.

Do you need some quick steps to walk off stress? Are you looking to hit your daily step count goal on a cold, winter day? Or maybe you just want to take note of the distance you’ve traveled along your normal workday route. You’re in luck!

For any questions, please reach out to one of your facility Wellness Champions or Dannielle Hadaway of the N Good Health team at [email protected].

Click below for the indoor walking paths at the following facilities:

Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital Walking Path

Downtown Campus Walking Path

CPA Lab on Breckenridge Ln. Walking Path

Photo challenge

Explore the new indoor paths, or any of the eight path options across Norton Healthcare campuses, with some friends or on your own and take your photo in front of one of the signs. Submit the photo (along with the names of all employees pictured) to [email protected] between Dec. 1 and Dec. 20 to be entered to win a Fitbit Versa. Double up on prize opportunities and use your photo challenge steps for Holiday Hop too!

Find your own path!

Whether walking through your neighborhood, a nearby park or along one of our facility walking paths, track your steps on NGoodHealth.com to measure progress and help you reach goals. The N Good Health website also includes instructions for synching your fitness devices for even easier step tracking. ​

Enjoy this quick workspace workout!

Feeling droopy?  Don’t grab that afternoon soda or sweet — take a break from your day and get your blood flowing for a natural energy boost.  This 5 minute workout requires no equipment and only a small space in your office. 

Calf raises x 20 – feet hip width apart, press evenly across the front of the foot then slowly lower down

Lunges x 10/leg – standing with feet hip width apart, step forward with one foot into an elongated stride.  Keeping torso upright, dip back knee towards the floor so front knee is close to parallel to the floor and push back to start

Standing hamstring curl x 15 – using a wall or chair for support, stand with knees in line with each other, bend knee and bring heel towards buttock.  Lower back down with control

Wall pushups x 15 — Stand in front of wall with arms extended in front of you and palms on wall.  Next, bend elbows and slowly bring chest towards the wall maintaining your feet on the ground and body in a straight line.  When nose is close to wall, push into the wall back to starting position.

Chair knee to arm reach x 15/side – sit close to the edge of a sturdy chair, brace your core and place your fingers behind your ears keeping your elbows back.  With control, raise a leg and extend the opposite arm towards the knee of the raised leg.  Gently lower the leg and bring arm back to starting position. 

Depending on the amount of time you have on your break to complete this, these moves can be repeated to fill the duration of your break time! You can also use online resources to get your blood pumping at home, in the group fitness room, or even in your office! 

Pinterest also has some amazing resources as well- try searching for at home workouts, printable workouts or if you have a type of workout in mind, like “HIIT workout”, “body weight workout”, the more specific you are with your search terms, the better. 🙂

Baby, it’s cold outside.

Winter arrives every year and with it comes colder temperatures and changes in the daylight schedule.  You don’t have to bring your outdoor workouts inside in the colder months, you just have to take some things into consideration.  Here are some tips to keep you moving outside through the colder months:

  • Plan ahead – look at the weather report and remember the wind chill is a serious factor.  A sunny winter day can be deceiving if the wind brings the cold temperatures to a dangerous level.
  • Dress appropriately – layer, layer, layer!  Consider 3 layers when exercising in the cold.  A base layer should be a moisture wicking material to keep you dry.  A mid-layer provides insulation to keep you warm and the outer layer should block wind and repel any water.  A zipper is ideal so you can let some cool air in if you begin to feel hot.  Be sure to cover your head and hands with appropriate weight hat and gloves/mittens.  If conditions are slick, consider putting traction cleats like Yak Tracks on your shoes for added stability.
  • Stay hydrated – it’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re not sweating in the heat but it’s easier to dehydrate in the winter as your body has to work harder to humidify the drier winter air. 
  • Pack a phone – putting your phone in a jacket pocket or a waistband pack provides security in case you need to call for help.  If you must listen to something while exercising, consider leaving one earbud out so you can hear and be aware of your surroundings. 
  • Light yourself up – there’s less sunlight this time of year so if you are trekking out in the dark before sunrise or after sunset, be sure to wear reflective gear and lights.  Runners and road cyclists should wear light-colored clothing plus a lighted and/or reflective vest and headlamp to be seen by traffic.  A headlamp helps you see potential hazards in your path as well.  If cycling, a bike should be outfitted with at least two lights, a headlight and a flashing tail light.  Always ride with the flow of traffic and run against the flow of traffic if a sidewalk is not available. 
  • Warm up – include dynamic warmup exercises before heading out to make sure your muscles are ready for the work.  These low intensity pre-workout exercises like leg swings, bodyweight squats, lunges, knee hugs, arm and hip circles get the blood flowing and help prevent injury any time of the year but most especially when it’s cold. 

Don’t forget to wear an activity tracker or use your phone to track your steps and link to your N Good Health account.  Learn more at www.ngoodhealth.com.

How to enjoy the holiday season WITHOUT the guilt

It’s the holidays and for most Americans, that means eating – lots of eating – followed by weight gain and a New Year’s resolution to lose weight.

But why not take a healthier approach to what we eat during this holiday season and beyond?

According to a recent website survey, about 18 percent of people say it’s hard for them to eat healthy because they don’t want to stop eating their favorite foods. The good news is you don’t have to.

You can still enjoy your favorite occasional indulgences, but in moderation. It’s all about being mindful of what you eat.

Mindless Eating

Mindless eating is consuming food just because it’s there. It’s eating while distracted – watching TV, working at a computer or texting on our smartphones. It’s eating for emotional comfort instead of for hunger. Simply put, it’s not paying attention to what we eat which can lead to being overweight and even obesity.

“Mindless eating has always been an issue,” said Riska Platt, M.S., a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York. “The key to mindful eating is awareness. Just by paying more attention to what you eat, you’re more likely to make beneficial changes.”

Awareness

When you pay attention to what you’re eating, you can make small changes that make a big difference. Here are some tips toward a more mindful approach:

  • Control portions. Especially during the holidays, know that you’ll have more opportunities to eat festive snacks and desserts. You don’t have to deprive yourself, just eat smaller portions and less often.
     
  • Eat when you’re hungry. Just because the clock says noon doesn’t mean you have to eat. If you’re not hungry, wait until you are – just don’t wait until you’re famished because you might overeat. Also, don’t eat just because the food is available. Learn more about why you might be eating when not hungry.
     
  • Plan. Prepare healthy snacks throughout the day. If you tend to get hungry between meals, bring along a 200-calorie, whole grain, high-fiber snack. Fiber keeps you feeling full longer. Learn how a little planning helps your heart, and your budget.
     
  • Slow down. Enjoy each bite and put your fork down while chewing, then take a drink between each bite. This gives your body enough time to trigger your brain that you are satisfied (not necessarily full).
     
  • Pay attention. Do not eat in front of the TV or computer, or while standing in the kitchen or talking on the phone. When you do these things, you’re more likely to lose track of how much you’ve eaten.
     
  • Use technology. As we continue to become increasingly distracted by modern technology, our focus on health can fall to the back burner. But it doesn’t have to be that way. “We can actually use our smartphones and other electronic devices to help us,” said Platt, a volunteer with the American Heart Association. “There are now apps that manage food records, count calories, help you track what you eat and even provide guidance on healthy food choices at the grocery store and restaurants.”
     
  • Keep a food diary. Write down everything you eat, look at it, then identify why you ate it – was it hunger, stress, boredom? Then look for areas you can make adjustments and incorporate healthy changes. “Keeping a food diary is really key to awareness,” Platt said. “Most people are surprised at all they’ve consumed when they review what they’ve eaten.”

Remember- you don’t have to avoid the foods you love and look forward to all year- by using the tips above, you can enjoy yourself in moderation and make this the year that you have zero regrets when it comes to indulgences. You got this!

November is National Diabetes Month

About 10.5% of the American population has diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association and nearly 1 in 5 adults live with the disease unknowingly.  Diabetes (type 2) is a chronic, long-lasting metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels because the body is not effectively making or using its own insulin. N Good Health has resources to help you prevent or manage your diabetes.

November is National Diabetes Month with this year’s focus on prediabetes and preventing diabetes.  The diagnosis of prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be at diabetes level.  According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 1 in 3 US adults have prediabetes but the majority don’t know they have it as many do not display symptoms. 

Those with prediabetes do not automatically develop type 2 diabetes.  Early treatment can actually return blood sugar levels to the normal range so having annual check-ups with your primary care provider is important.  Lifestyle changes like choosing to eat more vegetables and less processed foods, drinking water rather than soda and incorporating more movement into your day make it possible to reverse prediabetes and prevent diabetes.

If you have high blood glucose levels or you have previously been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, you have options through N Good Health, your employee wellness program:

  • Prevention:  If you have prediabetes or just want to take preventive action, you can make small changes that can have huge impact on your health. Click here to learn more about those small changes. Research shows that you can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58% by losing 7% of your body weight and exercising moderately for 150 minutes per week (30 minutes per day, 5 days per week). Lark is a program focused on helping you improve your health through digital diabetes prevention coaching. This is a free benefit through Norton Healthcare medical insurance   Click here to learn more and determine if you are eligible. 
  • Maintenance:  N Good Health has two options to help diabetics manage symptoms and blood sugar levels.  Omada, mentioned above, also offers tools to keep glucose levels in check through nutrition, manage stress and move more.   A plan is designed for you to help you build routines, manage medications and be supported.  Additionally, Rx For Better Health is your diabetes management program created specifically for employees and their family members.   Meet with a Norton Healthcare pharmacist, nutritionist and/or counselor to save you money on your prescriptions while empowering you to take care of your health.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help along your journey in preventing or managing diabetes.  Your doctor combined with resources available through N Good Health are vital connections to support and guide you to better health.

Sources:  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; American Diabetes Association; Center for Disease Control

Feeling burned out? A virtual EAP visit can help.

Is your life balance off? Feeling burned out?

We can help.

Your physical health is only part of your overall wellness journey. Wayne Corp offers video visits, as well as clinical counseling sessions at the Wayne Corp. office.  There you can receive support in areas such as:

  • Emotional difficulties
  • Marital conflicts
  • Stress
  • Alcohol or drug problems
  • Relationship issues
  • Parent/child/family conflicts

Life Balance Assessments generally last 20 minutes and are completely confidential. There is no cost to you.

To make an appointment, contact EAP by calling Wayne Corp. at (502) 451-8262 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.
The Employee Assistance Program and N Good Health abide by all HIPAA standards and do not share any health information. No personal or appointment information will be shared between the EAP and N Good Health.



BIG changes coming to the N Good Health Program; Here’s The Scoop

You may have noticed that NGoodHealth.com looks a little different right now- that’s because we are preparing for some BIG changes for 2022!  These changes will include:

  • An easy-to-use well-being portal
  • Interactive tools and resources
  • Group and personal challenges
  • Video courses you can use throughout your well-being journey

Accessing your account is easy by using the mobile app, allowing seamless syncing of steps, activity, sleep hours, nutrition and more — even with Apple devices!

Earn real time rewards, through the rewards mall, for your engagement in the well-being portal*.  The choice is yours.  Choose from merchandise items, gift cards, wellness credits or give back to the community with charitable donation options.

How can I get started?

Starting Jan. 1, 2022, all employees need to visit NGoodHealth.com to create a new account. NGoodHealth.com is accessible on all devices with internet access. In addition, all employees should download the Navigate Wellbeing app on their mobile devices.

Who can participate?

All employees have access to the N Good Health wellness program, the well-being portal and mobile app. Spouses on a Norton Healthcare medical plan will have the same access.

The N Good Health team truly cares about your well-being and is available to help you along your path of creating a healthier you. In addition to our exciting program changes, we also offer a number of wellness opportunities and discounts; our team of wellness experts can provide you with in-person or virtual assessments to help guide you to resources that best meet your needs.

Have questions?

You can reach our team by calling (502) 629-2162 or submitting a self-service ticket. Go to Nsite, click on Departments, then N Good Health and select the Contact Us button.

*Employees and spouses enrolled in a Norton Healthcare medical plan will be able to earn points to redeem rewards.

Save calories every night this week

Making healthier choices when eating out is easier if you prepare ahead by checking guides that show you the nutritional content of meal choices at your favorite restaurants. Many fast food chains post nutritional information on their websites, but we don’t always have time for that.

If you can’t prepare ahead of time, there are some common sense tips can help. Portion control is the most important; many fast food restaurants serve enough food for several meals. So, if nothing else, just cut your meal into two. Also, another easy fix is to choose carry-out. Bringing your meal home with you can help you avoid extra servings and meal starters like bread and butter or chips and queso.

Now, for some general tips for making healthier choices:

  • Purchase your main dish from a restaurant, but bring your own fruit side to help avoid unhealthy side items like French fries.
  • Dishes labeled deep­fried, pan­fried, basted, batter­dipped, breaded, creamy, crispy, scalloped, Alfredo, au gratin, or in cream sauce are usually high in calories, unhealthy fats, or sodium. Order steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes instead.
  • Choose main dishes that include vegetables, such as stir fries, kebobs, or pasta with a tomato sauce.
  • Drink water with your meal. Soda is a huge source of hidden calories. One 32­oz Big Gulp of regular cola packs about 425 calories, which can quickly gulp up a big portion of your daily calorie intake. Try adding a little lemon to your water or ordering unsweetened iced tea.
  • “Undress” your food. When choosing items, be aware of calorie­ and fat­packed salad dressings, spreads, cheese, sour cream, etc. For example, ask for a grilled chicken sandwich without the mayonnaise. You can ask for a packet of ketchup or mustard and add it yourself, controlling how much you put on your sandwich.
  • Special order. Ask for your vegetables and main dishes to be served without the sauces. Ask for olive oil and vinegar for your salads or order the dressing “on the side” and spoon only a small amount on at a time. If your food is fried or cooked in oil or butter, ask to have it broiled or steamed.
  • Eat mindfully. Pay attention to what you eat and savor each bite. Chew your food more thoroughly and avoid eating on the run. Being mindful also means stopping before you are full. It takes time for your body to register that you have eaten. Mindful eating relaxes you, so you digest better, and makes you feel more satisfied.