NGH Communities

3 Simple Tips for Enjoying Your Summer Cookout Guilt-Free

  1. Don’t force yourself into an “all or nothing” approach.  Avoid completely going rogue and eating whatever you want or believing you have to deprive yourself of everything.  Tell yourself you can enjoy reasonably sized servings of these foods by following the plate method: half the plate should come from fruits and vegetables like grilled veggies or a fresh fruit salad, then a quarter of the plate can be filled with a carbohydrate dish like potato salad or baked beans, then add a serving of a protein like grilled chicken or BBQ.  And don’t worry, you can still have the bun! 
  2. Make smart choices.  If you eat meat, stick to lean proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, or all beef hot dogs.  Instead of indulging in sugar-sweetened beverages, opt to drink plenty of water. Try to make only one trip to the food table, fill up your plate then go mingle! 
  3. Get active!  If the weather is beautiful, use the opportunity to plan a group sport activity like volleyball, Frisbee, or a hike earlier in the day, before the party.  This will help everyone stay active while also getting in more quality time together as family and friends. 

Are you ready to ride for a purpose? The Smoothie Bike is coming!

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, all of which are from 11am-1pm:

Thurs, July 8

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!

How to win FREE INSURANCE for your family, $910 cash and MORE!

There’s still plenty of time for you to make this happen!

N Good Health participants that complete all 4 N Good Health steps by June 15, 2021 will be entered to win prizes. There will be 30 winners!

So, finish completing your steps and schedule your N Good Health physical now. More than 30 prizes are up for grabs!*

You can schedule your N Good Health physical through your MyNortonChart account or by calling (502) 629-1234; option 3 for appointments.

Prizes Include:

1) Free health insurance for 2022

2) $910 in cash (10 winners)

3) Pick a prize (15 winners). Some of those options include:

  • Free lunch every payday
  • YMCA family membership
  • Monthly Green Bean Delivery
  • Hot air balloon ride for two
  • Tickets on the Town (Churchill Downs, Louisville City FC, Louisville Bats)
  • Bike to Beat Cancer Family Ride registration
  • Festival of Trees & Lights family tickets
  • Planet Fitness Classic Membership
  • Norton Sports Performance membership

*Some prizes are based on availability.
** New hires get 180 days from their hire date to complete their 4 steps. 

How to tell if you’re not drinking enough water

If you’re not drinking enough water, the Louisville area’s summer heat and humidity could cause issues with your body’s hydration.

Drinking enough water — without over-drinking — varies among individuals. Ways to monitor if you’re not drinking enough water include:

  • What color is your urine in the morning? The color of lemonade or straw indicates good hydration. Any shade darker, with an appearance of apple juice, indicates you’re not drinking enough water. A vitamin supplement can lead to a bright yellow color.
  • If you sweat heavily during exercise, it may be beneficial for you to check your weight before and after activity. If there is weight loss, drink more, and if there is weight gain, drink less.
  • Aim for 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, your goal should be 90 to 180 ounces (more than a half gallon to almost 1.5 gallons) of water per day or your choice of hydrating drink.

Signs of dehydration

Early signs include:

  • Thirst
  • Flushed skin
  • Premature fatigue
  • Faster breathing and pulse rate
  • Increased body temperature
  • Decreased exercise capacity

Late signs include:

  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Labored breathing with exercise

Healthy hydration choices

  • Choose water! There’s still, sparkling and flavored. You can make your own infused water with fresh fruit, herbs or frozen juice cubes.
  • Sports drinks are great for rehydration, but should be used under specific circumstances like during high-intensity activities. Read the food labels so you can avoid unnecessary ingredients like artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. You can make your own electrolyte beverage at home, like this lemon-ginger electrolyte drink.
  • Coconut water contains a variety of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Look for one that has no added sugar.

Heather D. Leger, M.S., R.D., L.D., is a clinical nutritionist for Norton Healthcare’s employee wellness program, N Good Health.

N Good Health Success Story Spotlight: Lezlie Barth, R.N.

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 Lezlie Barth, R.N. To complete her Step 2: Annual Wellness Statement, Lezlie went for a mammogram visit and details the outcome below. We are thankful you stayed on top of your screenings, Lezlie!

In 2020 I said “yes” to the screening mammogram in my Get Well visit.  I was in shocked to hear that it picked up a very small lump deep in my breast.  I doubt I would have detected it without a Mammogram as it was so deep.  A biopsy in August  showed cancer (shocking me to the core as no one in my family had a history of it!).  I had a lumpectomy at the Norton Pavilion in October of 2020.  Happily my cancer was slow-growing , type 1, small, and caught VERY early thanks to my Mammogram!  I am urging all of the nurses that I work with to please, please, have your mammograms!!!!  Norton Healthcare has several sites to schedule one and everyone is extremely friendly and easy to work with!!!  The Cancer Institute has phenomenal people and the whole surreal experience was so smoothly navigated by their staff that all I had to focus on was me.  I could go on and on about my experience and how thankful I am for Norton Healthcare having all of this available for women! 

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!

Need an N Good Health Physical ASAP? Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens is a Quick and Easy Option

Need to complete your N Good Health physical ASAP?

N Good Health participants who don’t have a primary care provider or simply need an after-hours or weekend option for scheduling can visit NortonHealthcare.com/PromptCare to schedule online for any Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens location. Be sure to say you are scheduling your “N Good Health physical” when making your appointment. 

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.”

When is this due?

N Good Health participants who complete all 4 N Good Health steps by June 15, 2021, will be entered to win free medical insurance, cash and more. There will be 30 winners!

So, start completing your steps and schedule your N Good Health physical now. More than 30 prizes are up for grabs! Prizes include:

  • ​Free health insurance for 2021 (five winners)
  • $910 in cash (10 winners)
  • Pick a Prize (15 winners)
    • ​Free lunch every payday
    • YMCA family membership
    • Monthly Green Bean delivery
    • Hot air balloon ride for two
    • Tickets on the Town (Churchill Downs, Louisville City FC, Louisville Bats)
    • Bike to Beat Cancer Family Ride registration
    • Festival of Trees & Lights family tickets
    • Planet Fitness Classic Membership
    • Norton Sports Performance Membership

*Prizes include free medical insurance for 2022 (5 winners), $910 in cash (10 winners) and Pick a Prize (15 winners). Some prizes are based on availability.

The N Good Health physical is step 3 of N Good Health’s 4 steps. Employees and spouses eligible to earn wellness credits can earn more than $1,800 in wellness credits in 2022 when you complete your 4 steps by Sept. 15, 2021.** 

Questions?
Call (502) 629-2162 or submit an N Good Health service request form on Nsite. To find the form, select N Good Health under Departments and click on “Contact Us.”

**If it is unreasonably difficult or inadvisable due to a medical condition for you to complete the 4 steps 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. 

How to Find Your Soulmate Workout

Do you hate to exercise but know you need to be more active to be healthy?  Our bodies are designed to move and the benefits of exercise can be pursued in ways that are enjoyable which will also help you stick with it.   If you are ready to take action and get moving more to lose weight, feel vibrant and/or improve your health then let’s explore ways to find exercise that complements your personality:

  • WHAT – What did you enjoy doing as a youngster?  Maybe bring that back or try something you’ve always wanted to do.  You can try a formal fitness setting like a gym taking a spin, group fitness class or lifting weights on your own.  Visit your local library or online source like YouTube for free home exercise ideas to try before you buy anything. The bottom line is to move your body more in ways that you find to be fun. 
  • WHERE – There are endless opportunities on where you can get moving and there’s no reason you can’t mix and match.  Maybe weekends are for wandering in the woods or kayaking creeks while weekdays are structured with classes or videos to coordinate around work and family schedules. 
  • WHO – Are you more comfortable moving alone or would you prefer the camaraderie of others?  If you prefer a group setting, find exercise buddies through a local club (walking, hiking, climbing, dancing, cycling, etc), post a notice at work or the local community center or simply invite a friend or two to join you.  Social media resources offer ways to connect with the community as well or you can even create your own group. If you prefer to exercise solo then you are the master of your schedule and what form of exercise you choose. 
  • WHY – The link between exercise and good health is a strong one.  Being active on a regular basis now allows you to enjoy health rewards into later life.  It benefits everyday living as it helps you fall asleep faster, be more energized throughout the day and boosts concentration – all of which make work and play more satisfying.  Waistlines trim from exercise, the risk of metabolic syndrome reduces, cholesterol levels lower, it strengthens muscles and bones which lowers the risk for osteoporosis, reduces blood pressure and improves mental welfare. 
  • WHEN – The frequency of activity is important and consistency pays off.  Aim to be active doing what motivates you at a minimum of three days per week, 30 minutes per day with increased results found with more activity.  Keep things simple so you don’t get overwhelmed and put your planned activity on the calendar so it is treated like an important appointment not to be missed. 

Whatever the reason, if you’ve slowly turned into a couch potato, it’s time to get up and get moving. You’ll have a happier outlook and greater quality of life when you gift yourself the gift of fitness and reap further rewards when pairing exercise with a clean nutrition plan.  If you need further assistance or have questions on getting started with your fitness or nutrition plan, reach out to N Good Health for resources.

Summer Steps Showdown is back!

Does your facility have what it takes to step to the top? Join your co-workers for the ultimate steps challenge – the Summer Steps Showdown. Each week, the facility with the highest steps average will take home the traveling trophy. At the end of the challenge, the facility with the highest steps average keeps the trophy and the bragging rights.

Signups are LIVE, with this challenge kicking off on Monday, June 7th, Go to NGoodHealth.com to join your facility’s team.

Participating facilities:

  • Norton Audubon Hospital
  • Norton Brownsboro Hospital
  • Norton Children’s Hospital/NCMC
  • Norton Hospital
  • Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital
  • Norton Cancer Institute
  • Norton Medical Group
  • Watterson Tower
  • System

Other employees whose location is not listed can join the facility of their choice.

Weekly cash prize drawings!

  • Two participants from each facility will win $25.
  • One participant from the leading facility will win $50!

You must walk at least 7,500 steps each day to be eligible for weekly prizes.

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.

Earn healthy action points toward completing step 4! 7,500 steps = 1 point.

Discounted fitness devices are available through N Good Health. Visit NGoodHealth.com and click on the “Get Your Fitness Device” button in the left-hand column. You must have a device synced to N Good Health to earn step points.

Do you have a fitness tracking device or would you like to use your phone to track your steps?

***CLICK HERE for our device connect guide to get you all synched up!***

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.”.

“Staying Healthy in an Unhealthy World” – a new podcast from N Good Health!

Why is it so difficult to practice self-care when you are a caregiver? When so much time and effort is put into the health and well-being of others, personal health goals often can become neglected.

N Good Health has launched a new podcast, “Staying Healthy in an Unhealthy World,” to address this topic. In this series, you will hear firsthand how health barriers affect health care workers. Get real-life perspectives from fellow employees and learn how small changes can make a big difference to your health.

If you find yourself struggling to be the best version of yourself and would like to learn what other Norton Healthcare employees do to stay healthy in an unhealthy world, this podcast is for you.

Episodes are now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

You can earn points!

You can earn 10 healthy action points toward N Good Health’s step 4 for listening. At the end of each podcast, listen for details on how to log your points! 

How to win FREE INSURANCE for your family, $910 cash and MORE!

There’s still plenty of time for you to make this happen!

N Good Health participants that complete all 4 N Good Health steps by June 15, 2021 will be entered to win prizes. There will be 30 winners!

So, finish completing your steps and schedule your N Good Health physical now. More than 30 prizes are up for grabs!*

You can schedule your N Good Health physical through your MyNortonChart account or by calling (502) 629-1234; option 3 for appointments.

Prizes Include:

1) Free health insurance for 2022

2) $910 in cash (10 winners)

3) Pick a prize (15 winners). Some of those options include:

  • Free lunch every payday
  • YMCA family membership
  • Monthly Green Bean Delivery
  • Hot air balloon ride for two
  • Tickets on the Town (Churchill Downs, Louisville City FC, Louisville Bats)
  • Bike to Beat Cancer Family Ride registration
  • Festival of Trees & Lights family tickets
  • Planet Fitness Classic Membership
  • Norton Sports Performance membership

*Some prizes are based on availability.
** New hires get 180 days from their hire date to complete their 4 steps.