Be active and be rewarded with N Good Health Step 4 points

Physical activity is one of many ways you can earn points towards completing step 4 of the N Good Health program.  Below are six ways to earn points while being active:

  • New in 2021, employees and spouses participating in programs at Norton Sports Performance can earn 3 points per visit.  Coach led workouts to meet the needs of all fitness levels that use a large variety of equipment and body weight to keep you progressing in your workouts.  Learn more about the programs offered here.
  • Exercising at either the Y @ Work downtown or Watterson Tower facility will earn members 3 points per daily visit towards step 4.  Open 24/7, the Y @ Work offers top notch fitness equipment onsite plus hundreds of online fitness classes through FitnessOnDemand accessible in the group fitness room IPad.  Membership is only $10 per pay period and $5 additional for a spouse.  If you prefer to work out remotely, members can access wellness resources for the whole family through virtual check in.  YMCA of Greater Louisville community-wide members have access to Y @ Work included in their membership.  Call 502-629-BFIT to apply for membership or for more information.
  • Planet Fitness is another 24/7 option with 19 local clubs to choose from to earn 3 points per daily check in.  In order to earn step 4 points, you must be a part of the Norton Healthcare membership group.  To learn more about becoming part of this group as a new or existing Planet Fitness member, click here.
  • Norton St. Matthew’s offers a fitness center in Plaza 1 lower level to all employees and each daily visit will earn you 3 points towards step 4.  Waiver must be completed with employee badge information to gain 24/7 access. 
  • From March through October you can participate in the Get Healthy Walking Club to earn 3 points per day while walking through the Louisville Zoo before it opens.
  • Additionally, you can get moving on your own and track your steps with your phone or a fitness device synched to your N Good Health account. Each day you cover 7,500 steps or more, you will earn one point towards finishing the 4 steps.  Learn how to synch your device, purchase a discounted device and more about earning points through physical activity at NGoodHealth.com.

The physical benefits of increased activity include:  weight management, increased energy levels, better sleep, improved biometrics and stress reduction just to name a few.  What will you choose to do today?

It’s time to make a bigger and better splash than ever before!

Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021

Louisville Waterfront Park

Big Four Lawn

Join us this year to splash, dash, walk or run in support of Norton Children’s Hospital! Choose a designated 1K splash course or one of two 5K dash courses with a scenic view along the waterfront. Before and after the race, enjoy family friendly activities in the “Just for Kids” Zone.

Ways to splash, dash, walk or run:

  • 1K splash course: Fun-filled splash zones along the way
  • 5K dash course: Stay dry, but hydrated
  • 5K competitive dash course: Includes official timed results and awards for top finishers
  • Splash or dash on your own: If you are not able to join us at Louisville Waterfront Park

Register today and receive $5 off registration! Use discount code NGOODHEALTH21

SplashNDash5k.org

Farm Fresh Fridays popping up around local campuses

Employees are encouraged to take advantage of local food pop-up markets

N Good Health is partnering with two local organizations to offer four pop-up markets through August.

Employees are encouraged to take advantage of the pop-up markets on the following dates:

  • Friday, Aug. 13 at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital in partnership with Black Market Kentucky
  • Friday, Aug. 20 at Nortom Women’s & Children’s Hospital in parnership with Louisville Community Grocery

The pop-up markets allows visitors to take home healthy and delicious local foods, support area farmers and workers and socialize with colleagues and community members.

About Louisville Community Grocery
In 2015, a group of food justice advocates came together to open a community-owned grocery store to serve Louisville’s urban neighborhoods. The group believes a community’s self-reliance is essential to an equitable food system and that our community grocery should be a place where everyone feels welcome, owner and non-owner alike.” The group incorporated in 2017 into the non-profit Louisville Association for Community Economics that aims to foster the growth of community-owned initiatives in Louisville. The Louisville Community Grocery is LACE’s first project.

When you visit any of their pop-up markets, you can learn more about how to become an owner or how to donate to help them raise the funds needed to build a grocery store in one of the West End neighborhoods.

About Black Market
Shauntrice Martin, director and founder of the food justice program #FeedTheWest, worked closely with board members and West End residents to open Black Market in January 2021. Because there are insufficient options for fresh, nutritious foods in the West End, Shauntrice worked to break down the barriers that residents face when trying to find healthy food options for themselves and their families. The store located at 2313 West Market Street offers products from Black local farmers and business owners and includes meat, fresh produce, eggs, beans, coffee, grain products as well as household essential items like toilet paper, trash bags, toothpaste, and dish soap. The store also offers bundles like the #FeedTheWest bundle which allows you to donate a bag of food to a West End family or the Veggie Bundle full of vegan goodies like non-dairy milk, herbal tea, vegan cookies, and 5-10 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from Black farmers in Kentucky.

For additional questions, contact N Good Health at [email protected].

How to stay safe and active in high temps

Summer heat and exercise can be a risky combination if you don’t take precautions.  Enjoy a beautiful sunny day and fresh air while safely exercising in the heat with these tips:

  • Start early – avoid the hottest part of the day (between 10am and 4pm) by rising early for your workout or go out at sunset or later,
  • Wear light colors – dark colors absorb heat, which can make you feel hot.  Keep clothing light colored and lightweight to allow more air to circulate over your skin which will keep you cooler.
  • Apply sunblock – look for products with UVA/UVB protection, preferably with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.  Reapply at two-hour intervals and after swimming.
  • Lower the intensity – ease up on your pace when starting out and as your body adapts to the heat, gradually increase the pace and duration if you feel ok. 
  • Hydrate – exercising in hot weather increases body temperature and ups the sweat factor both of which can slow the body’s natural cooling system if exposed to high temperatures for too long.  Aim to consume 8 to 10 ounces of water every 20 minutes during exercise.
  • Rehydrate – after exercising in the heat replenish your body with water and look for fruit and vegetables like watermelon, bananas, oranges, broccoli, spinach or coconut water with natural electrolyte replacement.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine post exercise until fully rehydrated.
  • Track your hydration – a good way to know that you’re hydrated properly is to check the color of your urine.  If it’s pale yellow (like lemonade), you’re well hydrated.  If it’s darker (like apple juice), grab some water.
  • Be aware of the early signs of danger – Listen to your body and respect the heat, even if your workout has to be cut short or deferred to another day.  Learn the symptoms of heat-related illness and what to do if you or others show signs of suffering. 

Who won N Good Health Finish Your 4 prizes?

Winners for N Good Health’s Finish Your 4 prize drawing have been selected. Winners were chosen from N Good Health participants who completed their N Good Health 4 steps before Wednesday, July ​​15.

Grand prize of free health insurance for 2022

  • Christine Reeder
  • Ronda ​Goldy​
  • Mike Renck
  • William Wilson​
  • Carol Ann Anderson​

The final deadline to complete your 4 steps is Sept. 15, 2020. Schedule your N Good Health physical through MyNortonChart.

What do I need to know about the 4 steps?​

Your health and wellness are important to us and we want to make sure you have the opportunity to complete your N Good Health 4 steps in a safe and timely manner.

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.” 

In addition, several Norton Community Medical Associates practices are offering exclusive wellness clinic hours, including Saturdays, for employees and eligible spouses. You can call (502) 629-1234, option 3, to make an appointment for a wellness clinic.

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. ​

N Good Health Success Story Spotlight: Velvet Yeager

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 Velvet Yeager, Quality Outcomes Analyst. With the support of Rx For Better Health and the Omada program, Velvet has lost OVER 100 POUNDS, decreased her blood pressure medication, and she is off of ALL of her diabetes medication. From Velvet:

Prior to signing up with the Omada Health program, I was really wishing I had someone to walk along with me on my journey to better health.  My prior accountability partners never seemed to stay committed to that task.  I had declined the 1st invitation to try the program, but when the 2nd invitation arrived, I figured I had nothing to lose (except maybe some weight)!  I was excited about Omada right up to the day it was time to start.  Then I started to worry if I would be able to do it.  I decided that day I was going to give it my very best effort and see what happened. 

My wonderful Omada coach (Melinda) had reached out and encouraged us to log our meals and to be truthful.  She said if we ate a bag of Oreos, just document it.  I loved that honesty and support but I knew I was not going to eat a bag of Oreos because then she’d see it on my log.  Just knowing someone was really there with me made such a wonderful difference. 

Shortly before I started the Omada program on 11/10/2020, I had requested a couple medication changes.  That coupled with the program seemed to just work!  Two weeks later, I had lost 15 pounds and I could tell it in my clothes.  By Christmas, I was down 30 pounds.  This was actually working!  Every time I thanked Melinda for all her help, she would direct encouragement right back to me! Other great parts of my team include Maggie Mangino, Rx for Better Health.  Having regular meetings with her has been great.  My PCP, Dr. Snell, has also been so encouraging.  It has been awesome knowing I have a whole team of folks who really care about my health.  It makes it easier to keep going.  Some people have asked me what my secret is and I have to give praise to the Lord and the wonderful team that have helped change my health and life!   

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!

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.