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. 

The Summer Steps Showdown is back!

Mark your Calendars; starting May 24th, you can go to NGoodHealth.com to join your facility’s team.
This year’s summer steps challenge will kick-off on June 7th and wrap up on July 12th, so make sure your activity trackers are synced and ready to go! Remember- 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.

Those who hit the daily step goal of at lease 7500 steps will be entered into weekly prize drawings. Keep in mind- anyone who hits 7,500 steps or more per day earns 1 point toward Step 4 as well! So along with earning points like you normally would, you will ALSO be entered into drawings for some pretty awesome prizes. It’s a win-win!

The infamous golden shoe trophy will be back this year and up for grabs. 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 of course earns the bragging rights as well. 🙂 Will YOUR facility come out on top?? Only time will tell!

N Good Health Success Story Spotlight: The Farmer Family

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 Dana Farmer, regarding our previous step challenge, the Holiday Hop. Since submitting this, her daughter has joined in on the fun by getting up early to run with mom before work. We love hearing stories involving the whole family!

This was my first time signing up for a step challenge like Holiday Hop, but with the pressure of my coworkers I agreed.  They made it very clear on the first few days the expectation was 7500 steps or more daily.  I was averaging about 5000ish steps a day prior to the challenge.  I have a job that involves a lot of computer work but I found myself looking for any excuse to move between patients.  Cleaning handrails, cleaning the patient waiting rooms, locker rooms during any down time to get extra steps rather than hanging out at my desk.  When I got home, I went from relaxing to looking for more mobile tasks like doing more laundry or cleaning or gathering up the kids for a walk around the neighborhood before dinner.  My husband even became more aware of his steps (or few steps) he was taking. I look forward to the next challenge.  Thanks for all you do.  I am now try to think of fun ways to get my kids moving during this season like creating a Farmer Family step challenge to help us survive NTI!!

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!

Grilling Out the Healthy Way

When it comes to grilling out this spring and summer, think beyond the typical burger and hot dogs!  Build a healthy barbecue with lean meats paired with colorful fruits and vegetables.  As the weather warms up, get those grills out and follow these tips for a healthy cookout:

Safety at the Grill

  • Before use, read the manufacturer’s instructions and put in a little elbow grease to clean your grill thoroughly to kill any lingering bacteria.
  • Use a food thermometer!  Relying on the color of meat to determine doneness is not a safe technique to avoid food borne illness.  Follow this food safety chart to learn the correct temperatures for your favorite foods. 
  • Avoid using the same plates for raw and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination.

Go lean with protein

  • Great choices are poultry, fish, or lean cuts of beef or pork. 
  • Meat-less options that can hold their own on the grill include tempeh, seitan, or try this recipe for Easy Grillable Veggie Burgers.

Veggies roasted on the fire

  • Try vegetables like bell peppers, corn on the cob, squash, mushrooms, tomatoes, or eggplant basted with olive oil and seasoned with herbs and spices
  • Use a well-greased grill pan to keep the vegetables separate from the meats or wrap them up in individual foil packets
  • Before grilling, you can marinate vegetables in a pre-made marinate (be mindful of the sodium content!) or a homemade marinade like the one from this recipe for Grilled Vegetable Platter.

Try these dairy-free side dishes

  • For potato salad, try creamy sauces such as tahini, pesto, or dairy-free sour cream to replace the mayo. 
  • Boost fiber and protein intake with these Slow-Cooker Potluck Beans.
  • Instead of the traditional creamy coleslaw, try a vinegar-dressed cabbage slaw. 

Grilled Desserts

  • Fruit kabobs with pineapple, peaches, and melon make a tasty treat!  Cook the fruit on low heat just until hot and slightly golden and pair with a side of honey and minted Greek yogurt. 
  • Grilling watermelon slices can really bring out a unique smoky-sweet flavor. 
  • Choose yellow, firm bananas for this recipe for Grilled Brown Sugar Bananas. 

The Five S’s of Sun Safety

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As nicer weather pulls us outdoors for hobbies, sports and leisure activities, its up to us to protect ourselves and play it safe while doing so.  While increased exposure to the sun without adequate protection can increase your risk for skin cancer, you can still enjoy the outdoors and safely play in the sun by adhering to the “Five S’s of Sun Safety.”

  • SLIP on a t-shirt – clothing can be one of the most effective barriers between the sun and skin.  Look for a high UPF rated fabric or a closer weave for best protection.
  • SLOP on SPF 30+ broad spectrum UVA sunscreen. Remember, no sunscreen provides complete protection.  Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply at least every 2 hours and right after swimming.  Don’t forget to protect your lips with an SPF 30+ lip balm.
  • SLAP on a broad brimmed hat.  An ideal hat will shade the face, neck and ears so find a bucket style hat with a minimum 3-inch brim with a close weave or UPG rated fabric.
  • SLIDE on quality sunglasses.  Solar UV radiation can be damaging to the eyes so quality sunglasses labeled with a high EPF that also wrap around the sides offer the best protection.
  • SHADE from the sun whenever possible.  Seek shade whenever possible but especially during the peak hot times of day between 11am and 3pm when UV penetration is strongest.  Combine the above safety measures with shade for ultimate protection.

Small amounts of skin exposure to solar UV radiation are essential in the production of vitamin D and are beneficial to our health.  Vitamin D is important in the development and protection of strong bones and teeth.  Although there is no ‘one size fits all’ recommendation to sun exposure, research shows that 15 to 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, without skin reddening or burning, per day should be sufficient for most people to produce the required levels of vitamin D. 

So get out there and enjoy this lovely weather! Just remember to play it safe. 🙂