Tobacco smoke has thousands of harmful chemicals that negatively impact your body and those around you. Quitting tobacco is no easy task but the benefits outweigh the discomfort of setting yourself free from tobacco use. Whether you use cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes or any other form of tobacco, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that quitting enhances your quality of life and harbors health benefits no matter your age or how long you’ve been smoking/using tobacco. Below is just a sampling of the ways your body benefits when tobacco use is stopped:
Cardiovascular System
The risk of cardiovascular disease and death related to it is reduced
Leads to rapid improvement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels
Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease
The risk of disease and death from stroke is reduced
Respiratory System
Reduces the risk of developing COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Respiratory symptoms (i.e. cough, sputum production, wheezing) are decreased
Respiratory infection (i.e. pneumonia, bronchitis) are reduced
Cancer-Related
Quitting smoking/tobacco use reduces the risk of twelve different cancers
Reproductive System
Quitting smoking before pregnancy or early in pregnancy reduces the risk for a small-for-gestational-age baby
Quitting smoking during pregnancy reduces the risk of delivering a low birth weight baby
Quitting smoking early in pregnancy eliminates adverse effects of smoking on fetal growth
To learn more about how your health improves when you quit tobacco use, click here. One of the most important actions for your health and your loved ones is to stop using tobacco and you are not alone if you are ready to quit. Some resources at Norton Healthcare to help you are:
N Good Health tobacco Cessation Workshop
Meet with a pharmacist
American Lung Association Freedom From Smoking course
How to access these resources can be found here or reach out to the team at N Good Health for guidance by calling (502) 629-2162
You don’t have to be a runner, a weight lifter or even a perfect model of healthy eating to be a wellness champion at Norton Healthcare. Employees in all departments and from all backgrounds have enjoyed helping others find resources to guide them in their wellness journey. Maintenance, clinical, administrative, technology—it doesn’t matter what kind of work you do, you can be a part of the team.
If you enjoy motivating and connecting with others, you are invited to join the N Good Health wellness champion program.
What is a wellness champion?
A wellness champion is someone who motivates employees to participate in health and fitness challenges and the N Good Health wellness program. Champions also advocate healthy habits for our workforce and connect staff with important resources to help them in their wellness journeys.
How do I apply?
Talk to your manager about becoming a wellness champion. Applications can be found on the N Good Health’s NSite page. You will need your manager’s approval before submitting the application to N Good Health for consideration. More information about the program can be found here.
Be sure to log into your N Good Health account to see your current level achieved and to be sure everything you’ve completed so far is entered into your account.
Remember the point value you reach by Dec. 1, will lock in your rewards for 2024. You must be covered on a Norton Healthcare medical plan in 2024 to receive the financial incentive. Spouses covered on a Norton Healthcare medical plan are eligible to participate and earn a financial incentive too. They must have a registered N Good Health account and earn program activity points in their account.
Ways to earn points if you haven’t already completed that program activity:
N Good Health physical (100 – 700 points)
The N Good Health physical is worth between 100-700 points depending on your outcome results.
If you see a Norton Healthcare provider you can schedule your N Good Health physical through MyNortonChart or call (502) 629-1234, option 3. When scheduling, tell them the appointment is for your N Good Health physical.
Don’t have a Norton Healthcare provider – try a Norton Prompt Care location for your convenience. To see locations and to make an appointment click here or call (502) 446-5555
Have you made a 10% improvement in one of your outcomes since having your N Good Health physical? If yes, congratulations! Have your provider complete the appeal form so you can be rewarded.
Employee health can provide rechecks on blood pressure, weight, BMI and waist circumference. You must make an appointment by calling (502) 446-2683 and bring an appeal form with you.
Negative Tobacco Test(125 points)
Tobacco testing is a screening for nicotine in the urine. If you self-report tobacco use, do not complete a tobacco test.
Click here to see tobacco testing locations and if an appointment is needed.
Welcome Video (25 points) Go to NGoodHealth.com and click on program activities tab at the top
Well-being Survey(50 points) Go to NGoodHealth.com and click on program activities tab at the top
Preventive Screenings(50 – 150 points)
Earn 50 points each year for each preventive cancer screening you are up to date on. Max. 150 points. Log into you N Good Health account, click on Program Activities to log your screening date and provider’s name.
Preventive cancer screenings include:
Up-to-date pap smear (women over 21, younger than 65) every 3 years.
Up-to-date mammogram (women over 40) every year
Up-to-date colorectal screening (men and women over 45, younger than 75) every 3 years for cologuard and every 10 year for colonoscopy.
Preventive Dental Exam (40-80 points)
Earn 40 points for having a preventive dental screening or cleaning done every 6 months. Max of 80 points/year. Go to NGoodHealth.com and click on program activities tab at the top to log your exam and providers name.
WW (Weight Watchers)(50 points) For more information on how to receive your points, click here.
N Good Health Video Courses (10 points each, max 100 points)
Learn more about various health and wellness topics by watching a video course. They can be found on NGoodHealth.com by clicking on Challenges, Find a Challenge, Video Courses
Personal Challenges (10 points each, max 100 points)
Challenge yourself to be healthier by joining your own personal challenge. Go to NGoodHealth.com and click on Challenges, Find a Challenge, Personal Challenges
EAP/Life Balance Assessments(25 points each, max 100 points)
Create more balance and success in your life. To make an appointment call (502) 451-8262 and have the tracker form completed.
Onsite visits will be available at a few Norton facilities. To see locations click here, appointments will be on a first come bases. Participants can have one Life Balance Assessment a year.
Counseling session with EAP, time in-between sessions are based off the need of each individual
Great American Smokeout(10 points)
Celebrate those that have kicked the habit and those working hard to break the habit. Show your support by taking the online pledge on the Nsite or stop by your hospital cafeteria on Thursday, November 16th from 11a.m. – 1 p.m.
Take 3 For Me (3 points each, max 27 points)
N Good Health has you covered with “Take 3 for Me,” video series offering quick opportunities to pause and reflect on your emotional wellness. Scan the QR code below to access the “Take 3 for Me” videos. Points will be awarded the month following completion of the activity, you must enter you AHSN into the survey.
Monthly Step Challenge (25 points/month with an avg.7500/day)
You can earn 25 points monthly simply by tracking your steps!
Use the “Tracker” page to enter your daily step total or connect a wearable device to log your steps. You must average 7,500 or more steps per day to earn the points.
Gym partnerships (Check in 8 times in a month and earn 20 points)
Points are awarded the month following the check-ins. If you are a member to one of these gyms listed below, but don’t see points in your account, please take your Norton badge to the front desk to verify they have you marked as a Norton employee.
YMCA/Y@Work
Planet Fitness
Norton Sports Performance
NWCH Fitness Center
Feeling overwhelmed, not sure where to start, or think this is too hard?
It’s our pleasure to support you on your wellness journey. Schedule a virtual 1 on 1 wellness consultation today or if you wish to speak to an N Good Health staff member directly, you may call N Good Health at (502) 629-2162. Remember, a minimum of 200 points can still give you an extra $15 a pay period in 2024, if covered on a Norton Healthcare medical plan.
N Good Health will be participating in The Great American Smokeout, on November 16. Join Norton Healthcare employees as we take a pledge between: Nov. 1 – Nov. 16 in celebrating our tobacco-free campuses. We can also learn and share the benefits of quitting with others.
Remember to stop by one of the interactive booths near your hospital cafeteria from 11am-1pm on November 16th for educational materials and to get entered into a raffle to win a wellness goodie bag.
On November 17th, five employees who pledged on the Nsite will win $25 in the N Good Health rewards mall.
The American Cancer Society warns that cigarette smoking is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States. Furthermore, Kentucky ranks No. 1 in lung cancer deaths. Let’s do something about these staggering facts. Let’s support tobacco-free living and spread the word about why you’ve chosen to be tobacco free!
Support for employees As a tobacco-free hospital system, Norton Healthcare supports all employees, patients and visitors in becoming healthier. We can support one another by learning about tobacco cessation resources available to anyone working to become a non-tobacco user. To learn more about tobacco cessation programs, visit NGoodHealth.com, click on Tobacco Cessation and choose a resource that best fits your needs, including:
N Good Health online workshop
Virtual Tobacco Cessation Class with a Pharmacist
Freedom from Smoking
Free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products at any Norton Pharmacy
Nicotine replacement therapy is also available for employees and spouses/partners through are retail pharmacies when completing a cessation workshop through N Good Health.
Note: Norton Healthcare’s campuses have been tobacco free since 2007. For more information, refer to our Tobacco-free Environment policy in the Policy Library on Nsite.
Be sure to log into your N Good Health account to see your current level achieved and to be sure everything you’ve completed so far is entered into your account. You now have until Dec. 1 to lock in your rewards for 2025. You must be covered on a Norton Healthcare medical plan in 2025 to receive the financial incentive. Spouses covered on a Norton Healthcare medical plan are eligible to participate and earn a financial incentive too. They must have a registered N Good Health account and earn program activity points in their account.
Ways to earn points if you haven’t already completed that program activity:
N Good Health physical (100 – 700 points)
The N Good Health physical is worth between 100-700 points depending on your outcome results.
If you see a Norton Healthcare provider you can schedule your N Good Health physical through MyNortonChart or call (502) 629-1234, option 3. When scheduling, tell them the appointment is for your N Good Health physical.
Don’t have a Norton Healthcare provider – try a Norton Prompt Care location for your convenience. To see locations and to make an appointment click here or call (502) 446-5555
Have you made a 10% improvement in one of your outcomes since having your N Good Health physical? If yes, congratulations! Have your provider complete the appeal form so you can be rewarded.
Employee health can provide rechecks on blood pressure, weight, BMI and waist circumference. You must make an appointment by calling (502) 446-2683 and bring an appeal form with you.
Negative Tobacco Test(125 points)
Tobacco testing is a screening for nicotine in the urine. If you self-report tobacco use, do not complete a tobacco test.
Click here to see tobacco testing locations and if an appointment is needed.
Well-being Survey(50 points) Go to NGoodHealth.com and click on program activities tab at the top
Preventive Screenings(50 – 150 points)
Earn 50 points each year for each preventive cancer screening you are up to date on. Max. 150 points. Log into you N Good Health account, click on Program Activities to log your screening date and provider’s name.
Preventive cancer screenings include:
Up-to-date pap smear (women over 21, younger than 65) every 3 years.
Up-to-date mammogram (women over 40) every year
Up-to-date colorectal screening (men and women over 45, younger than 75) every 3 years for cologuard and every 10 year for colonoscopy.
Preventive Dental Exam (40-80 points)
Earn 40 points for having a preventive dental screening or cleaning done every 6 months. Max of 80 points/year. Go to NGoodHealth.com and click on program activities tab at the top to log your exam and providers name.
WW (Weight Watchers)(50 points) For more information on how to receive your points, click here.
N Good Health Video Courses (10 points each, max 100 points)
Learn more about various health and wellness topics by watching a video course. They can be found on NGoodHealth.com by clicking on Challenges, Find a Challenge, Video Courses
Take 3 For Me (3 points each, max 27 points)
N Good Health has you covered with “Take 3 for Me,” video series offering quick opportunities to pause and reflect on your emotional wellness. Scan the QR code below to access the “Take 3 for Me” videos. Points will be awarded the month following completion of the activity.
Feeling overwhelmed, not sure where to start, or think this is too hard?
It’s our pleasure to support you on your wellness journey. Schedule a virtual 1 on 1 wellness consultation today or if you wish to speak to an N Good Health staff member directly, you may call N Good Health at (502) 629-2162. Remember, a minimum of 200 points can still give you an extra $15 a pay period in 2025, if covered on a Norton Healthcare medical plan.
Anyone who completed their N Good Health physical by September 15th was entered into the last 2023 N Good Health prize drawing. One participant won free medical insurance, one participant won $500 to redeem in the rewards mall, four participants won $250 to redeem in the rewards mall and one participant won tickets for the Festival of Trees and Lights.
These winners were randomly selected out of about 8,600 participants who completed their N Good Health physical before Friday, September 15th.
2024 Free Medical Insurance winner:
Meagan Molestina, APRN for Pediatric Nephrology
$500 to spend in the N Good Health Rewards Mall winner:
Marla Davis, Unit Coordinator
$250 to spend in the N Good Health Rewards Mall winners:
Anne Carter, RN, Surgery
Jaclyn Logan, Invasive Cardiac Specialist
Keshia Durr, Medical Assistant
Brent Duncan, RN, PACU
Tickets to the Festival of Trees and Lights
Vanessa Bodner, RN, I.V. Team
N Good Health’s goal is to help you maintain or improve your health and achieve a realistic work/life balance. Engage in the program all year long to focus on yourself. Whether the focus is nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being or community belonging, a lot of things make up a healthy you!
Remember the final deadline for completing the program to earn financial incentives is December 1st.
Keep in mind that spouses covered on a Norton Healthcare medical plan are eligible to participate- butALL EMPLOYEES, regardless of insurance status- are eligible to participate and win as well.
Spouses can call (502) 629-2162 to obtain their spouse member number. Visit NGoodHealth.com and click on “Join Now” to get started.
Norton Healthcare and the YMCA of Greater Louisville are excited to introduce the new Y @ Work director, Margaret Sexton, and offer free use of any YMCA of Greater Louisville or The Y @ Work facility for two weeks.
Margaret brings years of experience in the health and wellness industry in a variety of roles and for the last several years she has been a part of the Norton Healthcare family. She understands the challenges of clinical patient care and the importance of self-care and wellness. As a personal trainer and group exercise leader, she loves having fun with others while helping them achieve their fitness goals. She is looking forward to encouraging, challenging and connecting with members. Stop by The Y @ Work and give her a warm welcome!
From Nov. 1 to Nov. 14 you and your immediate family can utilize any of the 10 YMCA locations in Louisville or Southern Indiana or the Norton Y @ Work to get started on your wellness journey. The YMCAs offer swim lessons, youth sports, child development programs in addition to the full array of fitness classes and equipment.
To enjoy your free two weeks, bring your Norton Healthcare employee badge to The Y @ Work or any local YMCA location and check in at the front desk. Although the Y @ Work facility is 24/7, you will need to schedule a one-time visit or stop in during staffed hours (M/W/F 8am to 5pm or T/Th 9am to 6pm) to gain access to the facility.
The Y @ Work is located downtown in the Norton Pavilion and is equipped with top notch cardio and strength equipment plus it offers locker rooms, showers and a sauna. Many group fitness class options are offered throughout the week including Zumba, yoga and total body strength.
Membership to the Y @ Work is $10 per pay period for Norton Healthcare employees and $5 additional to add on a spouse. If you are a community-wide YMCA member, your access to the Y @ Work is included in your YMCA membership.
Members and free period visitors can earn 20 N Good Health program activitypoints each month they check in a minimum of 8 times.
For details on membership or for more information, please call 629-BFIT (2348).
The annual N Good Health deadline is less than two months away – but you still have plenty of time to complete program activities to earn points.
Log into your N Good Health account to see your current level achieved. Remember the point value you reach by December 1st, will lock in your rewards for 2024. You must be covered on a Norton Healthcare medical plan in 2024 to receive the financial incentive. Spouses covered on a Norton Healthcare medical plan are eligible to participate and earn a financial incentive too. They must have a registered N Good Health account and earn program activity points in their account.
Still need points by December 1st? Here are ways you can still earn points if you haven’t already completed that Program Activity:
N Good Health physical (100 – 700 points)
If you see a Norton Healthcare provider you can schedule your N Good Health physical through MyNortonChart or call (502) 629-1234, option 3. When scheduling, tell them the appointment is for your N Good Health physical.
Don’t have a Norton Healthcare provider – try a Norton Prompt Care location for your convenience. To see locations and to make an appointment click here or call (502) 446-5555
If you see a non-Norton healthcare provider please take the paper provider form to your appointment. You can email the completed form to: ngoodhealth@nortonhealthcare.org
Outcome improvement (150 points) – Have you made a 10% improvement in one of your outcomes since having your N Good Health physical? If so, your provider can complete the appeal form
Employee health can provide rechecks on blood pressure, weight, BMI and waist circumference. You must make an appointment by calling (502) 446-2683 and bring an appeal form with you.
Negative Tobacco Test(125 points) – Tobacco testing is a screening for nicotine in the urine. If you self-report tobacco use, do not complete a tobacco test.
Click here to see tobacco testing locations and if an appointment is needed.
Welcome Video (25 points) click on Program Activities in your N Good Health account.
Well-being Survey(50 points) click on Program Activities in your N Good Health account.
Preventive Screenings – Earn 50 points for each preventive cancer screening you are up to date on. Max. 150 points. Log into you N Good Health account, click on Program Activities to log your screening date and provider’s name.
Preventive cancer screenings include:
Up-to-date pap smear (women over 21, younger than 65) every 3 years.
Up-to-date mammogram (women over 40) every year
Up-to-date colorectal screening (men and women over 45, younger than 75) every 3 years for cologuard and every 10 year for colonoscopy.
Preventive Dental Exam – Earn 40 points each with a max of 80 points. Log into you N Good Health account, click on Program Activities to log your exam and providers name.
WW (Weight Watchers) – 50 points For more information on how to recieve your points, click here.
N Good Health Challenge – Falling into Rhythm (25 points)– A 20 day activity challenge.
Last N Good Health group challenge of the year. Sign-ups will start Oct. 9 and the challenge will kick off Oct. 23
N Good Health Video Courses(10 points each, max 100 points) – Can be found in your N Good Health account by clicking on Challenges, Find a Challenge, Video Courses
Personal Challenges (10 points each, max 100 points) – Can be found in your N Good Health account by clicking on Challenges, Find a Challenge, Personal Challenges
EAP/Life Balance Assessments(25 points each, max 100 points) – Create more balance and success in your life. To make an appointment call (502) 451-8262 and have the tracker form completed.
Onsite visits will be available at a few Norton facilities. To see locations click here, appointments will be on a first come bases.
Great American Smokeout(10 points) – Stop by your hospital cafeteria on Thursday, November 16th from 11a.m. – 1 p.m.
Take 3 For Me – Earn 3 points for each “Take 3 for Me’ video watched. Max. 27 points. Points will be awarded the month following completion of the activity.
Monthly Step Challenge – You can earn 25 points monthly simply by tracking your steps!
Use the “Tracker” page to enter your daily step total or connect a wearable device to log your steps. You must average 7,500 or more steps per day to earn the points.
Gym partnerships – Check in 8 times in a month and earn 20 points. Points are awarded the month following the check-ins. If you are a member to one of these gyms listed below, but don’t see points in your account, please take your Norton badge to the front desk to verify they have you marked as a Norton employee.
YMCA/Y@Work
Planet Fitness
Norton Sports Performance
NWCH Fitness Center
Feeling overwhelmed, not sure where to start, or think this is too hard? We are here to help and support you on your wellness journey, please give us a call (502) 629-2162. Remember, a minimum of 200 points can still give you an extra $15 a pay period in 2024, if covered on a Norton Healthcare medical plan.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual reminder to schedule a mammogram appointment and to support, remember and honor those who currently are fighting breast cancer or have lost their battle.
Breast cancer fast facts
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer
About 1 percent of men are diagnosed with breast cancer
Early detection significantly increases breast cancer survival rates
Women over 40 should get a mammogram yearly
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women
Over 3 million people are breast cancer survivors
As many as 40% of cancerous lumps in the breast are found during a self-check. Perform a breast self-exam each month. The best time is the week after your period ends.
In its earliest stages, breast cancer may not have symptoms and it is not always in the form of a lump. Report any of the signs below to your doctor right away:
Lump
Swelling in or around your breast, collarbone or armpit
Skin thickening or redness in or around your breast
Breast warmth and itching
Nipple changes or discharge
Breast pain lasting more than three weeks
How to reduce your breast cancer risk
Be active by exercising most days of the week (walking, jogging, yoga, etc.); aim for 30 minutes per day
Maintain a healthy weight. Know your body mass index (BMI), and if you are in the obese or morbidly obese range, losing weight reduces your risk
Limit how much alcohol you drink. The American Institute for Cancer recommends no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.
Know your breasts and how they look and feel through monthly self-exams. If you notice changes in what is “normal” for you, report to your doctor right away.
Get a mammogram
If you are over the age of 40, most organizations recommend an annual mammogram. Schedule today by calling (502) 629-1234, option 3 or visit Norton Women’s Care.
By staying current with your preventive mammogram screenings, you can earn 50 N Good Health program activity points
How is your life balance? N Good Health has a partnership with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Wayne Corp. to support your mental well-being as part of Staying Balanced with EAP. Completing a life-balance assessment gives you a visual representation of how balanced your life is. Set goals with a specialist from Wayne Corp. to help you create more balance and success in your life.
This 20-minute, one-on-one session is sure to get you back on track. Wayne Corp. is offering a onetime on-site Life Balance Assessment at a Norton Healthcare facility near you. Check the schedule below and make your appointment now! On-site appointments will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To make an appointment, contact EAP by calling Wayne Corp. at (502) 451-8262 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Appointments are completely confidential and there is no cost to you. Points are awarded when you voluntarily submit a tracker form to N Good Health by emailing it to ngoodhealth@nortonhealthcare.org.
Wayne Corp also offers clinical counseling sessions at the Wayne Corp. office or virtually. There you can receive support in areas such as:
Emotional difficulties
Marital conflicts
Stress
Alcohol or drug problems
Relationship issues
Parent/child/family conflicts
The Employee Assistance Program and N Good Health abide by all HIPAA (privacy) standards and do not share any health information. No personal or appointment information will be shared between the EAP and N Good Health. To receive N Good Health points for using the EAP, submit a tracker form to N Good Health.