iHealthy QuarterlyNEWSLETTER

EVENTS

2017

• 40 percent of workers say their job is very orextremely stressful.• 75 percent say workers suffer more job-relatedstress than workers in the previous generation.• 25 percent of employees say their job is theirnumber one stressor.

Step Challenge January 16 - February 27

Upcoming Local Races & Walks

January 2017• 15th Annual Servis1st Bank First Light

Marathon - 1/8• Ryan’s Angels 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run/

Walk - 1/14• Panther Pride 5K & Panther Prowl Fun

Run - 1/21• Run for Shep 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run -

1/21

February 2017• Gator Chase 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run - 2/11

Healthy Tips

To learn more about stress, visit

www.stress.org

March 2017

• Spring Fever Chase 10k & 2 Mile - 3/19• Azalea Trail Run - 3/25

Even if you love your job, long-term stress can grind you down. Read on to learn more about stress and how to tame it in the workplace.

SeminarSitting Can Kill YouSpeaker: Joshua Hodge, M.S.

MIMC: January 12 - 12 PMThomas Hospital: January 18 - 12 PM North Baldwin Infirmary: January 19 - 12 PM Atmore Community Hospital: January 25 - 12 PM

Stress is a necessary survival response that draws upon instinct, hormones and muscle. Our distant ancestors’ “fight or flight” response to stress allowed the human race to survive in a hostile environment.

These days we no longer brandish a spear or need to outrun predators. Yet, we still have the same quickened heartbeat and surging stress hormones when faced with a stressful situation. Those biological responses are lifesaving when we’re in danger, but they can damage our health if they become a way of life.

The New Age of Stress at WorkLong-term job stress can grind you down. Learn more about stress and how to tame it in the workplace.

Your job used to be challenging but manageable. Now it seems no matter how fast you run, you can’t keep up. Your inbox is piling up and your boss is on your back.

This scenario is all too common, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In national surveys:

GET THE FACTS

From Cave to Cubicle: The Stress Response

Take Your Stress TemperatureCertain factors are well-known causes of stress in the workplace. Some of these include:

• Lack of control or output• Heavy workload or too many responsibilities• Working in dirty, noisy, or uncomfortable

surroundings

If Work Stress Is Getting You Down:

• Talk to your manager. Ask if there are ways to restructure your job tomake it more manageable. Be positive. Offer solutions, not justcomplaints.

• Explore work resources at your company. Find out if there is anemployee assistance program (EAP) or stress management courseyou could access.

• Take good care of yourself. Be sure to eat well, get enough sleepand make time for exercise. You’ll handle stress better if you’rehealthy.

• Get help if you need it. You may want to take a meditation, yoga ortai chi class. You might also consider seeing a therapist who couldhelp you seek solutions to your work situation.

Are any of these at the bottom of your stress? Are there other factors that play a role? Pinpointing the causes of stress can help you find solutions.

TAME YOUR STRESSThe good news is we live in an age when addressing work stress is important for business. Many managers know that stressed workers are not as productive, are more likely to get injured and take more sick days than workers who aren’t stressed.

A small dose of stress can be helpful. It may help you meet a deadline or score high on a presentation. But if stress becomes an everyday reality, it can lead to poor health. At first it can cause headaches, upset stomach and poor sleep. Over time it may lead to chronic health problems such as depression, back pain and heart disease.

2100 Covington Centre | Covington, LA 70433 | Gilsbar.com | GilsbarMarketing@Gilsbar.com | 800.445.7227

All Rights Reserved. ©2016 Gilsbar, LLC.

iHealthy ChampionDebra Robinson works in Quality Management for MIMC. She

Scan the QR Code for 10 POINTS follow these steps:1. Open your Healthy Now app2. Click Incentives3. Click on the camera to take a photo; it should automatically scan4. You will receive a “Success” message upon completion

Alcohol and/or Substance Abuse Managing Anxiety and Stress Depression and Emotional Issues Financial Difficulties

Personal Problems and Support Parenting Education and Support Marital or Family IssuesLoss and Grief Counseling

When Should I Call?Does a problem occupy a lot of your time? Does it interfere with your normal activities at work or at home? Have the

symptoms persisted for more than two weeks? If the

answer to any of these questions is yes, it is time to

make the call.

.is always finding ways to increase her physical activity minutes in her daily routine by walking at work during breaks or riding her bike when she gets home. Tracking her exercise on the iHealthy Wellness Portal has encouraged her to be consistent in her efforts. Debra has currently lost 32 pounds since the start of the 2016 year and is motivated to continue the progress through 2017.

“If you aren't dead, then be active. Great health benefits come from being active!” -Debra Robinson

Mobile

The Infirmary Healthy System Employee Assistance Program is a free benefit provided by Infirmary to assist you and your family in dealing with stress caused by some of life’s everyday problems. You may access the

EAP knowing that it is a confidential resource for seeking assistance in dealing with these many challenges:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Provided by the Professionals at Phases EAP, LLC

How Do I Make An Appointment?

To schedule a confidential appointment, call 478-5050 or toll free at 1-866-603-0700. Office hours are Monday –

Friday, 9:00a.m. – 7:00p.m.

Will My Supervisor Know That I Am Going?

No, voluntary visits to the EAP are strictly confidential, within

the limits specified by law. Information shared by you is not available to anyone without your

written permission.

Will It Cost Me Anything?No, each employee and their

eligible dependents are entitled to up to five (5) free visits per 12 month period. However, if you are referred to an outside

physician or agency, you will be responsible for any non-covered services, including co-pays and deductibles as specified by your

health plan.

Mobile - 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 404, Mobile, AL 36606Daphne - 2900 Hwy 98, Suite 203, Daphne, AL 36526Locations:

MEET YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH COACH

Josh Hodge, M.S.Personal Health Coach

Joshua.hodge@infirmaryhealth.org435 - WELL (9355)

Earn 35 points

for completing the Health Coaching Program.

As a part of the iHealthy Wellness Program, you are eligible for Personal Health Coaching. Complete the

Health Coaching Program and earn 35 points.

HEALTH COACHING PROGRAMS:• Weight Loss/Maintenance

• Tobacco Cessation• Lifestyle Management

• Exercise• Nutrition