School of Wellness, May 2012
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Watch Your Back with Self-Care
Abstract: Most of you will suffer from low back pain at some point in your life. Factors such as pushing, pulling or lifting something too heavy, poor posture, and a weak core contribute to the likelihood of developing back pain. The article provides simple tips for you to protect your back from injury, including good posture, building a strong core, and office ergonomics... ...

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, April 2012
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Digestive Health
Abstract: You can ensure better digestive health for yourself by learning the causes of digestive problems, knowing how you can prevent digestive issues through lifestyle, and knowing when to seek professional help from a physician. There are several causes of digestive problems including contaminated foods, flu or illness, menstruation, and pregnancy. Sometimes digestive issues can signal a health problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallstones, celiac disease, or gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Request this article to learn more about preventing and coping with digestive disorders...

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, March 2012
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Fiscal Nutrition: Healthy on a Budget
Abstract: There is an assumption that eating healthy costs more than eating "junk" foods. A common rebuttal to this assumption is that an investment in your health will save you in the long term because of reduced disease burden. But is it true that eating healthy costs you more in the short term? If you prepare healthy meals at home and look for deals at local supermarkets, the answer to that question is NO. Enjoy these great tips and healthly meal planning options on a budget...

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, Febuary 2012
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Be a Savvy Healthcare Consumer
Abstract: Healthreform.gov reports that Americans are spending more on healthcare, yet receiving less coverage. Employer sponsored and individual health plans are getting more expensive, as premiums rise. Most Americans are also seeing increases in out of pocket responsibility, due to deductibles and copayments increasing over time. A 2010 Kaiser report states that in 2008, "US healthcare spending was about $7,600 per resident;" estimates today are closer to $10,000 per resident and rising. Now is the time to become a well-informed and fiscally savvy healthcare consumer -- it will save you money and will help you to optimize medical and insurance services....

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, January 2012
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Sleep Your Way to Better Health
Abstract: Getting enough sleep is pertinent to your overall health and well-being. General recommendations from the Mayo Clinic state that you'll need between 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal function and good health. Learn about the health benefits of sleep and how to improve your sleeping habits....

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, December 2011
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Holiday Stress Management - A Gift You Deserve
Abstract: The holidays bring a lot of joy, but also a lot of stress. Make a commitment to yourself and your family this year to enjoy the holiday season more and stress less. This article contains information on managing holiday stress, which was compiled from the American Psychological Association, the Cleveland Clinic, and the Mayo Clinic. ....

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, November 2011
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Simple Tips for Daily Stress Management
Abstract: It's safe to say that you've probably experienced some form of daily stress in your life. Work related stress is one of the more common sources of stress that you may experience. How you deal with stress is what matters most. Regardless of the source, unmanaged stress can have harmful effects on your overall health. Learning how to manage your stress level in a healthy manner can improve your health and help you find enjoyment in your workday....

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, October 2011
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Asthma: Define and Create Your Action Plan
Abstract: The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports that more than 22 million people in the U.S. have asthma; six million of those people are children. PubMed defines asthma as "an inflammatory disorder of the airways" (2010). When a person experiences an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways constrict, resulting in a reduced area that oxygen can pass through. Common symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. Unmanaged asthma can lead to serious consequences including ventilator dependence and even death. This full article includes general information from the Mayo Clinic, the National Institute of Health, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute...

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, September 2011
By Connie Gee, Med-Vision VP, Health Data Analyst, and Wellness Strategist
& Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Combatting the 2011-2012 Flu Season
Abstract: The new flu vaccines have arrived as early as August in some locations.  This year's vaccine will protect against three main strains suspected to cause the majority of illness this season.  Several organizations around the world investigate the influenza viruses found, how they spread and how last season's vaccine will protect people to help them determine which virus strains should be included in the seasonal vaccine. Learn about reasons for vaccinations and read helpful tips for avoiding contact with the flu virus...

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, August 2011
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Your Child's Health & Immunizations
Abstract: Being a parent comes with many responsibilities, and one of the most important responsibilities you have is protecting your child's health. The following offers you a summary of recommendations for health exams and required immunizations from the time of bringing baby home to the day you send him or her off to college...

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, July 2011
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Outdoor Safety for Family Fun
Abstract: Summertime is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with your family. Knowing how to make healthy and safe choices during the beautiful months of summer will ensure that your family has fun while remaining safe. Consider this your summer fun checklist for: sun protection, overheating protection, insect safety, fireworks safety, and water safety for pools, lakes, and the ocean...

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, June 2011
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Screenings Could Save Your Life
Abstract: Screenings are an important part of preventive health care. Finding potential health issues early can help you avoid costlier and more complicated medical conditions in the future. Being aware of various screenings can help you determine what is appropriate for you. When you are an informed medical consumer, you can more easily discuss health needs with a qualified physician.

This article provides a detailed chart with a brief description of some of the basic health screenings, as well as provides what the current recommendations are concerning when to be tested...

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, May 2011
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Hydrate for Good Health
Abstract: Water is an essential nutrient to life and to the overall function of your body. Making up about 60 percent of your total body weight, water is responsible for helping you flush out waste products, carrying nutrients to the cells, regulating body temperature, and lubricating your joints. Without the proper amount of water, your body will not function correctly.

You achieve proper hydration through the consumption of various foods and beverages such as fruits, vegetables, and milk. Milk's main ingredient is water and provides the additional health benefits of calcium and vitamin D. Sports drinks also hydrate and can be better than water when it comes to hydrating endurance athletes and those individuals working in hot or humid climates. Because caffeine acts as a diuretic, you cannot consider drinks like coffee, tea, and soda for proper hydration. Water is still the best choice for hydration...

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, April 2011
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Humor Can Help Your Health
Abstract: Have you laughed yet today? If you haven't, stop what you are doing and find a reason to laugh. It may sound like a strange request, but you will be doing yourself a favor. Laughter and humor are actually beneficial to your health. Consider these Physical Benefits of Humor:

- Improves immunity: Laughing decreases stress hormones. Stress suppresses our immune system and our ability to fight infection. Also, laughing boosts overall immunity by increasing levels of immunoglobulin A or IgA and the number of B cells. This helps fight off respiratory infections and helps the body make disease destroying antibodies.

-Promotes relaxation: Laughing releases tension in the body by relaxing the muscles, opening blood vessels, and improving overall circulation. This, in turn, helps lower blood pressure and improves oxygen flow throughout the body.

-Decreases pain levels: Laughing releases endorphins, the body's natural feel good chemical that can relieve pain.

-Complements disease treatment plans: While laughter and humor are not cure-alls for diseases, they can enhance an appropriate disease treatment plan. Laughter has been shown to increase levels of natural killer cells. This is especially helpful in cancer patients because these cells seek to destroy tumors and cancer cells...

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, March 2011
By Regina Novak, B.S., M.P.H., Health Educator for Med-Vision

Determining Your Vitamin D Needs
Abstract: Vitamin D plays an important role in a person's overall health. The main role of this vitamin is to help the body properly absorb calcium and phosphorus, which helps ensure strong and healthy bones, teeth, and muscle mass. The vitamin also helps regulate genes in our bodies, which can provide numerous protective functions including assisting with the maintenance of a healthy immune system, elimination of precancerous cells, protection of joints from arthritis, and prevention of heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, is produced in the skin when a person is exposed to sunlight and can also be taken into the body through our diets. …

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, February 2011
By Connie Gee, VP, Healthcare Data Analyst,
and Wellness Strategic Planner, Med-Vision

Blood Pressure is Near and Dear to Your Heart
Abstract: There are many ways you can prevent heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, and other life-threatening medical conditions. At the top of the list is monitoring of your blood pressure. Consistent monitoring can help you maintain a healthy heart and prevent heart disease. Almost 75 million adults in America have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic defines blood pressure as the amount of blood being pumped through the arteries plus the resistance to blood flow that exists in the arteries. There are two numbers in a blood pressure reading. Your top number, known as the systolic number, is the pressure in the arteries while your heart beats. Your bottom number, or diastolic number, is the pressure in the arteries when your heart is at rest…

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, January 2011
By Connie Gee, VP, Healthcare Data Analyst,
and Wellness Strategic Planner, Med-Vision

The True Meaning of Wellness
Abstract: It's January, and you have made resolutions to improve your wellness. The question is: are you sure you know what that means? More than ever before, we hear the word "wellness" said on television, at work, at home, and in conversations, without knowing the true meaning of wellness. True wellness is more than exercising or eating the right foods in the right portions. True wellness is multidimensional and involves good health, good quality of life, and a feeling of wellbeing. True wellness is also a process of continuous improvement and an awareness of always seeking ways to improve. The success of true wellness is based upon the choices made that are the best options for you. There are 12 dimensions of wellness, but the most commonly described are the following 10 dimensions …

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, December 2010
By Connie Gee, VP, Healthcare Data Analyst,
and Wellness Strategic Planner, Med-Vision

Ho, Ho, Ho, Holidays Without the Weight Gain
Abstract: The Holidays keep you running until you bring in the New Year. In addition to managing job and family responsibilities, you thrust yourself into a whirlwind of gift-buying, decorating, cooking, entertaining, going to parties, and traveling. If you are not mindful, these added stresses can wear you out and cause a lack of control in managing your health. The tasks of the season that should be happy and memorable then become something to survive rather than celebrate. After the Holidays, you can feel exhausted and cheated from not having your expectations met. You can do a lot to keep the Holiday stress within reasonable limits before it leads to trouble by including physical activity, balanced nutrition, and a little relaxation in your busy Holiday schedule…

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.

School of Wellness, November 2011
By Connie Gee, VP, Healthcare Data Analyst,
and Wellness Strategic Planner, Med-Vision

Strength Train Your Immune System to Fight the Flu
Abstract: The flu vaccine's ability to protect you is dependent upon the strength of your immune system. If you have medical conditions or have been exposed to the flu prior to the vaccine, protection is decreased and your chances of getting the flu increase. A combination of the flu vaccine and being pro-active about keeping your immune system strong is your best chance of avoiding the flu. Steps you can take to keep your immune system strong include washing your hands, good nutrition, coping with your stress, and getting adequate sleep…

Email connie.gee@med-vision.com or use the form below to request this full article with accompanying School of Wellness quiz.