"Blueprint to Wellness 2024" ESHCA Wellness Newsletter March 2024 The shareable link (printable) for this issue: For complete member services visit us at: www.eshca.org

National Colorectal Awareness

Colorectal Cancer is... cancer of the colon or rectum primarily the result of abnormal growths referred to as polyps, over time some may turn into cancer. the 4th most common form of cancer (145,600 new cases per year). 2nd most deadly (51,020 deaths per year). How do you protect yourself? 1) Get Screened recommended at 45 years of age for low-risk individuals (covered in full). 2) Know: Risk Factors, Lifestyle Factors, and Symptoms (read) Screening...participating in your Annual Physical ensures you stay current with health screenings. While a colonoscopy is the most common screening, there are other options one can discuss with their PCP. Mayo Clinic article: Colon Cancer Screening: Weighing the Options. Collect your $200 Annual Physical Incentive!!! Available to the Member and the Member-Spouse, review the details! You are never too young to participate in the Annual Physical!

Nutrition and Colorectal Cancer

More than 50% of colorectal cancers are linked to risk factors that can be controlled (American Cancer Society) including nutrition. Colorectal cancer is linked to:

1) Diets high in red meats and processed meats 2) Low blood level of vitamin D Vitamin D is monitored through basic blood work at your annual physical. Low levels are easily remedied using a supplement in the winter months. 3) Diets low in fiber 95% of Americans do not get the RDA for fiber. Read: Get More Fiber!

Testimonial: Consistent adherence to healthy habits adds up! I recently spoke with a member who participates in several of the wellness challenges (drink water, eat produce, walk 3 miles/day). Ten years ago, he incorporated these simple lifestyle changes and over that time has gradually lost 50 pounds. 

Financial Wellness: Do you have a financial plan in place?

The Wealth Enhancement Group (QCI) provides Financial Planning services at no cost to ESHCA members. Beneficiary forms, vesting, distributions, protecting your investment, etc. A yearly discussion with WEG ensures you "know your assets" and have your personal plan in place. You are never too young to take advantage of their services! Review the March Article from WEG and schedule your meeting today! 

"Take Action": Confirm Gia Download

The Gia MVP member app offers many benefits, including virtual Urgent Care that can lower "non-emergent" ER costs.

Help lower ER spend, please read!!! 1) Click on the link below and use the QR code to complete the registration (no cost - Gia is offered for free as part of your benefits). 2) Email Patrick (pflaherty@eshca.org) a "screenshot" of the welcome page (right). Already have the app? Open the welcome page (right), take a "screenshot" and send it in! 3) Please submit no later than 4/15/24. Challenge note: All members of the household are encouraged to participate, however, only one incentive can be issued to each member-household with the exception that more than one employee-member lives in a household. Each member-household is limited to 6 incentives per year, if you participate in more than 6 newsletter challenges your company will be given additional participation points toward the "Golden Boot" award, recognizing the ESHCA Wellness Company of the Year!

Gia MVP Member App

Get your crew (or office) involved!!! Take the lead, be a "Wellness Champion". Encourage the members of your crew to participate in newsletter challenges, have a group discussion and complete the challenge as a team.