Visit www.pinellascounty.org/hr/wellness or contact Wellness staff at 464-4049 or wellness@pinellascounty.org NOV 2019

The information included in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for consulting with, or any recommendation of, your healthcare provider.

INSIDE◆ Are Supplements Worthwhile? page 2◆ Maintain Campaign page 4◆ Wellness Center Updates page 5◆ Don’t Delay / Blood Drives page 6◆ Wear Pink Day Photos page 7◆ Domestic Violence Awareness Month page 8◆ Know Where to Go for Care page 9◆ Walking for Your Heart and Your Health page 10◆ Recipe / 30-Day Tune-Up page 11

Here’s what you need to know: There are no premium increases for 2020. All employees MUST enroll for 2020 benefits

using OPUS by Thursday, November 14. There is a new tool to help you enroll — the

OPUS Screenshots Guide with step-by-stepinstructions and screenshots to make it easy.

To learn about your options, visit the webpagewhich provides a webinar, video, handbook,health plan comparison chart, and much more:

www.pinellascounty.org/hr/annual-enrollment

November 1- 14Annual Enrollment 2020

By Jane Grannis, Wellness Manager

Thursday, November 21st is the annual Great American Smokeout, which encourages tobacco users to give up the habit for just one day. In sup-port of smokers quitting, as a non-smoker, consider giving up something you like just for that one day. You might pick sugar, soda, salt, TV, etc. If you pledge to quit some-

thing (tobacco or otherwise), email us so that we can include you in our December issue of To Your Health.The Great American Smokeout raises awareness about the dangers of smoking and the many effective resources available to help smokers successfully quit. For tips for quitting, see the Great American Smokeout.

Did you know? • Smoking remains the single largest preventable

cause of death and illness in the world.• Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every

year, or about 1 in 5 deaths.• On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than

nonsmokers. For every person who dies, at least30 people live with a serious smoking-relatedillness.

• About 30 percent of cancer deaths in Florida arecaused by cigarette smoking.

• Secondhand smoke has higher concentrations ofcancer-causing agents (carcinogens) and is moretoxic than the mainstream smoke inhaled by asmoker. And, it has smaller particles than main-stream smoke. These smaller particles make theirway into the lungs and the body’s cells more easily.

Continued on page 3.

Quit for Just One Day (Not Just for Smokers!)

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019

YourUHCNurse

Amy

Are Supplements Worthwhile?

By Amy Hertog, RN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Liaison

2

Earnings from vitamin, herbal, and nutritional supplements reached nearly $31 billion in the United States in 2018 and the industry is set to add over a billion more in 2019. If you buy supplements, how do you know if the supplement you are taking is effective…or safe?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements under a different set

of regulations than those covering “conventional” foods and drug products. Manufacturers don’t have to seek FDA approval before selling them. The FDA is not authorized to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. The manufacturers and distributors of dietary supple-ments are responsible for making sure their products are safe before they go to market.Always have a discussion with your doctor before trying a supplement. Some supplements interfere with how a medication is processed in the body, increase the side effects of a medication, and even block the intended therapeutic effect of a medication. St. John’s Wort, often used for depression, may interact with coumadin, digoxin, oral contraceptives, and some other medications. Black cohosh, used for menopause symptoms, may enhance liver toxicity when used with Lipitor, Tylenol, or alcohol.Some supplements have been generally accepted based on multiple studies over several decades.

For example, after speaking with your doctor, you may wish to consider the following:• Psyllium: Made from the husks and seeds of the

plantago ovata plant, psyllium is a soluble fiberthat is able to pass through your digestive sys-tem without being completely broken down orabsorbed. Instead, it absorbs water and becomesa sticky compound that benefits constipation,diarrhea, blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol,and weight loss.

• Beta glucan (whole oats/barley): A type of sugarfound in whole oats and barley, beta glucans maylower blood cholesterol by preventing absorp-tion of cholesterol in the stomach and intestines.Beta glucans may also lower blood sugar levelsin diabetics.

• Plant sterols and stanols: Referred to asphytosterols, these are a group of naturallyoccurring compounds found in plant cellmembranes. Because phytosterols are structur-ally similar to the body’s cholesterol, when theyare consumed they compete with cholesterol forabsorption in the digestive system. As a result,cholesterol absorption is blocked, and bloodcholesterol levels may be reduced.

There are many other supplements on the market. Some are to be used with caution, some have no clinical evidence to support use, and some are considered to carry a considerable risk. For more detailed information, view full supplement reviews at www.clevelandclinicwellness.com/suppreview.

Visit Amy’s web page or contact her at 464-5579 or by email at amy_hertog@uhc.com.

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019 3

YOU DON’T HAVE TO STOP SMOKING IN ONE DAY. START WITH DAY ONE. Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the Great American Smokeout® event on November 21 be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit. Quitting starts here.

Learn more at cancer.org/smokeout or call 1-800-227-2345.

©2019, American Cancer Society, Inc. No. 012936 Models used for illustrative purposes only.

Tobacco CessationDuring Annual Enrollment, all employees must attest whether they are a tobacco user. If you do not attest or are a tobacco user, you will be assessed a $500 Tobacco Premium in 2020 UNLESS you complete an approved tobacco cessation program between August 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.To schedule a class at your location, you need a minimum of 3 participants. Contact your Wellness Champion or email the Wellness Department to make a request.In addition to classes, you may satisfy the tobacco cessation program requirement with phone coaching or online lessons. Visit www.pinellascounty.org/hr/tobacco to learn more.

T O B A C C OKKNOWW

Quitting

Quitting smoking improves health immediately and over the long term – at any age. Stopping smokingis hard, but you can increase yourchances of success with help.Getting help through counseling and medications doubles or even triples your chances of quitting successfully.

The cost of smoking Smoking not only affects one’s health, it also impacts individuals financially. A pack-a-day smoker in Florida can spend more than $2,100 in just one year and more than $10,500 in five years. Use Tobacco Free Florida’s Cost Calculator to find out how much money you could save by quitting at tobaccofreeflorida.com/calculator.

Great American Smokeout, continued from page 1.

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019 410/21/19

MAINTAIN CAMPAIGN Monday, November 18, 2019 to Sunday, January 12, 2020 You are unlikely to experience snow this winter but you are very likely

to experience piles of food, to-do lists, and stress! Have fun while keeping your weight in check and maintaining healthy habits

throughout the holiday season.

GET READY Form a team of 4 employees, designate the captain, and come up with a team name. Registration opens on Monday, October 28. Watch your email!

OBJECTIVES Maintain your weight within 2 pounds during the holidays. Support your team members as you accrue points for 8 weeks of healthy habits tasks. Accrue the most points to win!

HOW Captains: Please email wellness@pinellascounty.org to set up a team and

get instructions including your unique registration link. Please include:o Team nameo Designated captaino Team member names and emails

Team Members: Your captain will set up the team and send you an invitation.If you would like to participate but do not have a team of 4, let us know and we willmatch you with a team.

Teams: All must register and weigh in by Friday, November 15. Contact us toschedule your weigh-in at the Wellness Center or your worksite.

To participate in the Maintain Campaign, team captains need to contact the Wellness staff and all members weigh in by November 15.

Pinellas County Wellness Program | wellness@pinellascounty.org | 464-4049

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019 5

The Wellness Center has a new machine you’ll want to check out for a different kind of heart pumping workout. Jacob’s Ladder is a fun way to get a cardiovas-cular workout without the strain on your spine and joints. Don’t be intimidated by its unique appearance! Learn what to do by watching a brief video demo then come try it.

The The Fitness Fitness FloorFloor Try Something New: Jacob’s Ladder

By Ashley Skubal, Wellness Technician

Wellness Center Equipment▪ Balls: BOSU balls,

medicine balls, slam balls,stability balls

▪ Bands: resistance and versa

▪ Battle ropes

▪ Bikes: stationery, spin(spin orientation required)

▪ Boxing equipment

▪ Foam rollers and triggerpoint balls

▪ Exercise equipment:elliptical machines,FreeMotion machine,Jacob’s Ladder, LifeFitness,stair climber, aqua rowers,treadmills

▪ Gliding discs

▪ Jump ropes and airopes

▪ Plyometric box

▪ Pull up bar

▪ Sand bags

▪ Stretch straps

▪ TRX

▪ Weights: free weights,weighted bars, kettle bells,squat rack, weighted vests

▪ Yoga blocks and mats

Extended HoursYou asked. We listened. The Wellness Center is now open 24 hours a day/7 days a week to employees, retirees, volunteers and interns. Please remember that this benefit does not extend to family, friends, neighbors, etc.

New Flooring

LFConnect App

WELLNESS CENTER UPDATESDo you work in downtown Clearwater or visit the offices frequently? The Wellness Center is a free resource available to you. It’s in the basement of the old Courthouse at 324 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue.

The Wellness Center is getting new flooring. If you use the facility, please anticipate section closures. If you are not on the Wellness Center Updates email list, please email us and we will add you.

Use the LFConnect app to track your progress and create targeted workouts for our new LifeFitness cardio equipment. Connecting only takes 2 minutes: • Turn on Bluetooth.• Download the app.• Open app.• Tap on QR reader in upper

right corner of app.• Turn on the machine you wish to use.• Hold phone over QR code.• Once you are connected, choose your

workout and go!*The app is IOS and Android capable.

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019 6

Pinellas County Wellness staff work with OneBlood to bring the Big Red Bus for employee blood drives every eight weeks. Please mark the next event on your calendar:November 7 - Public Works ERB, 22211 Hwy. 19 N., Clearwater, 12:00 - 5:00November 18 - Gulf to Bay Tax Collector 1663 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, 10:30 to 1:00

Learn more at www.pinellascounty.org/hr/blood.

Blood Drives

If you or your spouse/domestic partner has improved their life by making healthy changes, To Your Health wants to feature and congratulate you! Contact Jane at jgrannis@pinellascounty.org for details on how to share your story.

We want to hear from you!

TELL IT WELL EMPLOYEE FEATURE

Don’t Delay: Only 7 Weeks Left

The December 31 deadline to obtain your 2020 preferred premium and save $500 is just around the corner. Get your biometric screening and health survey completed now!What’s a preferred premium?The preferred premium means you’ll save $500 in 2020 on your healthcare premium. Step 1: Complete the biometric screeningThere are two components — an annual physical exam and lab work.Step 2: Complete the health surveyThe online Rally questionnaire asks about your health and habits, which can help you identify possible risks or medical conditions. What if I’m not sure if I completed the two steps this year? To verify that you completed both activities in 2019, see the Rally Quick Guide.How can I learn more? View the Biometric Screening and Health Survey FAQs.

Learn Something New in 2 Minutes2New

in

Need to enroll for your benefits in 2020 but don’t have a lot of time? Take 2 minutes to watch the video 2020 Annual Enrollment: What You Need to Know. Remember the deadline to enroll in OPUS is Thursday, November 14.

Did you know? • Blood cannot be

manufactured.• One blood donation can save up to three lives.• One in three of us will need a blood transfusion.• A single car accident victim can require

100 pints of blood.

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019 7

Wear Pink Day onOctober 18 Every October, thousands of people wear pink to raise awareness of breast cancer. Thanks for all of our employees who participated. Here are a few photos for your viewing pleasure.

Human Resources

Human Services - Clearwater and Veterans Services

Safety & Emergency ServicesSolid Waste

Human Services - St. Petersburg

Human Services - Planning & Contracts

Mammo Days Recap Approximately 50 women had a mammogram done during the Baycare mammography screening event in October.

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019 8

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Each October since 2014, the Clerk’s Office joins in the nationally recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month in an effort to show our support for ending domestic violence, supporting domestic violence survivors, and educating the community.

EDUCATIONWe provide informational tables in the lobbies of the Clearwater Courthouse and the St. Petersburg Judicial Building. In prior years, we have displayed the Silent Witness and Clothesline exhibits. Also, we offer several opportunities to our employees and other agencies to participate in our efforts to “Shine a Light on the Cause.”

WEAR PURPLE Employees could wear their Domestic Violence Awareness t-shirts any day during the month of October. This year, on “Turn Pinellas Purple” day (October 1) and “National Wear Purple” day (October 24), all employees were encouraged to wear purple. These days were designated as dress down days (jeans allowed).

COMMUNITY SUPPORTIn an effort to raise desperately needed funds for our local domestic violence shelters (CASA and the Haven), we have held basket raffles for the past two years. Baskets filled with goodies that have been donated by many of our departments are raffled off and the proceeds split between CASA and the Haven. CASA and the Haven provide a wish list of the most needed items and we collect those items for donation to the shelters. With donations, t-shirt sales and the basket raffle, the Clerk’s office will prepare a donation of $6,462.70 to be divided between CASA and the Haven this year.

Continued on page 9.

By Tess Jackson, Civil Court Records

NEED HELP?If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233. Also view the Clerk’s website which provides the Domestic Violence Safety Plan brochure and informa-tion about Domestic Violence/Restraining Orders.

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019 9

Know Where to Go for CareBy Amy Hertog, RN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Liaison

What happens when you or a loved one are sick or hurt and don’t know where to go? It can be confusing because there are many options for health care. UnitedHealthcare provides guidance to help you decide when to visit the emergency room and when to use less urgent options such as your doctor’s office or a walk-in clinic.Emergency Room

Situations when you should visit the emergency room include a severe burn or cut that won’t stop bleeding. See the graphic below for more information.

Doctor or Convenience Care Clinic

Visit your primary care physician or a convenience care clinic for conditions such as:• Strep throat• Flu shots• Minor burns or cuts• Ear aches

Virtual Visit

A Virtual Visit is a way to chat with a doctor by video 24/7 and you can even get a prescription if needed.

Nurse Line

Use the 24-hour nurse line to ask a registered nurse about medications, treatment, finding a doctor, etc. The phone number (888) 478-4752 is found on the back of your UnitedHealthcare ID card.

Learn More

For more information and to test your knowledge with a quick video, visit Know Where to Go for Care.

Major Lose

Can’t Other

Burns

Cuts

BreaksVision

Consciousness

Stop bleeding

Catch breath

Bite with venom

Back or neck injury

Know where to go for care.Visit the emergency room

Have something wellness-related you’ve done that you want to brag about? Completed a walk or race? Quit smoking? Started or joined a fitness group? Email photos and info to wellness@pinellascounty.org and we’ll give you a well-deserved “High Five!”

High Five!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month, continued from page 8

Air Quality

Supervisor of Elections

In addition to the Clerk’s Office, many other County employees showed their support for domestic violence awareness by wearing purple on October 24.

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019 10

Walking For Your Heart and Your HealthBy Ashley Skubal, Wellness Technician

Walking is one of the simplest ways to get active while you improve or maintain your overall health. Those who incorporate at least 30 minutes of walking into their daily routines reap an abundance of physical and mental benefits including increased cardio-vascular fitness, stronger bones, reduced excess body fat, and reduced risk of devel-oping conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer. Unlike some forms of exercise, walking is free and requires no equipment or previous experience. For even more fun, grab a friend! Check out Fit in Walking: Morning, Noon or Night from American Heart Association for more tips. Join your fellow Pinellas County co-workers on November 9th at the 2019 Tampa Bay Heart Walk, sponsored by the American Heart Association. Bring your friends, family, and pups to walk in support of heart health at Raymond James Stadium. Registered team members receive a free Pinellas team shirt and will walk together.View Heart Walk Registration and Event Information.

WHENSaturday, November 9, check in 7:30 am

WHERERaymond James Stadium in Tampa

WHYWe are all touched by heart disease and stroke. Help the American Heart Association fund lifesaving research, community programs, and advocacy in Tampa Bay.

HOW YOU CAN HELPIt’s not too late to get involved, so if you haven’t already, please consider joining our team and raising funds and awareness for this lifesaving mission. Email Wellness ASAP if you can join us.The Pinellas Team will meet at the red balloon tower at 8 am in the vendor area. (check-in begins at 7:30). Look for the Pinellas sign!

Join Us for the Heart Walk this Saturday

WHO DO YOU WALK FOR?by Josie Benwell, Utilities

My dad’s side of the family has a history of heart problems. Due to radiation exposure at his job, along with stress and on-the-go eating, my dad ended up having a heart attack in his early 40s. He has had several surgeries, including open heart surgery and 13 stents. Recently he has been diagnosed with diabetes, and although he is doing better by making health-ier food/drink choices, it is still a major worry. My sister has also been hospitalized for heart health reasons and she is only 39. Given the hereditary predisposition, my family and I are VERY diligent in taking care of ourselves.

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019 11

Turkey Open-Faced BLT SandwichAdding sliced turkey and replacing regular bacon with turkey bacon make this BLT a winner in both taste and nutrition.

• 2 slices nitrite, nitrate-free turkey bacon• 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise• 1 slice 100% whole wheat bread• 2 leaves romaine lettuce• 2 ounces low-sodium sliced turkey breast• 2 slices tomato

Ingredients

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.2. Place bacon on a sheet tray and cook in oven

until browned, about 5 minutes.3. Spread mayonnaise on bread and top with

lettuce, sliced turkey, tomato and bacon.4. Serve.Serves 1.

Change a Habit, Change Your HealthThe 30-Day Tune-Up learning series is winding down. You need to attend all 4 classes to receive credit. If you miss a class, you can make it up with another class or a webinar. How to Make-up a Class

If you participated but missed a class, here’s what you need to know:1) For a make-up class: a. There a a few onsite classes

remaining at GMD North and South, Animal Services, and Utilities (see the webpage).

b. No need to register. Just walk in and sign your name on the sign-in sheet.

c. Complete the class by Thursday, November 14th.

2) For a live make-up webinar:a. Register for a webinar.b. Log in to the webinar on your

computer and a phone at the scheduled time.

c. Complete the webinar by Friday, November 22nd.

3) Once the series ends, no additional make-ups will be available.

Wish You’d Been There?

Did you miss out on the series? You can access the 30-Day Tune-Up Workbook which includes valuable resources such as recipes, vidoes and apps.

New offers from YouDecide include discounts with: Chewy (pet retailer) Optucorp (travel) The Farmer’s Dog (pet food) Soothe (massage)

Learn more by visiting www.pinellascounty.org/hr/discounts today!

Savings from YouDecide

TO YOUR HEALTH | NOVEMBER 2019 12

* Separate orientation required for Spin class.All group fitness classes are held in the Wellness Center located in the basement of the old courthouse at 324 S. Fort Harrison Ave. in downtown Clearwater, and are free for all members. If you’re not a member yet, email our staff to schedule an orientation. The Wellness Center is now open 24/7.

Classes are subject to change.See exercise class descriptions and

satellite fitness center locations.Pinellas County Wellness Program

(727) 464-4049 www.pinellascounty.org/hr/wellness

November 2019 Group Fitness Classes

Incentive Payout ScheduleThe Wellness Incentives are reported and processed quarterly. It can take about 8 weeks to process once the quarter ends. To learn more about the Wellness Incentive Program, visit www.pinellascounty.org/hr/incentive.

November 2019 Group Fitness ClassesMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

* Additional orientation required for Spin classes.

12:15 to 1:00 pmKiller Abs & BackInstructor: Isiah(11/5, 11/26)NO CLASS 11/12 & 11/19

If you would like to receive updates for the Wellness Center and class updates including cancellations, contact us at

wellness@pinellascounty.org to have your name added to the

Wellness Center Updates list.Classes are subject to change.

See page 2 for class descriptions.Pinellas County Wellness Program(727) 464-4049www.pinellascounty.org/hr/wellness

6:00 to 6:45 pmStep & SculptInstructor: Lisa(11/5, 11/26)NO CLASS 11/12 & 11/19

12:15 to 12:45 pmSpin*Instructor: Ashley(11/4, 11/18, 11/25)NO CLASS 11/11

7 to 7:30 amSpin*Instructor: Casey(11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26)

7 to 7:30 amSpin*Instructor: Casey(11/7, 11/14, 11/21)NO CLASS 11/28

5:15 to 6:15 pmYogaInstructor: Kelli(11/6, 11/27) NO CLASS 11/13 & 11/20

12:30 to 1:15 pmLunch CrunchInstructor: Jane(11/25)NO CLASS 11/11 & 11/18

5:30 to 6:30 pmUrban Line DancingInstructor: Jolanda(11/4, 11/25)NO CLASS 11/11 11/18

12:15 to 12:45 pmTrigger Point In Spin RoomInstructor: Rickey(11/6, 11/13, 11/20)NO CLASS 11/27Pre attendance info:Trigger Point*11/6 Class in Main Room

5:30 to 6:15 pmKiller Abs & BackInstructor: Isiah(11/7)NO CLASS 11/14, 11/21, & 11/28

12:15 to 12:45 pmFull Body BlastInstructor: Ashley(11/1, 11/8)NO CLASS 11/15, 11/22 , & 11/29

1:15 to 1:45 pm**Special Time**Full Body BlastInstructor: Ashley(11/4)

All group fitness classes are held in the Wellness Center located in the basement of the old courthouse at 324 South Fort Harrison Avenue in downtown Clearwater, and are free for all members. If you're not a member yet, contact our staff to schedule an orientation. The Wellness Center is now open 24 hours a day/7 days a week.