Dallis Howard-Crow knows that healthcare isn’t exactly an industry with easy nine-to-fives. “Our organization is taking care of patients and families; that can make for stressful and sometimes physically demanding jobs,” she said of the essential work taking place at UCHealth.

Last week, she kicked off the 2017 biometric screening events, offered through the CU Health Plan, by joining her human resources teammates and other colleagues in getting bloodwork tests and body composition measurements. The screening window will be open until April 14, but she’ll get her results within days by using My Health Connection.

The results mean she can make a better plan for her own health, and she hopes the same for everyone else. “When people get the results back, they can take that information to their healthcare providers and make plans that are personalized for them. They can also view year-to-year results if they’ve had a screening before,” she said. Dallis explained that the comprehensive picture has really been helpful for her. Having all of the results in one place with her My Health Connection account makes it easier to track cholesterol and glucose levels to make sure she’s in the right zones, or making progress toward the goals she’s set.

That’s sort of what it’s all about – helping people meet personal health goals. “It’s about that focus on the individual. At UCHealth, we have about 17,500 employees, and that means we have 17,500 individuals with different jobs, health conditions and family situations; it’s exciting to offer this and help them get to that healthy state they want to be at,” she says, “It’s about the freedom to be you.”

By partnering with the CU Health Plan, UCHealth has been able to offer a host of wellness benefits to their employees that Dallis sees as a way to improve the health and wellbeing of all staff members so they can do great work and live lives fulfilled. “The healthier we can be – mind, body and spirit – the better care and service we can deliver to the people in our community.”

Change your health, Change your life: The Omada approach

A Q&A with inspired Omada user, Pam

More than 800 people have signed up for CU Health Plan – Prevent, powered by Omada, and many of them are finding that it’s created a dramatic impact on their lives. Pam is one of those people. She’s 42, lives in Denver and was able to meet her weight-loss goals after she joined. If you’re at risk for a chronic illness like type 2 diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, the program could help you save yourself from a lifetime of unnecessary medical issues.

We asked Pam about her experience with the program, and here’s what she said:

Imagine you’re talking to someone who is considering the Omada program but hasn’t quite been convinced. What would you say to them?

I knew I had to do something and this was just another option available.  But once I got started with the Health Coach and my group, it just all came together.  The lessons offered actually useful information in a non-demeaning way and focused on positive things to get us started and moving.  And it worked!  I had to put in the effort to get started and keep going the whole time, but the Omada program made the changes easier to get through with all their support and tools. The part I was the least sure about was the group interaction and it took me by surprise.  Everyone participated and made it more interesting than just a class-type format.

What makes the Omada program different from other health programs?

I feel like Omada is really positive and realistic.  They know some days will just not be that great for participants, but they encourage you to keep going and still make those small changes that add up over time.  I never felt like I was “talked down to” or “looked down on” because of my weight struggles.  It was totally supportive and encouraging, from my coach to the group members.  And everyone made an effort to be real – talking about the good, the bad and the ugly!

Tell us about the moment you realized the Omada program was going to work for you.  

It wasn’t one moment in particular, but I always had a positive feeling about the entire experience.  The lessons were helpful, my coach was always encouraging, team members helped with good info, tips and just listening, plus I could see that there was real progress toward my weight goals when I put everything together.

What is Wellness?  

Wellness can be defined as a state of being in good physical and mental health.  It’s so much more complicated than that, as many different parts contribute to the whole.  For example, being physically injured and unable to walk without crutches can put a strain on not only your physical health, but also your mental health.  Check out the National Wellness Institute’s Six Dimensions of Wellness and learn more about what it means to your own definition of wellness.

Be Colorado – Achieve your Best Self

We offer a full spectrum of health and wellness programs that provide support and guidance to help you achieve your best self.  Check out what we have to offer on our ever-evolving programs page.

Oral and Dental Wellness

Delta Dental has loads of free resources to help maintain and improve your oral health. Check it out at Delta’s website.

Wellness for your Mind

Have you heard of mindfulness meditation? Mindfulness can be described as an active state of paying attention to the present; sounds, feelings, thoughts, etc.  Practicing mindfulness is said to reduce stress, sleep better and feel more in-control.  Ever wanted to give it a try? Read this how-to guide and try it today.

Cook like a Pro

The University of Colorado’s Anschutz Health and Wellness Center offers cooking classes FREE of charge all year long on select dates!  If you’re looking to cut down on takeout but new to the kitchen, this is a great opportunity for you.

American Diabetes Association Updates Movement Recommendations

Move more often!  The American Diabetes Association has updated their recommendation for physical activity for people living with Diabetes.  Need some motivation?  Be Colorado’s Move. program offers a nice treat for getting the move on! Learn more Move.

CU Health Plan – Prevent! 

The CU Health Plan has expended their Diabetes Prevention program to include a new program that not only supports individuals who are at-risk for developing Diabetes, but also those who are at risk for developing any obesity-related chronic disease such as hypertension and heart disease. Omada is a digitally-based lifestyle improvement program open to all medical CU Health Plan members aged 18 and over.

Tips for Managing Diabetes

Thankfully Diabetes is a very manageable chronic disease. There are many things a person can do to successfully manage their condition. Take a look at Kaiser Permanente’s Diabetes healthy living tips and see things you can do to help manage Diabetes.

We Dare You

Take the #DiabetesDanceDare! Every 23 seconds an American is diagnosed with Diabetes. Help the American Diabetes Association spread awareness by picking your song, getting your groove on and sharing your video!

Nation-Wide Events

Check out the American Diabetes Association’s events list this month. Just enter in your state or zip and see what Diabetes Awareness events are happening near you!

Man or Machine?

Artificial pancreas?! Read through this article and a recent CU study that acted as major step in developing this incredible technology; technology that is far closer to being on the market than we may have imagined.

More Funding for Kids

A $1.2 million grant was awarded to the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Learn more about how this money will help kids get the earliest treatment interventions possible for type 1 diabetes.

Dense Breast Tissue – What does it mean?

If you’ve ever gotten a letter in the mail after a mammogram notifying you that you have dense breasts, you may want to consider some additional testing and information gathering. Visit http://www.areyoudense.org for more information on how having dense breast tissue can increase your risk for developing break cancer.

The Pink Life Saver Mobile Mammography

Scheduled for appearances all over the front range in October, the Pink Life Saver bus provides mobile mammograms. Check out the full schedule and make an appointment today – it could save your life!

Walk it Out!

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be held on Sunday, October 23^rd in Fiddlers Green Circle in Greenwood Village. This walk helps to raise funds for breast cancer awareness research. Every little bit helps, and if you don’t wish to walk you can simply donate or volunteer at the event!

You Are Not Alone

Bright Pink’s Outreach Groups provide women who are at risk for ovarian or breast cancer connections with other women living the in the Denver area who are working through similar experiences.

Men Wear Pink, Too!

Although less common, breast cancer in men is still a real concern, with 2,600 new cases diagnosed this year. In this personal Fox News story, Anthony Merka and his family urge men to get checked, too.

It’s Not Just a Problem in America

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness month! In this article highlighting two Northern Ireland families’ fight against childhood obesity, learn about how some parents in the UK are tackling this tough issue; it’s not just in America, folks!

Taking Action!

Check out the Children Hospital’s Community Action Plan for 2016!

Where Should We Start?

Throughout the month Mass Appeal of Springfield, Massachusetts will focus on ways to overcome this national health concern. Starting with an interview with Dr. Chrystal Wittcopp of the Pediatric Weight Management Program at Baystate Health, learn how to get your kids learning healthy habits!

Diet Soda Allowed Back in Schools.

After a 7 year ban, the State Board of Education decided Wednesday to allow diet sodas back on the menu at schools.

There’s more than one app for that!

Want your techy kiddos to be more interested in proper nutrition? Check out some of these great app suggestions!

Why Some Parents Reject Vaccines

Listen in on this broadcast from Wisconsin Public Radio about the issue of vaccination. Jennifer Reich, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado Denver discusses what motivates parents to vaccinate or not vaccinate.

Get the Picture: Childhood Immunizations

Are you a parent with questions about immunizing your kids? This video discusses some vaccination myths, tips and guidelines for vaccinating your kids.

Vaccines: A History

Did you know, in the year 2000 there were NO reports of Polio across the United States? Check this site out for a history of immunizations and why it is important to get them.

So, What are Vaccines?

Learn about what a vaccine is, types of vaccines and the diseases they prevent and vaccination schedules for kids and adults. You can even see images of some of the diseases that vaccines can prevent. Ick! But, interesting.

Need Help? Check Out This Tool Kit!

Download this free toolkit from National Public Health Information Coalition. This site covers pregnant women, babies and young children, school-age children, preteens and teens and adults, discussing the specific needs of these demographics.

Are Your Kid’s Vaccinations Updated?

Children are often required to have updated vaccinations before returning to school, and school and government officials are urging parents to get their kids (and themselves!) squared away before the school year begins.

Oral Health: A vital park of Good Health

Listen and learn about how poor oral health connected with your overall health – heart heath, recovery from surgery,diabetes, Alzheimer’s, pneumonia and more. Dr. Jared Fine and Dr. Ariane Terlet also delve into income disparities, how that affects access to dental healthcare and in turn the oral health trends of children. They wrap up theinterview with education for preventing disease early-on and a Q & A from callers.

See Your Dentist Twice a Year? 

How often should you see your dentist?  It depends on your teeth and your oral hygiene practices!  Some claim that the twice yearly recommendation was based on radio commercials for Pepsodent toothpaste. While that guideline may work for some, others can see the dentist as often as 4 times per year or only 1 time per year, depending on habits and overall health.  See this American Dental Association statement and talk with your dentist to find out what is best for you.

Ever Wondered If Tooth Whitening is Safe?

The American Dental Association has developed new dental standards for tooth whitening.  Check out what University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine’s Dr. Clifton Carey has to say about these standards.

Improving Kid’s Health  in a Fun Way

Meet the Sugar Troll, test your knowledge and find out what’s going on in your community with Delta Dental’s Cavities Get Around website for kid’s oral health.

Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes—where do you land?

Forms of bristle toothbrushes have been around for almost 1500 years, while the electric toothbrush has only been on the market for about 55 years.  See what the experts have to say on the great toothbrush debate!

Interested in Saving Money?  

Make sure to get your dental preventive visits and brush and floss regularly!  Diagnostic and preventive services are free with CU Health Plan-Dental EPO and CU Health Plan-Dental PPO, subject to exclusions and limitations.

Feel The Heat & Move Your Feet 5k!

Working on your dental health? What about your heart health?After all, it’s all connected! Get ready to Feel The Heat & Move Your Feet this August! Hosted by the CU Health Plan and Be Colorado®, this 5k is free of charge to the primary members of a CU Health Plan and their families. To learn more and to register, click here!

Delta Dental of Colorado and University of Colorado Provide Student Veterans the Heroes Clinic

Delta Dental of Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine offer dental services free of cost to veteran students of the University, changing the lives of these deserving individuals.

As part of CU Health Plan’s (CUHP) ongoing Prevention Works! campaign, we’re highlighting June as national Men’s Health Month. The purpose of the observance is to heighten awareness about preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

• Second only to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in American men.
• One in six men are expected to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime.
• More than 217,000 men in the United States are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. More than two million American men with the diagnosis remain alive today.
• The American Cancer Society recommends men with an average risk of prostate cancer begin the discussion about screening at age 50, while men with higher risk begin earlier.

Men’s Health Month gives healthcare providers, public policy makers, the media and other concerned individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.

Anchored by a Congressional health education program, this observance is celebrated nationwide with screenings, health fairs, media appearances and other health education and outreach activities.

“Therapy from the Creators of Pork Chops and Fighter Jets”

Okay, it’s not a big secret that men lean more towards silence when it comes to talking about their feelings. That’s why a Denver-based ad agency called Cactus, in conjunction with the Carson J Spencer Foundation and the Office of Suicide Prevention at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, created Man Therapy. Man Therapy is a tool that was designed with humor to help men talk about tough topics like suicide, depression and divorce. It could help out a fella close to you, plus it’s pretty funny, so check it out!

Study Shows Different Genetic Drivers Of Colorectal Cancer In Older And Younger Patients

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study presented at the 2016 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium shows how differences in colorectal cancer between younger and older patients may be distinguished genetically – a finding that could pave the way for better treatments for younger patients.

Testicular Cancer In Young Men Growing

Testicular cancer is not common overall, but it is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. The good news is that it has one of the highest survival rates, if found early. That’s why, as this video highlights, medical experts say prevention and overall awareness is critically important.

How Exercise May Lower Your Risk For 13 Different Types Of Cancer

In need of a little motivation to move more? A new study shows that, in addition to its other health benefits, exercise appears to substantially reduce the risk of developing 13 different varieties of cancer. That is far more than scientists previously thought. And did you know that when you make the decision to Move. more could get you $25 a month? Check out Be Colorado’s very own Move. program to learn more!

Talking to Your Son About Testicular Cancer

Testicular Cancer can arise at any age, but research suggests that young men between the ages of 15 and 35 are especially susceptible. As this data suggests, talking to your son may be difficult, but it’s a discussion that could save his life.

What You Don’t Know May Hurt You

There has been significant research in recent decades showing that many chronic conditions – from heart disease to prostate cancer – may be linked to everyday environmental exposures. As this report conveys, many men may not realize though that they’re at a higher risk than women for certain conditions brought on by environmental exposures.

New Study: Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness Linked To Low Levels Of Vitamin D

An investigation of men undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous prostate shows there is a link between low levels of vitamin D and aggressiveness of disease. Previous research has also found a link between low vitamin D levels and prostate cancer, based on blood samples taken prior to treatment. However, the new study monitored the blood levels of vitamin D within months before the tumor was identified as aggressive during prostate removal surgery. Low vitamin D may help explain disparities between ethnic groups with prostate cancer. For example, African Americans who are more likely to experience a more aggressive form of the disease.

CUHP ‘Prevention Works!’ Campaign Magnets For Men

Benjamin Franklin coined the famous phrase, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” There’s no arena where his words ring true more than in the area of health. With that in mind, in December 2015 CU Health Plan (CUHP) launched its yearlong prevention awareness campaign for Plan members with the delivery of a colorful magnet mailed directly to the homes of Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan members; it includes helpful health information personalized by age and gender. The goal was for members to post the magnet on the refrigerator (or wherever else that’s handy) as a daily reminder that, well, prevention does work. Here’s a look at the magnets for men, broken up into various age groups.

Sign Up For 2016 Broncos Stadium Challenge!

National Men’s Health Month is about taking action to be healthy and safe and encouraging the men and boys in your life to make health a priority. Denver Broncos fans will get the chance to get fit and learn about making healthy choices with the help of the Broncos. They’ve partnered up with 24 Hour Fitness, Children’s Hospital Colorado and UCHealth to host the 2016 Stadium Challenge at Sports Authority Field on Saturday, June 11. The program is part of the football team’s health and wellness effort to educate and motivate all fans to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

June 17 Is ‘Wear Blue Day’ 2016

Men’s health awareness can mean many different things – raising awareness about making healthy lifestyle choices, making regular annual visits to the doctor, getting educated on chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, starting general health conversations with their male friends and much more. One way to show your support for National Men’s Health Month is to wear the color blue on Friday, June 17. “Wear Blue Day” aims to raise awareness about the importance of male health and to inspire men to live longer and healthier lives, all while giving women an opportunity to encourage them to do so.

Wear Blue Day is a part of the year-round Wear BLUE® awareness campaign created by Men’s Health Network to create an opportunity for private corporations, government agencies, sports teams and individuals to raise awareness – and money – for education about men’s need to seek regular checkups, or testicular cancer education, prostate cancer education, or other health issues. Whether it is your friend, brother, dad, boyfriend, spouse, or boss, you may show them you care about them and their health by getting a group together to wear blue!

2016 ‘Denver Undy Run/Walk’ Set For June 25

The 2016 Denver Undy Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 25 at Denver’s City Park. The Undy Run is a 5K walk/run and 1 mile Kids Fun Run to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. Participants are encouraged to draw attention to their bottoms—and colorectal cancer—by participating in their underwear. This is a family-friendly event and all participants will receive a commemorative pair of “Undy Ru” boxer shorts! The money raised will benefit the Colorado Colorectal Screening Program, providing colonoscopies to income-eligible uninsured Coloradoans.

ShameOver: It’s Time To Talk About Men’s Mental Health

Men share their experiences dealing with mental health challenges as a part of The Huffington Post’s “ShameOver” campaign.

Male Mental Health TV Documentary

Talking about mental health is the first step to eliminating the negative stereotype around it — but for men, this can be particularly challenging. This short documentary explores mental health challenges from a male perspective.