Inside this issue:
World AIDS Day—Dec. 1st
Spouse Biometric Lab Appointments
New Insurance Cards—Pharmacy Changes
1
No Increase to Insurance Rates
Holiday Weight Challenge Weigh-out
Happy Holiday Dessert Recipes
2
$75HB Re-shape Your Frame Weigh-ins
Holiday Blahs.. Are You Feeling Blue?
3
Hello Health Advocate—Creativity
Benefits Confirmation Statements
Rejuvenate Yourself with a Nap
Cranberry Apple Chutney Recipe
4
Lose the Covid-19 Weight Loss Program
Gratitude.. Holiday Giving & Receiving
5
Holiday Lentil Loaf Recipe
Blue Zones Workouts
6
CCG Wellness
Well-News
December 2020 Edition
Insured Spouses, Employee
Upgrades & New Hires
Holiday Weight Gain EQUALS
Poor Biometric Lab Results! Schedule Your Qualifying
Blood Draw TODAY
All Qualifying Spouses,
Employee Upgrades & New
Hires TODAY schedule your
Midland Health lab draw.
Use www.chpha.com to
schedule your lab draw. Call
the Health Advocate office at
239-252-5588 if you need
assistance.
LAB DRAW DEADLINE 3/31/2021
World Aids Day is celebrated around the world
Tuesday December 1st. It’s an opportunity for
people worldwide to unite in the fight against
HIV and to show support for people living with
HIV. There are an estimated 38 million
people who have the HIV virus. Despite the
virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35
million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making
it one of the most destructive pandemics in histo-
ry.
Today, scientific advances have been made in
HIV treatment. There are laws to protect people
living with HIV and we understand so much
more about the condition. Despite these
advances, people do not know the facts about
how to protect themselves and others, and the
stigma and discrimination remains a reality for
many people living with the condition.
HIV is transmitted through body fluids that
include blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids
and breast milk. It doesn’t spread in the air
New Insurance Cards Look for a new Allegiance insurance card
that will arrive in the mail by the end of
December. The new cards will have the new
pharmacy name, Navitus, and contact
information. You will need to present the
new card to your pharmacy starting
January 1, 2021.
Please contact the Benefits Office at 252-5214
or 252-8417 if you have not received your new
card by Jan. 1, 2021.
CCG Wellness Page 2
Insurance Rates Remain Unchanged!
For 8 years in a row our insurance premium
rates have had no increases. This beats national
standards by a landslide! The Kaiser Foundation
reported the average family premium has
increased 22% over the last five years and 54%
over the last ten years. In 2019 single and
family coverage for workers increased 4% and
5% respectively from 2018. How were we able to
maintain our rates for the past 8 years? It’s due
mainly to all insured employees and their spouse’s
participation in the Invest in Your Health
program. Your healthier lifestyle practices, preventa-
tive disease management, and completing age-related
health screens have enabled us to manage our health
care costs and pass the savings onto you. For 2021,
although preventative screenings are not mandatory
this qualifying year for spouses or new hires due to
Covid-19, we encourage all members to maintain
their physicals and age-related screenings.
Congratulations!
The Holiday Challenge Weigh-out
$75 Result-based Healthy Bucks
Weigh-out the week of January 4-12 at different
locations in order to obtain $75 Healthy Bucks in the
Result-based category.
GOAL:
Maintain a BMI less than 25 OR
If BMI was 25 and greater at initial October
2020 weigh-in you must lose 1 pound.
For those with a more muscular frame meet these
parameters for percent body fat:
Women < 31% body fat Men < 28% body fat
Inbody %Body Fat testing requires an appointment
scheduled through Allison Wroblewski, Wellness
Fitness Program Leader 239-238-6230
Happy Holiday Desserts
Looking for an easy way to eat more fruit this
holiday season? We’ve got one sweet little idea for
you. Eat dessert! Fruit makes a naturally sweet and
healthy choice at the end of a meal. With just a
little enhancement — and not many more calories
— you can turn fruit into a gourmet treat worthy of
a special holiday meal.
Fruit not only tastes great, but it’s also an excellent
source of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins A
and C and potassium.
Quick & Easy Fruit Desserts
Sliced navel oranges drizzled with chocolate syrup
and topped with toasted sliced almonds.
1. Angel food cake topped with a fruit purée made
from fresh or unsweetened frozen berries or mixed
fruit.
Apple wedges drizzled with caramel sauce.
1. Fruit kebabs served with a dip made from
low-fat vanilla yogurt.
A fruit parfait made with a layer of fresh pineapple
or canned pineapple (in its own juice), a layer of
prepared low-fat vanilla or lemon pudding, a layer
of thawed frozen blueberries and another layer of
pudding.
Cherry-Chocolate-Almond Pudding – Prepare a
4-serving size of chocolate fudge pudding and mix in
½ teaspoon of almond extract and 2 cups of fresh or
frozen pitted cherries.
Rice pudding made with brown rice, liquid eggs,
and low-fat milk. Stir in dried cherries or mashed
ripe bananas.
Pears poached in white grape juice and topped with
chocolate syrup and a dollop of reduced-fat whipped
dessert topping.
CCG Wellness Page 3
Re-shape Your Frame - Body Composition Program Weigh-in Week of Jan 4—12
$75 Result-based Healthy Bucks
Weigh-in for BMI
Weigh-in at any Holiday Weight Challenge Weigh-out clinic scheduled the week of Jan 4—12. Your weight
will be recorded and your BMI will be computed. Weigh-outs will be conducted in August and September
2021 at a Wellness Clinic. You will be credited $75 Result-based Health Bucks for meeting the below goals:
• Maintain a BMI < 25 OR
• if BMI is 25-29.9 then lose 5% of weight recorded OR
• if BMI is > 30, then lose 10% of weight recorded at initial January weigh-in.
Register for this program on http://colliergov.GoSignMeUp.com
Holiday Blahs…
Are You Feeling the Holiday Blues?
During the holidays and winter months, many people often feel lonely, depressed, or blue about life and the
celebrations going on around them. Covid-19 has increased these feeling of isolation too! Many may miss
someone in their life, be alone, or be suffering a hardship of some kind in their life. If
not recognized, these feeling could lead to depression, which the symptoms include:
Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings
Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficult concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
Overeating or appetite loss
Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts.
To help yourself, consider these tips: * Engage in mild activity or exercise. * Get
outdoors and enjoy an activity you once enjoyed. * Participate in religious, social, or other activities. * Set
realistic goals for yourself. *Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as
you can. * Try not to isolate yourself, and let other help you. * Seek assistance through Emotional Wellness.
Call 239-659-7751 for an appointment.
CCG Wellness Page 4
Cranberry Apple Chutney
This chutney is delicious
served warm with Brie and
whole grain crackers, chilled
with your holiday turkey or
swirled into a bowl of hot
oatmeal. NOTE: If you don’t
have spice-flavored tea bags
(such as chai, cinnamon or
cider-flavored) at home,
simply use 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon
ground ginger and ½ teaspoon ground cloves
instead.
Ingredients
• 4 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 large tart apple, peeled, cored and diced
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup water
• 3 spice-flavored tea bags
Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredi-
ents.
2. Bring mixture to a boil while constantly stir-
ring
3. Reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes
while stirring occasionally.
Once apples are tender and mixture thickens, remove
tea bags, transfer to a bowl and serve.
Creativity Boosts Our
Immune System
Creativity comes in many forms. Painting, drawing, crocheting,
journaling, singing, dancing or playing an instrument are just a few examples. Whether viewing art for appreciation or creating your own, it engages the part of our brain connected with pleasure emotions and significantly reduces our anxiety. Singing reduces stress hormones and increases a protein called Cytokine which helps the body fight illness. Creating art in any form decreases negative emotions and promotes positive ones. The medical profession is starting to realize the benefits that art provides to the healing process, pain control and sleep enhance-ment. Results from a study revealed that expressive writing or journaling benefitted patients by reducing depression, decreased doctor visits and improved immune system functioning. There is no limitation to creativity. Construct a collage from family photos, use molding clay to make a beautiful vase or cook a mouth-watering meal inspired by the cooking channel with chef inspired presentation. Grab that bag of seashells you have been collecting and enhance a photo frame or mirror. Art in any form can be designed alone, with a friend or family members in the safety of your own home. Once you find your creative groove, keep it up. Evidence-based research shows being creative on a regular basis has the biggest health benefits which include the delay of intellectual decline and decreasing other health risks. Art offers a release from our ever constant social media and television world. Start creating something unique and beautiful today to achieve a sense of accomplishment and boost your immune system! American Journal of Public Health CreativeLive Debby Tackett, RN, BSN Community Health Partners Advocate Office 239-252-5588
Benefits Confirmation Statements
The newly elected benefits
statements will be mailed
mid December. Please
review the information on the
statement for accuracy and
call the Benefits Office
i m m e d i a t e l y i f t h e
information is not accurate.
252-5214 or 252-8417
Rejuvenate Yourself with a Nap
“Fatigue makes cowards of us all.”
Vince Lombardi
One of life’s great pleasures is a
nap. Whether it’s a short, energiz-
ing catnap or a long, rainy Sunday
afternoon siesta, a little-shut-eye is a very good thing.
A short nap can revitalize your spirits and your
creative energy. Below are some other benefits:
Relaxation
Increased alertness
Quicker reaction time & better memory
Life’s too short to spend it all awake! Enjoy and take
an energizing nap...and have a great day!
Page 5 CCG Wellness
Lose the
Covid-19
Weight Loss
Program
$75
Result-based
Healthy Bucks
Are you one of the many who has gained weight
during 2020 due to overeating and lack of exercise? If
so, register for the Lose the Covid-19 Weight Loss
Program on:
http://colliergov.GoSignMeUp.com.
Weigh in at the Holiday Weight Challenge
Weigh-out Clinics the week of Jan. 4-12. This 12-
week program will issue you $75HB result-based for
meeting these goals at weigh-out:
BMI 25-29.9 Lose 5% of weigh-in weight
BMI 30 + Lose 10% of weigh-in weight
A meal plan will be given at time of weigh-in and a
monthly exercise plan will be provided.
Non-member Wellness Fitness Center participants
will be able to exercise at the Main Campus Fitness
Center for 3-months during program participation at
No Charge (does not included group programs).
Gratitude
Holiday Giving & Receiving
It’s that time of year—the Holiday season of
giving and receiving—when we celebrate with
our loved ones and contemplate what makes life
most meaningful. As the year comes to an end,
may you pause and appreciate the many
blessings and divine opportunities that have been
birthed through the challenges and discomfort of
2020.
As you look back at all the loss, uncertainty and
radical, rapid change that has moved through our
world this year, look for the state of awe, and
deep, profound gratitude. Being grateful for
what you have is important. Being grateful
to what your can GIVE is profound.
While you may not have much to give in terms of
money or resources, you can give your time,
attention, focus and presence.
Here are a few ideas to get into the spirit of
grateful giving:
• Surprise the car behind you at a coffee drive-
up and pay for their order. You drive away
before they know what you did, so it is a pure
act of giving, without getting credit or
acknowledgement from the recipient of your
kindness.
• Let someone into traffic - ahead of you.
• Return someone’s cart in the parking lot.
• Give an extra tip to your server
• Volunteer your time.
• Call a friend and listen to what they have to
say. Give them your full attention and time.
• Clear out your closet. Gift what you don’t
need or use to others in need.
• Share experiences with those you love, rather
than exchanging objects.
• Meditate or chant a mantra on behalf of
someone or something.
• Dedicate your personal gifts (such a painting,
drawing, sewing, gardening) to those in need.
• When walking the beach enjoy the moments
of solitude and greet others with a kind
thought (hello—enjoy your day!).
Be mindful and ask yourself, “do I have it to
give, in this moment?” And if it feels right, take
action with any of the above suggestions.
However, if you feel depleted and stress, you
must fill yourself up first—as you can’t give from
a depleted place. Take a time-out to turn inward,
and as you give to yourself, you will have more to
give to others.
CCG Wellness Page 6
Holiday Lentil Loaf—2 Loaves (8 servings per loaf)
240 Calories; 36gms Carbs; 9gms Protein; 7gms Fat; 220mg Sodium; 7gms Fiber Ingredients:
1 pound lentils 6 cups no sodium vegetable stock 2 medium white onions
1—8.5oz. Jar sundried tomatoes in herbs and olive oil ½ c. whole grain croutons
1½ c. old fashioned rolled oats 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dry thyme 1 teaspoon dry basil
Pinch of salt 3 dashes cayenne pepper ¼ cup egg whites
Directions:
1. Sort lentils by pulling out any refuse and rinse under running water.
2. In a covered pot, over medium heat, bring lentils and vegetable stock to a boil,
then reduce to simmer. Cook for about 40 mins—until lentils mash easily
when pinched between thumb and pointer finger.
3. Meanwhile, finely dice onions and sauté with sundried tomatoes over medium
low heat until onions are caramelized, so don’t turn the heat up too much.
4. When lentils are done, set both lentils and onion mixture aside.
5. In a food processor, pulverize ½ cup of oats and croutons until they look like flour. Add half of the len-
tils and the rest of the seasonings and process until smooth.
6. In a large bowl fold together whole lentils; pureed lentils; the remaining oats and sautéed onions. Add
the egg whites and fold together.
7. Transfer the mixture into 2 greased bread loaf pans, cover with foil and bake at 350° F for 45 mins.
BLUE ZONES
WORKOUTS:
Try these daily Blue Zones
exercises to rejuvenate
your body.
Push-ups:
Wall sits:
Sun salutations
Plank: