A Message from the HAP Wellness Team

Autumn brings shorter days, cooler air and beautiful color changes. With the harvesting of root vegetables, squashes and crisp apples take advantage of your local farm markets to get the freshest produce available. Whether you freeze, can or eat them fresh, vegetables and fruits offer numerous health benefits such as fiber and anti-oxidants. Support your local farmers and eat healthy!

You may have noticed that our e-letters, which are now bimonthly, are a little longer than previous issues but we want to ensure that you receive the most current information and related worksite programs designated for the month.

October is noted for Breast Cancer Awareness and Depression while November is recognized for Diabetes and Smoking Cessation. Therefore we will be offering workshops related to these topics. (refer to our Workshops section below)

Since we are facing an unusual flu season we have some special information to share with you. Here is a Wellness by the Month dedicated to the flu season which may help you in scheduling your flu shot clinic.

To access other HAP related information and useful tools to be used during this challenging flu season, visit www.hap.org/worksite.

In addition, the CDC has developed a toolkit for businesses and employers. This site should prove to be a very useful tool for you.

As an example, here are a few ways to avoid spreading the flu at work during an outbreak:

• cancel non-essential face-to-face meetings and try conference calls or Internet-based meetings instead
• cancel non-essential business travel
• space workers farther apart in the workplace
• allow flexible work hours so fewer workers will be in the workplace at the same time, and
• offer telework options for employees

Please don't forget to schedule your worksite flu clinic. Visit our Web site at www.hap.org/worksite for a list of our approved flu-shot providers.

A Special Message from the American Cancer Society

October is Breast Cancer Month

In 2009, more than 192,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die from it. If detected at its earliest stages, breast cancer is 98 percent survivable. Because of the extremely high survival rate for breast cancer patients who detect their cancer early, the American Cancer Society stresses the importance of women beginning at age 40, to get annual mammograms, an annual clinical breast examination and perform monthly breast self-examinations. Women between the ages of 20 and 39 are encouraged to perform monthly breast self examinations and to get a clinical breast examination every three years.

Talk to friends, mothers, wives, sisters, aunts and loved ones about the risk factors for breast cancer including age, family history, obesity and menopause, and encourage them to schedule a breast cancer exam. For more breast cancer information or to find out more about patient programs in your area, please contact your American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

For more information on any of the American Cancer Society's programs, events, services or to obtain your free copy of the Michigan Mammography Guide, contact your American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

HAP recommends that women age 40-69 receive a mammogram every 1-2 years, and a clinical breast exam every year. Women at increased risk may need to be examined earlier or more often. Be sure to consult your doctor!

Topic of the Month - Depression

Depression is a serious illness that can occur suddenly or develop slowly as a chronic condition. It can be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, stressful events or medications and substances. It is more common in women and people who have a pessimistic outlook on life. Many people may become depressed during stressful times such as a divorce, death of a loved one, serious illness or financial difficulties.

October 8, 2009 is National Depression Screening Day. HAP promotes free and confidential depression screenings. Behavioral health providers who offer free screening are registered with the National Depression Screening Project, a nonprofit organization, developed to coordinate nation wide mental health screening programs.

If you or a coworker is experiencing any of these symptoms -persistent feelings of sadness, decreased interest in and performance on the job, a tendency to be accident prone, or increased absenteeism -it's time to talk with a professional. Call the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at your company. HAP members can also call HAP's Coordinated Behavioral Health Management Department at (800) 444-5755 to speak to a case manager to be screened for depression, and get referrals for depression treatment. CBHM services are confidential and help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. HAP members can also complete a mental health screening.

For more information on depression, visit the National Institute of Mental Health or WebMD, or call
the National Foundation for Depressive Illness at (800) 239-1265

Take a quick quiz on your knowledge of depression.

Smoking Cessation

Are you ready to quit smoking? The Great American Smokeout is scheduled for November 19, 2009. Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout by smoking less or quitting for the day. The event challenges people to stop using tobacco and helps make people aware of the many tools they can use to quit for good. So let this be the year that you succeed. HAP has several programs to help you on your way. See how we can help you kick the habit now!

HAP Featured Programs

Food, a Pillar to Health
Learn more about the impact that the quality and types of food we eat has on our health. One of our expert dietitians will educate your employees on organic, genetically modified (GMO) and irradiated foods. Participants will learn the value of healthy eating on a budget by buying locally grown and seasonal foods. This is a two session (45 minute/session) program. Minimum of 25 registered participants.

Workshops - Breast Health, Diabetes, Depression, Smoking Cessation
Invite one of our experts to speak on any of the above topics. Each session is 45-60 minutes. Minimum of 25 registered participants

To schedule a presentation for your employees, please contact us at livewell@hap.org.

Explore our Wellness by the Month flyers and share with your employees.

Now that the days are getting shorter, lighting candles is a great way to boost the ambience of your home. But did you know that most candles contain petroleum based paraffin and volatile chemicals can be released into the air? Pure beeswax candles are the least polluting choice. They last longer and do not smoke as they burn. Another healthy alternative is 100 percent soy candles. They burn up to 50 percent longer without releasing any chemicals.
planetgreen.discovery.com

'Nana Bread: moist, delicious bread and all without using butter in the recipe.
(see recipe and demo)

Scrambled Greek Omelette Florentine: kick start your day with a high protein, high fiber breakfast.
(see recipe and demo)

*Recipes are reprinted with permission from Zonya Foco's Lickety-Split Meals cookbook.

Start Planning Now!

In the month of December we will be promoting workshops on Holiday Stress and Healthy Eating during the Holidays.
To learn more or to schedule any of these events contact us at livewell@hap.org.

Quick Survey of the Month
How has the economy affected your wellness programs? We would really like to know.

Flu Shot Clinics
Flu season is around the corner. Have you planned your worksite flu shot program? You can schedule your flu shot clinic on-line by visiting henryford.com or vna.org, or call Maxim Health Systems at 248-203-0304.

To schedule a speaker, health fair or wellness workshop on any of our topics, or if you have a question you would like us to answer, please contact us livewell@hap.org.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in receiving this e-letter they can sign up for it by going to our Web site at www.hap.org/worksite or by leaving their e-mail address at livewell@hap.org. We are always glad to share our health information.

If you have received this in error, please let us know at livewell@hap.org.