Questions? Comments? Contact Kelly Kron UnitedHealthcare wellness coordinator kelly_kron@uhc.com (602) 954-3434

Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Prostate Cancer

Myth No. 1: Men die with prostate cancer, not because of it.

Reality: One man in six will get prostate cancer. Only one in 35 will die from it. Although men with less aggressive forms of prostate cancer may live with the disease for years, it is still the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. Many of the more than 200,000 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in the U.S. this year will be aggressive and will cause serious illness.

Myth No. 2: Screening isn't worth the trouble, because doctors can't agree on how useful it is.


Reality: The goal of prostate cancer screening is to find the disease early, when it can be treated more effectively. There are two types of prostate screening tests: the PSA blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE). Doctors agree that both should be used together to get the most information. Medical experts disagree, though, on whether all men should be screened for prostate cancer. This is because the screening tests are not precise.

For example, test results can come back positive in a person who may have an enlarged prostate due to a benign (noncancerous) condition called prostatic hypertrophy. Evidence has even shown that screening can be harmful, leading to unneeded surgery and associated side effects, such as erectile dysfunction. But screening can also save lives, especially if an aggressive form of prostate cancer is found.

Experts agree that every man should make his own decision about prostate screening together with his doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends that doctors discuss prostate cancer screening options with you starting at age 50. If you have a close relative (father, brother or son) with prostate cancer, or if you are African American, this talk should start at age 45.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force states that there needs to be more evidence to help doctors and patients know when and what type of screening is best. They do not advise screening in men 75 or older. You and your doctor should decide if screening is right for you.

Myth No. 3: All men have erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy.


Reality: Prostatectomy is the removal of a cancerous prostate gland. The procedure can damage nerves that control erections. During the first few months after surgery, most men have some degree of erectile dysfunction. Whether ED lasts longer depends on your age, extent of the cancer, your erectile function before surgery and the type of surgery you have. A nerve-sparing prostatectomy is an option that may reduce the chances of ED.

Myth No. 4: All men have incontinence after prostate cancer surgery.


Reality: Urinary incontinence (not being able to control urination) is one of the major side effects of prostate cancer surgery. For most men, it goes away weeks to months after surgery. One large study reports that five years after prostate surgery, about one-third of men still have some stress incontinence. This means that urine can leak out when you cough, exercise, laugh or sneeze. Leaking was considered severe in only about 5 percent of these cases.

MPS will offer prostate cancer screenings through Prostate Onsite Project (POP) for men 40 and over in November. Watch for dates, times and locations.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly cancer of the female reproductive system. It was long thought to be a "silent" killer. Experts believed it caused symptoms only after the disease had progressed and a cure was unlikely. In the past decade, though, cancer scientists found that ovarian cancer often does cause symptoms, even in the early stages. They hope that alerting women to possible symptoms may help reduce deaths. The four most common symptoms are:

• bloating
• pelvic or abdominal pain
• trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• urgent or frequent need to urinate

Call your gynecologist or family doctor if you have these symptoms and they:

• are a change from what is normal for you
• occur almost every day
• last for more than a couple of weeks

These symptoms are not specific to ovarian cancer. They have many possible causes, most of them benign. They are much more likely to be caused by conditions such as bladder infection or irritable bowel syndrome.

Women who have ovarian cancer often report other symptoms, too, such as fatigue, upset stomach, back pain and menstrual changes. But these symptoms are even less likely to be related to ovarian cancer than the most common symptoms.

Can symptoms help with early detection? Scientists are searching for ways to improve survival. One key is to catch it early, before cancer spreads from the ovaries to other tissues. About 94 percent of women diagnosed before it spreads survive five years or more.

Now, though, only about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found early. There are no excellent tests to reliably pinpoint the earliest stage. Experts are not sure that drawing attention to symptoms will make a difference in the death rate. But until we have better tests to find this cancer early, raising women’s awareness of symptoms holds some hope for saving lives.

Source: www.myoptumhealth.com

Why the Y?

The Valley of the Sun YMCA is a cause-driven organization for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. That's because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. 

You can now participate in the Valley of the Sun YMCA at the preferred rate of $18 for MPS employees. You may add an adult to your membership for only $10 and all children under the age of 18 for $8. There is no joining fee (save $99) until Sept. 30.

Benefits of a Y Membership

Youth development: nurturing the potential of every child and teen. The Y has child care, day camp, after-school programs and youth sports activities.

Click on the location near you to learn about specific programs at your local YMCA. Find your Y. 

Healthy living: improving the nation's health and well-being. When you are a member of the Valley of the Sun YMCA through the MPS Wellness Program, you have access to all 17 locations.

Enjoy free fitness classes (including Zumba, Cycling and Body Pump), open swim, Amazing Kids Watch (with family membership), open gym, and preferred rates and priority registration on aquatic lessons, personal training and youth sports.

Find out what is offered at your local Y. Find your Y. 

Social responsibility: giving back and providing support to our neighbors. The Y supports national Healthy Kids Day and Strong Kids Campaigns. Locally, the Y partners with other community service providers, raises funds, provides donations, and sponsors backpack and food drives. In 2010, the Valley of the Sun YMCA collected more than 2,000 backpacks full of supplies for needy children and surprised several school districts with supplies to help teachers get started.

Frequently Asked Questions About the YMCA

Q: Is the special MPS rate available at the Scottsdale and Tempe YMCAs as well?
A: Yes, the MPS rate is available at all of the Valley YMCAs.

Q: Can my husband join at the special MPS rate?
A: Spouses can be added to a membership for only $10 more a month, but the MPS employee must join to get the discounted rate for the rest of the family.

Join the Zumba™ Fitness Party at the Y!

Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves. We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. Zumba fans achieve long-term benefits in an exhilarating hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements set to salsa, merengue, cumbia and samba beats. Before you know it, your abs, arms and thighs are toned, and your energy level is soaring! Join the party:

• East Valley Family YMCA: 6:45 -7:40 p.m. Mondays, 1807 W. Sunview, Mesa
• Mesa Family YMCA: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 207 N. Mesa Drive

Print and present your free zumba pass in September (one coupon per employee per location). Click HERE for the September YMCA Wellness Tip.

CPR Certification Class

This class is for teachers, administrators, coaches, fitness instructors, parents, baby-sitters, medical professionals, etc. Students learn how to recognize a life-threatening emergency, how to provide basic life support and what to do in case of an airway obstruction or choking. For people in the medical field, this class is qualified "for the professional rescuer" as well.

Choose one of two class sessions:

Dates and times: 6-10 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 8, or 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 25
Location: Mesa Family YMCA, 207 N. Mesa Drive
Cost: $30 for YMCA members and $40 for nonmembers
Age requirements: Must be at least 10 years old with guardian
Registration: Register in person at the Mesa Family YMCA, 207 N. Mesa Drive, or call Paul Harris at (602) 212-5163.

Preparing for Flu Season

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a yearly flu vaccine for everyone as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.

While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during flu season.

The 2010-11 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season. Getting the flu vaccine soon after it becomes available each year is always a good idea, and the protection you get from vaccination will last throughout the flu season.

All MPS employees can receive free flu shots this year. Even if you don’t have insurance coverage through the district or UnitedHealthcare, please take advantage of this year’s flu shot clinics at no charge to you.

Click HERE for the dates, times and locations of this year’s employee flu shot clinics.

GET FIT Challenge

Join the MPS WIN! Team for the GET FIT Challenge, and participate in the 2010 PF Chang’s Rock 'n’ Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon on Jan. 16.

Some say completing a marathon or half marathon is one of the most challenging and rewarding fitness activities. From experienced runners to first-timers, there is a place in the race for everyone.

The GET FIT Challenge is a friendly team competition designed to get you and your co-workers out of the office and in training for P.F. Chang’s events. Awards are based on team participation.

Corporations and groups of 10 participants or more are invited to participate in the GET FIT fun. Walkers are welcome, and camaraderie is encouraged. So rally your co-workers, family and friends, and start training for the GET FIT Challenge.

Click HERE for more information on the GET FIT Challenge.
Click HERE for detailed instructions on how to join.

NOTE: If you have already registered for PF Chang's marathon or half marathon but would like to join a GET FIT Challenge team, please fill out a Transfer Request Form. Transfers are not eligible for the $10 refund that accompanies GET FIT Challenge registration.

Click HERE to join the district's PF Chang's marathon or half marathon team. Our team name is Mesa Public Schools.

Winner’s Circle Seminars

Weight Loss and Good Nutrition   


We’ve all heard the hundreds of myths about what is and what isn’t the best method to lose fat. How about some solid facts? That’s exactly what you will get when you attend this 60-minute seminar on true weight loss and proper nutrition. 

We will discuss:

• how to permanently control the most powerful fat-storing hormone in the body
• what carbs will actually help you lose weight, along with the “Good Carb Rule”
• the best proteins
• and much more!

This class will be very enlightening for all who attend. There will be a PowerPoint presentation and handouts. There will be healthy foods and nutritional prizes given to some participants.



Presenter: Karen Graham is a registered dietitian with 14 years of experience in food and nutrition. She graduated from ASU in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in nutrition management. She went back to ASU and received her degree in dietetics in 2005. Her experience includes working as a clinical dietitian in a level one trauma center hospital.

Graham has worked in a dialysis center as a renal dietitian specializing in chronic kidney disease. She has also worked in the nutrition supplement industry and is well versed in nutrition supplements and herbs. Graham has been in private practice since 2007 and takes an integrative approach to wellness by combining cutting-edge medical nutrition therapy with traditional, time-proven natural methods. Graham is currently assisting patients who are referred by their doctors to the Metabolic Wellness Center.

Click HERE to register.

Top 10 Fat-Burning Home Workouts



You don’t need a gym. Come and learn how to have an effective home workout in just 20 minutes. It doesn’t matter what your current fitness level is, this 60-minute class will help you understand the highest fat-burning workouts for your body, all from the comfort of your living room or office. Equipment needed:

• an exercise ball
• 
a resistance band

• your body (please wear comfortable clothing)



You do not need a ball or band to attend the class. We will also discuss alternatives for these pieces of equipment. If you don’t have a ball or band, we will give some away at the end of class to six lucky participants.

Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to learn how you can keep it simple and efficient with your at-home or at-work exercise routine.



Presenter: Learn from training expert Richard Morris of the Metabolic Wellness Centers and the the Fox 10 Morning Show. Morris has been in the field of fitness and nutrition for eight years and has helped thousands realize their body’s full potential.

Morris is a nutritionist, board-certified holistic health practitioner and a certified personal trainer. He is also a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

Click HERE to register.

Recipe of the Month

Artisan Greek Salad
Serves: 4

• 2 heads romaine, red or green leaf lettuce
• 1-1/3 cups red or yellow teardrop tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
• 2 red sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• artichoke hearts (canned in water, drained)  cut in fourths
• grilled pita bread, optional

Cut the core end of lettuce to release leaves; cut leaves crosswise in half. Rinse; drain well. Combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, olives and onion in a large bowl. Add vinaigrette, as desired, before serving; toss well. Top with cheese. Serve with pita bread.

Greek Vinaigrette
Makes 3/4 cup

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1-1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1-1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Combine vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, oregano and salt in a bowl. Gradually whisk in oil until blended. Season with pepper.

Submitted by: Michele Roberts, Westwood High School

Do you have a favorite healthy recipe to share? E-mail kelly_kron@uhc.com, and your recipe could appear in the next issue of the MPS-WIN! Wellness Newsletter. Please include your name, school or department and how long you have worked for Mesa Public Schools.

Be a Wellness Captain

The MPS-WIN! Program is once again looking for wellness captains to represent every school and department. It does not take a lot of extra time, but it is a vital role.

Wellness captains will receive communications and be invited to conference calls and meetings about programs, resources and events sponsored by the MPS-WIN! Program.

If you are interested, please see your administrator or supervisor, and complete the Wellness Captain Information Form. The first meeting and conference call will be at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8.

MPS-WIN! Fall Calendar of Events

View calendar details online

• Sept. 7: Zumba Party at the Mesa Family YMCA
• Sept. 8: CPR Certification Class at the Mesa Family YMCA
• Sept. 13: Zumba Party at the East Mesa Family YMCA
• Sept. 14: Zumba Party at the Mesa Family YMCA
• Sept. 14: Source4Women Online Seminar: Nourishing Healthy Kids and Promoting Healthier Lives for our Children (more information)
• Sept. 20: Zumba Party at the East Mesa Family YMCA
• Sept. 21: Zumba Party at the Mesa Family YMCA
• Sept. 25: CPR Certification Class at the Mesa Family YMCA
• Sept. 27: Zumba Party at the East Mesa Family YMCA
• Sept. 28: Zumba Party at the Mesa Family YMCA
• Oct. 1: Assess Your Health Campaign Begins
• Oct. 5: Winner’s Circle Seminar: Weight Loss and Good Nutrition
• Oct. 13: Winner’s Circle Seminar: Top 10 Fat Burning Home Workouts
• Oct. 19: Winner’s Circle Seminar: Navigating Your Health
• Oct. 25-Nov. 25: Employee Flu Shot Clinics
• Nov. 10: Winner’s Circle Seminar: Shock the Body: Making the Most of Your Exercise Routine
• Nov. 15-23: Mammogram Screenings and Prostate Cancer Screenings
• Nov. 16: Winner’s Circle Seminar: Navigating Your Health
• Nov. 18: Great American Smokeout
• Nov. 30: Winner’s Circle Seminar: Mood and Food
• Dec. 1: Lose & Win Challenge Registration Begins

Wellness Newsletter is published for MPS employees by the Employee Benefits Department.

MORE INFORMATION
E-mail: kelly_kron@uhc.com

Phone: (602) 954-3434

Wellness website
Employee Benefits Department