September 2011
Grant Opportunity
“UnitedHealth HEROES” grants now available to schools and youth-focused, community center-based programs across the country
Young people across the country once again have the opportunity to become “Health Heroes” by learning about childhood obesity, designing programs to address it and implementing the programs in their communities.
Kicking off the fourth year, Youth Service America and UnitedHealthcare are calling all "Health Heroes" to apply for 2012 UnitedHealth HEROES grants.
UnitedHealth HEROES is a service-learning, health literacy initiative designed to encourage young people, working with educators and youth leaders, to create and implement local hands-on programs to fight childhood obesity. As childhood obesity rates are increasing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity has become a critical problem in America’s classrooms. According to 2008 data, one in three children is obese or overweight, putting them on the road to lifelong chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to programs that demonstrate a clear understanding of the health risks associated with childhood obesity; propose creative solutions to fighting obesity in their schools and communities; and can be easily implemented, scaled and measured. In addition, each grant engages participating youth in service-learning, an effective teaching and learning strategy that supports student academic achievement, and helps students develop their workplace readiness skills.
To obtain an application, visit www.YSA.org/HEROES. The website contains additional information about the program as well as “First Responders: Youth Addressing Childhood Obesity Through Service-Learning,” a step-by-step manual that helps youth, parents, teachers and other volunteers deploy YSA service-learning models to fight childhood obesity in their communities.
Applications must be submitted online before midnight, Oct. 17, 2011. Grant recipients will be notified in December and January.
“Childhood obesity is a serious health issue for young people, with more than 30 percent of our nation’s youth now overweight. The exciting thing is that youth have an amazing power to influence peers and initiate positive change. That’s why we are excited to offer these grants again this year,” said Kate Rubin, UnitedHealth Group vice president of social responsibility. “We look forward to seeing the creative ideas young people come up with to help fight obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles.”
To date, UnitedHealthcare has awarded nearly 700 HEROES grants to schools and community organizations across the country. Earlier this year, more than 20,000 children and youth logged volunteer hours serving their communities to help reduce childhood obesity. A list of previous grant winners is available at www.ysa.org.
UnitedHealth HEROES grant recipients will have the opportunity to showcase their projects on YSA’s 24th Annual Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), April 20-22, 2012. GYSD provides an opportunity for students to include their projects in a larger, global youth service movement that seeks to improve communities in all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
This Month's Take 5 Opportunity: Be Active
Train.Endure.Achieve.Matter
Join Team in Training and become part of the world’s largest and best sports endurance training program!
You might think now that there’s no way that you could run or walk a marathon or 1/2 marathon or compete in a triathlon or century ride, but you’d be amazed at what you can do!! Helping to fund lifesaving research will become your motivation, and knowing that your efforts are paying off by helping others will make you feel great!
What is TNT all about?
Team in Training (TNT) is the world’s first, largest and best charity sports training program in the world. They provide four to five months of fitness training by knowledgeable coaches, and the opportunity to be part of a supportive team. Participants come from all walks of life—from novice to seasoned athlete. Along with training, TNT provides you with;
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Your race registration
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A practice and race day jersey
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Clinics to get you started off on the right foot
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An amazing event weekend
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An incredible inspiration dinner the night before your event
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Coach support on the course throughout your race day
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A victory celebration after the event
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Lasting friendships and unforgettable memories
What are we training for this season?
The 2012 PF Changs Arizona Rock N Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon on January 15th, 2012.
This marathon is right in our own backyard! Along the route, you'll get a scenic tour of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. It is a flat, fast course with awesome entertainment. Enjoy a live band at each mile!
How do you sign up?
Come to an Information Meeting on September 27th at 4:30pm. Register at www.mpsaz.org/wellness or contact the wellness coordinator at 602-954-3366.
Fight the Flu!
The Center for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. In addition, you can take everyday preventive steps, like staying away from sick people and washing your hands, to reduce the spread of germs.
All Mesa Public Schools employees can receive a seasonal flu shot this year at NO cost! Even if you don’t have insurance coverage through the District or UnitedHealthcare, please take advantage of this year’s flu shot clinics all at NO charge to you.
Click Here for the dates, times, and locations of this year’s Employee Flu Shot Clinics.
For more information about the flu visit www.flu.gov
Make Your Mammogram Appointment 
Mobile Onsite Mammography, otherwise known as the MOM Mobile, has been providing onsite mammography services throughout the District since 2004 and the MPS-WIN Program is proud to offer this service again this year. MOM is pleased to offer the Full Field Digital Mammography and CAD Computerized reading and is now able to accommodate breast implant patients.
Onsite screenings will occur in November and April. Click HERE for the November schedule and make your appointment today. To make your appointment and verify your insurance coverage for this service, please call (480)967-3767. Have your insurance card available when you call. Insurance coverage is available if you have medical coverage with United HealthCare, BCBS, Cigna, and other select carriers. Non-insured patients pay: $167.00
It is the patients responsibility to consult their individual plan for coverage and limitations. You will be responsible for any charges that are not covered. Patients under age 30 must provide a Doctor’s referral. Please bring the following with you to your appointment: medical insurance card, Dr.’s name and address, and location of prior Mammography films.
Upcoming Winner's Circle Wellness Seminars
September 27th - Team in Training Informational Meeting
October 19th - Top 10 Fat Burning Home Workouts
October 27th - Understanding Nutrition
Visit the wellness website at www.mpsaz.org/wellness for more information and to register for these FREE Wellness Seminars. Space is limited. Registration is open 4-6 weeks in advance.
It's not too late to become a Wellness Ambassador and promote healthy living among your co-workers!
Q: What is a Wellness Ambassador (formerly known as Wellness Captain)
A: A Wellness Ambassador is a person who is a resource for their working location for the MPS-WIN! Employee Wellness Program. Duties may include: helping to advertise for upcoming events, having basic knowledge to answer co-workers questions about the program, participating in Wellness events, and / or inviting co-workers to be more involved in Wellness events and programs.
Q: What are the duties / expectations of a Wellness Ambassador?
-Attend the Wellness Ambassador Welcome event on September 20, 2011 at 4:30pm at the Administrative Service Center (63 E. Main Street) Room 303.
-Attend Wellness Ambassador Meetings or Conference Calls (held in October, November, January, February, and April
-Give a 5-10 minute presentation to the employees at your work site. The Wellness Coordinator will provide you with a short Power Point Presentation and flyers or you may request the Wellness Coordinator to come to your site and speak about the program.
-Participate in Wellness events and programs
-Hang or pass out flyers for Wellness events and programs
-Invite co-workers by e-mail or word of mouth to Wellness events and programs
-Answer questions from co-workers regarding Wellness
-Help new employees learn about and get involved with Wellness
-Optional: create a program specifically for your work site such as a walking club or Biggest Loser competition
Q: How do I become a Wellness Ambassador?
A: Complete the application by clicking HERE (or located online at www.mpsaz.org/wellness). You may submit the application via e-mail, fax or in person.
Q: How long is a Wellness Ambassador term?
A: Wellness Ambassadors will be appointed in August and serve for the entire school year.
Do you have a favorite healthy recipe to share?
Email kelly_kron@uhc.com and your recipe could appear in the next issue of the MPS-WIN! Wellness Newsletter. Please include your name, and school/department.
Success Spotlight: How did you stay active over your summer vacation?
The MPS-WIN! Wellness Program would love to hear about your wellness adventures. Did you hike, bike, walk, run, climb, surf, or skate during your summer vacation? Tell us about it. Complete the Success Spotlight form and send pictures to Kelly_kron@uhc.com.
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Upcoming MPS-WIN! Events:
September 20th: Wellness Ambassador Welcome Event
September 27th: Team in Training Informational Meeting
October TBD: Wellness Seminars Begin
October 1st-November 30th: Health Assessment Campaign
October 24th-November 4th: Employee Flu Shots
October 30th: Competitor Arizona 5k and 10k
http://running.competitor.com/competitor-arizona
November 1st-February 28th: Wellness Walking Challenge
November 7-15th : Onsite Mammogram Screenings
January TBD: Lose & Win Weight Loss Challenge
February 3rd: Wear Red Day
February 25th: Heart Walk
The Wellness Newsletter is published for employees of Mesa Public Schools. The Wellness Newsletter is produced by the Employee Benefits Department. Questions and comments are welcome. Please write to Director of Employee Benefits Judy Cato, Mesa Public Schools, 63 East Main Street #101, Mesa, AZ 85201-7422.