Healthy Connections
Wheaton Franciscan Healthy Connections is about an overall relationship between employers and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare that allows us to help you maintain a healthy workforce and ultimately save health care costs. The following is a list of programs that can be customized to meet your company’s goals and objectives.
Educational Sessions | Workshops | Programs
On-site Educational Sessions
These sessions run from 30 – 60 minutes. Cost is $200 per session, including prep, materials and travel unless otherwise noted. Minimum 15 participants for a session, no maximum unless dictated by room size where session will be held.
CARDIOVASCULAR
Heart Disease: Prevention is the Key
This session will review heart disease and its symptoms. Learn about the risk factors leading to heart disease and how you’ll be able to modify those factors to help prevent heart disease.
Stroke
Strokes continue to cause significant disability and deaths. Prevention is key. Learn what your risks are and how to modify them as we discuss how vascular disease and strokes go hand in hand.
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
All Stressed Up and Nowhere to Blow: Healthy Stress Management
Learn fast and effective techniques to decrease your stress level while increasing your enjoyment at work and pleasure in your personal life. Learn to identify your personal signs of stress and several ways to immediately decrease your stress level by using healthy and effective stress management strategies.
Anxiety
We all experience anxiety at different times in our lives. However, when it becomes more frequent and intense than normal, we get concerned. This seminar teaches the clinical symptoms of anxiety and practical strategies to overcome it. Additional referral resource information will be provided.
Balancing Work, Family and Personal Needs
Find out how to apply helpful and effective strategies to help you improve the balance in your life to make you feel more in control and empowered. What changes can you make in your life to have more spare time, be relaxed and enjoy life? Come to this seminar and find out!
Customer Service Stress Management Strategies
This seminar helps Customer Service employees with the frustrations that typically accompany this challenging position. Attendees will learn how to improve their effectiveness while remaining professional in their communication with customers, co-workers, vendors and management. The application of these skills will assist customer service professionals in remaining calm and enjoying their jobs when stress gets overwhelming. Q & A time is built in to the final portion of the seminar to discuss specific employee complaints and concerns.
Depression
This educational and practical seminar defines the difference between “the blues” and clinical depression. It offers practical strategies to reduce the symptoms of depression, as well as helpful referral resource information for those interested in further information.
The Food-Mood Connection to Compulsive Overeating
Join Dr. Cindy Solliday-McRoy as she takes you on an enlightening journey into the food-mood connection of compulsive overeating and morbid obesity. Begin to recognize that food is not your problem…it’s your solution. You can do it! It’s not about you on a diet…it’s about YOU!
Holiday Planning and Stress Management
Learn fun and effective strategies to manage the stress that can accompany the holidays. Learn how to create an effective “holiday planner” activity schedule, explore economical and highly appreciated gift-giving ideas, as well as smart ideas to ensure you squeeze in every ounce of holiday fun while eliminating the holiday stress.
Laughing Our Way to Optimal Health
We all know that laughter makes us feel good, but did you know a regular 20-minute Laughter Yoga session can have a profound impact on your overall health and well-being. It’s true! One minute of rigorous laughter appears to be equivalent to a 10-minute cardiovascular workout!
Stress and Depression: What’s the Connection?
This presentation begins by defining various aspects of stress including the different causes of stress, which can sometimes lead to depression. You will be able to identify your own personal symptoms of stress as well as learn about general symptoms of depression; then learn the correlation between them. Finally, we will explore healthy, effective strategies to address and decrease the negative effects of both.
Exploration and Motivation to Change
"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink…." This entertaining, informative hour session looks at human motivation. Behavioral researchers have hypothesized that motivation for change is the most important first step toward any action or change in behavior. Come learn the stages of change that a person goes through when making a behavioral change and other helpful tips.
Reducing Financial Stress
Your employees will learn about ways to decrease the psychological stress of finances, learn and apply strategies to save money, and manage expenses on a tight budget or reduced income.
ERGONOMICS
Back Care and Ergonomics
Discuss injury prevention, care for lower back injuries, proper body mechanics, proper lifting techniques and an overview of ergonomics. This is an interactive learning session so participants will be able to demonstrate most of what is taught by the end of the session.
EXERCISE/FITNESS
Benefits of Exercise
This session will discuss time and frequency recommendations for exercise and how exercise aids in disease prevention. It will further talk about the FITT (Frequency/Intensity/Time/Type) Principle.
Dynamic Warm Up
This class will focus on warm-up exercises to increase muscle flexibility prior to physical activity. This class goes beyond basic stretching techniques and will involve audience participation so dress appropriately.
A “Round” of Exercises for Golfers
A stretching and techniques class for people who like golf. We will start with a lesson on the importance of stretching before you play and will finish with tips and techniques for a better game. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a club. Fore!
Strength Training 101
Our strength training class will show you the basics of resistance bands and balls and give you easy exercises that you can do at home or at the office. Please wear athletic shoes to this class.
Yoga/Pilates Combo
This class will give you a sample of both Yoga and Pilates, and will show you differences between the two. If you have never tried these classes, you won’t want to miss this sampler.
GASTROENTEROLOGY
Colon Cancer Prevention
How important is colon cancer? Who is at risk for getting colon cancer? Should you wait for symptoms of colon cancer? Learn how physicians screen for colon cancer.
GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease)
This session will cover the symptoms, causes and treatment of GERD. Participants will also learn how to prevent further esophageal damage with recommended life style changes.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
This session covers what causes a peptic ulcer, how it is diagnosed and treated. The participant will also learn ways to keep a peptic ulcer from reoccurring.
GENERAL HEALTH
Ask a Pharmacist
Learn how to get the most out of your medications and your medication dollars. The presentation can be customized to reflect a specific employer’s drug benefit with assistance from their Human Resources Department. Ample time is provided for questions during and after the presentation.
How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider
This session will explain the information that consumers need from health care providers and how to create and hold a proactive dialogue. Participants will be able to explain the benefits of proactive dialogue concerning their health care and be able to determine the information they need from health care providers.
Insomnia
Approximately 40 million people in the United States suffer from a chronic sleeping disorder such as insomnia. Insomnia has been often described as the most common sleep complaint among Americans. It leaves individuals often feeling tired, creates difficulties with concentrating, and the increased likelihood of accidents, such as automobile collisions. During this talk, the cardinal signs of this disorder will be discussed, along with the causes, negative implications, and available treatments and recommendations.
Preventative Health Screenings
This session will review a preventative checklist. You will learn about cardiovascular risk factors, cancer screening tests, questions to ask your physician, and the importance of routine maintenance.
Sleep Apnea
Approximately 40 million people in the United States suffer from a chronic sleeping disorder such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is far more common than generally understood. It leaves individuals often feeling tired, creates difficulties with concentrating and the increased likelihood of accidents, such as automobile collisions. During this talk, the cardinal signs of this disorder will be discussed, along with the causes, negative implications, and available treatments and recommendations.
Understanding Your Healthcare Bill and Explanation of Benefits Statement
Do you get your health care bill and scratch your head? And what is an Explanation of benefits from the insurance company? This presentation will help you navigate through your health care bills and understand how to reconcile them with your insurance explanation of benefits statements.
NEUROLOGY
Headache Pain – You Don’t Have to Live With It
This session discusses the Impact of daily life/work on migraines and headaches. How do you diagnosis the headache - is it a migraine or other type of headache? Treatment options will be explored (what Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare has to offer at the Comprehensive Headache Center as well as a multi-disciplinary approach).
It’s Not All in Your Head
This session discusses self treatment approaches to managing headache pain. You will learn how to identify and treat 3 common muscles that often produce headache pain.
NUTRITION
Are You Getting All the Nutrients You Need As You Age?
As people age, they need fewer calories, but the same or even more of certain nutrients. Learn why you need specific nutrients such as calcium, folate and riboflavin - and how to get them.
Are You Salt Savvy?
Watching your salt intake can be a challenge. This program reviews current sodium guidelines, sources of sodium in the diet, how to identify sodium on the food label, and tips on how to make your foods tasty with less added salt.
Caught in a Hamster Wheel? Tips for Healthy Eating on the Run
Do you feel like all you do is go, go, go, and before you know it you have missed breakfast and lunch? This session reviews current trends in American eating patterns and provides practical tips for healthy eating while on the run.
DASH Your Way to Lower Blood Pressure
“Can you pass the salt?” A sprinkle here, a dash there, it is not uncommon to find ourselves jazzing up dinner with salt. Learn dietary approaches to stop hypertension as well as incorporates DASH diet guidelines into a healthy eating pattern for those who have hypertension.
Do you have Portion Distortion?
Are your eyes bigger than your stomach? With the rise of super sizing, grandes, and maxed out meals, no wonder Americans waists lines are expanding! This session reviews recommended portion sizes and provides household items to compare food quantities to help guesstimate if your portions are in the right ballpark.
Don’t Go on a Diet – Fix the One You Have!
Low carbohydrate, high carbohydrate, low protein, high protein, low fat, high fat …this session reviews healthy ways to manage your weight by improving lifestyle habits such as behavior modification tips, smart shopping guidelines, and ideas for making healthy menu selections when eating out.
Eating for a Healthy Weight & A Healthy Heart
Learn how to manage your weight the healthy way. Find out tips to improve your lifestyle habits instead of having diet restrictions, and understand how to make wise food choices for a healthy heart.
Fad Diets: Getting Your Healthy Weight
This session will cover the dieting mentality and an overview of fad diets. Learn weight loss myths, six signs of a fad diet, and six strategies for a healthy weight. Identify what diet is right for you.
Fast Food: Nutrition in the Fast Lane
Is your excuse for those poor eating habits, “I don’t have time?” Are you spending most of your time at work or in the car and the quickest solution for hunger is convenience? It is time to hit the brakes and fuel your body with the right energy to power through your day. Learn how to make healthy choices at the drive through window.
“Fun”damentals of Label Reading
This session reviews the food label to help consumers make nutritionally sound choices while grocery shopping, compare products to find the nutritionally superior products, and understand health and label claims.
Is Your Food Safe to Eat?
In this session, you will learn how a bacterium gets into food. Identify two types of bacteria related to food borne illness. Learn helpful tips on food selection, food storage, food preparation as well as how to avoid the bacteria danger zone.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All! A Look at the New MyPyramid Plan
The new MyPyramid provides an individualized approach to variety, proportionality, moderation, physical activity, and gradual improvement.
Osteoporosis and Nutrition
Did you know that 9 out of 10 women fail to meet their calcium needs? You will learn calcium facts as well as other nutrients that help your bones. You will also learn what may hurt your bones.
7 Healthy Habits of Menopausal Women
This session will increase the participants’ awareness of the physical and emotional changes that occur before, during and after menopause. The participants will learn seven strategies for coping with menopausal changes and how to promote good health as you age.
The Skinny of Fat and Cholesterol
Fat has a bad reputation and no wonder the craze of low fat, no fat, and trans fat free products! Understand the current fat guidelines, types of fat and cholesterol, the role fat plays in our bodies, and ways to decrease risk for heart disease will give healthy fats the reputation they deserve.
Wise Choices for Wise Families
Do you get home from work only to hear differing opinions of what’s for dinner? Are you finding your family feeding the vegetables to the dog, only to ask “what’s for dessert?” This session addresses the USDA’s recommendations for daily intake as well as provides tips on ways to apply it to you and your family.
PREVENTION
Cancer Myths NEW
This presentation is given in a format in which inaccurate statements about cancer are put forward, then followed up with an explanation of the correct information. This manner of presentation encourages group participation and can lead to more in depth discussions about several different types of cancer, their symptoms, diagnostic work ups, treatments, and prevention-risk reduction strategies.
Cancer Prevention
In this session, participants will learn tips and techniques on how to prevent the following cancers: breast, lung, cervical, prostate, skin and colon.
Diabetes
Signs, symptoms and prevention
Hypertension: The Silent Killer
You can’t see or feel your blood pressure, so you may wonder why this simple reading is so important. Measuring your blood pressure gives your doctor a peek into the working of your circulatory system. A high number means that your heart is working overtime to pump blood through your body. The extra work can cause a weaker heart muscle and potential damage to organs over the years. Your arteries suffer when your blood pressure is high. The constant pounding of the blood against the artery walls causes them to become hard and narrow. This can lead to stroke, kidney failure and other heart condition. Learn how to keep your blood pressure in a normal range.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a softening of the bones and is a major public health threat that affects almost 44 million Americans every year. Take control and learn up-to-date information on the causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
Pre- Diabetes
Pre-Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be treated! Pre-Diabetes is blood sugar (glucose) levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. There is a lot you can do to know your risks and prevent diabetes if you have or are at risk for pre-diabetes. Learn what you can do to halt the progression to diabetes and to “turn back the clock.”
RESPIRATORY
Allergies
This session will define signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis or “hayfever” and discuss diagnostic strategies for hayfever. Participants will also learn about treatment options.
Asthma
This session provides an overview of asthma. Participants will learn how asthma is diagnosed, what happens in the lungs and airway, and how to treat and control asthma.
TOBACCO CESSATION
Tobacco Use: Updates on Smoking Cessation for Smokers and Non-Smokers
Do you smoke or chew tobacco? Are you thinking about quitting? Have you tried before and not been successful? Quitting is not easy for most people. In this session, the benefits of quitting tobacco use will be discussed and learn about the resources that are available and tips for helping you or a loved one quit.
WELLNESS COACHING
Introduction to Wellness Coaching
The participants will learn what wellness coaching is about by experiencing it during this interactive session. Participants will create their individual Wellness Vision as well as establish three month goals and weekly goals. Individuals will assess their readiness for change and identify what particular change is important to them as well as why they want to change.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and when detected early, the 5 year survival rate exceeds 98%. Learn your risk factors and the importance of mammography in the early detection of breast cancer.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): How To Protect Ourselves and Our Daughters NEW
Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, making it the most common sexually transmitted infection. In this session you will learn about the potential health consequences of HPV and how infection and HPV-related diseases can be prevented. Specific information will be included about the HPV vaccine which works by preventing the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
Menopause and Hormone Therapy
Menopause is usually a natural occurrence that all women ultimately experience. How to cope with the symptoms of menopause and learn about weighing the benefits and risks of Hormone Therapy. This session will cover the latest recommendations on menopause treatment.
Workshops
2 – 4 hours are needed for these workshops. Cost and participation noted below; cost includes prep and travel.
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Anger Management: How to Survive in the Workplace
Anger is a natural human emotion…it’s what you DO with your anger that can make or break you. This interactive workshop helps you identify your personal anger triggers and the feelings that cause them. You will learn effective strategies to recognize anger-producing situations and address them in a healthy, constructive manner. You will also learn how to de-escalate a situation when you are confronted by an angry person. This is generally a 2 hour workshop. $200 per hour; no minimum.
Assertive Communication Skills in the Workplace
This eye-opening workshop defines the four basic styles of communication, helps you identify the various characteristics of each, and helps you recognize your own communication style and those of your co-workers. Upon completion of this seminar, you will have the skills to be assertive in the most difficult circumstances, confront conflicts with ease and self-confidence, as well as apply de-escalation strategies for aggressive behaviors. This is generally a 2 hour workshop. $200 per hour; no minimum.
Conflict Resolution
Let’s face it…the majority of people would rather avoid conflict and hope it will go away, rather than confront it directly. However, avoiding conflict can have serious, long-term negative consequences. Each Conflict Resolution presentation is tailored to your company’s specific concerns and needs. A few sample topics include: educating staff about the costs of conflicts and benefits of conflict resolution; 10 steps to conflict resolution and how to apply those steps in the “real world”; and effective strategies for dealing with the following three specific conflict situations: Employee/Employee, Supervisor/Employee, and Department/Department. Please note that this is more of a training session and usually runs 2-4 hours. Consultations are available if you would like to have a conflict resolution training at your company but aren’t sure which direction to go with the training. $200 per hour; no minimum.
Emotional Intelligence: The Impact that Recognizing and Managing Emotions has on Relationships and Motivation NEW
This session is targeted for employees who understand the basic skills for assertive communication but want to improve their ability to recognize and manage their emotions in order to strengthen relationships and increase motivation and productivity. This is generally a 2 hour workshop. $200 per hour; no minimum.
Managing Multiple Priorities
This interactive session begins with an assessment of your current work/home life balance and helps you recognize how effectively managing stress can be significantly beneficial in increasing your quality of life. You will learn effective stress management techniques that easily fit into your lifestyle. We will discuss a variety of communication skills and practice how to successfully and comfortably use assertive communication skills with anyone, anytime, anywhere. Finally, we will explore strategic skill-building exercises in time management and organizational skills. Upon completion of this program, attendees will have an effective and practical strategies "toolbox" available for immediate use in both their personal and professional life. This program requires a minimum of four hours and can expand to a program of up to eight hours depending on the depth of coverage. $200 per hour; no minimum.
TEAMBUILDING
True Colors
In this interactive workshop, participants will learn what the true “color” of their personality is and how to value the differences of their associates. This program will foster improved communication, teambuilding, and leadership skills by enhancing the understanding of how to draw upon the strengths of their team members. Please note that there is a cost of $20 per person for supplies plus $100 per hour. Minimum of 15 participants.
Programs
These are held and completed with multiple sessions. Cost and participation noted below; cost does include prep and travel.
TOBACCO CESSATION
Breathe Better, Live Better
This is a 4 week smoking cessation program taught in a group setting. Participants will learn the skills and set a plan to help kick the habit for good. Please note that this class has an 8 person minimum to be offered on-site (max of 15), and there is a $75 per person charge.
A Breath of Fresh Air
This is a 12-week on-site tobacco cessation program. It is designed to provide participants with the tools needed to help them quit smoking or chewing tobacco for good. An educational group session, presented by an Exercise Physiologist, details the physical and psychological addiction to nicotine and the quitting process. Followed by twelve weeks of one-on-one counseling sessions with a Registered Nurse – Certified Wellness Coach, participants receive supportive and practical advice for effective tobacco cessation. $200 per session for the educational group session kickoff plus $60 per hour for one-on-one counseling. No minimum or maximum.
WELLNESS COACHING
Group Wellness Coaching
These interactive training sessions are scheduled for one hour weekly for three weeks, then monthly for three sessions. The sessions will close the gap between where you are now and where you want to be when it comes to your health and well being. Individuals will learn how to make positive lifestyle changes to live a healthier life. The sessions will cover: What is Wellness to You; Understanding Stages of Change; Creating Your Wellness Vision; Identifying Your Strengths; Building on Your Support System; Setting Your Goals; and Developing Your Action Plan. The group interactions build accountability as well as confidence that the participants will succeed at what they set out to achieve. Please note that for these training sessions to be effective, maximum group number is 15. Fee is $150 per participant for the six sessions.
NUTRITION/WEIGHT LOSS
Weigh to Live
This is a 14 week weight management program that will teach participants the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and a positive attitude.
This packaged program has the expertise and knowledge of an array of health care professionals: a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, mental health therapist and registered nurses. Participants set their individual goals and learn how to successfully change behaviors. At each session, a nurse will record weight and take blood pressure. This is a multidisciplinary approach to help participants make long lasting changes so that they can lose weight and keep it off while living a healthy lifestyle! $1500 flat fee; minimum of 10 with a maximum of 20 participants.
PREVENTION
Bosom Buddies
Do you have employees that need their mammograms? A time can be set aside at a Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Women’s Imaging Center for a group of your employees to have their mammogram screening on an evening or Saturday morning. While together, a Patient Navigator will share important information about the services available if breast cancer is detected. In addition, a Licensed Medical Aesthetician will be onsite to talk about skin care and provide discount certificates for services. Victoria’s Secret will also be there to show how to measure for a proper bra fit. Chair Massages can be provided for a specified cost. Mammograms processed through health insurance. Minimum of 10 for a date, maximum depends on facility where held.
Tune Up Your Engine Before It Needs an Overhaul NEW
This Cardiac Prevention Program provides six educational sessions for a healthy heart, your engine! Participants will learn about the risks for heart diseases and symptoms. Learn how to make lifestyle changes which includes the nutrition and activity guidelines for a healthy heart. Also learn how to develop the habits that will help maintain your heart health to stay strong and live well every day. Each thirty minute session also includes a screening or self check questionnaire. $750 flat fee plus $15 per person to cover the cholesterol screening in week one.
In Partnership with the
For more information on Wheaton Franciscan Healthy Connections and its Health and Wellness Services, please call (262) 687-2130 or contact Judy.MelaroGavigan@wfhc.org