National Diabetes Education Month
November is National Diabetes Education Month and Benefit Options Wellness is focused
on diabetes during the final Quarter of 2011, providing programs and support resources.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body uses food for energy. Glucose is the
main sugar that comes from the digestion of the foods that we eat and drink. For example,
breads, cereals, fruits, and some vegetables that contain carbohydrates in the form of
starches and sugars. When eaten, these are broken down in our digestive track and
absorbed in the blood stream as glucose. The glucose then circulates in your blood where it
waits to enter cells to be used as fuel. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps
move the glucose into cells. A healthy pancreas adjusts the amount of insulin based on the
level of glucose. But, if you have diabetes, this process breaks down, and blood sugar levels
become too high.
What are the Symptoms?
Diabetes symptoms vary depending on how high your blood sugar is elevated. Some signs and symptoms are; increased thirst,
frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, mild high blood
pressure, and frequent infections, such as gum and skin infections.
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
All you need is a simple blood test to find out if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes. The two types of tests used are Fasting
Plasma Glucose and Casual/Random Glucose. Fasting Plasma Glucose is taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. Casual/
Random Glucose can be taken anytime during the day, without fasting. A glucose level of 200mg/dl and above may suggest
diabetes. The following chart shows normal to diabetic blood glucose levels:
Oct. & Nov. 2011
Topics in this Issue:
• Diabetes Education
• Breast Cancer Awareness
• Mini Health Screenings
• Weight Management
• Mobile On-Site
Mammography (MOM)
• On Site Projects (POP)
Screenings
• Flu Shot Clinics
• Healthy Recipe: Chicken
Salad with Walnuts
• Arizona State Parks
benefitoptions.az.gov/wellness
100 N 15th Ave, Suite 103 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Email: wellness@azdoa.gov Phone: 602-771-9355
BeWell October/November 2011 Page 1
Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. According to the American
Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women
in the United States this year.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in one or both of the breasts. It usually develops in the ducts or lobules, also
known as the milk-producing areas of the breast.
Although, breast cancer occurs primarily in women, it can also develop in men. Even though men have less breast tissue than
women, they do have breast cells that can undergo cancerous changes. Male breast cancer makes up less than 1 percent of all
cases of breast cancer, and is usually detected in men between 60 and 70 years of age. Different people have different warning
signs for breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all. A person may find out they have breast cancer
after a routine mammogram.
Diabetes, Page 2
Breast Cancer, Page 3
Diabetes, continued
Can Diabetes be Prevented?
Researchers are making progress in identifying the exact
genetics and "triggers" that predispose some individuals to
develop type 1 diabetes, but prevention remains elusive.
A number of studies have shown that regular physical activity
and a healthy diet can significantly reduce the risk of
developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is typically
associated with obesity.
Bottom line: Healthy Management, It's a way of life.
If lifestyles can pave the way to developing diabetes, they
are also some of our best means for fighting back. For many
people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or who are overweight,
lifestyle changes make all the difference. Eating better and
being more physically active can have major effects on your
blood-glucose levels. By following healthy eating guidelines
and making regular activity a part of your life, you are taking
an active role in managing your health, rather than letting it
manage you.
Resources:
www.eatingwell.com, www.cdc.gov, www.medicinenet.com ,
www.mayoclinic.com
Kronos Weight Management
Series
Benefit Options Wellness contracts with Kronos Optimal
health to provide a 12-week Weight Management series for
people who want to develop healthier habits and manage
their weight. The program does not rely on fad diets or lose-weight-
quick methods; it is grounded in practical and
medically safe guidelines, which allows for healthy weight
loss. Kronos Weight Management participants lose, on
average, up to 2 pounds a week.
Upcoming Courses:
Oct 11 to Dec 27 -- Dept. of Gaming, Phoenix
1110 W. Washington
Tues. from 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Main Conference Room
Oct 12 to Dec 28 -- DOE, Phoenix
1535 W. Jefferson
Wed. from 11:30am - 12:30pm
Conference Room B2
Oct 12 to Dec 28 -- DOE, Phoenix
2005 N. Central
Wed. from 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Conference Room 500
For more dates and to register visit
www.benefitoptions.az.gov/wellness
benefitoptions.az.gov/wellness
100 N 15th Ave, Suite 103 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Email: wellness@azdoa.gov Phone: 602-771-9355
BeWell October/November 2011 Page 2
Mini Health Screening
Campaign
All State employees and Benefit Options
members are eligible to participate in mini
health screenings.
The basic screenings are FREE and
optional screenings are priced as indicated:
• Height & weight; BMI; blood pressure; and
percent of body fat (body composition).
• Cholesterol and blood sugar (fasting and non-fasting
available)
• Facial skin analysis with Visiderm machine
• Free osteoporosis screen for women 40 and
older. $30 for women under age 40.
• $5 PSA screen (blood draw) for men 40 and
older. $42 for men under age 40.
You will need your Employee Identification
Number (EIN) and/or Insurance card for these
events. No appointments necessary.
Schedule of Worksite Screenings:
Oct 11 -- DES, Tucson
1011 N. Craycroft Rd. #404
10:00am - 12:00pm
Nov 1 -- DES, Bisbee
207 Bisbee Rd.
10:30am - 12:30pm
Nov 8 -- DOT, Mesa
1840 S. Mesa Dr.
8:00am - 12:00pm
Nov 10 -- DOR, Phoenix
1600 W. Monroe
8:00am - 11:00am
Nov 29 -- Dept. of Agriculture, Nogales
2771 N. Grand Ave.
7:00am - 9:00am
For questions about these screenings, please
contact Benefit Options Wellness at
wellness@azdoa.gov or 602-771-9355. If you
would like to have a Mini Health Screening at your
agency please let us know and we will do our best
to accommodate you and your employees.
benefitoptions.az.gov/wellness
100 N 15th Ave, Suite 103 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Email: wellness@azdoa.gov Phone: 602-771-9355
Mobile On-Site Mammography
(MOM)
“Early detection is the best defense we have at this
time for catching breast cancer in its earliest
stages,” says Catherine Midgette, Executive Vice
President of MOM. “If we find the cancer in its
earliest stages, the patient has a 97 percent
survival rate.” Mobile On-Site Mammography
(MOM) travels to perform mammography
screenings at worksites across Arizona. MOM will
directly bill insurance. Benefit Options health plan
members do not have to pay a copay at these
events.
Scheduled Screenings:
Oct 12 -- DOR, Phoenix
1600 W. Monroe
8:00am — 5:00pm
Oct 19 -- AZ State Hospital, Phoenix
2500 E. Van Buren St.
7:00am — 11:30am
Nov 21 -- DES, Phoenix
515 N. 51st Ave.
7:00am — 11:00am
BeWell October/November 2011 Page 3
Breast Cancer, continued
Some warning signs of breast cancer are:
• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the
breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including
blood.
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.
Keep in mind that some of these warning signs can happen
with other conditions that are not cancer. If you have any
signs that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away.
You can help lower your risk of breast cancer in the
following ways:
• Get screened for breast cancer regularly. Getting
the necessary exams helps with early detection; one
of the best ways to fight breast cancer.
• Control your weight and exercise. Make healthy
choices in the foods and drinks you have each day.
Stay active. Keep a healthy weight with more
physical activity.
• Know your family history of breast cancer. If you
have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast
cancer, ask your doctor what your risk of getting
breast cancer is and how you can lower your risk.
• Find out the risks and benefits of hormone
replacement therapy. Some women use hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) to treat the symptoms of
menopause. Ask your doctor about the risks and
benefits of HRT and find out if hormone replacement
therapy is right for you.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Benefit Options Wellness contracts Mobile Onsite
Mammography (MOM) to provide FREE mammography
screenings for Benefit Options health plan members.
If your agency would like to request a visit from MOM, email
wellness@azdoa.gov. A minimum of 20 participants is
preferred and each screening takes approximately 10-15
minutes. See the MOM schedule for October to the right.
Resources: www.cdc.gov, www.nbcam.org,
www.mayoclinic.org
Call MOM at 480-967-3767 to
schedule your appointment
benefitoptions.az.gov/wellness
100 N 15th Ave, Suite 103 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Email: wellness@azdoa.gov Phone: 602-771-9355
BeWell October/November 2011 Page 4
Annual Flu Shot Campaign
Get your FREE flu shot from Benefit Options Wellness to be
protected from the flu virus. This year’s flu vaccine will
include protection against both the seasonal and H1N1 flu
virus. Keep yourself and your family healthy!
Benefit Options Wellness is providing FREE flu
vaccines for benefit-eligible employees and Benefit
Options members (retirees, spouses, and dependents age
four and older).
Where to get your flu shot:
State Worksite Clinics
(Sept 15 — Dec 31)
Healthwaves Public Clinics
(Sept 15 — Dec 31)
Please review all dates/times of clinics frequently as
schedules are subject to change.
Large Clinic Dates
Phoenix — Wesley Bolin Plaza (Capitol Mall)
Oct. 17 — 7:30am to 12pm
Oct. 18 — 12pm to 4pm
Nov. 14 — 12pm to 4pm
Nov. 15 — 8am to 12pm
Tucson — 400 W. Congress
Oct. 25 — 7:30am to 12pm
Nov. 3 — 12:30pm to 4pm
Open Enrollment Expos
Oct 29 — 9:00am to 4:00pm
Phoenix
Nov. 1 — 9:00am to 4:00pm
Glendale
Nov. 2 — 9:00am to 4:00pm
Tempe
Nov. 5 — 9:00am to 4:00pm
Tucson
Nov. 7 — 9:00am to 4:00pm
Flagstaff
What you need to bring:
• Employee Identification Number (EIN) of the primary
insured (State employee or retiree)
• Benefit Options Insurance Card
• Photo ID
For flu clinic schedules or information regarding the status of
the 2011 flu vaccine program throughout the flu season, you
may visit:www.benefitoptions.az.gov/wellness or call 602-542-
5008
Healthwaves public clinic schedule can be found at
www.healthwaves.com.
Prostate On Site Projects (POP)
Screenings
Take a Stand Against Cancer…
It could be the most important 15 minutes you
spend
The State of Arizona is now offering FREE Prostate Cancer
Screenings for benefits eligible, male employees 40 years and
older. The POP mobile medical unit takes convenient, 15
minute appointments at your workplace. Maintain your health,
schedule your appointment NOW!
Appointments required.
Call Today 480-964-3013
What you Need:
• UnitedHealthcare and BCBSAZ/AmeriBen members
please bring your Benefit Options insurance cards to your
appointment.
• Aetna and CIGNA members and non-Benefit Options
members please bring your State ID badge and
Employee Identification Number (EIN) to your
appointment
• Retired Benefit Options members please bring your
Benefit Options card and your Employee Identification
Number (EIN)
Scheduled Screenings:
Oct 17 -- State of AZ, ShowLow
8:00am - 1:00pm
Oct 20 -- Flagstaff Area Screening
1801 S. Milton
Parking lot, adjacent to MVD
8:00am - 1:00pm
Oct 21* -- Flagstaff Area Screening
1801 S. Milton
Parking lot, adjacent to MVD
8:00am - 1:00pm
*Only if Oct 20th event fills up.
Nov 9 -- AZ State Hospital, Phoenix
2500 E. VanBuren St.
8:00am - 1:00pm
Nov 30 -- State of AZ, Yuma
2243 E. Gila Ridge Rd.
8:00am - 4:00pm
benefitoptions.az.gov/wellness
100 N 15th Ave, Suite 103 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Email: wellness@azdoa.gov Phone: 602-771-9355
BeWell October/November 2011 Page 5
Healthy Recipe
Chicken Salad with Walnuts
Ingredients (serves 4-6):
5 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts
3/4 cup non-fat sour cream
3/4 cup non-fat mayonnaise
2T white wine vinegar
4 celery ribs, diced
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon
Pepper, to taste
1t salt
Directions:
1. Poach the chicken breasts in simmering broth
until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Drain,
cool, and cut (or shred) into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream,
mayonnaise, and vinegar.
3. Combine the chicken and dressing. (Can be
made ahead and refrigerated to this point one
day in advance.)
4. Before serving, add the celery, walnuts,
tarragon, salt, and pepper to taste.
Enjoy as a topping to a vegetable salad or pair with
your favorite steamed vegetable.
For more diabetic friendly recipes visit
www.diabeticlifestyle.com/recipes
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 /2 cup
Servings per Recipe: 4-6
Calories: 271
Protein: 46g
Carbohydrates 7g
Total Fat 7g
Cholesterol 111g
Diabetic Exchanges: 6-very lean protein, 1/2
carbohydrate (bread/starch)
The Wellness website has the complete list of screenings,
classes and other programs available for request and
scheduling at State worksites.
Wellness events are requested and coordinated by State
employees at worksites. If you are interested in hosting a
program at your worksite, visit the Wellness website at:
www.benefitoptions.az.gov/wellness
to view what is available and learn what Wellness has to offer.
Event request forms must be completed and submitted online
to wellness@azdoa.gov
Complete the brief form, including contact information, location
and preferred event and click submit! A Wellness team
member will reply to your request and begin scheduling your
event.
Log on Today!
Take advantage of the many available programs and
services to keep employees healthy.
Persons with a disability may request
accommodations by contacting the ADOA Benefits
Office. If you need this issue in an alternate
format, please call 602-771-9355.
Arizona State Parks
Looking for a fall activity that will provide exercise,
relaxation, and unique historical and cultural
experiences? Consider taking a day trip, a
weekend excursion, or a week-long vacation at an
Arizona State Park.
Guided, scenic hikes at Red Rock State Park
(Sedona) or Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache
Junction) are available. If you like a challenge, hike the 2-mile
Hunter Trail at Picacho Peak State Park (just off of I-10 be-tween
Phoenix and Tucson) or enjoy an unparalleled view of
what is thought to be the largest natural travertine bridge in
the world at the Gowan Trail at Tonto Natural Bridge State
Park (Payson). Visitors can also enjoy the lingering warm
days playing basketball, volleyball, or camping at Buckskin
Mountain State Park (Parker).
Whichever adventure you choose, there is plenty of
opportunity to learn about Arizona’s plants, animals, geology,
and history.
For information, online campground and cave reservations,
and to sign up for our monthly online newsletter call Arizona
State Parks at (602) 542-4174 or visit AZStateParks.com.
You can also find AZ State Parks on Facebook and Twitter.
