From Wellness: November is American Diabetes Month
November is recognized as American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects 11.6% of the American population, so chances are that someone you know has been diagnosed with diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening for type 2 diabetes beginning at age 45, especially if you are overweight. Understand the risk factors by taking this 60-second Type 2 Risk Test offered by the American Diabetes Association, or check out Project Power, an initiative that aims to help adults and youth raise diabetes awareness and offers diabetes risk reduction education.
Schedule a visit with your primary care provider to address any concerns or questions regarding diabetes or your risk factors. Attending a yearly wellness physical is a great way to proactively manage any chronic condition or identify new symptoms.
Continue reading for additional benefits for RTD employees, as well as local resources available to all.
RTD EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Health Insurance
Kaiser Permanente members: Check out the following Kaiser Wellness Resources, including weight loss, diabetes management and heart health classes taught online by Kaiser Permanente health care providers.
Cigna members: Log onto your MyCigna account and type “diabetes” in the search bar for resources and information. Check out this Cigna article about Reading Food Labels When You Have Diabetes.
RTD Wellness Centers
Take advantage of RTD’s on-site fitness centers to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, which can help prevent and/or manage diabetes symptoms. Informational resources from the American Diabetes Association and National Institute of Health regarding nutrition and diet for those living with diabetes, prediabetes, risk factors and more are available at the Platte and East Metro wellness centers. If you would like information sent to you, please email [email protected] with your request.
- Employees must sign a waiver to enter and use all facilities.
- Click here to learn more about RTD Wellness and physical therapy.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Visit the Resources for Living website and enter “diabetes” in the search bar for a wide range of resources, including videos, articles and webinars. Check out “The Diabetes Care Plan.”
Call 1.800.284.1819 or visit resourcesforliving.com
- USERNAME: regional transportation district (spaces in between)
- PASSWORD: eap
Featured Webinars
“Harnessing your personal power”: Mental health in the workplace is top of mind for everyone these days. While our understanding may change, it’s worth starting with the basics.
“Increase wellbeing – one burst at a time”: Life moves fast. Many of us struggle with adding healthy habits to our day or are too exhausted to even get started.
LOCAL COLORADO RESOURCES
The Adams County Health Department has a diabetes self-empowerment program designed for people living with diabetes. It provides the skills and knowledge to make healthier life choices and manage diabetes and other conditions.
The YMCA of Metro Denver has a diabetes prevention program. The program exceeds standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to effectively deliver this program to people with prediabetes or at risk for diabetes.
Contact [email protected] for more information about materials available or with other questions.