Tis the flu season
The flu is a serious acute illness and is nothing to sneeze about. Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people succumb to the flu. MCSIG encourages you to take action to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu by attending one of our school flu shot clinics listed below. Members have a $5 co-pay (cash only).
The flu vaccine (injection or nasal mist) is the single best way to protect against the flu. This year, an all-time high supply of vaccine is available so more people than ever can seek protection from the flu. Getting vaccinated is very important for people at high risk for serious flu complications.
People at high risk include: All children 6 months to 18 years of age, anyone 50 and older, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Everyday Preventative Actions:
- Sneeze into your elbow/sleeve. Or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away after you use it.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Stay away as much as you can from people who are sick.
- If you get the flu, stay home from work or school.
"The greatest source of health is between your ears."
- anonymous
Flu Shot Schedule (Remaining dates)
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DATE
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SCHOOL SITE
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LOCATION
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CLINIC HOURS
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27
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Greenfield U.S.D., 493 El Camino Real, Greenfield |
Board Room
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2-5 p.m.
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28
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Virginia Rocca Barton, 680 Las Casitas Dr., Salinas |
Room 17
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2:30-5:30 p.m.
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29
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Sherwood, 110 South Wood St., Salinas |
Staff Room
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2-5:30 p.m.
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30
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Fairview M.S., 401 Fourth Street, Gonzales |
Library
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1:30-4:30 p.m.
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Nov. 3
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Carmel M.S., 4380 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel |
Cafeteria
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2-5 p.m.
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5
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Mont. County Office of Ed., 901 Blanco Cir., Salinas |
Room B
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9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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6
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Salinas U.H.S.D., 431 W. Alisal Street, Salinas |
Harvest Room
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3-5:30 p.m.
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10
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San Benancio M.S., 43 San Benancio Rd., Salinas |
M/P
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2-5 p.m.
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12
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Natividad, 1465 Modoc Avenue, Salinas |
Library
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2-5 p.m.
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13
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Hartnell College, 156 Homestead Ave., Salinas |
HCC 116
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2-5 p.m.
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17
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Alisal Comm. School, 1437 Del Monte Ave., Salinas |
Staff Lounge
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2-5 p.m.
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18
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Pacific Grove U.S.D., 555 Sinex Ave., Pacific Grove |
Board Room
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2-6 p.m.
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Discounted fitness memberships
Physical activity is important for health and well-being. Considering joining a gym? We may be able to save you money. Each year MCSIG contacts fitness centers in the tri-county area and negotiates discounts from 10-50% for our members. The memberships are set up as contracts between the fitness center and the individual. MCSIG does not pay any portion of the membership. See the enclosed Fitness Center Discounts brochure for gyms in your area.
Healthy Lifestyle $olutions Incentive changes
Can a healthy lifestyle earn you money? Yes, if you re an active employee and commit to achieving a few health goals, you could earn up to $300. The MCSIG Executive Committee approved continuation of the Healthy Lifestyle $olutions Incentive Program with the following modifications effective July 08:
- Simplify award program by using the number of criteria achieved (i.e., 6/13 activities for bronze ($100), 7/13 for silver ($200) and 8/13 for gold ($300)) versus accumulating points.
- Align the program with the traditional school year (July 1 to June 30) and shorten program from 18 months to 12 months.
- Increase promotion and awareness of the program with quarterly postcards, newsletter articles, staff meetings, flyers, etc.
- Adjust biometrics levels (BMI, glucose, etc.) to be consistent with nationally recommended values.
- Explore creating personal online accounts for each member to monitor their progress towards their Healthy Lifestyle $olutions Incentive award.
To register for the program, go to www.mcsig.com and click on the wellness link. Complete the Healthy Lifestyle $olutions Incentive Program application and fax it into MCSIG.
The new program year officially began on July 1, so don't delay. Your healthy actions and verification form must be received by May 30, 2009 to receive an award this program year.
Cory Merritt
Wellness Employee of the Third Quarter '08
5th grade teacher - Rose Ferrero School - Soledad USD
Place of birth: King City, CA
Favorite healthy snacks: Cheese (low fat) and whole wheat crackers
Exercise routine: I keep myself really busy by walking, chasing after my 18 month old daughter and starting a home business.
Favorite activities: Spending time with my husband and daughter.
Stress buster tip: After a long day at work, going home and taking a hot shower and being with my family.
Wellness Achievement: Cory overcame a major health challenge and decided to choose better health. Although not unhealthy, Cory knew her lifestyle could be improved. She began choosing to eat low-fat, low carbohydrates and more lean meats and vegetables. She also incorporated walking (1.5 miles) into her lunch time. As a result of developing better eating habits and exercising, Cory lost 35 lbs. and now has energy to spare at the end of the day to play with her daughter. Cory received a gift certificate for a dinner for two and a framed award. Congratulations Cory and keep up the good work!
Spotlight recognizes school employees who have improved their health and become healthy role models for students and staff. If you know someone who deserves to be in the Spotlight, please submit a nomination form. Nomination forms are available here or by calling MCSIG (831) 755-0161.
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