Focus on TUSD - October 2007

TUSD's Wellness Partnership

Healthy Prizes for Best Name
If the name you suggest for the new TUSD wellness program is selected, you would win $250 to buy a healthy choice product or service.

Up to three ideas will be accepted.

Examples of winning names and programs are:

• Insight - "L.I.F.E. @ Insight" (Lifestyle Improvements for Everyone at Insight)
• City of Phoenix - "Feel Better - Work Better"
• Golden Nuggets Casino - "H.E.A.L.T.H." (Helping Employees Achieve Long Term Health)
• Sierra Tucson - "B.L.A.S.T." (Balanced Living At Sierra Tucson)
• City of Tucson - "T.H.E. Program" (Tucson Healthy Employees Program)

In another health matter, if you complete a survey about what you would like to receive as incentives and rewards in wellness challenges, you will be entered in a drawing to win one of five $50 gift cards that could be used for a healthy purchase.

Examples of incentives on the survey are fitness center membership, personal training sessions, nutritional supplements and guidance, massage, home fitness equipment and a Canyon Ranch Spa Day. Other ideas are welcome, as well.

The deadline to submit program names and complete the survey is Thursday, Nov. 15. You may submit ideas and complete the survey by going online to Benefits@tusd1.org by sending them to the Wellness/Benefits Department though Inter-office mail.

Wellness Coach Helps Keep Employees Healthy
TUSD's wellness program encourages employees to develop healthy living strategies and improve their work environments.

The District is collaborating with the TUSD healthcare provider Aetna, the Wellness Council of Arizona and the National Partnership for Wellness to offer the Wellness Partnership. In response to employees' survey answers, this program will offer help in developing physical activities and healthy nutrition, managing stress and building self-care lifestyles. The partnership will offer programs for achieving optimal health, understating health care consumerism and appropriate disease management compliance.

Watch for announcements on health awareness campaigns, educational workshops and lifestyle support programs.

Andrea Curless, who is the wellness coach for TUSD employees, brings more than 16 years of health and wellness experience to her job. She has worked with the Wellness Council of Arizona since June 2004 in work site health programs. The Wellness Council of Arizona is sub-contracted through Aetna to serve the health needs of TUSD employees.

A Midwest native, Curless received a Fitness Professional Certificate from Pima Community College last year along with an associate's degree in Liberal Arts. She is working on a degree in Sports Science. Curless is certified by the Aerobic Fitness Association of America in Personal Training, American Council of Exercise Certificate in 2002.

She has completed three marathons and participated in fund-raising efforts with The Better than Ever Cancer Team, as well as Team in Training Leukemia Lymphoma Foundation.

Curless offers health enhancement support in the areas of physical activity, nutrition guidance, stress management, self-care information, disease management and sports and athletic training. Individual and small group appointments are available.

For more information, contact Curless at 225-6171 or Andrea@welcoaz.org. Consultation information will be confidential and will not be given to TUSD management personnel or other TUSD employees.

-- By Sharon Dunham
Communications & Media Relations