Focus on You is designed to help the Northern Light Employee Health Plan work for you, our plan members. The information in this newsletter comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider directly. If you have questions about our health plan, call Customer Service at 855-429-1023. 2022 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Holistic healthcare By Onycha Carlson I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist, 200-hour level certified yoga instructor, and an outdoor enthusiast! In August 2021, I joined our Northern Light Beacon Health team as your nutrition specialist. I’m enjoying many opportunities to meet people, like Susan Slick, and support them on their lifelong journeys in health. Since every person has different health and wellness needs, I take a very individualized approach when providing care and support. With my educational background and training as a dietitian, I offer one-onone health coaching and nutrition/ dietary consultation. My inherent love for the great outdoors and many years of experience as a teacher and student of yoga continue to reinforce the importance of taking a holistic approach to health and wellness as well. If you wish to explore or improve your mental, physical, and emotional health, join me at our weekly virtual yoga class, which is held every Tuesday morning from 10 to 10:20 am. Or visit employeehealthplan .northernlighthealth.org/ wellness-services-network/ wellness-zoom-classes.aspx to find our other virtual classes. 2 | Focus on You By Susan Slick For the past few years, I’ve participated in our wellness program. I use both group and individual coaching. I work on time management, meal prepping, fitness, and meeting my nutritional needs as I age. I’d been making slow and inconsistent progress toward my goals, just plugging along. In March of 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. I knew leading a healthcare team through COVID-19 and helping my family manage my dad’s care would require a lot of me physically and emotionally. I was never so thankful for my relationship with my health coach! From the work that I do in behavioral health, I know exercise and proper nutrition keep me healthy, provide me with the necessary energy, and help keep my emotions more manageable, especially during this challenging period in my life. I set goals to add exercise into my daily routine, figured out the best nutritional choices for my ever-changing schedule, and learned how to make sleep a priority. I joined a local gym, began attending group fitness classes, and hired a trainer for a couple of oneon-one sessions a week to work on my strength and functional fitness. Having encouragement both at work and at the gym was key. I surrounded myself with a great support network! I maintained monthly check-ins with my health coach, tweaking my goals and plan as needed along the way. Over the last 16 months, I managed to lose 26 pounds and ten inches. I also learned how to get my priorities into balance. Working with our wellness team has taught me how to incorporate a better work-life integration as a remote employee, encouraged me to take care of myself physically and emotionally, and helped me put lifelong habits in place. I feel better overall, which makes me a happier, healthier human being! I encourage everyone to take advantage of our wellness programs. Having someone look at my end goals and then help create a path to get there has been an invaluable experience! My wellness journey
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