The risk of heart disease can often be reduced simply through better nutrition and regular exercise.

February is National Heart Health month, and while many people give their attention to heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolate, Concentra, a subsidiary of Humana, is offering some easy ways to share your heart with loved ones while improving your heart health.

Five simple ways to live heart healthy:

• Incorporate moderate exercise into your daily schedule
• Reduce your amount of stress; try meditation, yoga, or exercise
• Quit smoking/using tobacco products
• Eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet
• Get regular cholesterol and blood pressure screenings

Family history can also play a factor in the risk of developing heart disease. In addition to personal health history, patients should be aware of any known congenital or hereditary disorders, major illnesses among family members, and chronic ailments. It’s important that every person know his or her family history to help identify familial risk factors and prevent the development of certain illnesses.

Studies show that improved patient health, including changes to lifestyle behaviors, could help prevent 90-95% of all heart disease. Concentra Urgent Care can help patients get started on the path to better health and reduced risk of heart disease, with an annual physical exam at any of its 330 national locations.

For more information about Heart Health, read this news release, and for a complete list of services and Concentra Urgent Care locations, visit www.Concentra.com.

Concentra has 330 national medical center locations across the country.

Seasonal flu trends are beginning to decrease, but cases of a fast-spreading stomach bug known as “Norovirus” continue to be reported across the country. Humana subsidiary Concentra is offering tips to limit exposure to this highly contagious virus, which can infect anyone, and can be spread by an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces.

The virus causes an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to severe stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Unlike seasonal influenza, there is no vaccine to prevent the spread of the Norovirus.

“Following this year’s strong influenza season, the Norovirus has the potential to create greater complications in infants and the elderly, leading to severe dehydration,” said Bill Lewis, M.D, Senior Vice President of Medical Operations at Concentra. “The easiest way to reduce the risk of catching and spreading the virus is through thorough and frequent hand washing, and routine cleaning.”

However there are some simple precautions each person can take to reduce the transmission of the virus, and stay healthy and safe:

• Wash your hands often: Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, and before eating, preparing, or handling food.
• Rinse fruits and vegetables before eating: Carefully wash fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating them.
• Cook foods thoroughly: Cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating them. Noroviruses are highly resistant, and can survive quick steaming processes and temperatures as high as 140 degrees F.
•  Clean surfaces and wash laundry: Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with a chlorine bleach solution or other disinfectant. Machine wash contaminated clothes or linens in warm or hot water.
• Don’t prepare food for others when sick: Do not prepare food or attend to the health needs of others while you are sick, and for at least two to three days after you recover.

For more information about Concentra and a complete list of its 330 national medical center locations, visit www.Concentra.com.

It’s never too early to develop healthful eating habits.

LifeSynch, a Humana subsidiary, offers extensive health behavior resources, including behavioral healthcare, employee assistance program (EAP)/work-life services, behavioral pharmacy services, health coaches and Web-based wellness tools. As part of their commitment to change health behaviors and improve lives, LifeSynch’s health coaches will be contributing a series of articles that demonstrate how easy it can be to make a healthy change.

Getting your kids to eat a healthier diet might be easier than you think. Check out some of the ideas below to see if any would be a good fit for your family. Adults and kids alike can enjoy these easy ways to boost the nutrition in your family meals. The ideas at the end of this article are not exactly recipes but are guides for putting together kid-friendly, nutritious dishes from food you like and probably already have in your kitchen.

Change it up

• Use half white and half whole-wheat noodles when making pasta.
• Use a vegetable peeler to cut ribbons of vegetables and replace some of the pasta or any other grain in your dish.
• When making burgers and meatballs, run vegetables such as carrots, spinach, bell peppers, and tomatoes through a food processer and use the mixture to replace some of the meat or bread crumbs.
• Dice vegetables finely and add to any dish – from baked potatoes to quesadillas.

Prepare ahead of time

• Cut up small pieces of raw chicken and season with your child’s favorite flavors such as lemon pepper or a BBQ seasoning. Freeze portions in zip-top bags. When ready to eat, bake frozen chicken bites at 400 for 15-20 minutes.
• Think waffles are reserved for the weekend? Bake a double batch of whole-grain waffles or pancakes on the weekends and refrigerate or freeze. On hectic mornings, pop a couple in the toaster, spread with peanut butter, and you have breakfast on the go.
•  Cook up a batch of a whole-grain product (rice, millet, or quinoa) on Sundays. It will last in the fridge all week and can be used for stir-fries and side dishes.

Have fun!

• Plant a small garden with a few vegetables or herbs, and ask your children to help you water and harvest what you grow.
• Ask kids to help you create the grocery list. If they get to choose their own healthy snacks they feel more control over their choices and might be more likely to eat what they choose.
• Have them help you in the kitchen. Check out the following link for more information. http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/kids_cook.html

Meal ideas

• Making your own granola is easy. Combine ¼ cup of canola or coconut oil, a few drizzles of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon in a bowl. Add 3 cups of oats and 1 cup of your favorite nut (or combination). Spread on baking sheets and bake at 325 degrees for 20-30 minutes stirring a few times. Once cooled, mix with fruit and store in airtight containers. Want ideas for add-ins? Try raisins, coconut, dried blueberries, dried bananas, or dried mangos. You could also try adding wheat germ, dry quinoa, barley, or flax seed.
• Pack food in a jar. Pour a few tablespoons of dressing in the bottom of jars and let your kids load it up with their favorite vegetables. Or, pour in plain yogurt, a little honey, fruit, and granola. Be creative with your layers!
• Make homemade dressing. Combine your favorite vinegar with olive oil, mustard, and a drizzle of honey for a kid-friendly dressing. Or, combine ranch powder with plain yogurt and a splash of milk instead of mayonnaise.

Lacey Starkey, a learning facilitator and personal health coach/mentor at LifeSynch, a subsidiary of Humana, has a bachelor’s degree in wellness science and a master’s degree in health education. She is also a certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, exercising and staying active in her local community garden.

The 2012 Veterans Day parade passes by the Humana Building in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Lisa Huber)

Humana has surpassed its goal of hiring 1,000 U.S. military veterans and/or their spouses by mid-2014. Humana made the hiring commitment in August 2011 as part of President Obama’s challenge to U.S. employers to hire 1,000 veterans and/or their spouses over the following three years.

Given Humana’s success of reaching its three-year goal in only 16 months, the company now plans to hire an additional 1,000 military veterans and/or their spouses over the next two years.

“A focused, company-wide effort enabled Humana to reach this milestone and surpass our initial hiring goal,” said Bruce Broussard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Humana. “Based on Humana’s experience partnering in multiple ways with the U.S. armed forces, we know that veterans and veteran spouses offer unique skills and insights that contribute significantly to fulfilling our dream of helping people achieve lifelong well-being.”

Veterans who want to learn more about Humana’s hiring program should visit www.jobs.net/jobs/Humana-Veterans.

Related links:

• Humana news release
• Military Appreciation Day a highlight of 2013 Humana Challenge
• Veterans Well-Being Community (videos)

A New York Cares volunteer clears debris after Hurricane Sandy. (Photo courtesy of New York Cares)

It has been more than two months since Hurricane Sandy battered the East Coast, but thousands are still struggling to cope with the devastating aftermath of the superstorm. It will take many more months – and even years – for those who were in its path to complete the monumental task of rebuilding their communities and their lives.

The Humana Foundation, which has a history of providing disaster relief to neighbors near and far, will continue to support the rebuilding efforts by providing a new gift of $100,000 to two East Coast nonprofits, New York Cares and City Harvest. This contribution is in addition to the Humana Foundation’s previous pledge to match up to $200,000 in employee charitable gifts to aid recovery efforts.

“We believe the meaningful work carried out by New York Cares and City Harvest is critical to helping those impacted by Superstorm Sandy regain their sense of security and get back on their feet,” said Virginia Kelly Judd, Executive Director of the Humana Foundation. “These outstanding nonprofits are providing support and services to thousands in need.”

New York Cares is offering support to more than 50,000 residents of Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and lower Manhattan by providing water, meals and toiletries; clearing debris from damaged homes and streets; and expanding its ongoing health, education and revitalization programming at agencies and schools throughout the communities impacted by Sandy.

City Harvest has already provided more than 1.6 million pounds of food to Sandy victims. It is extending its hurricane relief efforts and plans to deliver 51 additional trailer loads of pre-packed grocery food boxes to hurricane relief sites and emergency food providers.

Related articles:

• Humana Foundation Pledges Matching Donations to Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts
• SeniorBridge: Compassion and commitment during Hurricane Sandy

Linda Hope, daughter of Bob Hope, speaks at the Military Appreciation Day ceremonies on January 19 at the Humana Challenge. (Rodrigo Pena/AP Images for Humana)

This year’s Humana Challenge PGA TOUR golf tournament is in the books, but great memories of the event will last for a long time, especially for those whose service to our country was recognized in several ways during Humana’s inaugural Military Appreciation Day on January 19 in La Quinta, Calif.

The event, created to honor all members of the Armed Forces and their families for the sacrifices they have made, featured a ceremony that included inspirational messages from military leaders, a color guard and a flyover by two Navy F-5 Tigers.

“The Humana Challenge, formerly the Bob Hope Classic, has a long history of celebrating our nation’s servicemen and women who give so much every day,” said Tim McClain, President of Humana Government Business. “Given Bob Hope’s legacy and devotion to entertaining military troops, it is fitting to dedicate a day to honoring military personnel and their families. In the end, we hope the Military Appreciation Day will have a lasting impact on all participants and continue to honor our troops.”

The servicemen and women being honored expressed their own appreciation for the show of support by Humana, the Clinton Foundation, the Military Warriors Support Foundation and tournament attendees.

“We are having a glorious, glorious time,” said Howard Payne, a veteran who was enjoying the day at the Military Outpost hospitality pavilion. “It adds a chapter to our happiness.”

And Adam Sampson, a local veteran and Purple Heart recipient, said he was speechless after learning he would receive a mortgage-free home that was donated by the Humana Challenge in conjunction with the Military Warriors Support Foundation.

“I will never forget it, and I hope that in the future I can pay it forward to another veteran,” said Sampson.

In addition to free admission to the tournament, the hospitality pavilion and the donation of the home, three injured veterans were chosen to play three rounds as part of the tournament’s amateur field.

To learn more about the day, watch our video (below).

Humana Chairman of the Board Mike McCallister, left, applauds as Brian Gay, 2013 Humana Challenge champion, lifts the Bob Hope Memorial Trophy at PGA West on January 20, 2013, in La Quinta, Calif. . (Rodrigo Pena / AP Images for Humana)

Brian Gay won the Humana Challenge on Sunday, beating Charles Howell III and Swedish rookie David Lingmerth in a three-man playoff at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif. It was the fourth PGA TOUR title for the 41-year-old Gay.

We congratulate Gay and thank the Clinton Foundation, PGA TOUR, Gary Player and all of the participants in the tournament and events held during the week of well-being, including the:

• Health Matters Conference
• KaBOOM! multigenerational playground build
• First Tee program and the
• Walkit Challenge.

Watch our latest video below as well as the week’s highlights in our video journal, and check back tomorrow to learn more about the inspirational Military Appreciation Day held this weekend in La Quinta.

President Clinton looks on as Gary Player, right, gets fist bumps from golf legend Billy Casper and Humana Challenge CEO Bob Marra on the first tee during the first day of the Humana Challenge on January 17. (Rodrigo Pena / AP Images for Humana)

Golf legends Billy Casper and Gary Player, Humana’s well-being ambassador, hit ceremonial tee shots to start the first round of the 2013 Humana Challenge Thursday in La Quinta, Calif. They were joined at the first tee by President Bill Clinton, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, and Mike McCallister, Humana Chairman of the Board.

Once the first round was under way, McCallister and Finchem joined President Clinton at a news conference to describe how their unique and successful partnership has not only saved the former Bob Hope Classic but created an event that focuses on helping people live healthier, happier lives.

You can get more details about Thursday’s events by watching the video below and checking out the photos above.

The latest updates on the tournament, which goes through Sunday, January 20, can be found on the Humana Challenge website.

 Related links:

• @HumanaChallenge (Twitter)
• Humana Challenge Facebook
• Humana Challenge YouTube
• @humananews (Twitter)

Humana President and CEO Bruce Broussard addresses a crowd at a news conference on January 16 at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif. (Rodrigo Pena / AP Images for Humana)

Humana will debut several new programs at the 2013 Humana Challenge PGA TOUR golf tournament, which begins today in La Quinta, Calif.

The programs, announced at a January 16 news conference in La Quinta, are designed with the goal of helping people across the country stay healthy and well. (Watch our video below.)

“This is a week of golf but it is also a week of well-being,” Humana President and CEO Bruce Broussard said during the news conference. “And I hope what you take away from the golf tournament is that we want to turn health into fun.”

The changes include:

• A new Walkit Challenge, which encourages people to improve their health by counting their steps at PGA TOUR events across the country. Humana will give pedometers to attendees of the Humana Challenge and other PGA TOUR events to help track their steps. The PGA TOUR stop that comes closest to – or exceeds –  the number of steps taken at the Humana Challenge will win a KaBOOM! multi-generational playground build in their community in 2014, funded by Humana.
• With Humana Walkit Pro, Humana, in partnership with IDS, a division of SMT and the PGA TOUR’s ShotLink Scoring System, will track the steps taken and calories burned by each player on the course in real-time. Player information will be displayed on the leader board as well as via The Golf Channel and HumanaChallenge.com in order to demonstrate the immediate impact that walking can have on people’s health.

The 2013 Humana Challenge will feature four theme days:

• Thursday, Jan. 17: Novo Nordisk Seniors Day
• Friday, Jan. 18: KMIR/KPSE MY13 Women’s Day
• Saturday, Jan. 19: Humana Military Appreciation Day
• Sunday, Jan. 20: Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Kids’ Day

The news conference also featured golf legend Gary Player, Humana’s well-being ambassador, who said he believes the Humana Challenge is the most important tournament on the PGA TOUR because of its mission to help people live healthier lives.

“A common goal for Humana’s programs is making healthy things fun and fun things healthy,” Player said. “The Humana Challenge offers great opportunities to have a great time while getting healthy, and I look forward to a lasting, long-term relationship with Humana and this event.”

Watch our video below to learn more about the new programs.

Related links:

• Humana Challenge website
• @HumanaChallenge (Twitter)
• Humana Challenge Facebook
• Humana Challenge YouTube
• @humananews (Twitter)

President Bill Clinton opens the second annual “Health Matters: Activating Wellness In Every Generation” Conference on Tuesday, January 15, in La Quinta, Calif.

A highlight of Humana Challenge week in La Quinta, Calif., is the Clinton Foundation’s Health Matters Conference. The second annual conference, “Health Matters: Activating Wellness in Every Generation,” was held Tuesday, January 15.

The day started early with a frosty outdoor workout led by health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels. National and community leaders, health and well-being advocates, Olympic athletes and celebrities then gathered to lead discussions on topics such as “Health Transformation,” “Mental Health and Addiction,” and “Healthy Communities.”

In addition to President Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, participants included Humana Chairman of the Board Mike McCallister, Humana President and CEO Bruce Broussard, Humana well-being ambassador Gary Player, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General, and Dr. Donald Berwick, former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

“Our goal, our dream, is lifelong well-being, and we hope you see it expressed in everything we are doing – both here and also at the tournament as a whole,” Broussard said during the conference.

Watch our video below to learn more about the day’s events, and visit the Clinton Foundation’s website to get more information about the conference, panelists and discussions.