{"id":4918,"date":"2016-02-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-02-03T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/2016\/02\/03\/biometric-screening-nudges-employee-toward-health\/"},"modified":"2023-06-23T11:05:39","modified_gmt":"2023-06-23T17:05:39","slug":"biometric-screening-nudges-employee-toward-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/biometric-screening-nudges-employee-toward-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Biometric screening nudges employee toward health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A couple of weeks after he completed last year\u2019s biometric screening<\/a> at University of Colorado Hospital, Michael Cain got an unexpected phone call.<\/p>\n

A representative from Anthem, the administrator of UCHealth\u2019s Primary CU Health Plan, was on the line, informing Cain, a system architect with UCHealth\u2019s Imaging Technology team, about a diabetes prevention program. The representative indicated that Anthem would pay for the 12-month program if he was interested.<\/p>\n

Cain had noticed the screening results showed that his blood sugar levels were a little high. His father was diabetic. He told the Anthem representative he would think about it; soon after he agreed \u201centhusiastically\u201d to join the program.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the back of my mind I was thinking we are eventually visited by all of our parents\u2019 maladies,\u201d he said.
\nMichael Cain uses his smartphone to track his diet and activity levels as part of his diabetes prevention program.<\/p>\n

Tide turns<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Several months later, Cain is glad he made the decision. Through the program, he received instructional material to help him maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. He corresponds regularly with an assigned dietitian, a triathlete who gives him support and suggestions for staying on track.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s been totally positive,\u201d he says. \u201cShe has never once said a question is stupid. Her feedback is, \u2018You\u2019ve made some good choices. Let\u2019s see if we can extend that.\u2019 I\u2019d recommend the program to anyone who is serious about getting healthier.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to see why. Since he started the program, Cain has dropped 20 pounds and lowered his blood sugar and cholesterol levels. His resting heart is 68 beats per minute \u2013 uncharted territory.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never been under 80,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

No nonsense<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The program is straightforward and practical. Cain records everything he eats and drinks as well as his activity each day and enters the information on his phone. He can also post it on the program\u2019s website. His dietitian reviews the data and offers feedback, resources, and recipes \u2013 like inexpensive pumpkin squares that are easy to make, flavorful, and just 50 guilt-free calories. Before taking trips, like a recent one to St. Louis to see his son, he packs healthy snacks such as turkey jerky, nuts, and vegetables. That saves him from diet-busting restaurant stops.<\/p>\n

\"GranddaughterCain says a typical dinner once was a double Whopper and a six-pack. Today it\u2019s healthy substitutes, like a spinach burger, a \u201cmighty tasty\u201d item he learned to make and keeps handy in the freezer. He stocks the refrigerator crisper with broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m cooking for myself after spending a lot of my life eating from a bag,\u201d Cain said.<\/p>\n

His dietitian provides no shortage of good advice, but Cain emphasizes that success rests on the individual taking responsibility for his or her own choices.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is nothing new about any of this,\u201d he said. \u201cI haven\u2019t learned anything about staying healthy that I didn\u2019t know before. The key is being accountable for the way I eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Granddaughter Collins Rae Rowe bolsters Cain\u2019s motivation to take care of himself.
\nIt\u2019s not easy. Cain said he\u2019s learned how hard it is to stick to a regular exercise routine, for example. But his most powerful motivation comes neither from himself nor his coach, but rather from a small bundle of energy who can\u2019t yet offer him any verbal advice \u2013 his baby granddaughter, Collins Rae Rowe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m now accountable to her for living a really long time,\u201d he wrote in an email shortly after spending a day alone with Collins.<\/p>\n

With that force driving him, a double Whopper doesn\u2019t stand a chance.<\/p>\n

Check-up Time Again<\/strong><\/h2>\n

UCHealth will once again offer free biometric screenings for all employees who are members of the Primary CU Health Plan. Spouses of plan members are also eligible.<\/p>\n

More details:<\/p>\n