Dear City of Des Moines Employee,

Health insurance is important to you and your family. As health care costs rise, providing this benefit to employees is a growing challenge that affects all of us. But, you can help with this challenge – and enjoy a healthier life – by taking steps to learn about your personal health and how you can improve it. When we’re healthier, all of our activities are more enjoyable and rewarding – whether we’re at work or spending time with our families.

Taking small steps to change our health habits – what we eat, how much we exercise, and whether or not we use tobacco – can make a difference in our lives. That’s why we’re announcing CSI: Des Moines – a chance for you and your spouse to find practical suggestions for Continuous Self Improvement and a healthier you. Although it requires effort on your part, we hope to make it easier with a reward. So, complete your online Personal Health Assessment (PHA) and get started on a healthier life.

Getting Started: Completing the online Personal Health Assessment (PHA)

Make an appointment. Call your designated Primary Care Provider (PCP) and make an appointment for an annual, routine physical, including blood work and blood pressure. (If you’ve had an annual, routine physical in the past 12 months, you may be able to use your lab results from that visit for the online Personal Health Assessment described below). Remember that if you’ve already had an annual, routine physical during this calendar year, you will be responsible for the cost of this second annual physical.*

Gather your lab results. If you scheduled a new appointment, your doctor’s office may take some time to provide your lab results. If you’ve had a physical with lab work in the past, and cannot find those lab results at home, you can call your doctor and ask for the results and/or have the results mailed to you.

Take the online Personal Health Assessment (PHA). Visit www.wellmark.com and register to use myhealth@wellmark. Select Health & Wellness Tools and then Health Assessment to complete the questions. The first questions will ask you to input your lab results from your routine physical. Your information is kept confidential at all times.† We recommend that you wait until you have your routine physical information before starting the online questionnaire since you are only allowed to complete the PHA once per calendar year. Please note that your information is stored as you enter it even though there is no “save” button to press.

Review your personalized report. Once you complete the Personal Health Assessment (PHA), you’ll see an online report pointing out areas where you can make positive changes in your health. Maybe you’ll want to make a goal to walk more, manage your stress better, or quit smoking. If you don’t have access to a computer or would like assistance completing your PHA online, Wellness Committee Members have volunteered to assist you in this effort. Please contact James Wells, Human Resources at 237-1380 for a list of employees willing to aid you in processing your PHA.

Enjoy your FREE $60 gift card and spouses will receive a $30 gift card. Complete your online Personal Health Assessment (PHA) by August 31, 2008, and you can receive a $60 gift card. Your spouse can complete the PHA by August 31, 2008, and earn an additional $30 gift card – it’s our way of congratulating you and/or your spouse for taking steps toward a healthier life. Gift cards will be disbursed after August 31, 2008.

We’ve included a checklist to help you write down your doctor’s name, phone number, appointment date/time, plus the lab values you will need in order to complete your online Personal Health Assessment (PHA). In addition to talking with your primary care provider (PCP), it’s also helpful to talk with your spouse or family members about healthy lifestyle changes you’re considering, and health questions you may have.

If you have questions about this program, contact James Wells at 237-1380 or by e-mail at jrwells@dmgov.org

Sincerely,

Richard A. Clark
City Manager

† The City will receive an aggregate report that will help plan future wellness activities. Sample copies of the personal report and the aggregate City report will be available at upcoming departmental meetings.

* See your benefits document for benefits specifics.