As we move into the winter months of this pandemic, many people are experiencing increased isolation and stress, which can contribute to deteriorating mental health. If you or your loved ones are struggling emotionally, Balanced You wants you to know that you are not alone, and that professional help is available from the safety of your home through telehealth. For more information on how to access mental health support via telehealth, check out this Balanced You blogpost. 

As part of the Hope and Joy Campaign, the Balanced You team is hosting a series of informal, virtual zoom sessions, called “Coffee Connections”, to provide spaces for employees to connect over fun topics and events. The first Coffee Connection’s theme is “Pet Meet and Greet.” It will be held on December 10, from 10-10:30 a.m. Join us then to introduce your pet to other employees and meet their furry friends. Click here to join the Pet Meet and Greet via Zoom on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 10-10:30 a.m. Use passcode 205737…. Read More

As we move through the difficulty and stress of a socially isolating pandemic, Balanced You is launching the Hope and Joy Campaign. Throughout the winter, we will find ways to connect with one another through moments of hope and joy.  The Hope and Joy Campaign does not exist to quiet other emotions you may be experiencing during this time, but rather balance them with joyful emotions and connection with each other so we can build our strength to weather these challenges.  Please join Balanced You in making hope and joy contagious this… Read More

Are you reaching Medicare age? Do you want to learn more about Medicare and your options as a King County employee? SIgn up for Medicare 101, an upcoming seminar featuring guest speaker Jean Cormier, who will discuss Medicare basics. In addition, Jenny Stark from Regence BlueShield and Hannah Bachelder from Kaiser Permanente will discuss their Medicare Advantage plan options.  This seminar takes place Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 2:30–3:30 p.m. Register here.  Please note, attendance is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related. For more information, contact Carmen Johnson. 

Open Enrollment is King County employee’s annual opportunity to evaluate employee benefit options and make changes for the upcoming year. The 2020 Open Enrollment period is currently open until November 15.   Employees who are considering choosing a new medical plan may be interested in the Washington Health Alliance’s 2020 Quality Composite Scores for Medical Groups and Clinics.  This tool measures health care quality across the state of Washington using four domains (measures):   Prevention and Screening    Care for Chronic Diseases    Coordinated, Cost-Effective Care    Appropriate, Cost-Effective Care    For more information on this ranking tool, and how… Read More

King County’s Making Life Easier (MLE) program is offering several upcoming live and on-demand webinars. Register early for the live session as space is limited, otherwise, a recording of the session will be available on-demand 48 hours after it has ended.  Supporting Yourself This Season: The Winter Blues & Seasonal Affective Disorder – Live, Wednesday, Nov. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. Register here.  Deepening Your Resilience: Tools For Persisting In These Times – Now available on-demand. Register here.  Moving Forward From Here: Navigating Uncertain Times – Available on-demand the first week of Dec. Registration information coming soon. Please check the website for updates.  To learn more about these webinars and to access… Read More