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Ch 7: Health Education Program
This Chapter Includes:
1. Health Education
2. Youth Diabetes Summer Camp 3. Youth Asthma Camp 4. Diabetes Prevention Program 5. Nutrition
6. Fitness & Wellness Classes
7. WW (Formerly Weight Watchers) 8. Member Outreach
9. Collaboration with other County of Santa Clara Departments 10.Health Education Materials
Alert
Alert draws attention to critical information that has changed this year.
Contact
Contact information on who to contact for assistance.
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Health Education
At VHP we believe in “Better health for all.” VHP offers a variety of resources to help members learn how to live well and be healthy. Topics include asthma, diabetes, weight management, pregnancy, smoking cessation, and many others.
Providers can refer members to health education classes or materials by contacting VHP Health Education at 1.408.885.3490 or e-mail: healtheducation@vhp.sccgov.org. The following information will be required for a referral for health education: • Member information (name, date of birth and VHP ID number) • Provider contact information (telephone and fax) • Preferred language • The type of class or material requested for the member or title of the class (see below for class information) • Any comments specific to the member’s needs
Youth Diabetes Summer Camp
The YMCA offers one-week summer camp sessions for youth who are at risk of developing type II diabetes. The program focuses on nutrition education and practicing a healthy eating lifestyle. The program is free for VHP members ages 6-16.
Youth Asthma Camp
A free one-week asthma camp is offered for children ages 6-12 and their families. The camp addresses asthma problems through asthma self-management and offers unique opportunities for children to socialize with their peers who have the same chronic illness. The camp is organized with the goal of providing an entertaining and educational summer camp experience. In addition to asthma selfmanagement, campers are provided with opportunities to try new activities at their own (often reduced) level of participation. Camp fellowships and informal social interactions in a variety of settings (sports, picnic, nature study, hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, crafting, etc.) are offered as part of the program.
Diabetes Prevention Program
VHP partners with the YMCA to offer members a free Adult Diabetes Prevention Program, which includes a four-month YMCA membership. The YMCA’s Adult Diabetes Prevention Program helps members learn and adopt healthy eating and physical activity habits with the goal of reducing the risk of developing type II diabetes. Members will receive support and encouragement from both a trained lifestyle coach and fellow classmates as they develop a plan for improving and maintaining their overall well-being. In addition, distance learning options have been added beginning in October 2020.
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Nutrition
VHP offers free nutrition classes to its members through the YMCA. The one-hour classes are hosted and conducted by a Registered Dietician and provided quarterly every year. Topics vary and include “Tips for Healthy Weight Loss,” “Tips for Traveling,” “Eating Out in a Restaurant,” “Smart Snacking,” “The Amazing Benefit of Omega 3,” “Holiday Survival Guide,” and “How to Cook with Whole Grain.”
Fitness & Wellness Classes
VHP offers group fitness classes free of charge to members. Classes vary and include Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, and Sports Conditioning. All instructors are certified and meet industry standards. While classes were offered throughout the County of Santa Clara (County), in-person classes have been discontinued due to COVID-19. Beginning in Fall 2020, VHP offers virtual fitness classes free of charge to members. The Zoom platform is utilized, providing flexibility and easy access to the fitness classes.
WW (Formerly Weight Watchers)
VHP is committed to helping members reach their wellness goals, whether to achieve a healthy weight, learn better eating habits, move more, or develop a more positive mindset. VHP offers WW (Weight Watchers reimagined) to members. Members can join the program through several membership options. WW has moved from in-person workshop meetings to a virtual platform due to COVID-19. VHP continues to subsidize 50 percent of the cost for its members.
Member Outreach
In collaboration with VHP’s Case Management and Member Services Departments, Health Education conducts outreach to members through one-on-one phone calls. These calls serve as an opportunity to provide education to members on prevention campaigns as well as promote a vital and free of charge online resource, MDLive (see “Chapter 19, Behavioral Health Services”).
Health Education collaborates with various County departments to carry out initiatives led by the Board of Supervisors, such as: • County Diabetes Prevention Initiative (DPI) to ensure that residents with pre-diabetes are identified and connected to prevention education and active living resources; • County Employee Wellness Division to improve the health and well-being of the workforce through campaigns such as “#CampWell2020” and “Know Your Health, Keep Your Health”; and • County Tobacco-Free Communities (TFC) to reduce illness and premature death attributed to the use of tobacco products.
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Health Education Materials
VHP has contracted with Krames Staywell to make health education materials available to its members. Providers may request materials free of charge. These materials have been reviewed for cultural and linguistic standards and are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Topics include: • Allergies • Asthma • Behavioral Health • Breast Health • Cancer • Children’s Health • Colon Cancer • Diabetes • Eating Healthy • Exercise for Busy People • Healthy Aging • High Blood Pressure • Men’s Health • Pain Management • Self-Care for Adults • Smoking Cessation • Sexually Transmitted Diseases • Stress Management • Weight Management • Women’s Health
To request an order form, packet of sample materials or materials on a specific topic, contact the Health Education Department at 1.408.885.3490 or e-mail: healtheducation@vhp.sccgov.org.
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