When Alma Cunningham, Administrative Assistant II with the Aviation Department, first received the letter explaining the City’s new Livongo Program, she was hesitant about signing up. However, Alma knew the program, which assists employees with managing their diabetes through a connected meter and coaching service, was just what the doctor ordered. Since things were not going well with controlling her blood sugar, she took the plunge and enrolled.
Her Livongo connected meter with strips and lancets arrived soon after she signed up, and she was surprised to see that it was preset with individual blood sugar targets. The connected meter also provides you with health tips and messages of encouragement while you are waiting for and after you get your results.
“I like to be on target with my blood sugar, because I will receive a kudos, terrific, or great message,” said Alma. “It definitely feels good knowing that I am doing okay.”
Alma can access her information anytime through an easy-to-use portal. She even uses another online application that allows her to add notes, which makes writing down her readings a thing of the past. The information can be sent directly to her doctor or anyone she chooses.
Thanks to the Livongo Program, Alma no longer has to worry about ordering test strips, because the connected meter tracks that for her. When her supply is low, the meter asks her if she wants to order more strips. And just like that, the strips are mailed to Alma at no cost to her.
The connected meter is great, but the coaching service is also an essential part of the program, too. When your blood sugar goes too low (below 50) or too high (400+), the coaching service will call or text you. In addition to that, you have 24/7 access to a coach if you have any questions, concerns, or need help with your food choices, diabetes, medicines, or if you just need some support.
Alma has been participating in the program for just a few months and is already experiencing positive results – her A1C level has decreased from seven to six. She is well on her way to getting better and reaching her goal of getting off most of her medications. To get there, Alma knows she needs to continue learning how to control her diabetes and improving her quality of life. She is thankful to the City for making Livongo available to her, as it is helping her change her life.
To get started today with the Livongo Program, visit start.livongo.com or call 1.800.945.4355. Use the registration code: COSA.
Many of us are all too familiar with the struggles of weight loss. Fortunately, the City’s Weight Watchers at Work Program has been available for the last 10 years and has proven to be successful for many employees.
Meet Minga Luna, a 33-year COSA employee who works in the Finance Department. Minga has dealt with weight issues most of her life, and they have affected her health and well-being. Tired of feeling fatigued and becoming winded from walking short distances, Minga joined the Weight Watchers at Work Program in April 2012.
By learning to drink more water, using leafy greens as fillers in sandwiches, and walking instead of taking the trolley, Minga has shed more than 100 pounds and dropped six dress sizes!
“If I can do it, anyone can do it,” says Minga. “I still have chips and fried chicken once in a while, but I track every day. It’s not about celebrating with food anymore. If I want to reward myself, I buy a pair of Capri pants to walk in or treat myself to a manicure or pedicure.”
Making a change as significant as Minga’s requires a lifestyle change, and for Minga, having a strong support system of family, friends, and co-workers was essential. From increasing her level of physical activity to tracking what she eats, even while on vacation, she is doing all she can to continue down her successful path of getting healthier and losing weight. Although Minga has come a long way, she is still working towards her goal – 35 more pounds.
The Employee Wellness team applauds Minga’s efforts, and is here to support her. You also have the opportunity to create your own wellness journey to good health.
To learn how to start a Weight Watchers at Work group at your worksite, contact the Employee Wellness Program at 210.207.WELL (9355).
Remember, civilian employees are eligible to receive a reimbursement of up to 50 percent of program costs if they attend 80 percent of the scheduled meetings.