/WLB%20March2011

WORK / LIFE

BALANCE

A Resource Guide for Today’s Worker

Distributed in: The Bainbridge Island Review, North Kitsap Herald, Central Kitsap Reporter, Bremerton Patriot, Port Orchard Independent, and Northwest Navigator Kitsap.

WORK/LIFE BALANCE

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Professional Truck Driver At Whidbey General Hospital, we empower employees to be the best they can be. Our focus on patient centered care and leading edge technology allows our staff to reach their greatest potential.

We have employment opportunities available in many areas:

• Nursing – RNs and LPNs are utilized in Med/Surg as well as in

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• Clerical – Our clerical staff help keep the hospital running

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Making Workplace Wellness Programs Work WorkWise Advice™ by Mildred L. Culp

W

orkplace wellness programs might be the talk of the nation, but do they work?

Wellness programs are supposed to cut costs for employers and make employees more healthy. Employee benefits attorney George Kasper of Pullman & Comley LLC., in Bridgeport, Conn., maintains that “a great deal of negative information appears to be stemming from unknowns primarily about potential cost-savings and employee relations. Conflicting or inconclusive studies prompt (some) client companies not to adopt wellness programs or delay a decision.”

For example, a Washington Post article points out that “a review of Safeway documents and interviews with company officials show(s) that the company did not keep health-care costs flat for four years. ... After the 2006 drop, costs resumed their climb.” It further states that, encouraged to detect illnesses early, employees increase their screenings and follow-up treatment.

Port Orchard’s Nicholson Drilling Inc., has been averaging a four-percent

saving in premium costs through its overall wellness program, according to Will Shanley, director, Public Relations, of UnitedHealthcare in Cypress, Calif. UnitedHealthcare’s program includes at-home screening kits to test for early detection of diabetes and heart disease, among other conditions. Nicholson Drilling obtained the program through its membership in the employers’ organization Associated Industries Inland NW. “To earn the discount through this program,” Shanley explains, “at least 50 percent of the 16 employees complete the at-home screening and complete an online health screening. During 2009, 71 percent of Nicholson employees completed both the kits and the online health assessments (10 of 14). During 2010, 88 percent of the employees completed both the kits and the assessment (14 of 16).” The resulting 4.4 percent savings represents thousands of dollars.

‘LIKE GROWNUPS’ “One of our goals is to reduce health costs,” says Henry Albrecht, CEO of Limeade Inc., in Bellevue. “We think profits are driven more by tapping human potential. We try to make people aware of

their mood, including external factors like weather.” Limeade has encouraged employees to beat the mid-winter dreariness by spending several days in Arizona.

“Many wellness programs antagonize users by motivating them by a big red X on the health chart,” Albrecht Continued on page 5

Steve Olson, 50, of Port Orchard, Wa., uses an at-home test kit to measure his cholesterol, blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Olson, who supervises the pump team at Port Orchardbased Nicholson Drilling Inc., started using these kits in 2008 through a workplace wellness program organized by UnitedHealthcare of Washington.

Getting There Used car shopping? Use the right tools to find the right vehicle

W

ith more than 30 million used vehicles sold throughout the United States every year, how can you make sure they get the right used vehicle to fit your needs, meet your price range, and avoid getting a lemon? It comes down to knowing where to look, learning about a vehicle's history and getting a trusted source to take a look under

Driving School

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the hood to make sure the vehicle is in good working condition.

Once you've identified a few vehicles that could meet your driving needs, personal style and price range, it's important to learn a vehicle's history.

An AutoCheck vehicle history report can show if a car or truck has had possible undisclosed or unknown problems that can affect an automobile's safety and resale value, such as major flood or frame damage, or odometer rollback issues.

One of the things car shoppers are most interested in is whether or not a vehicle has been in an accident. To meet this demand, AutoCheck has incorporated key information including police-reported accidents on vehicles from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as exclusive frame damage records gathered from physical inspections at vehicle auctions. In

addition, the AutoCheck Score offers users a system for comparing a vehicle's history against other vehicles of similar make, model and mileage. This helps shoppers determine whether it is worth paying a little extra for a high quality vehicle.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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KID TIME Building a healthier diet?

Foods and beverages both matter

Workforce Development Your Career Can Start Here!

Olympic College offers degrees and certificates in these exciting Professional and Technical Programs:

W

ith children getting back to the books across the country and moms re-organizing extracurricular schedules, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever at school and in the home.

Even with busy back-to-school schedules, it's important to eat and drink healthfully.

Incorporating healthy eating and drinking habits into this year's routine can be easy - and rewarding. For instance, with a few simple substitutions parents can transform a typical packed lunch into a delicious yet nutritional powerhouse. A few tips: • Swap white bread and tortillas for whole wheat.

• Replace high-calorie spreads with lower-calorie versions, and/or mustard.

• Think about increasing flavor and texture with healthful additions.

Layering veggies on a sandwich really amps up its nutritional content.

• Consider baked or air-popped treats instead of fried chips.

• Trail mix, especially one full of healthful nuts and dried fruits, is a great snack that provides lasting energy.

• Packing a bottle of water like Nestle Pure Life instead of a sugary beverage is a convenient way to help save 145 calories a day. Water keeps kids healthfully hydrated and it can also help maintain concentration and alertness, whether at school or on the playing field.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

SYLVAN WAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Daycare, Preschool, Elementary & Middle School Open House February 27th 2-4pm in the gym Enroll for 2011-2012 school year

Full & Half Day Kindergarten 10% Active Military Discount Small Class Sizes • PE, Art, Music, Band • Integrated Technology • Foreign Languages • Computer Science • Interscholastic Sports • Before & After School Care • Member of ACSI • WA Approved & Certified Cert. Christian Teachers

Hands on clay experience for children 6-12 yrs Seven 4-Day workshops Begins week of June 27- week of August 15

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Human Services Industrial Trades Legal Office Manufacturing Technology Medical Assisting Nursing/Health Care Organizational Leadership/Resource Management Paraeducator Physical Therapist Assistant Polysomnographic Technology Technical Design Welding Technology

Be sure to check out some of our newest offerings, such as the Construction Management certificates and degree, the Emergency Medical Services certificate and the Leadership and the Non-Profit Organization certificate. Pipe Welding courses have also been added to our Welding program!

You may be eligible for Worker Retraining benefits!

360-475-7230 Access to Worker Retraining financial assistance is based on availability of funding. To be considered for Worker Retraining assistance, you must have met one of the following criteria and plan to enroll in a Professional-Technical program: • Collected Washington State Unemployment Insurance (UI) in the past 24 months, or • Been determined eligible to collect WA state UI, or • Received a lay-off notice.

Adult Basic Education: 360-475-7550 GED, Basic Skills and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are offered throughout Kitsap and Mason counties. I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) offered in Health Care, Early Childhood Education, and Welding.

OC Bremerton and OC Poulsbo 360-475-7555 or 1-800-259-6718, Ext. 7555 OC Shelton 360-432-5432 www.olympic.edu/WorkforceDevelopment

Clay Camp 2011

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Accounting Animation Gaming Production Automotive Technology Business Management Business Technology Computer Information Systems Construction Management Cosmetology Culinary Arts Digital Media Arts Early Childhood Education Electronics Fire Service

Call for personal tour or for more information

Olympic College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its program and activities.

www. sylvanwaychristian.org

The contents of this publication were developed with funds from the Carl D. Perkins Act.

360-373-5028

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Making Workplace Wellness Programs Work Continued from page 3

continues. His program approaches the entire individual – “like grownups” – rather than labeling some part of them.

Limeade’s program is significantly different, even in the 35-point assessment phase, involving not just physical measures, such as blood sugar and heart risk.

It also involves “positive relationships with other people, energy levels, resilience and self-leadership, which predict high-performance employees.”

The social wellness component, which is compatible with company culture, makes the program stand out. “We try to unlock and use the power of social connections to drive changes,” he explains. That could mean everyone taking the stairs for a month, commuting to work by bicycle, taking a course or donating blood, even donating through the company to charity.

Limeade has programs at Group Health, REI and various agencies for the State of Washington, including the Department of Labor & Industries, which has 97 employees (total) in Bremerton and Everett. Another of its clients is facility service company MacDonald-Miller, whose Everett branch has 16 employees, according to Eric Sundby, area service manager. “Their program has an incentive not just for standard screening and assessment behavior but ongoing challenges and

activities,” Albrecht mentions.

‘WHOLE-PERSON APPROACH’ Employee health conditions – improvement, stasis or decline – are a separate issue. Chicago’s Michael Appelbaum of FitnessMed Inc., consults with companies and individuals on fitness. A medical doctor with a law degree and a fellow, American College of Legal Medicine, Appelbaum considers “conventional wellness programs as basically glorified weightloss programs,” which makes “wellness” an unsuitable term. He asserts that these programs don’t work because of their “flawed foundation” and recommends that companies develop them differently.

“I think it’s a pretty fair assessment,” says Albrecht. “Exercise and eating well can lead to healthier people and lower costs.

But we focus much more on underlying social and behavioral factors – weight, resilience, energy, the likelihood of attracting people to your team. That wholeperson approach includes the spouse and self-awareness. It has a better effect on weight loss than a simple weight-loss program. We’ve had people lose 50 pounds this year when we didn’t even set out to be a weight-loss program.”

(Mildred L. Culp is a syndicated columnist. E-mail her at culp@workwise.net. © 2011 Passage Media.)

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Discover Kitsap’s Most Winning Workplace Call our job line at 360.598.1360 for current openings!

Visit ClearwaterCasino.com to view openings or download an application, which are also available at the Casino Security Podium. 15347 Suquamish Way, NE, Suquamish, WA 98392. Between Poulsbo &

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Casino employees require a state and/or Tribal Gaming license.

PME expressly promotes tribal preference. DFWP. For info, call 360.598.8717

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Where the Jobs Are and How to Land One

Vintage: the year's must-have fashion trend C

lassic retro styles have made their way back into the fashion consciousness. As luck would have it, it's easier than you think to be a part of the trend this season. Check out these simple tips for incorporating vintage style into your wardrobe easily and affordably. * Many quintessential American accessory brands are experiencing a fashion revival, like Timex, which offers a variety of styles that are new takes on classic designs from the decades gone by.

"The Originals 1940s Inspiration watch features a vintage construction expansion band and a simple, clean design. I love this style because it's so easy to wear and fits perfectly with the retro fashion trend," says style expert Amy E. Goodman. * Figure-flattering styles were dominant in this era, so stay away from anything loose or baggy. Looking polished from head to toe is the key to pulling this look together. Pair a simple updo hairstyle with crisp, tailored clothing and snappy shoes to finish it off. * Subtle accents like sparkly brooches, a classic pearl bracelet and a lady-like, structured handbag will bring your look to life. You'll be able to find some easyon-the-wallet options at vintage stores or by shopping your favorite discount store.

Courtesy of ARA content

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Bleak unemployment statistics and an evolving career landscape make it difficult for job-seekers to identify the best path to professional success. Despite this uncertain environment, leading experts say that changing jobs is vital to advancement, and identifying which fields are in-demand is key to implementing an action plan for success.

Alexandra Levit, career expert and author of "New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career," advises job-seekers to look at current trends that will cause industries to grow in the long term. "Pay close attention to ongoing developments in demographics, business and day-to-day lifestyles," says Levit. "Most importantly, job-seekers need to remember that changing careers is not something that happens overnight. It's a gradual process that encompasses important steps they need to consider."

Growing career fields Everyone needs a good accountant It is hard to avoid the nightly news or the newspaper reports about corporations under financial scrutiny. Changing financial laws and corporate governance regulations will continue to affect businesses and increase accountability to protect an organization's stakeholders.

These are just some of the factors that will drive growth in the field of accounting. In fact, the demand for accountants is projected to grow by 22 percent by the year 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Don't be fooled by traditional stereotypes - rock stars, movie moguls, fashion divas and companies all around the world need skilled accountants.

Living in the digital age The world is becoming increasingly digital, with information being exchanged and made widely available at lightning speed.

The unauthorized access and destruction of vital information is growing, and protecting these assets has become a national priority for the current administration.

According to the Department of Defense, there were a reported 360 million hacking attempts on U.S. computers in 2008.

"We are entering a new dimension in cyberspace that is seeing a complete erosion of online privacy," says Erica Orange, vice president of leading futurist consulting company Weiner, Edrich, Brown, Inc. "Learning how to manage the control of data will be critical in the 21st century and will afford an abundance of opportunities within the field of information security."

Information security will continue to grow in importance and with it, the demand for qualified individuals. Network systems and data communications analysts, for

example, are projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations from 2006 to 2018 at 53 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

All eyes on health care An aging population, expanded access to health care and the increased use of online resources and telemedicine are a few of the reasons the health sector is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the U.S. By 2018, one in 10 jobs is projected to be within this field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A shortage of certified personnel in the field of health care management and technology has made finding qualified people with the rights skill sets and education a central concern.

Making a change Making a career change in order to pursue one of these in-demand fields requires implementing the right strategies, according to Levit. She recommends the following for career success: Know thyself Take time to do a self-assessment and look closely at values and preferred work style. Researching careers and industries that align with your interests and skills is key. Remember the usual suspects in the job-search process. Set up informational interviews and arrange onsite visits at companies of interest.

Consider the right degree Gaining the right skill set for career advancement may require pursuing an advanced degree. Many individuals are overwhelmed at the thought of balancing job and family obligations, however there are accredited universities that offer flexible class schedules. DeVry University (www.devry.edu), for example, offers career-focused, higher education through online and on-site courses to accommodate students' busy schedules.

Remember to take advantage of all campus resources, such as those offered by the career services department. Networking with other students is also vital to finding career success - you never know who might be sitting next to you in class.

Set realistic expectations There is no such thing as the perfect work situation. Every job has its ups and downs and "dream job" isn't code for "cushy" job. Like mom always said, anything worth having in this world requires some effort. Everyone feels like shutting the alarm off and going back to sleep now and again, but the right career track will turn the average day into an energized one.

Courtesy of ARA content

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Messenger House Care Center

“We’re Driven by Your Need to Succeed”

Messenger House Care Center

Bainbridge Island’s only privately owned skilled nursing facility • Short-term Rehabilitation stays • Medically Complex Services • Gentle care Dementia Wing with programs tailored to resident’s individual needs.

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PH: 206.842.2654

Employment Opportunities at Messenger House Care Center We offer a generous benefits package to our team including medical and dental benefits, sick, vacation and holiday pay and the opportunity to participate in our 401k retirement plan.

We are committed to creating stimulating work environments, opportunities for professional growth and job satisfaction.

10861 NW Manitou Park Blvd Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 admin@messengerhousecare.com

The Northwest Premier Truck Driving School offers driver training in the following areas

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www.cdstruckschool.com Financing available OAC

Realities of career change: Smooth the transition with small, actionable steps Studies show that the average job-seeker will change careers several times over the course of his or her lifetime. Different variables contribute to the desire for career change, but the common thread between those seeking to make this transition is an overwhelming feeling of uncertainty about how to do so successfully.

Kimberly Bishop, founder and CEO of the career management and leadership services company that bears her name, is in the business of not only helping individuals find jobs but also manage and successfully change their careers.

Bishop advises that people looking to change careers set aside time every day to zero in on what they are looking to achieve as they begin taking the next steps to shift from their current career to the next. "It's really about taking the big picture and breaking it down into smaller, more actionable steps. It's very easy to become overwhelmed, but individuals must do their homework first before shifting into their desired career," says Bishop.

Not sure where to begin? Bishop offers both traditional and non-traditional career transitioning tips below.

1. Research, research, research - It may

sound tedious, but learning more about the career field you are interested in is vital. How much research you do also depends on how much of a change you're making. For example, are you transitioning from a nurse to a Web designer?

A great place to begin your research is online. Sites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook can provide insight into a variety of career fields and the positions they encompass. Another key place for conducting research is to hone in on specific companies in the industry you are pursuing. Their sites can provide you with accurate job descriptions and applicable skills needed to fill those positions.

2. Identify your transferable skills - You may already possess many skills that can be leveraged in a new career. For example, communications, leadership, budget management and planning are all transferable and applicable to what you might want to do in your new career. You may be surprised that you already have a solid amount of experience to offer.

3. Assess your training and education - Search the Internet and identify job descriptions for positions in the field that

interests you and find out the education and training requirements for these positions. While most individuals do not have the opportunity of going back to school full-time, many colleges and universities, such as DeVry University, offer flexible scheduling options, allowing students to take courses online, on campus, or a combination of both. Having the ability to complete your degree program while balancing your current job and family commitments can help ease the stress during your transition towards a new career.

4. Think outside the box - Get out and about to do your career research because not everything can be found online. Attend a trade show or networking event in the career field that interests you. Some of these events are free, while others may charge a minimal fee to non-members for entry. Once you attend these events, use the opportunity to talk to other attendees and ask yourself the following questions:

that I specifically like?

• Could I truly see myself at a tradeshow/ networking event like this in the future?

5. Gain experience - Realize you are essentially starting over from square one. By obtaining an internship, part-time job or volunteering in your new career field, not only can you solidify your decision, but it can give you much needed experience for embarking on your new career.

6. Know the importance of family - While family may think they know what you do, they may not understand your actual skill set. By taking the opportunity to share your intentions and abilities with your family, it may springboard a connection to someone else they know in your related field. They may have a neighbor, tennis partner or old college roommate who could offer the perfect opportunity for networking or job shadowing.

• Do I like the people I am surrounded by here? Could I see myself working with them on a daily basis?

Interested in learning more about how you can transition into a new career? For more information about in-demand careers and career-focused classes with flexible scheduling, log on to www.DeVry.edu.

• Do I like the environment? What is it

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What Matters Most?

You matter most!

Our employees, Our residents, Our families We seek only the best, most dedicated, customer focused care providers to complete the Extendicare team. It is these shining stars that help people live better, one life at a time.

Our 185 centers in the United States provide care to over 30,000 residents each year. Families and residents alike can rest assured knowing that the Extendicare team will incorporate diginity into all they do.

Respect Integrity

Responsiveness

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If you want to be part of our shining stars, or if you or a loved one needs short or long term care, visit our website for complete details:

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EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES

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