Building a Culture of Health: Health Apps & the Motivation

People are often in search of motivation when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. We sometimes set goals that are unattainable or make a New Year’s resolution of going to the gym and eating a healthy diet, only to feel negative about ourselves when those goals or resolutions are not achieved. But sometimes motivation can be found from hearing two words from a doctor, “you’re pregnant.”

When Denise Mejorado, a specialist in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s (TDCJ) Human Resources Department heard those words, she knew she would need to make some healthy choices.

“When I thought about making changes to improve my health, my first thought was I need to cut back on caffeine because I drink coffee every day. Also, I knew I had to pay more attention to what I can and can’t eat.”

Mejorado was also reminded of the health initiatives offered by TDCJ.

“We occasionally receive emails about different health apps that are available. Now I pay more attention to those offers,” Mejorado said.

At TDCJ, the agency is a family, and we take care of each other. This is why such an emphasis is placed on the health of its employees. TDCJ employees have access to many health monitoring options from blood pressure monitors to weight loss assistance. How do these apps, devices and diet plans get chosen to support us through our time at the agency and through retirement?

Tara Morales, a Blue Cross Blue Shield employee, manages a team responsible for the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Health Select Plans.

“I definitely have a special place in my heart for TDCJ,” Morales admits. “Because once a week I get to meet with the TDCJ team, and we talk about ideas that we have that really tailor what we do across the state specific to TDCJ.”

Any device or program involving one’s health must be tested.

“We’ve got a team of doctors and clinicians that are really vetting those solutions. When we as a company are approached about a solution, we spend a lot of time looking at it, assessing the members’ experience with that particular program. It goes through clinical validation before we ever put it in front of our membership.”

Morales explained the region and type of state agency affects the products chosen as well.

“It’s oftentimes not just a box product that we add to a benefits package. We do a lot of work to confirm the language that is used in the application, the way that someone enrolls, and we really adjust it so that it fits for the state of Texas. We also are considering who the state of Texas employees are and what their daily life looks like.”

One major advancement in health monitoring for TDCJ employees was the introduction of virtual checkups and at home blood test kits provided by Catapult Health. With Catapult, employees can request a free kit sent to their homes. When the kit arrives, the employee takes a blood sample at home and mails it to the medical facility. When the sample is tested, the employee can have a private online video call with a licensed healthcare provider to review the tests and receive advice and possible health plans for the employee’s future.

A few other health apps available to TDCJ employees are Hinge Health, Learn to Live and Hello Heart. Hinge Health is an exercise and pain relief program. Employees can create an exercise routine personalized for their needs. Virtual physical therapy sessions are also available. Learn to Live is an online mental health care service. This application offers evidence-based wellbeing and cognitive behavioral therapy programs. Hello Heart is an app and blood pressure monitor. This program can track your heart health and gives real-time tips that employees can use to help manage their blood pressure. The app can also keep records of heart health statistics, which an employee can provide to their personal physician.

Makayla Yosko, Communications Department administrative assistant, checks her blood pressure with the Hello Heart monitor.

Mejorado signed up for Hello Heart to monitor her blood pressure during her pregnancy.

“I have some family members who had blood pressure issues during pregnancy, so I wanted to make sure I was keeping track.” Mejorado enjoys taking walks for exercise. “I’m not a gym person, but I like to take walks around the facility during my breaks.”

Morales also was able to use Hello Heart for her personal health.

“As a Blue Cross Blue Shield employee, I felt I needed to test out these devices so that I’m able to speak about them firsthand. My blood pressure was so high I had to go to my doctor and immediately get put on medications,” Morales said. “The good thing though is that health scare kind of kick-started my good health. I was able to get on the right medicines and even lost weight with diet and exercise.”

Another new health initiative is mobile mammography. This mobile medical vehicle can be sent out to various TDCJ units around the state.

“Some correctional officers have difficulty finding time to go to their doctor for checkups and exams,” Morales said. “This mobile mammography really brings the care to them.”

According to Morales, we will be seeing a focus on diabetes on the horizon.

“We launched the Omaha Diabetes Management Program in April. This program will help employees who are diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and to help manage their condition,” Morales said. “That will be a big focus going forward.”

TDCJ employees can find a wealth of health initiatives available to them. Sometimes it can take a bit of motivation, but the TDCJ family will always be here to lend a hand.