To the OHA team:

As we dive into 2016, I’m excited to reflect on my first year with the Oregon Health Authority. Our agency restructure is complete and we have a strong leadership team in place. Ninety-six percent of Oregonians have health care coverage; 1.1 million people are Medicaid participants. Health System Transformation 2.0 continues this year, with the Public Health Modernization process ramping up. Our Oregon Eligibility (ONE) System is on track for Oregonians to begin online enrollment in the Oregon Health Plan this February. And we’re finding innovative ways to integrate behavioral and dental health into the coordinated care model. These are key components to achieving our mission of access to good health for all Oregonians.

While we’re concerned with the health of our entire population, the New Year is also a good time to think about our own individual health. It’s important that we take care of ourselves so we can take care of others. I asked Jim Rickards, MD, our new chief medical officer, to share some ways we can all be healthier in 2016:

	Jim Rickards, MD, MBA

We all want to live healthier lives and feel great, but what impacts our level of health? Here’s a simple breakdown of the “determinants of health” and the percentage they contribute to our personal well-being, as well as some questions we can ask ourselves to see if we are making smart choices to stay healthy.

Health care, 20 percent: This is going to the doctor or other health care providers, having routine screening exams such as weight and blood pressure checks, or seeking care when we are ill. Do we need to schedule a routine check-up or develop a better relationship with our primary care provider so they are more familiar with our health concerns?

Health behaviors, 30 percent: These are choices we make such as smoking and eating a healthy diet. Do we need to drive less, take regular breaks to walk outside, or eat more whole foods that are not processed and grown in a box, like fruits, vegetables and nuts?

Socio-economic factors, 40 percent: This involves being employed with stable income along with having a strong family and social support network. Do we need to reconnect with family and friends we’ve lost touch with and make time for people in our lives, to have fun, be social and share experiences?

Physical environment, 10 percent: Safe, clean, secure housing—or what we call home—is what we are talking about here, along with the community we live in. Does going home make us feel happy and refreshed? Can we do simple things such as letting in more natural light or have houseplants to improve our environment? Do we know our neighbors, smile and say “howdy neighbor” when we return home?

As we head into 2016, this is a simple way to think about what we can do to keep and improve health in our own lives. Good health for Oregon starts with each and every one of us. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2016!

Thank you,
Lynne

To your health: It’s not too late to make New Year’s resolutions. The American Psychiatric Association has some tips to help you keep them:

• Don’t make too many resolutions. Choose realistic and attainable goals.
• Choose your own resolution. Do it for yourself, not others.
• Make a plan and write it down. Map and chart your progress.
• Involve family and friends. They can support and motivate you.
• If you get off track, forgive yourself. Review your plan and make adjustments.
• Congratulate yourself. Rewards are great motivators!

Remember, the longest journey starts with a single step, so take it one step at a time toward your goals this year. Good luck.