Joan Chaya always considered herself healthy, so when her cholesterol and weight began to creep up, she knew it was time for a change. Ms. Chaya was supported through Montefiore's Associate Health Improvement Program (A-HIP). A-HIP provides associates with biometric screenings, guidance and motivation, while also rewarding health improvements with financial incentives. "I started to make changes, and A-HIP gave me that incentive by tracking my progress," says Ms. Chaya, Director of Workforce Development and Management at Montefiore Hudson Valley Collaborative. She has since lowered her cholesterol level significantly and lost 20 pounds—enough to earn $300.

"Associates want to be healthier but don't always know the way to get there, and this program's incentives and resources really support them," says Paulette Giambalvo, MPH, CHES, Director, Associate Wellness, Montefiore. Over 700 associates have been screened to see if they have elevated values in areas such as weight or cholesterol; and if elevated, when an associate makes a verified improvement, they earn $100 for each move.

Associates determined to be low risk are entered in the Healthy Habits Raffle campaign, where $1,000 prizes are given out each quarter. Both programs are found on Montefiore’s wellness portal, which also offers various resources such as workshops on stress management, information about Weight Watchers, meal plans and exercise trackers.

If you’re ready to become healthier, start with A-HIP and visit toyourhealth.montefiore.org.

Montefiore Health System has formed an exciting new collaboration with Crystal Run Healthcare, a group practice in the Hudson Valley and lower Catskill regions. "Crystal Run and Montefiore share a philosophy that puts patients first," says Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and CEO, Montefiore Medicine. "The Hudson Valley will be getting the gold standard of care." The relationship provides Crystal Run's patients with access to Montefiore's clinical expertise, research and clinical

trials, and renowned Centers of Excellence. In Orange and Rockland counties, where two of our member hospitals—Nyack and St. Luke’s—are located, Crystal Run is a group practice composed of 400 providers in nearly 50 specialties and more than 20 practice locations. Educational opportunities for Einstein medical students and Montefiore physician trainees will be enhanced by this collaboration, which also creates new teaching and learning opportunities for Crystal Run physicians.

Learn more about this dynamic collaboration at www.montefiore.org/crystalrun.

Supporting Healthy Relationships graduates Chenier Rivers and Bradley Ferrance say the program strengthened their connection.

Montefiore's Supporting Healthy Relationships (SHR) Program launches a new cycle on February 27, in honor of Marriage Month. This free program offers a reboot for those in committed relationships that could benefit from improved communication and reduced stress. The federally funded program, orchestrated by Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, provides a 12-week intensive workshop or “date night” for couples who have children or are expecting. “What keeps a relationship healthy is the quality of emotional connection between partners,” says Supporting Healthy Relationships participants Chenier Rivers and Bradley Ferrance. “SHR provided us with the tools to enhance our communication, sharing our innermost hopes, fears and dreams.” Couples enjoy a light dinner during the three-hour sessions, while learning skills to strengthen their connections. The program also offers employment services and comprehensive resources for couples to help reduce stressors. To learn more, attend the Open House on February 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, at 334 East 148 Street, 2nd Floor. Program graduates will be present to discuss how the program helped them. RSVP to 718-401-5050, ext. 207/253.