Live Well and Thrive

We live in a hyperconnected world. So many of us use our phones or other digital devices to access news and information, to stay connected to one another, and to just do our jobs. But at this point, it goes without saying, there is a dark side to digital dependence. To help unravel this conundrum we turn to Dr. Michael Rich, who refers to himself as a Mediatrician. He is also a parent, a pediatrician, a child health researcher, and children's media specialist. Dr. Rich teaches pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. His recent book, The Mediatrician’s Guide: A Joyful Approach to Raising Healthy, Smart, Kind Kids in a Screen-Saturated World, is a science-backed approach to give parents the confidence they need to raise a child well (and to raise a well child) in the digital age.

At KP we are continually innovating to create new tools and resources to support employee well-being, including programs addressing personal burnout. Today we’ll learn about the Thrive Series, a set of workshops and resources specially designed for our KP team to minimize burnout and to improve their physical health and mental well-being – both inside and outside of work. Check out the Thrive Series for you or your team.

Today we’re looking at the important work Kaiser Permanente is doing around environmental stewardship; how climate change is impacting people’s health; and how we can contribute to slow the pace of a warming planet. Joining us is Seema Wadhwa, KP’s Executive Director of Environmental Stewardship.

Hear two heartwarming stories about sexuality and gender identity from leaders in Kaiser Permanente, both of whom experienced the profound supportiveness of the organizational culture and are thriving in their leadership roles while supporting others on their teams. This episode’s guests include Grace Firtch, Physician in Chief, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center and Jeff Collins, President, Kaiser Permanente Northwest Region.

Today we’re talking all things curiosity and how continually seeking new knowledge and understanding can reshape your perspective and, in fact, your life with Scott Shigeoka, author, Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World.” Kaiser Permanente employees will receive a 20% discount on purchasing Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World between June 6 – 13, 2024 using the discount code “LiveWellThrive.” Follow this link to purchase the book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/scott-shigeoka/seek/9781538740804/?lens=balance

*Kaiser Permanente Northern California employees who want to speak with an EAP counselor immediately, please call the 24/7 line at 877-801-5751*In recognition of May being National Mental Health month, we’re highlighting KP’s most valuable resource for employee mental health – the Employee and Physician Assistance Program or EAP. We have three KP employees here with me to explore our EAP from different vantage points: Jerry, O’Keefe, National Director, Employee and Physician Assistance Services, Kaiser Permanente; Tanya Fernandez, Emergency Dept Manager; Huyen Friedlander, LMFT, EAP Consultant.

Today I have the special privilege of speaking with two of our KP Northern California Extraordinary Nurses: Rachel Wyatt and Bernice Yale. They have both been recognized with 2024 Extraordinary Nurse Leader of the Year awards. I’m delighted to have them with me today to learn about their “North Stars” or their “why,” and how having a strong sense of purpose keeps them centered in both their professional nursing practice and personal growth.

If you have been listening regularly, this year, we’ve been on a bit of a journey together, where we’re exploring happiness and mental well-being from a number of vantage points. Today we’ll continue this journey exploring how volunteerism, something we can do individually and as organized groups, can help add significantly to our sense of well-being. To discuss this important topic is Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Science Director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley and Lanie Tranchina, Staff Nurse, KP South Sacramento Medical Center.A note for our listeners: April is U.S. National Volunteer Month. Visit KPCares.org today for an easy way to find, share, and participate in volunteer activities in the communities where you work and live. And thank you for giving back!To learn more about the Greater Good Science Center and view their free online, self paced courses and events please visit: https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/what_we_do/events