Healthy mind, healthy body

April 03, 2025

As the ombudsman and wellness coordinator for the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, Jewel Smith understands how important it is to get her annual preventive checkup. For the last few years, she has taken advantage of the on-site checkups offered at her agency through her HealthSelect of Texas® medical plan and Catapult Health.

After Jewel completed her checkup, she scheduled her appointment with an in-network nurse practitioner through a link provided by Catapult Health right from her phone.

Because Jewell had previous checkups with Catapult Health, the nurse practitioner was able to compare her lab results to previous years. She recognized that some of Jewel’s numbers were trending in an unhealthy direction.

“We really had a conversation about it,” said Jewel. “Instead of just focusing on the numbers, Joy, my nurse practitioner, was curious about the ‘why.’ She wanted to explore why my blood pressure was high so that she could help me get on the right path. Joy started with my number but took a holistic approach to my health.”

Jewel explained that she had recently lost her son—a loss that deeply impacted her life. Joy took the time to compassionately explain the possible reasons behind her health numbers. According to Jewel, “She provided invaluable tips for managing depression, encouraged me to explore grief therapy and shared the importance of engaging in activities with my hands.”

This was Jewel’s favorite piece of advice. Joy explained that doing things with your hands gets your mind involved and takes away thoughts you need to get away from. It helps to get your mind going in another direction instead of focusing on the hard things.

Joy took the time to understand Jewel’s situation. She told Jewel, “This is what I want you to work on doing: work on your nutrition, make it colorful and avoid carbs, sugars and saturated fats.” She also encouraged Jewel for physical activity.

And, she addressed Jewel’s mental health. “Do more stress management for your mental health: Volunteer! Get involved in activities in your community! And most importantly, sleep!” Joy took the time to explain how sleep is healing for the body. She also encouraged Jewel to do a medical follow up with her primary care provider and told her, “If you need medication, that’s ok too.”

“Joy’s motivational and uplifting approach was truly a gift,” Jewel shared. “She not only addressed my physical health but also provided tools and guidance to support my emotional well-being.

“Her words have stayed with me, offering comfort and encouragement,” she added. “I appreciated that Joy took the time and made me accountable. It was lifechanging for me.”

Jewel’s advice to others is, “Find a doctor that takes the time to give you more than what you want. Doctors are often too busy to even go over your numbers. You go to the lab for bloodwork and then get an email from lab or your doctor. They don’t even discuss mental health. During your annual checkup, talk to them about your mental health and don’t only focus on the numbers.”

She also voiced appreciation for the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, administrator for the HealthSelect of Texas plans. “Thank you, as always, for your continued dedication to supporting our health and well-being. Thank you for making resources like this available to us—it makes all the difference.”

Schedule your annual checkup

Routine annual checkups help you stay healthy and may help you save money by avoiding costly health care expenses in the future. With your HealthSelect^SM medical plan benefits, you have choices:

·       Schedule an appointment with your PCP.

·       If your employer offers a Catapult Health on-site clinic, sign up to participate.

·       Get an annual checkup from the comfort of your own home with VirtualCheckup® by Catapult Health.

When you register for the new Buena Vida well-being program offered by ERS, you can earn $50 in Buena Vida Bucks for completing your checkup!