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GE Privacy

Introduction: protecting your privacy, enhancing your online experience

When it comes to data privacy, protecting your personal information is most important. We feel it’s also important to give you, your colleagues, and your family members a voice in the development of this web site and your overall experience with it. To do this, we need to collect certain types of information to help us evaluate how the HealthAhead web site is being used, so we can continually improve your experience and the content we offer to you. By tracking overall usage patterns, providing an easy channel for your feedback, and allowing you to tell us what content is most useful to you, we can refine our offerings and provide more of the content you personally find valuable.

Overall, we are committed to giving you the option to participate – or not participate – in a manner that’s right for you. Read more for how we do this.

Information we collect and how we use it

Identifiable Information Collecting

All methods of identifying yourself to GE will be optional and opt-in, may be updated by you at any time, and will not be required for all areas of the web site.

We will not collect any identifiable user information from the areas of the HealthAhead web site which do not require SSO (Single Sign On), unique User ID (Identification), and/or Password.

There are areas of the web site that require you to identify yourself to us (authenticate). This allows you to access certain parts of the web site that may otherwise be restricted for privacy and security purposes.

There are also areas that may provide the option to create a personalized profile. The information you provide is optional and what you tell us will determine the level of personalization you will experience.

Access to identifiable information is restricted to internal, administrative personnel and solely for purposes of providing web site support, awarding prizes and other recognition, and customizing the web site content and overall functionality for the user. However, we will also allow you to change your mind and opt-out of sharing personal information with us at any time.

Non-Identifiable Information Collecting

When you visit the HealthAhead web site, we track, collect and report on certain aggregate and non- identifiable information. In other words, the information we collect does not relate to a single identifiable visitor. It tells us things such as how many users visited our web site and what pages they viewed.

This non-identifiable data will be collected and stored in a secure database in the U.S., and may be viewed by GE. We will analyze this information to refine our web site to better reflect user preferences, such as the type of content users are searching for most, and to improve the usability of the web site and the user’s web site experience. The information may also be used for purposes of promoting the web site. The data will not be used for medical analysis or other medical purposes.

Cookies

Like many web sites, the HealthAhead web site uses browser cookies – bits of text placed on your computer’s hard drive when you visit. We use them to tell us things like whether you’ve visited us before, and to help us identify features in which you may have the greatest interest. We also use cookies to track country and language selection.

In the future, we may use cookies to track additional details, such as city and state.

We keep this information unless you don’t wish GE to capture this and choose to delete your cookie history. If you wish to stop accepting new browser cookies, get notification when you receive a new cookie, or disable existing cookies, the “help” portion of the toolbar on most browsers will tell you how. Keep in mind, without browser cookies, you may not be able to take full advantage of all our web site features or have your preferences saved for future visits.

We also use Flash cookies on the web site to enhance your online experience. These are similar to browser cookies, but they store data more complex than simple text. Flash cookies, by themselves, cannot do anything to or with the data on your computer. In addition, Flash cookies cannot access or remember your email address or other personal information unless you provide the information on this web site.

Web Beacons

Certain pages on our web site contain “web beacons” (also known as Internet tags, pixel tags and clear GIFs). These web beacons obtain information such as the time the page was viewed, the type of browser used to view the page, and the information in cookies. Web beacon data does not include IP address. The web beacon data is stored at Google Analytics, a third party (see ‘Tracking and Reporting’ for more information on this technology).

Tracking and Reporting

Specifically we will track, collect and report on the following data using software from Google Analytics. For more information about Google Analytics, including information about how to opt out of these technologies, go to www.google-analytics.com

Our primary metrics include: Poll response rate, repeat visits, number of times content is shared, and visits by country.

The sub-metrics include:

Most Popular Content Types, Most Popular Content Topics, User Pathing, Exit Links, Bounce Rate, Traffic by Source (region), Time on Web site, Visit Time of Day, Unique Views/Page Views, Thumps Up/Down, Most Shared Content, Number of Times Content is Rated, Most Rated Content by Type, Language Selection.

We will also be tracking how much communicators, web site leaders and other HealthAhead operations teams are leveraging the web site to support and align their business, regional and web site specific efforts. Some of these metrics may be tracked using existing support central tools.

These metrics may include:

Number of Content Submissions by Region, Number of non-corporate Driven Promotions by RCs, Number of Promotional Downloads by Region, Support Central Survey

Feedback Form

Your feedback is important to the web site’s ongoing development, so we’d love to hear your opinions and ideas. To contact us, please use this Feedback form. We will not be able to respond directly, but all feedback will be reviewed, evaluated, and factored into future content decisions. Please note: this form is monitored by IT support staff only. Please do not submit any personal or medical information. And thank you in advance!

Poll and Quiz Responses

On the web site, we will conduct polls and quizzes to better understand user activities, attitudes, interests and knowledge across multiple health topics. These polls may also help us serve you better by asking questions that relate to the usefulness of our web site. We will not capture any personally identifiable information through the collection of poll response data. As part of these polls and quizzes, we will capture responses sorted by country. In the future, we may capture responses sorted by additional anonymous demographics such as language, affiliated GE business, work web site location, gender, etc.

Sharing Content with Family and Friends

We want you to share the web site’s content with important people in your life, so most articles, videos and slideshows can be emailed. To do so, we will ask you to provide your name and the recipient’s email address. We simply use this information to send the content as you request. At this time, we do not capture or store your, or the recipient’s, email address. Please see below to learn how we track and report on email sharing activity.

Please also review GE’s Social Media Guidelines

How we protect information

GE maintains administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect against unauthorized disclosure, use, alteration or destruction of any information you provide on this web site. We use secure socket layer (SSL) technology to help keep the information you provide on this web site secure. See ‘Information We Share’ and ‘Information We Transfer’ for additional details.

Information we share

We do not sell or otherwise disclose personal information about our visitors, except as described here. We may share information provided by visitors with service providers we have retained to perform services on our behalf. These service providers are contractually restricted from using or disclosing the information, except as necessary to perform services on our behalf or comply with legal requirements. In addition, we may disclose information about you if we are required to do so by law or legal process; to law enforcement authorities or other government officials; or when we believe disclosure is necessary or appropriate to prevent physical harm or financial loss or in connection with an investigation of suspected or actual illegal activity.

Information we transfer

We may transfer the information we collect on this web site to other countries where we do business, but only for the purposes described above. When we transfer your information to other countries, we will protect that information as described here unless otherwise required by applicable laws.

Links to other web sites

We provide links to other web sites for your convenience and information. These web sites may have their own privacy statements in place, which we recommend you review if you visit any linked web sites. We are not responsible for the content of linked web sites or any use of the web sites.

Children’s privacy

This web site is not directed to children under the age of thirteen and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of thirteen on the web site. If we become aware that we have inadvertently received personal information from a visitor under the age of thirteen, we will delete the information from our records.

Some links on this web site may take web site visitors to web sites that are directed to children. These web sites have their own privacy notices that address children’s privacy. We encourage you to read these privacy notices if you visit any linked web sites directed to children.

Updates to our privacy & data policy

This Privacy & Data Policy may be updated periodically and without prior notice to you to reflect changes in our online information practices. We will post a notice on this web site to notify you of any significant changes to our Privacy & Data Policy, and indicate at the top of this policy when it was most recently updated.

How to contact us

If you have any questions or comments about this Privacy & Data Policy, or if you would like us to update information we have about you or your preferences, please contact us by visiting our Feedback Form.

HealthAhead
Exercises for Caregivers: Staying Fit May Help You Help Your Loved One
Woman walking with man in wheelchair

Making time for exercise can be tricky, especially if you spend a lot of hours providing care to a loved one. But staying physically fit is essential for caregivers. For many people, providing care involves a lot of physical work—from changing  bed sheets to a helping a love one go to the bathroom. If you aren’t in good  physical shape, you may be at higher risk of injury—which could take you out of caregiving commission.

Take a moment to learn how to make physical fitness a priority in your life. We’ll take a look at how much physical activity you need for good health, as well as specific exercises that may help you stay strong as a caregiver.

How much exercise do you need?
Regular exercise can help caregivers build strength and prevent injuries, suggests Washington State
University. It may even help you cope with the emotional stresses and strains that caregiving can bring.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults (ages 18 to 64) aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, in order to maintain good health. Alternatively, you can set a goal to get 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. To get started, make a list of activities you might enjoy.

Moderate activities include:

  • Brisk walking
  • Water aerobics
  • Biking at a medium pace (6 to 9 miles per hour)
  • Certain sports, like golf and softball

Vigorous activities include:

  • Running or jogging
  • High-impact aerobics
  • Biking at a fast pace (10 or more miles per hour)
  • Certain sports, like basketball or soccer


The CDC also recommends making  time for at least two weekly sessions of muscle-strengthening activities. Those activities should target every major muscle group in your body—including your arms, shoulders, chest, back, abs, legs, and hips. For example, consider taking a Pilates or weight lifting class. Or tackle simple strength-building exercises at home.

Build your core strength
It takes a lot of core strength for caregivers to safely help a loved one out of bed or a chair. To build your back, chest, and abdominal strength, consider starting the day with three easy exercises:

  • Lunges: Stand with your feed about hip-width apart. Place your hands on your hips. Step your right foot forward about two to three feet. Slowly bend both knees to a 90-degree angle. Take care that your forward knee does not extend beyond your toes. Pause. Slowly return to your starting position. Repeat 12 times with each leg.
  • Push-ups: Lie on your stomach, with your palms flat on the floor just outside your shoulders. Curl your toes under your feet. Slowly push your body up while straightening your arms. Pause. Slowly lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor. If this is too challenging, you can place your knees on the floor. Repeat 12 times.
  • Sit-ups: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Hold the back of your head with your fingertips, while pointing your elbows out. Slowly lift your head and upper back off the floor. Pause. Slowly lower down. Repeat 12 times.

As you complete each movement, pull your belly button towards your spine to engage  your abdominal muscles. This will help you build core strength, while providing stability.

Before you complete muscle-strengthening activities, take a short walk around the block or jog on the spot for a few minutes to warm up. And don’t forget to take time to stretch when you are done.

Make time for fitness
Regular exercise may seem like a lot to add to your busy schedule. But the benefits are worth the challenge. Consider following these tips to make fitness a regular part of your routine:

  • Start small. If 150 minutes of aerobic activity sounds like a lot, take heart: you can break your fitness targets into smaller sessions. In fact, tackling 10 minutes of moderate- or vigorous-intensity activity at a time is fine, according to the CDC.
  • Keep it simple. Rather than travelling to the gym and back, consider taking a walk down the street or watching an exercise video, suggests the AARP. Many aerobic and strength-training exercises can be completed at home, where you can keep an eye on your loved one.
  • Set goals. Set yourself up for success by planning “SMART” fitness goals, suggests the Mayo Clinic. That means your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based. Planning your goals is the first step to achieving them.

If you live with a chronic health condition, speak with your doctor before starting a new fitness routine. And speak to a health care professional about any injuries sustained during exercise or caregiving activities, including back, neck, or shoulder pain.

Challenge yourself: Schedule time for exercise this week
Remember—it’s hard to care for someone else if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Making time for physical activity is a wise investment for caregivers. So consider scheduling time in your calendar this week for a walk in the park, an exercise video, or a simple set of sit-ups, push-ups, and lunges. Set a small fitness goal, stick with it, and you—and your loved one—may enjoy the benefits in the long run.

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