Strategic Alliances:
Sponsored by J&B Medical
Powered by: Engage 360, authored by Carolé Dacey-Young Published December 17, 2024
KICKOFF
Welcome to the Huddle – Your Voice, Our Mission!
This isn’t just another newsletter—it’s a movement. As an NFL alum, your legacy extends far beyond the field. Your voice, experience, and leadership remain as powerful as ever, and now, more than ever, the world needs them.
NFL Alumni Health is your platform to make an impact. Together, we’re building the largest healthcare community of professional sports alumni, tackling critical health challenges, and shaping a healthier future for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
2024 marked a pivotal moment in addressing healthcare challenges in the United States—and you are at the center of this change. With your input and participation, we’ll take on pressing health issues, bridge gaps in care, and share life-changing resources.
What to Expect in Every Edition:
- Opportunities for Engagement: Share your story, join our campaigns, and connect through events like Huddle for Health.
- Practical Insights: Stay informed with key health trends, challenges, and solutions.
- A Seat at the Table: Help us raise awareness for the health conditions that matter most to you.
Let’s make your voice heard. What are your health priorities? What causes drive you? This is your chance to lead again—off the field and into a healthier future for all.
Join the Huddle today, and let’s create a legacy of strength, wellness, and impact.
How You Can Get Involved
At NFL Alumni Health, we’re more than a health resource-we’re a movement united by our mission to Care for Our Own, Care for Kids, and Care for Our Community. As part of that mission, we’re hosting Huddle for Health events focused on specific health challenges- and we need your voice and experience to make an impact.
Here’s How You Can Make a Difference:
- Passionate about a health issue? Let us know the topics that resonate with you or have shaped your journey.
- Willing to share your story? Whether it’s through webinars, podcasts, or live events, your experience can inspire and educate others.
- Want to join the movement? Learn how you can be part of campaigns that raise awareness, promote wellness, and bring positive change to our alumni network and beyond.
Your insights and involvement will shape the future of NFL Alumni Health. Together, we can amplify important health messages, create life-changing initiatives, and support each other through education, advocacy, and action.
Stay Connected
We also invite you to stay part of the conversation. By staying connected with NFL Alumni Health, you’ll receive exclusive updates, critical health statistics, and key trends tailored to our alumni community.
Want to Get Involved? Let’s Connect!
We want to hear from YOU. Whether you’re interested in joining a Huddle for Health event, sharing your story, or contributing to one of our campaigns, there’s a place for you in the Huddle. Here’s how to reach us:
- Email Us: Drop us a line at GetInvolved@NFLAlumniHealth.org.
- Complete Our Interest Form: Click here to tell us more about your interests.
At NFL Alumni Health, your participation isn’t just welcome-it’s essential. Together, we’ll tackle the health challenges that matter most and build a legacy of wellness that will inspire generations to come.
On the Field of Health: Knowledge Is Power
Your voice is powerful, and so is your knowledge. Whether it’s sharing your health journey, supporting others, or staying informed, you are a key player in our mission of Caring for Our Own, Caring for Kids, and Caring for Our Community.
In this section, we tackle the health topics that matter most. From understanding your health numbers to accessing cutting-edge tools and resources, every insight helps us build a healthier, stronger future—together.
Know Your Numbers: Understanding Your Health Baseline
New year, new game plan: Knowing your numbers is the first play for long-term health.
Scoreboard for Life: The Power of Knowing Your Key Health Numbers
Health isn’t just about fitness; it’s about understanding the numbers that reflect your overall well-being. Whether it’s blood pressure, cholesterol, or BMI, these metrics are your health “scoreboard.” Staying informed can add years to your game, on and off the field.
Track Your Health Metrics: Stay Ahead of the Game
This article breaks down the essential health numbers every former athlete should know and why they matter. You’ll also find expert tips on how to make health tracking a part of your routine, with advice from NFL Alumni Wellness partners.
Heart Disease: A Challenge Worth Tackling
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.? Yet, 72% of Americans don’t think they’re at risk.
Discover the latest findings from the HUDDLE Study, which examined cardiovascular health in NFL Alumni. You’ll learn about the prevalence of conditions like hypertension and how alumni are bridging the awareness gap through screenings and education.
Edwards Lifesciences
We proudly recognize our sponsor, Edwards Lifesciences, a global leader in innovative, patient-focused solutions for structural heart disease. Edwards Lifesciences partnered with NFL Alumni Health to expand access to life-saving screenings and resources, working tirelessly to dismantle healthcare barriers in underserved communities. Their support enables us to conduct studies like HUDDLE and drive initiatives that benefit alumni and beyond.
Learn more about Edwards Lifesciences: edwards.com
Where Are They Now?
Rolf Benirschke’s Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
In this Q&A, Rolf reflects on the trials that reshaped his life and the purpose he found in sharing his story. His passion for improving access to health screenings, destigmatizing chronic conditions, and empowering others—especially his NFL peers—underscores the mission of NFL Alumni Health.
Join us as we explore Rolf’s inspiring journey, his advice to those navigating serious health conditions, and his dedication to championing the well-being of his fellow players and communities.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Cortina Health – Personalized Dermatology for NFL Alumni
Provided by Cortina Health
Cortina Health is redefining dermatology care for NFL Alumni and their families. Through an exclusive partnership with NFL Alumni Health, Cortina Health offers discounted memberships, ensuring that high-quality, board-certified care is always within reach. This collaboration embodies NFL Alumni Health’s mission to “Caring for Our Own,” helping members and their families take charge of their skin health with confidence.
Dermatology care has often been hindered by long wait times and geographical limitations, with some patients waiting up to six months for an appointment. Cortina Health eliminates these barriers through its telemedicine platform, available in all 50 states. Whether you’re at home, traveling, or juggling a packed schedule, Cortina’s platform connects you with expert care–no commuting, no waiting rooms, no missed workdays.
“At Cortina Health, our mission is to make top-quality dermatology care accessible to everyone,” says Dr. Reid Maclellan in Forbes.
Dr. Holly Geyer: A Leading Voice in Addiction Medicine
Meet Our New Medical Advisory Committee Member!
NFL Alumni Health is excited to welcome a nationally renowned expert to our team. With deep expertise in addiction medicine and a focus on non-drug solutions for complex illnesses, this Mayo Clinic physician and author is poised to help us tackle critical health challenges in our community.
Find out who’s joining us and how they’re making a difference.
CARING FOR OUR OWN
Groundbreaking inaugural Wellness Weekend
Beyond the Game: Raiders Set a New Standard in Wellness for Alumni
In a powerful first, the Raiders recently hosted 272 former players and their families for Wellness Weekend—a transformative event focused on whole-health screenings, mental wellness, and crucial support for caregivers. Team owner Mark Davis pulled out all the stops, creating a safe space where former players and their spouses could connect, get screened, and access resources. NFL execs took note, calling it a game-changer for alumni health. Could this be the future of NFL alumni care?
PLAYERS CORNER – Your Health Comes First:
Effective 1/1/25
VSP Vision benefits
With enrollment into the PFRPA Vision Plan, administered by VSP®, you have access to doctors who provide great and affordable eye care and eyewear. Are you ready to review your benefit information, and access your personalized plan coverage details?
Level Up Your Wellness Game!
NFL Alumni Health and iHerb are teaming up to bring you exclusive perks on top-tier wellness products. From vitamins to supplements, this partnership is here to help you thrive—and give back to the community at the same time.
Discover how you can save and support with every purchase!
Stay Connected! Don’t miss our next edition for more health and wellness resources.
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