Category: Wellness

September Wellness Webinar: Make Mealtime Family Time

MealtimeSometimes it’s hard to gather for a sit-down meal. But family meals can teach your kids health lessons that will stick with them for years to come. And, if you don’t have kids, it can help strengthen your relationship with your spouse/partner or another friend. This webinar will provide you with tips and ideas for making mealtime fun and even help persuade those picky eaters.

Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Cofrin Library, 7th floor, room 735

No need to RSVP – just mark your calendar to join us, and bring your lunch!

You could also participate in this webinar at your workstation if you prefer – please visit wellwisconsin.staywell.com and go to Webinars to register.

Wellness webinars highlighting various health and well-being topics will take place the 3rd Wednesday of each month. All webinars will be recorded and available to Well Wisconsin Program participants on the wellness portal after the event date.

To access the wellness portal, you must be an employee, retiree, or enrolled spouse/domestic partner enrolled in the State of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Public Employers Group Health Insurance Program.

On-Site Health Screening on September 14th

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Know your numbers!

Register today for the on-site health screening event at UW-Green Bay for employees and their spouse/domestic partner who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program!

Date: Thursday, September 14, 2017

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Room: Phoenix Room in University Union

Complete two easy steps by October 20, 2017 to earn the $150* Well Wisconsin incentive:

STEP 1: Get your 2017 health screening** – log in to wellwisconsin.staywell.com and click the Programs tab to register for this event.

  • You’ll be in and out in 20 minutes
  • Screening includes measurements for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL, LDL and Total), triglycerides and glucose
  • Fasting is not required, but is highly recommended for more accurate results
  • Screening completion will be displayed in the StayWell wellness portal within two business days. Your results will be automatically uploaded to your profile within 10 business days
  • On-site health screenings are confidential, free and voluntary

STEP 2: Complete the StayWell health assessment** at wellwisconsin.staywell.com

It takes about 10 minutes and is mobile and tablet friendly!

NOTE: You must register ahead of time for this health screening – they do not allow walk-ins that day.

If you already completed your health screening this past April, you do not need to complete it again in 2017.  There will be another on-site screening event in April 2018, for the 2018 Well Wisconsin incentive.

Questions? For more information on on-site health screenings or the Well Wisconsin Program, log in to wellwisconsin.staywell.com or email payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu.

* Those enrolled in Humana’s Medicare Advantage plan or have a postal address outside of the U.S. are not eligible to receive the $150 incentive. The $150 incentive is treated as taxable income and will be reported to your employer.

** Individual health information will never be shared with the employer.

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

 

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Join local firefighters, students, faculty and staff in memory of the brave souls who lost their lives the day of the attack.  Share your thoughts and memories of the day we swore as a nation to never forget as we climb the stairs of the Cofrin Library in respect to the fallen.

When: Monday, September 11, 2017 at 11 am – 1 pm

Where: Cofrin Library – 2nd to 8th floor stairwell

Vets 4 Vets and Public Safety representatives will be on hand, and there will be military, firefighter, and police related items/memorabilia on display at the plaza area of the library’s second floor.  Representatives from the Wellness Committee will be handing out flag pins to the first 50 people who climb to the 8th floor.

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? Join the conversation on the Vets 4 Vets UW-Green Bay Facebook page and share your thoughts and memories.

Event presented by UW-Green Bay Vets 4 Vets Student Club, Public Safety and the Wellness Committee.

Produce May Be the Key to Happiness

 

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A silver lining … and a slice of apple? Research shows fruits and vegetables not only nourish your body—they also make you happier.

One possible explanation: The feel-good boost of knowing you’re eating healthy. By now, almost everyone has heard that fruits and vegetables form the cornerstone of a nutritious diet. So you should rightfully feel proud of placing them on your plate.

The Brain Power of Produce

But that’s not all. Healthy compounds in produce help your brain function properly, improving your psychological health. Star nutrients include:

• Complex carbohydrates. All carbs provide an instant lift as glucose, insulin, and serotonin flow through your veins. But unlike simple sugars, which often cause you to quickly crash, complex carbs from starchy veggies and fruits keep your blood sugar and hormone levels steady.

• B vitamins, including folate and vitamin B-6. Your body needs these nutrients to produce brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Fall short and your emotions tend to run off track.

Some evidence also suggests that antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, including vitamins C and E, may help combat a process in your body that triggers cell damage. The jury is still out, but it’s possible antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may help keep your mood intact, and in particular, protect against depression.

Which Fruits and Veggies to Choose?

Health experts recommend at least five to nine servings per day of fruits and veggies. Create your own mood-boosting shopping list with these picks. They’re easy to find, low-cost, and can all fit into dishes your whole family will love.

• Peas: Mix into pasta; stir into salads; or combine with onion, garlic, broth, and seasonings for a tasty soup.

• Spinach: Use as a pizza topping, heat up frozen greens as a side dish, or heat in a pan with chickpeas for a tasty beans-and-greens sauté.

• Bananas: Think beyond cereal—try bananas blended into smoothies, sliced lengthwise and topped with frozen yogurt, or even tossed with apples, lettuce, and peanuts for an unexpected salad.

Article from The StayWell Company, LLC

How to Handle Fruits and Vegetables

The skin of fresh fruits and vegetables can have germs that can make you sick. They also can contain chemicals that farmers use to help the plants grow. That’s why it’s a good idea to wash fruits and vegetables before you eat them. Here are some tips:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fruits and vegetables.Washing_peppers
  2. Rinse all fresh fruit and vegetables with warm water, even if you don’t eat the skin or peel. Germs on the skin or peel can spread to the inside when you cut or peel it.
  3. If there is a firm skin, such as on apples or potatoes, use a scrub brush to clean it.
  4. Cut away bruised or damaged areas on fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
  5. Most fresh fruits and vegetables will stay fresher if put in the refrigerator, but some will not. For example, it is OK to keep potatoes and bananas on the kitchen counter. But return cut and peeled fruits and vegetables to the refrigerator within two hours. Put them in the crisper and cover them.

Article from The StayWell Company, LLC

Color Yourself Healthy

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You can find a rainbow of colors in the produce section at your supermarket, and all that color provides big nutritional benefits.

When you shop, look for the most vividly colored fruits and vegetables. Colorful plant chemicals—such as carotenoids and flavonoids—contain antioxidants that can strengthen your immune system, protect your body’s cells from disease-causing free radicals, and may prevent some types of cancer or heart disease.

Different colors mean different types of antioxidants with different benefits. Here’s a guide:

The Reds

This hue is a sign of antioxidants that may reduce your risk for cancer and protect your heart. Consider putting these in your cart:

  • Cranberries
  • Pomegranates
  • Radishes
  • Raspberries and strawberries
  • Red bell peppers
  • Red grapes
  • Tomatoes

The Oranges and Yellows

They are packed with carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and vitamin C. These nutrients promote heart health and vision and may reduce the risk for certain cancers. Shop for these bright foods:

  • Acorn squash
  • Butternut squash
  • Carrots
  • Corn
  • Oranges, lemons, grapefruit
  • Peaches
  • Pumpkin
  • Sweet potatoes

 The Greens

Green vegetables contain a slew of antioxidants. They are also a rich source of other health essentials, such as folate, minerals, and fiber.  Add these to your menu:

  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Collard greens
  • Green bell peppers
  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Swiss chard

The Blues and Purples

Fruits and veggies that are blue and purple offer many of the same benefits as red items. Fill up on these deeply hued choices:

  • Beets
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Plums
  • Purple grapes and juice

Article from The StayWell Company, LLC

Fit More Fitness Into Your Workday

Moving more at work is easier said than done, especially if your job requires a lot of sitting. But physical activity can be added into the average workday in ways you may not realize.Chair

Take a Stand    

Set an alarm on your phone or computer for every 30 minutes. When it rings, do a two-minute exercise challenge.

2 Minute Challenge Ideas

Exercise can be done almost anywhere at any time at work. Here are some tips to get you off on the right track:

  • Walk in place with high knees
  • Perform arm circles forward for one minute, then backwards for another minute
  • Squats or walking lunges
  • Desk pushups

To gain support, challenge a coworker to perform these exercises together.

Quick Tip: Try changing out your chair. Use a stability ball instead of a chair to challenge your core and improve your posture.

Article from The StayWell Company, LLC

4 Exercise Excuses You Can Overcome

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Regular exercise can help you feel better and live longer. So what’s stopping you? No matter your reason, there’s a solution. Get ready to stop making excuses and get going.

 

Excuse: I hate aerobics­. And weightlifting. And anything else that feels like gym class.

Get past it: Good news: You don’t have to revisit gym class. Studies show that lifestyle activities­ are just as effective as structured exercise programs in improving fitness. So walk the dog, do yard work, run up and down the stairs, or dance to your favorite music. It all counts as exercise.

 

Excuse: I don’t have time to exercise­.

Get past it:  If you can’t find 30 minutes in a row, break it up. Three different 10-minute activities are just as effective. Or scrub the bathroom for 15 minutes. Now you’ve already met half your exercise goal for the day.

 

Excuse: I’m too tired to exercise.

Get past it: Yes, it’s hard to get out of that chair. But if you do exercise regularly, you’ll actually feel less tired and have more energy. Studies show you’ll sleep better, too. Just start moving, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll perk up.

 

Excuse: I’m not at risk for heart disease, so I don’t need to exercise.

Get past it: Actually, by not exercising, you are at risk for heart disease­. An inactive lifestyle also increases your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer.

 

Article from The StayWell Company, LLC

August Wellness Webinar: Fitting a Healthy Life in a Hectic Lifestyle

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Life can be busy. Filled with meetings, deadlines and family commitments. It’s no wonder that exercise gets put to the wayside and our meals are made at the drive-thru window. This webinar will discuss simple tricks and tips you can use to make healthy living fit into your hectic lifestyle.

Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Cofrin Library, 7th floor, room 735

No need to RSVP – just mark your calendar to join us, and bring your lunch!

You could also participate in this webinar at your workstation if you prefer – please visit wellwisconsin.staywell.com and go to Webinars to register.

Wellness webinars highlighting various health and well-being topics will take place the 3rd Wednesday of each month. All webinars will be recorded and available to Well Wisconsin Program participants on the wellness portal after the event date.

To access the wellness portal, you must be an employee, retiree, or enrolled spouse/domestic partner enrolled in the State of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Public Employers Group Health Insurance Program.

How to Access the Stay Well Website

StayWell

I’m all about removing the fear of getting started and the daunting task of signing up for something new. Accessing the Stay Well website will truly take you less than 5 minutes and puts health information right at your fingertips. The Stay Well website is a free service offered to any employee insured through the UW System’s health insurance plan. That’s right FREE!!! I will walk you through the sign up process and you can discover for yourself how easy it is to access.

The first step is to go to the website. Here are some options:

I went right to the log in page from this link. You will be asked to provide your first name, date of birth and last 4 digits of your social security number.  Then you are off to choosing a username, password and security question. (hint: write down your information because you and I both know that we have one million different usernames and passwords). A link to verify your email will follow. Here’s the tricky part it may go in your spam or junk mail. (This realization took me 5 or 6 tries.) The verification code will appear in the email. You plug that code in and just like that, you have full access to the site.  If you do come across any problems with your log in process, the number to call is 1-800-821-6591.

The site contains health coaching, webinars, health plan resources, pharmacy benefit information, EAP resources, archived webinars, a mindfulness collection and so much more. I personally love the health library for up to date information on current health issues. So now that you know how easy and beneficial the Stay Well website is, go ahead and sign up today!

Article written by Linda Schmitt, College Health Nurse in UWGB’s Counseling & Health Center