Home

Health Matters October Update:

• YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS! Please take a few minutes to complete the 2021 Health Matters Employee Feedback Survey by Friday, October 22.
• LAST CHANCE! Join State employees from all around Idaho to run, walk, jog, or skip a 5K distance (3.1 miles) in the Second Annual Health Matters Virtual 5K Run/Walk.
• October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Learn the facts about breast cancer and why screening should be a regular part of your health care.
• It’s officially soup season! Try this warming Slow Cooker Squash Soup this weekend.
• Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just ‘off’? Talk it out! Take control of your well-being by accessing free, confidential counseling with the Employee Assistance Program.
• Check out the October Health Matters printable calendar for healthy Halloween snacks that are frighteningly easy.
• Find strategies for boosting your resilience and ability to bounce back from everyday challenges.
• Learn how proper body position and workplace setup can help you feel more comfortable while working during National Ergonomics Month.
• Make this quick and hearty Skillet Pasta Dinner that the whole family will enjoy!
• Find out ways you can advocate for your loved ones in long-term care in this month’s article from the Idaho Commission on Aging.
• UPCOMING VIRTUAL LUNCH AND LEARNS:
  • Easy Ergonomics – Thursday, October 21
  • The Science of Gratitude – Thursday, November 4 or Thursday, November 18
  • Holiday Stress Busters – Friday, December 3

• Check out the September Health Matters printable calendar for an overview of what’s happening this month as well as some simple reminders about getting more fruits and vegetables every day.
• Join State employees from all around Idaho to run, walk, jog, or skip a 5K distance (3.1 miles) in the Second Annual Health Matters Virtual 5K Run/Walk.
• September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Learn the five action steps for communicating with someone who may be thinking about suicide.
• Try these Oatmeal Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites for a quick snack or sweet treat. They taste like a classic no-bake cookie!
• September 27 is Idaho Family Dinner Night! Make family meals a regular event in your home with the Idaho Family Meal Recipe Guide.
• Find out about the importance of fall prevention in this month’s article from the Idaho Commission on Aging.
• UPCOMING VIRTUAL LUNCH AND LEARNS:
  • “Stress Less” – Thursday, September 9
  • “You at Your Best” – Monday, September 20
  • NEW VIRTUAL LUNCH & LEARN! “Easy Ergonomics” – Tuesday, October 5 or Thursday, October 21
  • “The Science of Gratitude” – Thursday, November 4 or Thursday, November 18

• NEW! Get the flu shot, not the flu! Schedule your appointment for an employee flu shot clinic now.
• NEW! Take control of your well-being by accessing free, confidential counseling with the Employee Assistance Program.
• NEW! Discover what makes a relationship healthy and learn to look for the signs of an unhealthy one.
• NEW! Check out this list of 25 delicious ways to prepare zucchini.
• We all know that connections count! Enhance your social habits to stay healthier mentally and physically.
• Download the August Health Matters printable calendar with tips for getting involved in your community to enhance your social connections.
• Make this colorful Edamame & Veggie Bowl that is easy to throw together and a great make-ahead option.
• Discover how to prepare for and keep your older loved ones and neighbors safe during summer power outages in this month’s article from the Idaho Commission on Aging.
• Learn why vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your health and the health of your loved ones during National Immunization Awareness Month.
  • All state employees are eligible to utilize 4 hours of COVID-19 admin leave (CVT) for receiving (or already having received) the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit the DHR website for details about the incentive.
• UPCOMING VIRTUAL LUNCH AND LEARNS:
  • “Deskercise 101” – Wednesday, August 25
  • “Stress Less” – Thursday, September 9

• Download the March Health Matters printable calendar for helpful reminders, fun facts, inspiring quotes, and notable dates.
• Healthy eating does not have to be complicated! Check out our simple nutrition tips and strategies to help you feel your best this month and all year long.
• Learn how these feel good foods can make your body and mind feel better.
• Sort truth from fiction with these helpful facts about colorectal cancer. 
• Dress in Blue on Friday, March 5 to help raise awareness about colorectal cancer.
• Make this Quick and Easy Fried Rice the next time you need a one-pan dinner.
• Learn about the National Senior Nutrition Program and discover ways to help the seniors in your life connect to nutritious meals.
• Help spread the word about a new campaign designed to prevent child abuse.
• Take control of your well-being by accessing free, confidential counseling with the Employee Assistance Program.  
• UPCOMING VIRTUAL LUNCH AND LEARNS:
  • SPECIAL PRESENTATION: “Cancer Prevention: Lowering Your Risk” Join registered dietitian, Leslee Blanch, to learn strategies for preventing cancer with good nutrition. – Tuesday, March 16
  • “Stress Less” – Tuesday, March 9
  • “Deskercise 101” – Friday, March 12
  • “You at Your Best” – Thursday, March 25

Wellness Contact mid-February Updates:

• NEW!  Watch this short video to find out how kindness in the workplace can help you feel happier and more connected to those around you.
• NEW! Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17!
• NEW! Pair this spinach-tomato frittata with a salad for a simple weeknight dinner or make it ahead of time for a lower carb breakfast option.
• Download the February Health Matters printable calendar for helpful reminders, fun facts, inspiring quotes, and notable dates.
• Focus on cultivating kindness this month to improve your overall well-being!
• Learn how to combat loneliness with the help of technology.
• February is American Heart Month. Keep your heart in tip-top shape so you can stay healthy for your loved ones.
• UPCOMING VIRTUAL LUNCH AND LEARNS:
  • “Stress Less” – Tuesday, February 16
  • “Deskercise 101” – Thursday, February 25
  • “You at Your Best” – Thursday, March 25