Author: its_admin

• Find ways to add more laughter to your day during National Humor Month in April!
• Learn all about Boost Your Budget® Week, a targeted campaign that educates older adults about public and private benefits that can save them money, in this month’s article from the Idaho Commission on Aging.
• This Donut Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe combines two popular items for one delicious and nutritious sandwich. A great option for breakfast or lunch!
• A new season is here, and it’s a great chance to make some positive changes. Read our six simple tips for putting a little spring in your step!
• UPCOMING VIRTUAL LUNCH AND LEARNS:
  • “Deskercise 101” – Wednesday, April 13
  • “Albertson’s Pharmacy Benefits” – Wednesday, April 27
    • NEW! Join a pharmacist from Albertson’s to learn all about special benefits and convenient offerings available for Blue Cross of Idaho customers. Plus, get helpful nutrition tips from their in-store dietitian.
  • “You at Your Best” – Wednesday, May 11
  • “Stress Less” – Thursday, June 16

Health Matters December Update:

• Check out the December Health Matters printable calendar for ideas to help you cultivate more joy this holiday season!
• Use these tips, ideas, and strategies to keep you and your loved ones healthy this holiday season.
• Make this Smoky Mustard-Maple Salmon recipe for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
• Learn how to help prevent the seniors in your life and community from experiencing loneliness during the holiday season in this month’s article from the Idaho Commission on Aging.
• Cozy up with a warm cup of this hot cocoa that is lightly sweetened with maple syrup.

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

Wellness Contact February Updates:

• Download the February Health Matters printable calendar for helpful reminders, fun facts, inspiring quotes, and notable dates.
• It’s not too late to register for the BIG 4 Focus to receive daily emails providing encouragement and troubleshooting techniques about improving the BIG 4 in your life: nutrition, activity, sleep, and stress.
• Focus on cultivating kindness this month to improve your overall well-being!
• Learn how to combat loneliness with the help of technology.
• Wear RED on Friday, February 5 to help raise awareness about heart health.
• February is American Heart Month. Keep your heart in tip-top shape so you can stay healthy for your loved ones.
• Find something delicious and healthy to make for Valentine’s Day dinner.
• Print one of our non-candy Valentines and show someone you care, without the sugar!
• UPCOMING VIRTUAL LUNCH AND LEARNS:
  • “You at Your Best” – Thursday, February 11
  • “Stress Less” – Tuesday, February 16
  • “Deskercise 101” – Thursday, February 25

• New! Access timely, expert information on thousands of topics, including relationships, family, legal, and financial on Guidance Resources® Online.
• New! Watch this series of short ergonomics videos to help you feel more comfortable throughout your workday.
• Register now! The BIG 4 Focus starts on Tuesday, January 19! Register now to receive daily emails providing encouragement and troubleshooting techniques about improving the BIG 4 in your life: nutrition, activity, sleep, and stress.
• Download the January Health Matters printable calendar for helpful tips, fun facts, inspiring quotes, and notable dates.
• Create habits that actually stick in 2021!
• Discover services available to help Idaho families dealing with Alzheimer’s.
• Take a flight for your health during National Take the Stairs Day on January 13.
• Sort radon fact from fiction and determine if your home needs tested for this radioactive gas.
• Get a healthy dinner on the table fast with these easy sheet pan fajitas.
• UPCOMING VIRTUAL LUNCH AND LEARNS:
  • “Stress Less” – Wednesday, January 20 or Tuesday, February 16
  • “Support for Family Caregivers” – Thursday, January 21 or Tuesday, January 26
  • “Deskercise 101” – Wednesday, January 27 or Thursday, January 28
  • “You at Your Best” – Thursday, February 11

• Download the January Health Matters printable calendar for helpful tips, fun facts, inspiring quotes, and notable dates.
• Register for the BIG 4 Focus to receive daily emails providing encouragement and troubleshooting techniques about improving the BIG 4 in your life: nutrition, activity, sleep, and stress.
• Create habits that actually stick in 2021!
• Discover services available to help Idaho families dealing with Alzheimer’s.
• Take a flight for your health during National Take the Stairs Day on January 13.
• Sort radon fact from fiction and determine if your home needs tested for this radioactive gas.
• Get a healthy dinner on the table fast with these easy sheet pan fajitas.
• UPCOMING VIRTUAL LUNCH AND LEARNS:
  • “You at Your Best” – Tuesday, January 12
  • “Stress Less” – Wednesday, January 20
  • “Support for Family Caregivers” – Thursday, January 21 or Tuesday, January 26
  • “Deskercise 101” – Wednesday, January 27 or Thursday, January 28