Employee Wellness Newsletter

Our Employee Wellness and Support Services provides opportunities and resources for employees to develop and maintain healthy emotional, mental, and physical well-being through support and guidance, as well as promoting personal and professional productivity through educational engagement. Visit our website for more information about Employee Wellness and Support Services: Employee Wellness and Support Services

This newsletter will provide you with information on emotional, mental, physical and nutritional health. We will focus on how to help you be proactive about your health and well-being. The EWS Newsletter will also provide support & guidance resources that we hope will assist you in dealing with stressors and challenges.

There is often confusion as it relates to mental health versus mental illness, and the two often get intertwined. Mental health is a state of being; it includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Within the spectrum of mental health, a person can have a diagnosable “mental illness” (mental health disorder). Statistics show that: 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness; 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness; and 17% of youth (6-17 years of age) experience a mental health disorder. Although statistics have a purpose, don’t be alarmed; millions of people are impacted by mental illness and with the right support and care are able to live fulfilling lives. Recognizing signs and symptoms are important: are you crying more than usual? Do you always feel tired? Do you seem more sad than normal? Have your sleep patterns or appetite changed? Any sudden shift in mood and daily functioning should be taken seriously and addressed.

October 3rd-9th, 2021 is recognized as Mental Illness Awareness Week. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states during this week every year, participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination, and provide support. If you or anyone close to you is experiencing mental health challenges get information, get support, get help. Your teammates in Employee Wellness and Support are here to assist you in getting the help you need.

Source: NAMI

Taking care of your teeth and gums the proper way is important because research shows it helps prevent infections and diseases as well as boost self-confidence. Check out the article below that talks about 11 ways to keep your teeth healthy.

Source: Healthline

Domestic violence affects many individuals and families. In the month of October, a spotlight is placed on this important issue and highlights prevention, offers support to survivors, and honors the ones who have been lost. To learn more about domestic violence and ways to get support, see link below.

Source: The Hotline

We will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage from September 15th to October 15th, 2021. Honoring your own heritage and recognizing others’ heritage is a sign of respect. We live in a diverse world where different groups of people offer multiple talents and gifts to the world. Take time to celebrate with others!!!

1. What's brown and sticky?

2. What's the most detail-oriented ocean?

3. Which state has the most streets?

4. How do celebrities stay cool?

*Answers will be at the end of the newsletter.

Each year there is some lovely co-worker who decides to tempt us all by bringing in lots of sweets that they did not giveaway to the princesses, pirates, ghosts, or goblins who knocked on their door during Halloween. We have all heard the statement that most things are fine in moderation. Well, what about the candy that is sitting around everywhere just before and after Halloween? Before you indulge, at least take a look at which ones can be treats for you and which ones should get a big BOOOOO!

Source: NBC News

Fun fact!--- Irving’s average daily high temperature for October is almost 10 degrees lower than it is in September. What a difference that can make for people who enjoy exercising outside but cannot bear the thought of being exposed to the Texas heat any longer than absolutely necessary! Given the cooler temperatures, here are some ideas for getting in some exercise as well as some fresh air. Also, check out some of the benefits of exercising outdoors that you might not have considered.

Source: Piedmont

Consider staying physically active by participating in the Irving Marathon. There are several different dates that you can choose from. Additionally, there are many race day perks included in your ticket purchase such as a shirt, custom event bib, food, professional photos, marathon bag, and many others. Ticket sales help battle childhood obesity, bullying, school supplies, and more as Irving Schools Foundation is the main beneficiary. To date, 11,000 kids have benefited from this project. This is a great opportunity to stay active and support your school community!

But wait, there's more! There is a 15% discount just for Irving ISD employees interested in participating in the Irving Marathon Series. Type in discount codes IRVINGRUNS15 or KRISTINE to take advantage now.

You can register here at Irving Marathon Series.

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? While you can’t usually prevent cancer, it is important to be proactive about your health.

You can click on this link for locations in our area offering free mammograms.

Tips For Planning for the Holidays

1. Write down everyone you plan to give gifts to

2. Price check with your phone

3. Be proactive

4. Buy last year’s electronics

5. Know the truth about Black Friday and Cyber Monday

6. Stay on top of your spending

7. Consider making gifts

8. Save up for expensive presents

9. Try to avoid shopping sprees

10. Factor-in shipping

Source: Better Money Habits

Fitness Program

-Access to affordable, no-contract gym memberships starting at a very affordable rate of $19/month.

-Access to digital programs starts at $10/month.

Well on Target

-Take a health assessment to have a better understanding of your health. You will be recommended to programs that can keep you healthier to suit your health needs.

-Work one-on-one with a wellness coach to set and guide your health goals.

-Track your progress by connecting your fitness devices.

-Earn Blue Points SM to redeem qualifying items such as electronics, sporting goods, and others as a prize.

Talk to a Registered Nurse 24/7

-Access to a registered nurse 24/7 about questions about fever, burns, and other health issues by calling 1-833-968-1770.

Silver Sneakers

-Access to on-demand and live virtual fitness classes.

Renew by United Healthcare

-Access to videos on health courses, news, and articles.

-Access to coloring pages to relieve stress, lifestyle tips, and library full of healthy recipes.

Wellness Coaching

-Access to wellness coaches and digital tools to reach your health goals.

-Tailored one-on-one support via online chat or phone.

-Access to self-paced courses and guided discussions 24/7.

Real Appeal

-Offers step-by-step online program tools that may help you lose weight.

-Access to a transformation coach who leads weekly online group sessions.

-Access to online platform to help you track your food, activity, healthy recipes, and weight-loss progress.

1. A stick

2. The Pacific

3. Rhode Island

4. They have many fans

Newsletter Questions/Suggestions/Comments?

Contact:

Jose Villasenor (Strategist) | Veronica Maples | Brian Kim | Nedra Brown (Cluster Leads)

Jovillasenor@irvingisd.net | Brikim@irvingisd.net | Vmaples@irvingisd.net | Nbrown@irvingisd.net

972-600-5217 O | 469-781-1843 M

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