LiveWell Vermont

  Whether it's a dog waiting at the door, a cat curled up nearby, backyard birds visiting a feeder, or a favorite horse at the barn, relationships with animals can support our wellbeing in surprising ways.  Research suggests that spending time with animals may help reduce feelings of stress and loneliness, encourage movement and outdoor time, and provide a sense of companionship and routine. Many people also report feeling calmer and more present when interacting with animals.  Animal relationships don't require pet ownership. Watching wildlife, volunteering at a shelter, visiting a farm, pet sitting for loved ones, or simply "paws-ing" to appreciate the creatures around us can offer moments of connection and joy. This week, consider taking a few minutes to notice the animals in your life or in your community. Small moments of connection can have a meaningful impact on overall wellbeing. Wellness Tip: Take a short "animal break" today. Say hello to a pet, wa...

Looking for summer things to enjoy this week? Find one or more thing to do that really makes this week feel like summer. Now let's get down to savoring this season! Monday  Global  Hug Your Kids Day - never a bad day to give your kids extra affection I nternational Chess Day - pull out the board to play with a local friend or go online to play remotely National Fortune Cookie Day - source those cookies or use the random fortune generator Tuesday  National Black Women’s Equal Pay Day - a moment of activism can be good for the soul. National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day - support local shelters by creating a f leece blanket, “Adopt Me” bandana, tug toy or similar.  National Junk Food Day - enjoy responsibly ;) Wednesday Mango Day - eat a mango, learn a mango fact , or find a mango recipe you want to try. National Hammock Day - this is your sign to relax - even if you don't have a hammock, just get outside and get comfy. Thursday Hot Enough for Ya Day - re...

  Join us at one of the following Benefit Fairs! Get your benefits questions answered, get your flu or COVID vaccination with Live Well Vermont! November 3: State Office Complex, Waterbury, Cherry Conference Room November 4: Pavilion Building, Montpelier, Conference Room 110 November 5: Asa Bloomer Building, Rutland, Conference Room 266  Questions about Open Enrollment? Benefits | Department of Human Resources DHR.Benefits@vermont.gov Haven't gotten your flu vaccination yet? It's not too late. Register online today to get your flu shot at one of the locations above: kinneydrugs.com/livewellvermont/ Questions About Flu Vaccination Clinics?  LiveWell Vermont Programming | Department of Human Resources DHR.LiveWellVermont@vermont.gov What is Open Enrollment? Open enrollment is where you can sign up for, drop, or make changes to your benefits for the next year. It’s the only time you can make these changes unless you have a major life event, like getting married, having a ...

  Step Away Challenge July 13-19 July's Healthy Habit Challenge is to step away and calm your emotions first, each day. However, if you are not flying into a rage on a daily basis you might be wondering how to engage with this challenge. Below some options to engage with the challenge. Noticing early signs counts toward this challenge.  Most folks can probably list things that will irk them easily, but identifying the first sign that you are triggered is harder. For one full day, try to notice the earliest sign possible that something is going sideways. Some folks might notice themselves giving a terse response, other folks might notice a change in their posture, or a feeling in their chest. As you notice things, write them down. That list can be helpful on difficult times, as you now have a "check engine light" to look for.  Experimenting with ways to step away counts toward this challenge. Stepping away can be literal or metaphorical, you get to decide what works for y...

  The Vermont Department of Health and LiveWell Vermont have partnered to make  The Arthritis Foundation's Walk With Ease  program available for State of Vermont Employees. This 6-week walking challenge will run from Monday, August 3 - Friday, September 18th. It includes regular encouragement through emails, a free Walk With Ease guidebook, and is rewarded with a point voucher on the Wellness Portal. While walking is the central activity, Walk With Ease is a multi-component program that includes health education, stretching exercises, and motivational strategies to stay physically active. To successfully complete this program, participants will complete a walking routine at least three times per week. Contact LiveWell Vermont at  dhr.livewellvermont@vermont.gov  or 802-828-7308 with questions. Registration is open now through July 17th Space is limited... sign up today!

  Small Ways to Support Inclusion All Year Long June may be Pride Month, but creating a welcoming and inclusive community doesn't end when the calendar turns to July. Inclusion is built through everyday actions that help people feel seen, respected, and valued.  Here are a few ways to carry the spirit of Pride throughout the year: Lead with curiosity and respect. Everyone's experiences and identities are unique. Approaching others with kindness, openness, and a willingness to learn can help build stronger connections and understanding.  Use inclusive language. Simple choices such as using a person's correct name and pronouns, or avoiding assumptions about someone's family, relationships, or experiences can make a meaningful difference. If you make a mistake, acknowledge it, correct yourself, and continue the conversation. Listen to understand. When someone shares a perspective or experience different from your own, practice listening without judgment. Feeling heard is a...

  With the beginning of summer, many of us are happy to be outside again. Sunlight can help regulate circadian rhythm, support mood, and contribute to vitamin D production. At the same time, ultraviolet (UV) exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, and Vermont consistently reports melanoma rates well above the national average. According to the National Cancer Institute State Cancer Profiles , Vermont's melanoma incidence rate is about 35 cases per 100,000 people, compared to about 23 per 100,000 nationally.  With so much conflicting information available, it can sometimes sound like there are only two choices: avoid the sun or skip sun protection. In reality, the research supports a more balanced middle ground.  Natural light exposure, especially earlier in the day, helps support the body's sleep-wake cycle and may improve alertness and mood. Sunlight also helps the skin produce vitamin D, which is important for bone health, muscle function, and immune health. Importa...

  June is Men's Health Month, and it can be a helpful reminder to pay attention to the habits and screenings that support long-term health.  Many common conditions affecting men, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, can develop gradually with few early symptoms. Preventive care and routine screenings help catch concerns earlier, when treatment is often simpler and more effective. Health habits also do not need to be all-or-nothing to make a difference. Research shows that small, consistent behaviors are more likely to last over time than major lifestyle overhauls.  A few simple ideas:  Take a 10-minute walk after meals Add protein and fiber to snacks and lunches Drink water regularly throughout the day Stretch before or after long periods or driving or sitting Schedule a preventive visit or screening you've been postponing Aim for a little more sleep when possible Even small changes can support energy, mood, heart heal...

  Vermont Days are back this weekend, June 13th and 14th! This annual weekend event celebrates the arrival of summer with free admission to day-use areas at Vermont State Parks and State-owned historic sites, open to both Vermonters and non-residents. Vermont Days reminds us that wellness can take the form of getting outside for a walk, feeling a sense of belonging in our community, trying fishing for the first time , or enjoying a picnic on the lake. Here is a list of some of the offerings to explore: Free State Park Day Use : Visit any of Vermont's 55 State Parks with free day use admission . Find a State Park near you with the  Park Finder . Free Historic Sites Access : Vermont's six Historic Sites will offer free admission, along with the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier and the Vermont History Center in Barre. This Press Release from the ACCD details events happening at some of the historical sites. Free Fishing Day : Vermont's Free Fishing Day on June 14 giv...

Farmer's markets and farmstands across the state are opening for the summer season, and gardeners are busy planting and transplanting. Eating locally has plenty of benefits , including: Increased nutrient content: produce eaten shortly after harvest often retains more nutrients Supporting the local economy: shopping locally helps keeps money in Vermont communities Reduced environmental impact: shorter transportation distances can help lower fossil fuel use Late spring and early summer also bring some especially fresh and flavorful seasonal foods to enjoy, including: Greens: Spinach, lettuces, and other leafy greens provide vitamins, minerals, and hydration thanks to their high water content. Strawberries: With this year's cooler spring, Vermont strawberries should be especially sweet and flavorful. Try slicing them with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet-and-tart twist. Radishes: Crisp, colorful, and nutrient dense, radishes are an easy addition to salads, grain bowls, or...

Fitness is a way to celebrate and thank your body. It’s good for your physical wellbeing, your mental and emotional wellbeing, improves sleep and more. However, finding time to exercise isn't always easy, especially as seasonal routines change.  If you are struggling to find time to exercise, here are some ways to help make it happen:   Reframe it : instead of a chore, think of exercise as a privilege.  Whatever ways you can/do move, dwell on how great it is that you are capable of action. Think of all the ways it would affect your life if you could not exercise.  Think of exercise as a key part of a healthy lifestyle, not just workouts.  Make exercise a part of your life by noting fun active hobbies and scheduling in plenty of time for them in addition to working out. Think going out for a picnic with friends, gardening, a bird watching hike to the habitat of your favorite warbler, or ice skating.  Make it fun! Get creative and center movement around ...

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer—a time to recharge, connect, and reflect. With a little planning, you can make the most of your long weekend while honoring what the holiday stands for. Start by giving yourself permission to truly rest. Step away from the work mindset and routines. Be intentional with your time, allowing a slower morning with coffee outdoors or a quiet evening walk to savor your day off. Next, take time for at least one thing that makes you happy. Time with friends or enjoying your favorite hobby can help you feel refreshed and re-energized. Anything that you can immerse yourself in and enjoy will do! Now jot down one thing you’re thankful for. The small act of noticing the good can help us to carry that feeling into the week ahead. Finally, pause to remember the meaning behind the holiday. Attend a Memorial Day ceremony, visit a veterans’ memorial, or take a moment of silence to reflect on those who gave their lives in service. Sharing this...

  This week, we encourage you to support great sleep by removing distracting devices from your bedroom before bed. Join on Personify Health , and participate by stating whether you removed devices from your bedroom or not each night from May 11th through May 17th.  Devices like phones and tablets have lights and alerts potentially disruptive to sleep, but changing habits can be hard. Here are some reasons to try the switch: Leaving your phone in another room leaves obligation out there too Leaving your phone in another room gives your brain the room to do something else. Whether that’s a chat with your  partner or decompressing from the day, the bedroom should be a space where tasks do not follow you.  Blue light  is not helping your sleep If you want to fall restfully asleep, exposing yourself to the blue light of a device is not the way to do it. The blue light from electronic devices messes with your sleep cycle, and can wake your brain up as it should be win...

  Did you know that throughout the year, Blue Cross hosts in-person events around the state?  Mountain Days In-Person Event (Saturday, May 9) Join Blue Cross for a moderate uphill hike to a great vista and an easy riverside walk at  Wantastiquet Monadnock Trail  -  Trailhead, Mountain Rd, Hinsdale, NH 03451  (Off Route 119) from  10 AM - 2 PM .  Participants will receive a Mountain Days t-shirt, healthy snacks, and water. This event is open to all, no RSVP required. Mark your calendar and invite a friend! Spring Virtual Challenge (Saturday, May 9 - Saturday, May 31) Share photos of your outdoor adventures via email ( events@bcbsvt.com ) or tag  Blue Cross VT   on  Facebook  or  Instagram . For every photo seen, Blue Cross will donate $5 to  Vermont Parks Forever Access Fund , which grants free park passes to hundreds of Vermonters every year. A Reminder to Check Trail Conditions Spring is a time of weather transitions...

  Green Up Day , is observed each year on the first Saturday of May, is a statewide effort in of  Vermont  to clean up  roadside trash . You can also get points on Personify Health, just list it as a LiveWell Event. I'm new to this... how does Green Up Day work? This year, Green Up Day takes place on May 2nd officially, but you may see volunteers on the roads all weekend in some areas. On dirt roads or roads with limited space for pedestrians, please be a little extra cautious.  Green trash bags are distributed throughout the state which are then used by volunteers to clean up the roads in their area. Citizens can pick up bags at the local  town hall  or other community location. T owns have a coordinator who can be contacted with questions, find information specific to you below. Town Details – Green Up Vermont Green Up Day Safety Download the app: Google Store or Apple Store

We are celebrating National Walk@Lunch Day with BlueCrossBlueShield of Vermont. Learn more below about the initiative and get some tips for walking in your community. Walking just 30 minutes a day can improve both your physical and mental health. Taking a brisk daily walk can lower your blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease, help control stress, and improve your mood. You can celebrate National Walk@Lunch Day by getting outside to walk wherever you are. During your lunchtime walk you’ll enjoy fresh air, the sights and sounds of spring, and hopefully some sunshine. You’ll also be giving your health a boost. A great way to begin a daily walking habit is to participate in National Walk@Lunch Day, held on the last Wednesday of April. This year,  National Walk@Lunch Day  falls on  April 29.  Finding Places to Walk In Vermont, we’re fortunate to have thousands of miles of scenic dirt roads to walk on. Remember to walk on the left side of the road so that you...