LiveWell Vermont

Feeling tired? Did you know there's still time to sign up for our Live Refreshed Challenge? Take some time to focus on your sleep health and sign up today! This is the final LiveWell challenge of the year! **Please note:  If you are working toward the reach your peak tier then you must complete two challenges and one workshop OR two workshops and one challenge before November 1st to earn the 900 points!

Are you on Instagram?! So is Live Well ! Live Well supports the State of Vermont employee and retiree population through partnerships with health and wellness resources both within and outside of state government . Keep up with the State of Vermont Employee Wellness Program on by following @vtlivewell on Instagram today! Tag us in any photos of you and your loved ones participating in healthy activities. Whether its preparing a healthy meal, practicing self-care or getting your heart rate up, Live Well wants to know!

Looking for a crowd pleasing dessert recipe? Look no further! Check out this recipe from Eating Well. Ingredients: 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar 5 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter 3 Large Eggs, room temperature 3/4 Cup Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice plus 1 teaspoon, divided 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1 1/2 Cups White Whole Wheat Flour 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder 1/2 Teaspoon Salt 2 Cups Fresh Blueberries 2 Tablespoons Packed Confectioners' Sugar Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment. Beat sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and beat in ricotta, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and vanilla until just combined. Sprinkle flour on top, then sprinkle baking powder and salt over

The 2 nd place winner for the State of Vermont Recipe Contest is Cheesy Summer and Zucchini Squash Casserole submitted by Alissa Robertson! Alissa wrote, “Here is a nice and tasty squash recipe to make while the summer and Zucchini squash are very productive. This vegetable dish is colorful and with all the cheese, your kids will eat it right up!” Whether you are getting back into a routine with school, juggling a busy work week or just enjoying a simple but tasty recipe, Cheesy Summer and Zucchini Squash could be the perfect option for you! This recipe can be found on pg 29 of the Employee Recipe Book: Summer Edition . Congratulations, Alissa! Special thanks to the Live Well Wellness Ambassadors who voted on all the wonderful recipes submitted by State of Vermont Employees! If you would like to join the team of Wellness Ambassadors and promote wellness at your worksite email your Wellness Team (DHR.LiveWellVermont@vermont.gov).

The 1 st place winner of the State of Vermont Summer Recipe Contest is Squasherole submitted by Ellen Cairns! This easy summer dish is nutritious and delicious. Ellen wrote, “This is a simple recipe that is based on a French provincial dish called a tian.   It is the answer to "What to do with all that summer squash?" and can be adapted in many different ways.   The base can be potatoes, as listed, or a layer of quinoa, rice, or other grains.   You can also play around with the types of protein (adding beaten eggs, for instance, instead of the tofu) and cheese.   One recipe, many possibilities!” As the summer is coming to a close, this recipe is perfect to use the rest of your summer squash supply. This recipe can be found on pg 27 of the Employee Recipe Book: Summer Edition . Congratulations, Ellen!! Special thanks to the Live Well Wellness Ambassadors who voted on all the wonderful recipes submitted by State of Vermont Employees! If you would like to join

Feeling tired? Take some time to focus on your sleep health and sign up today for our Live Refreshed Challenge! This is the final LiveWell challenge of the year! **Please note: If you are working toward the reach your peak tier then you must complete two challenges and one workshop OR two workshops and one challenge before November 1st to earn the 900 points!

VT State employees/retirees register for your flu shot! For Schedule, FAQ, Directions and Vaccine Info Sheet, click HERE .

Do you know that one of the most effective, inexpensive and pain-free ways to look and feel younger is to exercise and perform daily stretches that ward off kyphosis (rounding of the thoracic spine, resulting in a hunched shape); that keep the spine mobile; that lengthen the quadriceps to help sustain a tall, lifted posture; and that maintain a healthy range of motion in the hips? Shift your focus from “anti-aging” to “pro-aging” with these stretches that support an active body over a lifetime.  Stability Ball Chest Opener Sit on stability ball of appropriate size, feet planted on floor a little wider than hip width apart. Slowly roll down onto back while walking feet forward. (If you lack core strength, anchor your feet, toes touching wall.) Ball fully supports spine. Open arms straight out to sides, palms up. Allow back of head to rest on ball, and draw chin up slightly toward ceiling. Drop hips, allowing low back to round naturally against ball, or keep legs and glutes engaged