LiveWell Vermont

It is important to lead a lifestyle that is respectful of our environment. This includes respecting nature and those species living in it. Also, respect for others living in our environment is just as necessary as respect for the physical environment itself. While today’s climate is one of increased environmental awareness, the average person may still be unconcerned or simply uninformed about what he or she can do to help the environment. You don’t have to be a member of an organization to help; an individual can help by simply leading an environmentally conscious life. Tips to Improve Environmental Wellness Environmental wellness is an awareness of the precarious state of the earth and the effects of your daily habits on the physical environment. It is maintaining a way of life that maximizes harmony with the earth and minimizes harm to the environment. It includes being involved in socially responsible activities to protect the environment.   Stop your jun...

Final Hike, Bike & Paddle Event Our Hike, Bike & Paddle events are a result of our work with local community advisory boards around the state to encourage physical activity in the great Vermont outdoors. Starting in 2009 with one location, we have expanded Hike, Bike & Paddle to three communities. These free summer events allow Vermonters to try a new activity in a fun and safe environment. At all three sites, guests enjoy free access to canoe/kayak and/or paddle boards, bicycles and hiking trails. We also provide free healthy snacks to all participants, including smoothies from our very own “smoothie bike.” The first 50 guests at each site receive a free Hike, Bike & Paddle t-shirt. “We designed Hike, Bike & Paddle to encourage everyone, regardless of age and experience, to get active and use the recreational resources around them,” explains Megan Peek, BCBSVT director of community relations and health education. “We work in close partnership with our sit...

Do you love the idea of making time to exercise but just can’t seem to find the motivation to do it throughout the week? Or maybe you are already an avid exerciser but are struggling to shake up the intensity of your workout? At some point in time you might find that motivation to exercise has faded- it happens to the best of us!! Here are some tips to maybe motivate you next time you are thinking about tossing in the towel.   Sign up for a class! Boutique and group fitness are becoming very popular, and there are many reasons why! Trying a new class or revisiting one you haven’t attended in a while could motivate you to push yourself. Friendly competition is a great way to exceed the limit we normally set for ourselves within. Not only are you getting physically fit, you are also allowing yourself to explore socially. Making friends that share your love for exercise could serve as a future motivator! To add to the competition- set goals for yourself! You might find that h...

STRAWBERRY SALSA INGREDIENTS 1 pint strawberries, hulled and finely diced 1 jalapeno, stem and seeds removed, finely diced Half of a small red onion, peeled and finely diced (about 1/2 cup) 2/3 cup finely-chopped fresh cilantro, loosely-packed Juice of 1 lime, about 2 tablespoons (Pinch of salt and black pepper) DIRECTIONS Toss all ingredients together until combined. Season with extra salt and pepper, if needed. If you would like a sweeter salsa, feel free to stir in a few teaspoons of warmed honey. Serves 4. NUTRITION INFORMATION Per serving: 46 Calories, 1g Fat, 0mg Cholesterol, 32mg Sodium, 481mg Potassium, 2g protein, 10g Carbohydrates RDA: 90% Vitamin A, 116% Vitamin C, 5% Calcium, 8% Iron

$50 in about 15 minutes! Yes, you can earn that! This is not a joke or a drill! On July 1st, Live Well Vermont changed portal platforms! Have you checked out the new portal yet? WEBSITE IS: MyWellnessVT.com Create a new account with a username of your choice (it no longer needs to be your employee ID number).  So what about the $50 we mentioned?! Just take your health assessment!! Yes, it is that easy! The payout will be in your December paycheck! Want to earn an additional $100?? Check out the Eligible Activities within the portal to learn how you can earn 100 additional points and receive $100! Questions about the program? Contact Live Well Vermont: 802-828-7308 or DHR.LiveWellVermont@vermont.gov *All permanent, active employees with BCBSVT through SOV are eligible for the financial incentive.

Are you "Socially" well?? The face-to-face interactions you have on a daily basis are one of the strongest predictors of how long you’ll live. As we learned from our journey through the Blue Zones, having a solid social group can significantly increase longevity! In Okinawa, they have a longevity tradition called a Moai. A Moai is a social support group that starts in childhood and extends throughout your life. The term originated hundreds of years ago as a means of a village’s financial support system. Originally, moais were formed to pool the resources of an entire village for projects or public works. If an individual needed capital to buy land or take care of an emergency, the only way was to pool money locally. Today the idea has expanded to become more of a social support network, a cultural tradition for built-in companionship. Research shows that your social connections can have long-term impact on your health and happiness. You mimic the habits of your...

Last week we told you August was Melon Month, but the fun doesn't stop there! This month also focuses on eye health! Below are some foods that positively benefit your body, specifically your eyes. Having trouble reading the image? Click on it for a larger poster! We're not stopping with the knowledge yet! Check out this video from OnLife health: In less than 2 minutes, you might find a small way to better protect your eyes.

It's melon month!! Some of the most common melons are honey dew, cantaloupe, and watermelon, but there are so many more to explore! They are a nutritious fruit, full of vitamins and bursting with flavor. Not sure if your picking a ripe melon? Try tapping it with your knuckles. If it sounds hollow, it's probably ripe!  Melons are so versatile, check out these 6 ways (shared from   Luvo ) to enjoy them: Salty Melons The sweetness of melons pairs exceptionally well with anything salty, hence the popular appetizer combo of melons wrapped in prosciutto. If prosciutto isn’t your thing, olives also do the trick. Try this simple yet delicious-looking recipe:  Shaved Honeydew, Fennel and Olive Salad . Refreshing Melon Soup Gazpacho–or soup made from raw vegetables and served cold–is another one of those refreshing warm-weather recipes. Most often made with tomatoes, gazpacho can also be made with a variety of other fruits or veggies. This one features watermelon, a hit...