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Showing posts from 2020

Happy New Year!

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The year 2020 has been an unpredictable ride through the pandemic, protests and many more difficulties that had made living life quite hard for people across the globe. But as we near the end of this year, we all should accept the fact that with every passing year, one should leave behind the bad memories and mistakes. So now, as we embrace the upcoming year, 2021, let us all be positive and cheery with shining spirits and aspirations for the future. We should vow to not let the negative times affect us in looking forward to the future and working hard to achieve our dreams and ambitions. So, let us all embrace the new year with much-needed hopes and happiness.

Have you chosen a Resolution for 2021??

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Do you use the New Year as an annual health seminar with yourself? If so you are not alone! This year especially, I think we are ALL looking forward to a fresh start. First and foremost let's  be kind. To yourself. To others. Always – it really does make a difference. Next, set a goal that means something to you personally. It does not have to be extravagant.  Set a goal and come up with a simple plan/make it measurable . Check out our   SMALL steps formula   on how to take successful steps toward your goals or these tools that help us make healthy living easier. Some potential focus areas may include: clean eating, non-toxic living, organic movement or mindfulness! Spend some time thinking about how you want to modify your new year.  Goals to ponder... 1. Add more fruits and vegetables at each meal Consuming a variety of colored fruits and vegetables have  shown  to promote longevity, disease prevention and overall wellness. 2. Drink half your body weight in water When the body is

Give yourself GRAPES

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  It’s the little things that end up making big differences! Whether you are looking for more balance in your life or you are having a hard time getting out of bed because of depression, scheduling activities for yourself can help increase your energy and improve your mood. Take time for yourself to practice good self-care. GRAPES is an activity scheduler that can help you keep track of your progress and give you a sense of accomplishment. There are 6 types of activities and they can be as simple or as challenging as you make it. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection! Do your best to do most tasks each day. If you can’t, pay attention to specific areas you may be missing and aim to do those more the next week. Even if you don’t feel like doing something or you have very low energy, going through the motions will eventually help your mood to improve. So, what is GRAPES exactly?  GRAPES  is an acronym that stands for: Gentle With Self Relaxation Accomplishment Pleasure Exercise S

Give a gift of health!

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Massage Who doesn't love a massage? After all the Stress of the Holiday, your muscles could use some tension relief! Group Fitness Class Does your friend have a favorite class? Most places offer a discount for a multi class punch card! Treat them to health! Personal Training Session Whether they are new to the gym or looking to revamp an old routine, a session with an experienced professional could be just what they need! Foam Roller They love to workout — but when their muscles ache, you hear about it. This foam roller will help keep your favorite fitness lover loose and flexible. It’s small enough to travel with too. Fitness Kettlebell Set Help them stock their home gym with this highly rated set, featuring 5, 10 and 15-pound kettlebells. The bright hues are motivating, too. Yoga Mat The lightweight mat (it’s just one pound) folds up into a square so they can pack it into their carry-on. It's a great option for the yogi who likes to flow on the go! Water Bottle A stylish wate

5 Cold-Weather Walking Tips from Livongo

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Baby, it’s cold outside! But that doesn’t mean you need to hang up your walking shoes until springtime. Whatever the weather, it can still be a good time for outdoor exercise. The secret is to be prepared. Here’s how you can stick with your walking routine when the temperatures drop. 1. Wear Layers - use the 3 layer method Layer 1: This layer should wick sweat from your body and dry quickly. A synthetic fabric like Coolmax® or polypropylene will do the trick.  Layer 2: This layer provides insulation. Try a fast-drying synthetic fabric like Polartec®, or a wool blend. Avoid cotton; if it gets wet, it will not dry quickly. Depending on how cold it is, you can wear this layer on the top or bottom, or just the top. Layer 3: This layer protects you from the elements. Waterproof or water-resistant jackets and pants will help keep rain and snow out. Look for jackets and pants with vents that you can open and close to help regulate temperatures.  2. Don’t Forget Your Fingers - When it’s cold o

7 Superfood Recipes for Winter Produce

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When we think of fruits and vegetables in season, we usually think of the new growth of spring, the ripening warmth of summer, or the harvests of fall. But it might surprise you to see how much rich, colorful produce blossoms in the cool of winter! Here are seven recipes that feature delicious winter veggies to treat your taste buds, fill your belly, and warm your bones.  Check out these delicious recipes from Livongo!

2020 Healthy at Home Recipe Book

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 With the transition to more time at home comes more time in the kitchen! COVID-19 has caused a lot of us to cook more! Some of us have been using using this time to experiment with new recipes and others finding solace in tried and true comfort food.  We asked our Wellness Ambassadors to share with us their favorite ways to nourish themselves! They have provided some DELICIOUS versions of their favorite foods. We hope you enjoy!

Virtual Lunch & Learn with Invest EAP

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  EAP has another opportunity to Lunch & Learn scheduled for next Tuesday, December 8th. This is part of a series of FREE WEBINARS to support us through this "new normal". This next webinar will cover:  Your Powerful Mind and the Effect of Self Talk Dec 08, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Join us during this encouraging presentation to bring awareness to your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and how to influence your mind-body connection. Webinars will be hosted online through Zoom.  These free, EAP members-only sessions are designed to be educational, supportive, and inclusive. Registration is limited to 300 attendees per session,  register today ! Additional resources are available on the  Invest EAP Website ! ​

It's Giving Tuesday!

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You are probably familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday...but have you heard about GIVING TUESDAY?!? Today is a day meant to encourage seasonal giving.  #GivingTuesday launched in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y , the UN Foundation , and numerous partners, the inaugural #GivingTuesday was hugely successful, fueling a dramatic increase in charitable giving. Blackbaud reported that it processed $10 million in online donations during the first #GivingTuesday, marking a 53% increase in donations over those received on the same day during the previous year. Endorsed by celebrities, politicians and thought leaders alike, the initial campaign received 2.5 million social media impressions , with the #GivingTuesday hashtag trending nationally and ultimately being mentioned 185,000 times online . Below are a few tips to maximize your own Giving Tuesday experience. These "gifts" do not have to be extravagant! They can be small gestures of gratitude or kindness. For even more actionable

Popular Home Exercise Videos: Channel your inner Jane Fonda

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For variety, convenience, and more structured home exercise, you can't beat exercise videos. There are workouts for every age, gender, goal and interest, and you can workout anytime you like in the privacy of your own home. The best thing about exercise videos: There are thousands upon thousands to choose from, so almost anyone can find a video they like. The worst thing about exercise videos: There are thousands upon thousands to choose from, making the search for the perfect video an overwhelming process. Best for Beginners :   Leslie Sansone's Walking at Home Videos ,   Shapely Girl Workout Videos Great Circuit Training Videos : Paul Katami's Hollywood Bootcamp 4x4, Michelle Dozois' Peak 10 More Cardio Strength, and Cathe Friedrich's Circuit Max. Best High-Intensity Cardio Videos :  Amy Dixon's Breathless Body 2 , Michelle Dozois' Peak 10 Cardio Interval Burn,  Cathe Friedrich's HiiT Training Best for Seniors : Jane Fonda's Prime Time Firm and Bur

Healthy at Home Recipe Book

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Thank you for your submissions! We were able to put together a delicious collection of our favorite recipes. Give them a try and share your creations with us on Instagram or Facebook. 

COVID - 19 Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving celebrations will look a little different this year! Public health officials urge families to keep celebrations small, avoid mixing households and open the windows. - From the NY Times: It’s been a year of sacrifice, social distancing and skyrocketing stress. Can we at least enjoy Thanksgiving? In terms of risk, the timing of the Thanksgiving holiday couldn’t be worse. The coronavirus is raging across the country, setting new daily infection records. More than 235,000 Americans have died of Covid-19, and small gatherings are believed to be fueling much of the spread. While public health officials caution against family and friends gathering in homes for the traditional Thanksgiving meal, they know many people plan to spend the holiday together anyway. The solution? A scaled-back Thanksgiving — with open windows, fewer people and a big serving of precautions. “You don’t want to be the Grinch that stole Thanksgiving,” said Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious di

Virtual Lunch & Learn with Invest EAP

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EAP has put together a series of FREE WEBINARS to support us through this "new normal". The nest event is tomorrow, Nov 18, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM! This session will cover: Mental Health During a COVID Winter The winter and holiday season can be hard on some, and the pandemic is adding a whole additional layer of stress. This talk will focus on the importance of self-care and being connected. Webinars will be hosted online through Zoom.  These free, EAP members-only sessions are designed to be educational, supportive, and inclusive. Registration is limited to 300 attendees per session, so click below to learn more and register today ! Additional resources are available on the Invest EAP Website ! ​

We Stand Greater than Diabetes!

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November is American Diabetes Month. It’s our chance to show the world what life with diabetes is really like. More than 34 million Americans are living with diabetes. Among those who have died from COVID-19, 40% were living with diabetes. It's time to make sure tomorrow is greater than today. Making healthy choices and taking steps to manage your diabetes can ensure you don't just live but thrive with diabetes. But it's important to take steps now-your health can't wait. It's time to thrive by finding a balance of nutrition, physical activity and mental health management. For more information, click here.

Veterans Day is Wednesday!!

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Veterans Day 2020 is tomorrow Wednesday, Nov. 11th, 2020. These Veterans Day discounts, free meals and other programs are being shared so that Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors are aware of all resources available to them. Due to COVID-19, some organizations are now offering discounts to Veterans all the time instead of their regular Veterans Day discounts. These adjustments help Veterans take advantage of the discounts offered while avoiding the usual Veterans Day crowds. A new section at the bottom of this story will list all the year-round Veterans discounts. A list of Veterans Day sales from our region. Courtesy of My Champlain Valley  Check with each local store for more information about the deals and offers for veterans and active servicemembers on Veterans Day. 99 Restaurants : From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, veterans and active military get a free meal with purchase of an entree. A.C. Moore : 15% off your total regular and sale price purchase with valid ID e

November is National Diabetes Month

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November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking care of youth who have diabetes. From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in school-age youth in the United States, affecting about 193,000 youth under 20 years old.  Regardless of their age, sometimes youth who have diabetes need support with their diabetes care. That’s why it’s important to help your child or teen develop a plan to manage diabetes, and work with their health care team to adjust the diabetes self-care plan as needed. Here are some tips to consider for your youth’s diabetes self-care plan. Manage blood glucose levels.  Make sure your child or teen takes their medicines as prescribed, at the right time, and the right dose—even when they feel good or have reached their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol goals. Encourage healthy habits.  Follow

Go VOTE!!

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  Today is the day people! Go vote!! For more information, click here .  Election Day registration is available at the polls! All Vermont cities and most towns have official ballot drop boxes.  You can only use the drop box of the city or town you vote from.   A spreadsheet listing each town, whether it has a drop box, and drop box locations is downloadable at the  Secretary of State site . You can also drop off your ballot at your assigned polling location on election day.  The deadline for the return of absentee ballots is 7pm tonight!  Do your part!

Cute, Spooky Halloween Treats

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  Aside from starting with the letter H, Halloween and health don't have much in common. The upcoming candy-filled holiday often results in your kids loading up on sugar, which isn't good for them or fun for you. While it's difficult to encourage healthy eating on Halloween, it's not impossible–especially when better-for-you foods have a fun twist. Try these cute, spooky and downright tasty treats to get kids excited about eating healthy on Halloween. Frankenstein Avocado Toast Recipe Pumpkin Veggie Tray Homemade Fruit and Veggie Gummy Snacks Apple Monster Teeth

Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Turkey Chili

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Recipe from Livongo: Guide to Pumpkins  A tasty way to warm up and enjoy the flavors of the season! Makes 4 servings. INGREDIENTS 1 lb lean ground turkey ½ medium onion, chopped into small pieces 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 1 cup pumpkin puree 4 oz tomato sauce, low sodium 1 Tbsp light brown sugar 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp cayenne pepper ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice Nonstick cooking spray INSTRUCTIONS Place the Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and spray the bottom with nonstick cooking spray.  Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté 6-7 minutes, or until onions are lightly browned.  In a separate medium-size bowl, mix the ground turkey with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Add mixture to Dutch oven and cook until browned, stirring often.  Stir in pumpkin, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.  Add 1 quart of water and simmer for approximately 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Serve with a dollop of nonfat

Let’s put the pedal to the metal!

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We ride for family. We ride for our community. And we ride for ourselves. Cycling is not only fun but it can boost your brain and heart health. And that’s key to preventing stroke , the world’s No. 2 killer and a leading cause of disability. Strokes don’t discriminate. They can happen to anyone, at any age — and about one in four people worldwide will have one in their lifetime. The good news? Up to 80% of first strokes may be prevented with lifestyle adjustments and/or medication. Join us throughout October to get moving, track your miles and help us raise $1 million to support stroke and heart research and awareness. Bike riding not your thing? No problem! You can run, walk or rack up miles any way you want. It all starts in the mobile app where you’ll stay connected to your team, track your miles and define your ride. Then, on World Stroke Day, Oct. 29, 2020, we’ll all come togeth

Tasty Tuesdays: Apple Pie Protein Bars

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These healthy No-Bake Apple Pie Protein Bars taste like a dessert you can eat daily….multiple times. Not only do they only take 10 minutes to whip up, but they are also a one bowl wonder which is a no-mess, no fuss kind of snack. They have a soft, chewy and doughy texture which is a common theme around here! Not only do each bar pack at a hefty protein boost, but they are also naturally gluten-free, vegan, paleo, low carb, and keto-friendly. Ingredients 1 cup coconut flour ½ cup almond flour ½ cup protein powder of choice 2 tbsp granulated sweetener of choice 1 tbsp cinnamon 1 tsp mixed spice 1 tsp nutmeg 1/4 cup almond butter can sub for any nut or seed butter of choice ½ cup keto maple syrup sub for maple syrup in the paleo version 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 tbsp milk of choice * See notes Instructions Line a large baking dish with greased paper and set aside. In large mixing bowl, combine the flour, protein powder, granulated sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg and mixed spice and mi

October is Emotional Wellness Month

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October focuses on Emotional Wellness Month. While taking stock of our stress levels, it’s an excellent time to make some changes, too. Emotional Wellness Month provides information and resources to help us do just that. Stress comes into all our lives in varying amounts. Depending on our the demands, emotional health can take a toll. However, noting the causes of our stress helps identify the biggest offenders so we can stop them. ASSESS YOUR STRESS Review your financial plan.  Make sure your plan aligns with your savings and income with our goals. You may need to readjust for the future or change current spending habits. Even planning for a dream vacation can improve emotional wellness when done responsibly.  Calculate screen time.  In this digital world, the amount of time we spend online impacts our emotional health. We are bombarded by data, news, and alerts constantly. Consider reducing the amount of time spent in front of the screen. Use the time to read a book, schedule a massa