LiveWell Vermont

Cholesterol Management Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance. It is produced by the liver and is present in dietary sources. It is a major component of cell membranes and is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids used in digestion. Optimal cholesterol management is an important part of reducing heart disease. Cholesterol is carried through the blood on lipoproteins. There are two major types of lipoproteins: High-density lipoprotein (HDL), often called “good” cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol Excess LDL cholesterol is deposited in the walls of arteries throughout the body. This can lead to ASCVD, which includes heart attack, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), stable or unstable angina, and peripheral artery disease (PAD), including aortic aneurysm, all of atherosclerotic origin. Cholesterol Monster The “cholesterol monster” illustrations below highlights the nature of high cholesterol in a playful way. It is meant to show how p

It’s the ten best days of summer! The Champlain Valley Fair announced its 2021 entertainment lineup on Tuesday. Though no major touring artists will rock the Coca-Cola Grandstand this year, a number of tribute bands will appear, as well as several motorsport events. All six concerts are free with fair admission, but fairgoers will need to purchase tickets to the motorsport events. The fair runs from Friday, August 27, to Sunday, September 6, at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. For the first time EVER, you can purchases discounted tickets online in advance! Hours of Operation: Opening Day: 3pm to Midnight; Daily 10am to midnight Fair buildings and displays: 10am to 10pm (except opening day) Midway: 12pm to 11pm For more information, visit:   https://champlainvalleyfair.org/   Purchase your tickets here!

We do it mindlessly, over and over, but with a little thought, the process of breathing can be transformative. Breath Regulation The key components of yoga include postures, meditation, relaxation, and breathing exercises. These features of yoga are not exclusive and do complement each other, but the one that transcends most profoundly is breath. Breath is often thought of as the guide in all areas of yoga. Yoga helps bring more awareness to the breath which has both physical and psychological benefits. When we are stressed, we often will hold or shorten our breathing or breathe in a short, stilted manner. Being able to continue to inhale and exhale calmly and deeply throughout life is a tremendous stress reliever.  Throughout yoga class, teachers will remind you to regulate your breath and this is one of the most transferable skills that you can very quickly take off of the mat and into your everyday life.  Breathing Exercises Below are a few breathing practices that you can do anywhe

From Ambitious Kitchen : Beautiful summer kale salad tossed with fresh strawberries, sweet corn, creamy avocado and a delicious cilantro lime dressing. This fresh chopped kale salad is wonderful as-is and the perfect base for your favorite proteins! Enjoy as a seasonal side dish or lunch all summer long. THIS SALAD. It’s crunchy, it’s creamy, it’s sweet & salty and it’s truly the perfect way to use your summer produce. We’ve been loving adding giant, fresh salads to our menu lately and this summer kale salad was absolutely perfect. I’m calling it the “summer glow” chopped kale salad because it will have you glowing from the inside out. All of those gorgeous veggies and fruits are tossed with my famous cilantro lime dressing for a wonderful meal prep lunch or side dish for your next BBQ. Ingredients For the dressing: 1 batch cilantro lime dressing For the salad: 6 cups finely chopped kale, stems removed 1 heaping cup halved strawberries 1 avocado, sliced or diced 1 cup corn, raw, g

Destination Vermont!  Fun Things to See and Do this Summer!  A Vermont event is something to write home about. Whether you experience the majesty and beauty of Vermont's theatre, take in some live music, load up the whole family for a Vermont fair or festival or spend time in reflection and admiration of a Vermont artists' exhibition, there's something for everyone on Vermont's events calendars . Some Vermont events are so beloved they become annual staples. Include some of these events in your planning, or get inspired to visit to check them out!

LiveWell Vermont Better Together Summer 2021 Recipe Book Find amazing healthy and maybe "not so healthy", but always delicious recipes that will help you reconnect with family and friends this summer and beyond! Vermont State Employees and Retirees stepped up and shared their favorite recipes. After over a year of staying isolated and masking up when asked and needed, we thought Vermonters were ready for a summer of boisterous, hilarious, delicious reunions! ENJOY!

  Register now! BONUSES! NOT TO BE MISSED The 1st 500 people to register will get a VT flag. (New Offer as of 7/27!) *LiveWell Vermont will reimburse the registration fee through Payroll/Retirement for any VT State Employee or Retiree who has health insurance with BCBSVT through the State. Participate in the race and complete the survey on  your wellness portal  to earn 20 points under "Attend a LiveWell Vermont Activity". Volunteers needed throughout day, many time slots available! Volunteer Opportunities Register to Volunteer Click here for more information . 

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the efforts of Vermonters to protect patients of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through on-time vaccination. During NIAM, Live Well encourages you to ensure you are up-to-date on recommended vaccines. Learn what immunizations are recommended for you and your family on the   CDC website. As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is now in VT, it is important that you get fully vaccinated to protect yourselves, your family, those you love and the greater Vermont community!  We can do this!! Sign up and get a COVID vaccine . If you or someone you know is hesitant about getting vaccinated, we encourage you/them to speak with a trusted health care provider. The VDH Main call center is also available to help answer further questions. They can be reached at: (802) 863-7240 or  ahs.vdhcovid19maincallcenter@vermont.gov .