LiveWell Vermont

  Financial wellness, just like your physical wellness, is best maintained regularly. Being knowledgeable about your finances means knowing what choices you have, and knowing that you are making the best choices for your situation. Indicators that you are maintaining good financial wellness are: Having a comfortable and relatively low stress relationship with money Income and expenses are balanced: you can easily cover expenses and make debt payments You continually educate yourself on financial maters Improving financial wellness can reduce stress in a big way, as financial uncertainty affects us in all parts of our lives. So what are some good ways to start improving financial wellness?  Get control over your expenses: know where the money is going and determine if there are areas where spending can be reduced. Create and maintain a money management strategy or budget that works for you Set up an emergency fund : over time build up cash to cover 3-6 months of expenses Dete...

  Longer days of sunshine and summertime activities are in full swing this July. Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the warm weather with friends and family. Just remember to be mindful about heat and sun exposure as you dive into your favorite activities this season. As temperatures rise, you need to be aware of sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The more you know about the signs and symptoms of these conditions and how to prevent them, the more you will be able to enjoy being adventurous in the great outdoors.  Heat exhaustion happens when your body temperature rises too quickly to naturally cool itself down. Heavy physical activity in hot conditions raises your risk. It is important to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks to cool off. It’s also helpful to avoid alcohol and caffeine when you are spending a lot of time in the heat.  Another step you can take to keep yourself cool is to learn about the warning signs of heat exhaustion. ...

  Who's ready for a little morning mindfulness? Back in the spring, we did some experimentation with meditation and mindfulness through the Cultivate Calm Challenge.  Meditation may be new for some, while others will be well versed in meditation.  Regardless of your experience level, brain training provides benefits to all!  For more information, check out this list of meditation benefits , or read this article that provides a deeper look into the effectiveness of meditation .  If you didn't participant in the Cultivate Calm challenge, don't worry!  You can still play around with: Guided Imagery Moving Meditation Walking Meditation Nature Meditation  

  Hike, Bike and Paddle is back virtually again this year!  This event is already in full swing, and is held photo contest style, so send in pictures of yourself doing an outdoor activity you love!   Dates:   July 16 through Saturday, July 30 Submit Entries: through social media with #HBPVT, by tagging @bluecrossvt  or by emailing entries in to events@bcbsvt.com. The more entries you submit the better! Prizes:  August 1, BCBSVT will randomly pick two submissions to receive a prize package including a new kayak, paddle & personal flotation device; valued at more than $800! Get out there and don't forget to have fun!

Midsummer produce can't be beat: fruits and veggies taste the best and pack a nutritional punch when picked at the peak of the season-  and they're usually more affordable when they're growing plentifully! July boasts beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, fennel, greens, kale, lettuce, melons, peas, potatoes, radishes, raspberries, scallions, spinach, summer squash, tomatoes, and turnips! Find the full list at:  https://vtfeed.org/sites/default/files/imce/uploads/Vermont%20Harvest%20Calendar.pdf Some farms offer a discount on seasonal produce when you harvest it yourself. Spending a morning with the family picking berries or peas is a fun way to get some fresh air, family time, exercise, and a bushel of goodness! Find a farm at: https://www.pickyourown.org/VTharvestcalendar.htm Find some ideas for this bounty at  https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/snap-ed-recipes/summer-recipes

Are you looking to spend more time outside and unplugged this summer?  There are so many opportunities to be outside here in Vermont!   Need some inspiration?  Use this calendar to find a summer concert, or nature events near you. Here are some of our favorites: Marshmallow Roasting Every Thursday night in Derby Vermont Symphony Orchestra plays a series of concerts from 7/2 - 7/10 Dance and Drumming Workshop in Plainfield on 7/16 Farm to Ballet on 7/16 in Wolcott or Ballet at Billings Farm in Woodstock on 7/23 Sunflower House from 7/30 - 9/15

  As the weather gets warm we love to flock to the water!  Unfortunately, warm weather can increase populations of Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which can affect people and pets.  Exposure can cause: Diarrhea Stomach problems Sore throat Skin rashes Want to learn more about how to identify Cyanobacteria?  Check out this video ! For more information check out this guide , and the cyanobacteria tracker !

Summer is at it's best with long, warm days!  Take advantage of the light by squeezing in a quick or hike after work or early in the morning before it gets too hot.   If you don't already have a favorite near you, check out the hikes below. These hikes are short and offer plenty of gorgeous scenery to keep it fun: Mount Olga in Molly Stark State Park in Wilmington is a cool 1.7 miles round trip. The hike has a fire tower with a full 360 degree view of northern Massachusetts and southern Vermont at the summit! Knight Point in North Hero only takes about 30 minutes but has fantastic lake and shore views. Mount Elmore found in the town of Elmore can be a 2.4 or 3.4 mile hike and also includes a fire tower.  With a lake at the base as well you may want to spend all day here! Mount Philo in Charlotte is part of Vermont's oldest state park. It is only 2 miles round trip but overlooks the Champlain Valley and has views of the lake and Adirondacks. Mount Independence in Addi...