Come Alive Outside!

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 Don't you just love a great challenge? 

Learn more about how to participate in this walking challenge and other fun events!

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Mountain Days Are Back!

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  Did you know that throughout the year, Blue Cross hosts in-person events around the state?  Mountain Days In-Person Event (Saturday, May 9) Join Blue Cross for a moderate uphill hike to a great vista and an easy riverside walk at  Wantastiquet Monadnock Trail  -  Trailhead, Mountain Rd, Hinsdale, NH 03451  (Off Route 119) from  10 AM - 2 PM .  Participants will receive a Mountain Days t-shirt, healthy snacks, and water. This event is open to all, no RSVP required. Mark your calendar and invite a friend! Spring Virtual Challenge (Saturday, May 9 - Saturday, May 31) Share photos of your outdoor adventures via email ( events@bcbsvt.com ) or tag  Blue Cross VT   on  Facebook  or  Instagram . For every photo seen, Blue Cross will donate $5 to  Vermont Parks Forever Access Fund , which grants free park passes to hundreds of Vermonters every year. A Reminder to Check Trail Conditions Spring is a time of weather transitions...
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Green Up Day

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  Green Up Day , is observed each year on the first Saturday of May, is a statewide effort in of  Vermont  to clean up  roadside trash . You can also get points on Personify Health, just list it as a LiveWell Event. I'm new to this... how does Green Up Day work? This year, Green Up Day takes place on May 2nd officially, but you may see volunteers on the roads all weekend in some areas. On dirt roads or roads with limited space for pedestrians, please be a little extra cautious.  Green trash bags are distributed throughout the state which are then used by volunteers to clean up the roads in their area. Citizens can pick up bags at the local  town hall  or other community location. T owns have a coordinator who can be contacted with questions, find information specific to you below. Town Details – Green Up Vermont Green Up Day Safety Download the app: Google Store or Apple Store
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National Walk @ Lunch Day

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We are celebrating National Walk@Lunch Day with BlueCrossBlueShield of Vermont. Learn more below about the initiative and get some tips for walking in your community. Walking just 30 minutes a day can improve both your physical and mental health. Taking a brisk daily walk can lower your blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease, help control stress, and improve your mood. You can celebrate National Walk@Lunch Day by getting outside to walk wherever you are. During your lunchtime walk you’ll enjoy fresh air, the sights and sounds of spring, and hopefully some sunshine. You’ll also be giving your health a boost. A great way to begin a daily walking habit is to participate in National Walk@Lunch Day, held on the last Wednesday of April. This year,  National Walk@Lunch Day  falls on  April 29.  Finding Places to Walk In Vermont, we’re fortunate to have thousands of miles of scenic dirt roads to walk on. Remember to walk on the left side of the road so that you...
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Featured Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

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Roasted acorn squash can do double duty when filled with a hearty mixture of brown rice, apples, and walnuts. It can stand in as a substantial side, or star at the center of the plate when adding your favorite protein (vegetarian or meat-based). The brown rice can be made up to 2 days ahead; keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. And you can assemble the filling up to 6 hours ahead; just keep it covered in the fridge till you’re ready to stuff. (Serves 2) Ingredients 1 medium acorn squash, halved with the seeds taken out 1 medium apple (McIntosh or Honey Crisp work well), chopped 1 cup brown rice 1/2 medium onion, diced  Olive Oil Maple Syrup  Walnuts (optional) sausage or meat-free/soy product, cooked and cut  (optional) shredded cheddar cheese Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly brush acorn squash halves with olive oil.  Cook 1 cup of brown rice (combine with 2 cups of water, bring to...
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Simple Strategies For Better Time Management

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  Time management is essential to balance our professional and personal lives effectively. Developing strong time management skills can lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, more time for ourselves, and a better work-life balance. One key strategy is to prioritize tasks. Start by making a to-do list and ranking tasks by importance and deadlines. For example, if you have a project due at the end of the week, focus on completing the most critical parts first. This ensures that high-priority tasks are completed on time. Another effective technique is the Pomodoro Technique. This involves working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This method helps maintain focus and prevents burnout. Using a calendar or planner is also crucial. Scheduling specific times for work tasks, meetings, and personal activities can help you stay organized. For example, block off time for answering emails, attending meetings, an...
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Understanding Food Labels

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1. Check the serving size.  This is what the entire label is based on. This tells you how much everything equals. It can range from five pieces or the whole package. A serving size is a measured amount of food. It's what the USDA uses in the Healthy Eating Guidelines and daily recommendations. However, food label serving sizes are determined by the manufacturer so they may not match the USDA guidelines. 2. See the calories.  Now that you know what counts as serving, you can see how many calories a serving equals. Remember to multiple this number by the number of serving you plan to eat! A good rule of thumb is, if the calories are high - for example more than half the amount you estimate for the whole day - then that particular food might not be a good choice on a regular basis. 3. Keep an eye out!   Fat - Some fats, namely saturated fat and trans fat, are worse than others (mono unsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat). Too much to...
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Sun Safety Tips

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The summer months are here and that means spending more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine! When spending time outside, it's important to take simple steps to protect your skin from the suns harmful rays. Sunscreen is very effective at protecting your skin when used properly. Follow these simple steps to give yourself the most protection! 1.) Apply sunscreen at least 20-30 minutes before going outside. 2.) Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while you are outdoors. Reapply sunscreen more frequently if you're perspiring or go swimming/get wet. 3.) Cover all exposed areas including ears, lips, face, and back of hands. 4.) Don't skimp - apply a generous layer. Don't forget - you can pick up a free sunscreen kit with your participation in a biometric wellness screening!
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