Preventative Care Awareness

-


Preventative care is all about staying healthy and avoiding illness before it becomes a problem. Here are some of the main areas to focus on that will help you create a foundation for long-term health:

  1. Regular Screenings & Checkups
    • Primary care visits: Annual physicals to monitor general health.
    • Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings
    • Cancer screenings: Discuss with doctor
    • Eye and dental exams: every 1-2 years
  2. Vaccinations
    • Flu shot: annually
    • COVID-19 vaccine: As recommended based on current guidance
    • Shingles: For adults 50 and older
  3. Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
    • Screenings: Depression, anxiety, substance use
    • Therapy or counseling: When needed
    • Stress management: Mindfulness, meditation, or hobbies
    • Social connections: Maintain strong relationships
  4. Lifestyle & Behavioral Habits
    • Nutrition: Whole foods, fruits, veggies
    • Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week
    • Sleep: 7-9 hours per night
    • Hydration: Drink enough water daily
  5. Ergonomics & Occupational Health
    • Ergonomics: Proper posture and workstation setup
    • Hearing & vision protection: Especially in noisy or hazardous environments
    • Avoiding exposure to toxins: Chemicals, mold, air pollution

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Self-Care for the Holidays

-
Image
The holidays can spark a lot of joy but can sometimes come with a lot of stress as well. Taking care of yourself during this time will allow more space for you to enjoy whatever you have going on - time-off, family, friends, traditions, social events, etc.! Here are some self-care reminders, especially if you are focused on those around you: Prioritize rest and sleep: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and make sure to rest in the ways that truly nourish you. Make supportive food choices: Balance festive treats with nutritious meals. Find a healthy balance for your social time: It's ok to say no to certain events, know your limits, and allow yourself to take social breaks as needed. Express emotions openly: Allow yourself to feel and express joy, sadness, or stress.  Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the day and be mindful of alcohol consumption Cultivate gratitude: Focus on a few things that you are thankful for on a daily basis.
Read more

Find Calm in 5 Challenge

-
Image
  Whether you typically participate in challenges through the Wellness Portal or don't use the Portal at all, we would like to invite you to join us for a challenge hosted on our LiveWell Vermont Teams Channel for the month of December! The Find Calm in 5 Challenge is all about trying different mindful, calming exercises that can be done in five minutes or less. We will post a weekly exercise such as deep breathing (spoiler!), and you can try it out any time, or multiple times, throughout the month. We'd love to hear some feedback from you once you do give it a try by leaving a reaction on the weekly post. If you participate all month, you'll be entered into a drawing for a prize!
Read more

Exercises That Strengthen Your Core

-
Image
Having a strong core isn't just for athletes, strong abdominal and back muscles are essential for completing every day tasks. Try adding these exercises into your strength training routine for a stronger core! 1.) Abdominal crunch: Lie on your back and place your feet on the wall so your knees and hips are bent at a 90 degree angle. Raise your head and shoulders off the floor (to reduce strain on your neck, cross your arms across your chest instead of behind your head). Return to start position and then repeat.   2.) Bridge. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your back in a neutral position and your abdominal muscles tight. Raise your hips off the until they are aligned with your knees and shoulders. Hold for 3 deep breaths and then return to start. Repeat. 3.) Segmental Rotation. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your back in a neutral position and your abdominal muscles tight. Keeping your shoulders on the floor, let your knees fall slightly to t...
Read more

How's your FINANCIAL WELLNESS?

-
Image
Are you freaking out about the market right now?? Prudential is here to help! Saving and investing for retirement during this time of extreme market volatility is stressful. That’s why we put together some info for you to help you learn more, understand your options, and take action. We encourage you to visit our site to learn more about volatility and how to manage retirement accounts quickly online. Additionally, to further safeguard our employees against COVID-19, Prudential retirement counselors will be available to meet one-on-one with you virtually , instead of in person, until further notice. We want to encourage you to use this resource during this time. Virtual one-on-one sessions are a great way to review your account and retirement goals with a Prudential retirement counselor who can answer your savings questions. All you need is a phone and an internet-connected computer to access your private, secure online meeting room. You get custom assistance from ...
Read more

Helping Yourself to Health

-
Image
The Vermont Department of Health, the Greater Burlington YMCA, and the Vermont Blueprint for Health have joined together to create MyHealthyVT, a new website for Vermonters seeking self-help for diabetes prevention and management, quitting smoking, emotional wellness, chronic disease management, and chronic pain management. The new site provides "one stop shopping" for free self-management programs. Vermonters can find contact information for their local Regional Coordinators at the site to sign up for programs. Motivational videos of real Vermonters' success stories and links to related resources are also available. The new site was featured on a recent episode of Across the Fence that addressed resources and programs for diabetes prevention and management. 
Read more

The Importance of Sleep and Good Sleep Habits

-
Image
  Sleep is essential for everyone. It helps our bodies and minds function properly. Without enough sleep, we can feel tired, moody, and have trouble concentrating. Here’s why sleep is so important and how you can improve your sleep habits. Why Sleep is Important: Restores Energy : Sleep recharges your body and mind, giving you the energy you need for the next day. Improves Memory : While you sleep, your brain processes information, helping you remember things better. Boosts Mood : Good sleep can make you feel happier and less stressed. Supports Health : Sleep allows repair to occur, and helps you to recover from exercise.  Good Sleep Habits: Stick to a Schedule : Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Consider a routine that is relaxing for you. This could include a hot shower, mug of tea, guided meditation, or yoga. Create a Bedtime Routine : Do calming activities before bed, like reading or ...
Read more

Staying Hydrated in the Winter

-
Image
Summertime is usually the time of year when we refresh our goals to drink more water. Did you know that winter is another important time to fit in enough fluids?  Summer Winter More water than normal is lost through skin when sweating Dry air may increase water losses You may feel thirsty when you get hot, reminding you to drink more! It may be harder to notice you’re thirsty when you’re cold This year, keep your gloves close and your water bottles closer! Try these ideas to keep your chilly weather hydration routine fresh: Hydrating Hot Tea Just like hot temperatures during summer reminds us to drink more, let winter do the same! Whenever you feel chilly, brew a cup of hot tea to warm up AND rehydrate.  Our favorite herbal teas for wintertime:  peppermint cinnamon spice turmeric-ginger Winter Spritzer Mocktails Liven up your seltzer water with any of these festive flavorings! A splash of apple cid...
Read more