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 ...

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 . 

Women and Retirement: Key Challenges . August 4 at 2pm   Register for this webinar This topic will cover Challenges specific to women and their investments Why diversification in important How dollar cost averaging can help you Can’t make it but have questions about your financial wellness strategy? Schedule a no-cost one-on-one meeting with one of your dedicated retirement counselors.

Social wellness, or well-being, can be defined as one’s ability to effectively interact with those around him/herself and to create a support system that includes friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Maintaining an optimal level of social wellness allows one to build healthy relationships with others. Social wellness also fosters a connection with those individuals, while contributing to one’s sense of belonging – which is important for optimal wellness. Positive social habits can help you build support systems and stay healthier. Here are some tips for connecting with others:  https://www.nih.gov/health-information/social-wellness-toolkit

We know travel plans may have looked a little different recently. There is still a lot of ucertainty and hesitation regarding vacations. Vermont has had an incredible COVID-19 response and continues to have one of the lowest infection rates. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's foremost infectious disease expert, touted Vermont's COVID-19 response on Tuesday during a press briefing with Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, saying the state "should be the model for the country" on "opening up the economy in a safe and prudent way." If you are concerned about traveling, check out some local vacation options! The Green Mountain State Beyond four walls there’s room to grow, space to listen, and freedom to feel however one might feel. Find a place to recharge in Vermont—the stage is set . At the Vermont Dept. of Tourism & Marketing (VDTM), we love to share Vermont's stories and assist in your research of the Green Mountain State. Vermont is a four-season tourism destinati...

From the Ambitious Kitchen   Delicious peanut butter zucchini bread baked oatmeal that tastes like a peanut butter oatmeal cookie! This easy, dairy free zucchini baked oatmeal is packed with protein, freezer-friendly and perfect for making ahead for breakfasts during the week.  Ingredients 1/2   cup   natural drippy peanut butter (creamy or chunky will work) 1   tablespoon   pure maple syrup or honey 1   large egg, slightly beaten 1   teaspoon   vanilla extract 1 1/3   cups   unsweetened vanilla almond milk (any milk will work) 1 1/2   cups   old fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired 1/2   teaspoon   baking powder 1   teaspoon   ground cinnamon 1/4   teaspoon   nutmeg 1/4   teaspoon   salt 1   cup   shredded zucchini that’s been squeezed of excess moisture 1/4   cup   mini chocolate chips, plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling on top Instructions 1) Prehe...

  Tomorrow is the last day to submit your recipes!  Twenty entries will be randomly chosen to win $25 each! What healthy foods are you making for social gatherings? Email  LiveWell Vermont your recipe AND photo with your name and contact info! Share with your fellow State employees/retirees for our 2021 Summer Recipe Book, which will be out for your August events! Submissions are worth 20 points on your wellness portal under "Attend a LiveWell Activity" in the Wellness Portal.

This Social Security Benefits webinar will be presented by Richard Parrett, a Prudential Retirement Counselor for the New Jersey State Employees Deferred Compensation Plan. When it comes to retirement planning, what you don’t know about Social Security could hurt you. Learning all you can about your future Social Security benefits today can give you a more financially secure tomorrow. Topics covered include your eligibility for Social Security benefits, how the Social Security Administration calculates your benefits, maximization strategies that can help you get the most out of your Social Security benefits, spousal benefits and Valuable tips for incorporating what you’ve learned about your future Social Security benefits. The seminar is approximately 45 minutes in duration and includes a Q&A period.   Can’t make the live webinar, or would like to have a more personalized one-on-one virtual meeting? Click here to make an appointment with your dedicated retirement counselo...

LiveWell Vermont needs your help to create our 2021 recipe book and we are willing to pay!  With Vermont doing so well with vaccination rates, we want to know what healthy foods you are making for your social gatherings! Please  send us  your favorite recipes AND PHOTOS by July 16th to be eligible for a prize.  We want to know what you have been making and how food is bringing you together!  If you are an active Wellness Ambassador with BCBS through the State, you will receive a $25.00 wellness Incentive for submitting a healthy recipe.  Wellness Ambassadors who do not have BCBS through the State will be eligible for a fantastic wellness prize.

  Starts on July 12, 2021 Finishes on August 10, 2021 Incentive Distribution on August 14, 2021 Category:  Nutrition  | Duration:  30 Days Whole foods are foods that are in their natural state, and they tend to be healthier choices than processed foods. Not all processed foods are unhealthy, but heavily processed foods, such as ready-to-eat snacks and pre-made meals, contain higher levels of sugar, sodium, and fat. This week, focus on choosing whole foods whenever possible. For example, choose fresh fruit instead of fruit juice, raw veggies, and fresh lean meat instead of chicken fingers and hot dogs. Login to your wellness portal to register!

  LiveWell Announces EPIC FACTORS!   An Online Program from Epic Wellness! NECK STRENGTH  When we think about strength, the neck is one of the last parts of the body we think about. But in reality, the majority of us will experience neck pain at some point, and "tech neck" is a rising cause. Strengthening key neck muscles can ease discomfort and correct imbalances in the neck and head, as well as other regions in the body.   THE NECKST PRACTICE If you've been enjoying the Epic Factors program, you might have already noticed you have a preferred video progression, or particular stretch + strengthener move you keep coming back to. But spice is the flavor of life! So push yourself to try something outside of your routine.  This month, we're focusing on the  Neck region . So much of our bodies starts or ends with our posture in our head and neck, and can exacerbate the tension and stress we often carry here as well.  Read more about common Neck and He...

Safe and Effective Strength Training for All ages and Abilities  from Heather Main   First, the basics.   We all need three types of exercise. The specific answers to each of these depends on your personal goals.   Today we’re focusing on strength training.     Frequency – how often? Duration – for how long? Intensity – how hard do I work?   Cardiovascular exercise       Strength training         2 – 3 x/ week on non-consecutive days.   What happens if I lift just once a week? 30 – 45 minutes should be fine.   If you LOOOOOVE weight lifting you can take more time. Take it to an “8” on your subjective scale of 1-10 of how hard you’re working.   Variables: weights and repetitions Flexibility and...