LiveWell Vermont

Feeling a little anxious or scattered with the transition to Fall? You are NOT ALONE!! Luckily, yoga has been known to help ease stress, reduce feelings of nervousness, and enhance mindfulness. For these reasons, yoga can be a great tool during this time where many things are changing at once and feelings of anxiety can be extreme.  When you’re anxious, your mind can get carried away with worrying about things that might happen, and that actually makes you feel worse and can cause other symptoms, like insomnia. Meditation teaches people certain skills that can help counteract that tendency, like staying in the moment, recognizing worried thoughts when they’re happening, and preventing them from getting worse. If you are not interested in meditation, perhaps practicing a few simple grounding poses can help! 1st Chakra - Muladhara “Mula” (root) “Adhara” (support) Aka the root/base chakra. It is associated with primordial instincts such as our sense of smell and need for stability in ...

Similar to developing physical fitness, sleep fitness takes effort and the implementation of small changes in daily behaviors to promote and support better sleep. Before change can occur, you have to raise your level of awareness, and the best place to begin is by examining and tracking your sleep habits throughout the week. Observe such things as: What you do before bed (read, watch TV, scroll social media, etc.) What time you turn the lights out What time you rise Caffeine and alcohol intake What time you eat dinner The temperature of your room The type of light you’re exposed to before bed Your energy levels throughout the day How many hours of sleep you think you get each night By journaling your observations, you are more likely to discover a pattern of behavior and make connections between the quality of your sleep and the behaviors you engage in. Once you have an idea of what your sleep ritual, routine, and contributing (or detracting) behaviors are, you can refine your habits t...

According to the   American Sleep Association , sleep issues and sleepiness are a top health concern in our society. Statistics indicate that: 50-70 million American adults suffer from some type of sleep disorder 9% of American adults reported falling asleep during the day (unintentionally) 37% of 20- to 39-year-olds report short sleep duration, while 40% of 40- to 59-year-olds report short sleep duration 3% of adults report less than 7 hours of sleep during a typical 24-hour period (even 30 minutes less than the minimum carries consequences) Adults need a minimum of seven to nine hours of sleep each night, yet more than one-third of the population does not get the minimum number of  recommended hours . Even a slight deficit can have a significant impact on your life! Join us for a 30 day sleep challenge to gain a better understanding of your sleep habits and learn ways to improve your routine. Register today on your wellness portal . 

Summer is coming to an end which means it is officially PUMPKIN SEASON!! In 2019, LiveWell created a Fall Festive Employee Recipe Book ! The recipe book includes some seasonal favorites submitted by State of Vermont Employees. We recognize that not every recipe is “traditional healthy”. However, we have included a list of simple substitutions you can make to reduce calories, unhealthy fats and simple sugars!  Remember, you can enjoy the taste of any fruit or vegetable year-round. Fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice – it all counts! Click here to check out more Fall Favorites.

In our current society we are inundated with stress triggers that turn on on our stress response.  In this Lunch & Learn, you’ll learn what this term, stress response, means and how practicing breathwork can help you turn it off and return to a state of calm. You'll also practice two breathwork techniques: a beginner level and an intermediate level. 9/22/2021, 12 noon click here to register

Besides hoarding (and maybe freezing) the last of your summer produce, get ready for fall by stocking up on: Apples Basil Broccoli Brussels sprouts Carrots Cauliflower Grapes Kale Potatoes Stay seasonal with this delicious vegan pecan apple chickpea salad wraps with a creamy maple dijon tahini dressing. These easy chickpea salad wraps take just 15 minutes to make without any cooking involved, making this a great recipe for healthy lunches and parties! Enjoy the apple chickpea salad in your favorite wrap, on toast, as-is or even in lettuce cups! Ingredients:  1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 cup small diced organic honeycrisp apple (from about 1 small to medium honeycrisp apple) 1/3 cup coarsely chopped raw or toasted pecans* 1/3 cup dried tart cherries 1 stalk of celery, diced 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley (or sub cilantro) ¼ cup chopped green onions Easy vegan chickpea salad wraps in 4 simple steps Combine the salad mix-ins. Start by mashing your drained ...

On September 11, Patriot Day gives all of us time to reflect on the devastating terror attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives. We commemorate those who we lost and give thanks to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line. Take a moment on this day to consider what we stand for as a nation and how we can work together to make the world a better place for all. Traditions of the Day Every year since the tragic day of September 11, 2001, all American citizens come together to remember and honor the fallen. This tragic day can bad memories and feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Know that you are not alone and reach out to friends and family to connect. Additionally, InvestEAP offers 24/7 short term counseling and referral to all state employees and their household members. If you need support on anything, please call (888) 834-2830 or visit Invest EAP Organization Password: "vteap" Moments of silences are observed several times during the day. The timings...

Getting your cholesterol levels checked is an important part of staying healthy. High cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States. Knowing your cholesterol status can help you stay in control of your health. Learn about cholesterol screening and why it is important. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to make hormones and digest fats. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, but you can also get cholesterol from eating certain foods, such as egg yolks and fatty meats. Having high blood cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke. High blood cholesterol doesn’t have symptoms, which is why getting your cholesterol levels checked is so important. Learn more about cholesterol screenings. You should get your cholesterol checked at least every 5 years. If you have cardiovascular risk factors, talk with your health care team about getting tested...

People have become increasingly comfortable talking about their mental health, particularly this past year. But the topic of suicide – when it comes up – is still scary for many people to think about.  It’s time to deepen the conversation. Some are afraid that by asking someone if they’re having thoughts of suicide, it will put the idea in their head, or push them to take their lives. (Which research shows is not true.) Some are worried that they won’t know what to do, or how to help, if the person tells them, “Yes – I am thinking about suicide.”  It’s only by learning more about what leads someone to suicide, the ways we can help to prevent it, and what resources are available – and not being afraid to ask when we’re worried about someone, or for help when we need it ourselves – that we can empower our communities to address this leading cause of death.  We all have mental health. It’s time we take the next step, ask more deeply about what someone is experiencing, and if...

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...