CommonHealth Weekly Wellnote

May 30, 2024 / Get Well

How can your Virginia State Employee Wellness Program help you? The CommonHealth programs and campaigns cover a variety of health topics and are available in a range of formats to meet the needs of employees in different workplaces. Highly skilled wellness consultants provide the latest on stress, sleep, nutrition, exercise and more for faculty/staff meetings, special events, conferences, benefit fairs, safety meetings, lunch and learns, etc. They provide traditional, in-person presentations and displays as well as virtual presentations, on-demand videos and seasonal health-related challenges that are fun and engaging. Visit the website to see how CommonHealth can help you. If you’re looking to book an event in July or August, connect sooner rather than later to ensure you get a date that works for you.

Check out this week’s updates from CommonHealth.

  • Stay sun safe this summer! Did you know that the skin is your body’s largest organ? As such, it’s very important to keep your skin protected from the sun. Here’s what you need to know about sunscreen and sun protection factor (SPF):
    • Choose a broad-spectrum SPF. “Broad-spectrum” means it protects from both UVA rays (which cause skin cancer and aging) and UVB rays (which can lead to sunburns). 
    • Make sure you’re using a product with SPF 30 or higher.
    • Reapply your sunscreen every two hours. If you’re in the water, you may need to reapply even sooner. The product label will tell you what timing works best for that particular sunscreen.
    • Make sure your sunscreen isn’t expired! Most products are good for at least two to three years, but sunscreens that have been exposed to heat for long periods — for example, if they were kept in the car all summer — may not be as effective.
  • Do you know the ABCDEs of skin cancer? Skin cancer can impact anyone regardless of their skin tone or ethnic background, and early detection is critical for successful treatment. Here are some things to consider when examining moles or other hyperpigmented areas on your skin:
    • A: Asymmetry. Is the spot symmetrical or asymmetrical?
    • B: Border. Monitor for signs of an irregular or bleeding border.
    • C: Color. Look for color variances such as brown, black, tan, white, red and blue.
    • D: Diameter. Is the size greater than a pencil eraser?
    • E: Evolving. Has a mole evolved and changed over time?

If you notice any of the above, seek medical assistance. Visit the American Academy of Dermatology Association for a body mole map and info on how to perform a self-examination.

  • Stay on track this summer with WeightWatchers. Summer is a great time to relax, recharge and spend time with family and friends. It can be easy, however, to get off track with your diet. WeightWatchers has some tips to stay healthy this season with this helpful Guide to Summer.
  • All benefits-eligible employees, spouses and adult dependents get an exclusive WeightWatchers discount of 50% off the retail price of membership plans and can join now for as low as $9.75 per month. The Special Monthly Pricing and the Commonwealth of Virginia monthly discount are not open to retirees, their spouses and dependents, wage employees or Local Choice members.

CommonHealth Weekly Wellnote Masthead with rainbow swish on black background. Below header: commonhealth dot virginia dot gov Top panel: BBQ Turkey Burgers with Grilled Onions (with stock photo of turkey burger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and ketchup) As we approach warmer weather, grilling season, and BBQ with family and friends, WeightWatchers has a tasty grilled turkey burger served with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and a whole-grain bun. The lean turkey is protein-packed and filled with zesty flavor. This is a quick recipe that can be prepared for your next BBQ. Enjoy! Blue button labeled "Get the Recipe." Three smaller columns below: Invite CommonHealth to Your Next Meeting (with cartoon image of a color-coded, spiral-bound calendar) Your local wellness consultant can present health education programs directly to your team. Visit the CommonHealth website for a list of programs that focus on body, mind, work, and social topics. Contact your CommonHealth agency coordinator (or HR benefits administrator) to schedule! Self-Care and WeightWatchers (against transparent background of photograph of fruits and vegetables) Self-care just got easier with WeightWatchers (WW). Take the guesswork out of choosing meals and snacks, unlock trackers that help you celebrate your progress, and find guided meditations to ease stress. There’s even 24/7 support from expert WW coaches and fellow members on a similar journey. Learn more about special pricing available to benefits eligible employees, plus their spouses and adult dependents at WW dot com forward slash CommonHealth. A Little Bit Healthier This Week (with cartoon drawings of a long-sleeved shirt, a tube of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses; from left to right, the drawings are labeled "Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap") Try these 4 sun smart steps to protect your skin: SLIP on protective clothing. SLOP on SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen. SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat. WRAP on your sunglasses. Scan the code or visit the American Cancer Society website to learn more about sun safety. (with QR code at right directing users to American Cancer Society's website) In footer: Contact CommonHealth: wellness at dhrm dot virginia dot gov

For questions regarding this week’s communication or the CommonHealth program, please reach out to your respective campus coordinator below:

Submitted by:
Faith Redd-Walker, Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing, employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu