CommonHealth Wellnote

August 27, 2024 / Get Well

How can your Virginia State Employee Wellness Program help? The CommonHealth programs and campaigns cover a variety of health topics and are available in a range of formats to meet the needs of 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. See how CommonHealth can help you. If you’re looking to book an event in September, connect sooner rather than later to ensure you get a date that works for you.

Click here to view this week’s CommonHealth Wellnote. Check out this week’s highlights below.

NOTES:

Register Today!
NOVA Walk Week is returning this fall from September 16-20. Share the dates with a friend or two and prepare to get out and explore our campuses that week. WalkWeek is all about engaging with your NOVA community while being active. Registration is now open!! Sign up and share with a colleague.

Spotlight on Financial Fitness: Healthy Eating on a Budget
Healthy eating is important at every age—and can be done on a budget. The USDA’s MyPlate can help you make healthy choices within your budget. Start with these tips:

  • Plan ahead. Plan your meals for the week based on your food budget and make a grocery list that includes staples and perishables. Save money by buying only what you need. See the WeightWatchers (WW) attachment for more meal planning tips.
  • Compare similar products. Compare different brands and sizes for the best money-saving option. Check “unit price” for best value.
  • Stretch your food dollars. Add beans and frozen vegetables to bulk up your meals and make your food dollars go farther. You will also benefit from extra fiber, vitamins and nutrients while feeling full.
  • Grow your own at home. Grow herbs like basil and oregano inside your home for a fraction of the price. Small gardens can be grown on a windowsill or a kitchen counter.
  • Buy in bulk. Save money by buying larger quantities of foods that store well like whole grains, canned or dried beans, and frozen vegetables. Don’t overbuy foods that you will throw out later.
  • Look for on-sale items. Check weekly grocery specials and buy what is on sale to save money and get variety. Do the same with frozen and canned items.

Try It This Week: Shortcut-Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Skip the takeout and enjoy this easy and delicious recipe at home! Convenience foods like frozen cooked shrimp and refrigerated roasted veggies are key to getting this meal on the table fast. Learn more about special pricing available to benefits-eligible employees, their spouses and adult dependents at WW.com/CommonHealth.

Benefits Buzz: EAP Financial Services
If you have a health benefits plan through the Commonwealth of Virginia, you have resources to help you take charge of your finances through your plan’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)! A few examples include: debt and credit management; life event planning, such as buying a home, saving for education and retirement. Learn more about EAP and your benefits by visiting the DHRM website.

For more, check out OEWW curated resources. 

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

Photo of a woman standing in front of a pharmacy shelf holding a jumbo-sized calculator. Text: CommonHealth Wellnote

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