CommonHealth Wellnote

November 19, 2024 / Get Well

How can your Virginia State Employee Wellness Program help? CommonHealth’s 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. Visit the website to see how CommonHealth can help you. If you’re looking to book an event in December or January, connect sooner rather than later to ensure you get a date that works for you.

Click here to view this week’s CommonHealth Wellnote. And check out this week’s highlights below!

NOTES:

Spotlight on Cultivating Connections: Diabetes Awareness
November is National Diabetes Month, and this year’s focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person’s blood glucose (also called blood sugar) is too high. It affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and it’s even linked to some types of cancer. But there is good news: Taking charge of your health may help you prevent and manage diabetes health problems. Read on for some diabetes tips from CommonHealth.

  • Manage your A1C blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Ask your doctor what your numbers should be, and stay on top of them. 
  • Take care of your mental health. A mental health counselor can help you identify healthy ways to cope with stress.
  • Make lifestyle changes to slowly build healthy habits. Take small steps to eat healthier, increase your physical activity and improve your sleep.
  • Take your medicines on time, even when you feel healthy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for help if you’re having trouble managing your medications.
  • Work closely with your primary care provider. They can help you prevent or manage diabetes and refer you to other healthcare professionals for related health problems.

For more info and resourced, revisit OEWW’s series of Diabetes Awareness Month articles and the “Available Employee Resources for Awareness, Prevention and Treatment” section of November Is American Diabetes Month: Know Your Status.

WeightWatchers Webinar: Maintaining Healthy Habits in a Season of Indulgence 
The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also be challenging for your wellbeing. Join this session on Thursday, November 21, at 1 p.m. to learn simple strategies on mindful eating, self-care and staying active. You’ll get tips to help you enjoy the festive season while supporting your health. ALL employees are welcome, so sign up for the webinar today! In preparation for the webinar, check out this article for even more tips on enjoying this special season healthfully.

Benefits Buzz: Coming Soon! CommonHealth’s NEW Health Education Campaign
CommonHealth is pleased to announce its upcoming health education campaign, Routine Preventive Maintenance: Revving Up Your Health and Wellness. The campaign focuses on four areas — medical, physical/emotional, financial and occupational — with tips and information on employee benefits that can help us thrive. Learn more about the health and wellness benefits available to help you reach your goals!

CommonHealth’s 2024 Turkey Trot Challenge
Whether you’ve joined the CommonHealth 2024 Turkey Trot Challenge or not, remember the power of daily movement. Aim for at least 20 minutes of activity each day to improve your health and wellbeing.

VDH Offers a 6-Week Historic Walking Trail Challenge: Walk With Ease and Explore Virginia.
Explore Virginia’s historic sites this fall with the Virginia Department of Health’s Virginia Arthritis Walk With Ease program, running until Friday, December 20. Complete the challenge for a chance to win a Virginia State Park Pass! Additional details and instructions can be found here!  If you have any questions regarding the challenge, please reach out to VDH Program Administrator Mona Burwell.

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

Square graphic showing a light blue awareness ribbon at left against a light blue background. At the center of the satin ribbon is a small red droplet, meant to symbolize a droplet of blood. The text "CommonHealth Wellnote" appears in black at right of the ribbon.

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