CommonHealth Wellnote

CommonHealth offers diverse wellness programs for Virginia state employees through expert consultants. If you’re looking to book an event in April, connect sooner rather than later to ensure you get a date that works for you. Click here to view the latest CommonHealth Wellnote. Check out this week’s highlights below.

Spotlight on National Nutrition Month

• Focus on Fiber: CommonHealth’s Fiber Education Program can teach you how eating more fiber helps normalize blood sugar; lower cholesterol; achieve and maintain a healthy weight; improve intestinal health; and more! Spend some time exploring their helpful booklet on the powerful health benefits of fiber in the diet. The booklet includes 10 ways that hitting your fiber goals can help you feel fantastic.
  • Try it this week: Jump start your day. For breakfast, choose a high-fiber cereal 
    • Look for five or more grams of fiber per serving. Opt for cereals with whole grain, bran or fiber in the name. 
    • Or, add a few tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to your favorite low-sugar cereal.
  • Still need more information? 
    • Try some of Weight Watcher’s high-fiber grain and veggie meals
    • The Mayo Clinic’s article Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet is an additional helpful source.

Consider what small nutritional changes you can make today to be prepped and ready for Spring 2025 NOVA Walk Week (April 7-11th)!

• Evaluate Your Sleep: How’s the time change treating you? If you’re feeling sluggish or someone else at work is, you’re not alone. See CommonHealth’s Youtube channel and Facebook page for some great tips, including reminders from the National Sleep Foundation. Want more on sleep? Visit The American Heart Association | Sleep for  additional information on sleep health.

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

—Dahlia Henry-Tett, chief wellness officer, Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing