CommonHealth Wellnote

CommonHealth offers diverse wellness programs for Virginia state employees through expert consultants. If you’re looking to book an event in May, 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.

Spring 2025 NOVA Walk Week is next week! Join us for a week of walking, wellness and community, beginning on Monday, April 7. If you haven’t already done so, register your intent to move more. Let’s spring into action together. 

Spotlight on food as fuel: Be good to your gut. Your gut is vital to your overall well-being, affecting digestion, immunity and mental health. A healthy gut contains “good” bacteria that you can nourish through proper nutrition.

• Probiotics: Keep your gut happy with foods containing live, friendly bacteria like yogurt with active cultures, kefir and fermented options such as sauerkraut, kimchi and naturally fermented pickles.
• Prebiotics: Support existing gut bacteria with high-fiber foods, including bananas, apples, onions, garlic, asparagus and oats.
• Additional Tips: Maintain gut health by eating a balanced diet, limiting processed foods and sugars, exercising regularly, managing stress, staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep. Good habits can make a big difference in your gut health—and your overall well-being!

Try it this week: Boost your diet with probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods:

✔ Cook with garlic, onions, shallots, scallions and leeks.
✔ Blend underripe bananas into smoothies.
✔ Add chia seeds, flaxseeds or fruit to yogurt, oatmeal and smoothies.
✔ Swap meat for beans and legumes in a few meals.

Benefits buzz: Health coach 

• All Commonwealth of Virginia health plans offer Health Coaching to support goals like stress management, quitting smoking and healthy eating. Check your VA Employee Health and Wellness Benefits Guide for more details. 
• TimelyCare also offers health coaching for ALL employees regardless of benefits status.

For questions about 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