Health & Wellness

For the Sioux City Community School District

April 2024

Mental health can positively or negatively impact your physical health and risk factors for heart disease and stroke, according to “Psychological Health, Well-Being, and the Mind-Heart-Body Connection,” a scientific statement in the American Heart Association Journal Circulation.

Stress may contribute to poor health behaviors linked to increased risk for heart disease and stroke, such as:

Smoking
Overeating
Lack of physical activity
Unhealthy diet
Being overweight
Not taking medications as prescribed

Try These Stress Busters

Get out of the house: Take a walk in nature and enjoy the sights and sounds.
Sleep tight: Set a regular bedtime and wakeup routine and turn off or dim electronic screens as bedtime approaches.
Use your network: Reach out and connect regularly with family and friends.
Put your mind to it: Explore mindfulness, a type of meditation that focuses your attention on your present experiences without interpretation or judgment.
Lean on a furry friend: Pets may help reduce physiological reactions to stress.
Work it out: Regular physical activity — a recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a mix of both weekly — can relieve tension, anxiety and depression and give you an immediate exercise “high.”

SCCSD Support Resources

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UHC EAP

For those enrolled in the District's medical plan

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NIS EAP

Open to ALL staff

Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Challenge Recap

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All LHI participants did an amazing job of tracking their minutes of activity and weight lost over 10 weeks. A special shout out goes to Teams: Atomic Duo and Heavy Hitters for finishing first in each category.

Get your Biometric Screening before it's too late

Just a friendly reminder that with UnitedHealthcare Rewards, enrolled employees and enrolled spouses can get an annual biometric screening and earn $50 in UHC Rewards. These screenings can help you learn more about your blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels, weight and more. LetsGetChecked is our partnered vendor for some biometric screening options. You will access LetsGetChecked through the UHC Rewards biometric screening option at myuhc.com and will Single Sign On to the LetsGetChecked website to pick your modality.

Choose from:

At-home screening kit: Employees can order a self-administered test kit through LetsGetChecked to be delivered directly to their home.

Physician Services Form: Download physician results form. Each participant (employee + covered spouse) must generate and download their own form. The form will include next steps and answers to common questions. Participant will schedule an appointment with primary care physician and bring form. Provider records results and signs form. Upload completed form to LetsGetChecked account or fax for processing. Please note: Member cost-share may apply for the scheduled appointment with your primary care provider when medical claim is filed, cost-share is dependent upon services provided in the office visit.

April Wellness Challenge: 30 Days of Mindfulness

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Join me in working through 30 days of mindfulness. As we reflect on the impacts of stress we must also take ownership of how we can help ourselves manage stress better. Print the flyer and check off one item per day. At the end of April upload your tracking sheet for a chance to win a wellness prize.

Upload your Mindfulness tracking sheet by May 3.