Employee Wellness Newsletter
Support Spread of Wellness
The EWS newsletter brings you insights into mental & emotional, physical, nutritional, and financial wellness. We take a proactive approach to health and well-being, offering resources, guidance, and tips designed to help ease stress and promote peace of mind."
"Self-care isn't selfish. It's NECESSARY."
-Ms. Magda A. Hernàndez
Superintendent of Schools
September is Self-Care Month
There's Still Time to Practice
Self-care is crucial for maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional health. Studies show that regular self-care practices, like exercise, proper nutrition, and mindfulness, can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. It's never too late to start prioritizing yourself—whether it's setting aside time for relaxation, nurturing hobbies, or simply taking a break when needed. According to the American Psychological Association, self-care is key to preventing burnout and promoting resilience. By making small, consistent efforts, you can strengthen your capacity to handle life’s challenges and improve your quality of life. Start today—your mind and body will thank you!
For more information about wellness and self-care click on calendar.
Mental & Emotional Wellness
Science of Happiness
"Working toward a healthy body peaceful mind, and a joyful heart.
- Beth Frates MD
HOW TO USE THIS PAVING WHEEL
This activity is based on ‘Paving the Path to Wellness’, which was designed by the Harvard Medical School.
SCORE –
Click on the PAVING Wheel for an explanation on how to rate yourself and get a sense of your overall wellness.
EVALUATE –
Use the resulting PAVING Wheel (see example to the right) to asses your overall wellness and identify areas for growth.
Source: Paving the Path to Wellness – Harvard Medical School
"Manifesting Success Will Change Your Life"
- Michelle Obama
"If"
by Rudyard Kipling
- Read by Michael Caine
Physical Wellness
Meet the MAHI Wellbeing and Fitness Instructors
Sara holds a degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology from Illinois State University. She’s a certified personal trainer, mastery nutrition coach, behavioral change specialist, integrated balance trainer, and health coach, currently expanding her expertise in yoga and Pilates. Her passion is helping people of all shapes, ages, and abilities find joy in their fitness journey and live a balanced, healthy lifestyle—physically and mentally—without sacrificing life’s pleasures. As Sara says, "Good health is the best wealth. Let’s make yours a priority together!”
Uliser, also known as Big U, is an Irving native and former football player for Irving High School. Inspired by his coaches, he studied and obtained his B.S in Exercise Physiology at Texas A&M University. Uliser is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutrition Coach. With experience working with individuals at all fitness levels, Uliser has spent the past 10 years with Camp Gladiator, focusing on positively impacting the Irving community, especially Irving ISD, where he's excited to continue making a difference.
Nutritional Wellness
Looking for a super tasty, crowd-pleasing dinner option? Lentil Chili with incredible bold flavors coming right up! This lentil chili recipe is a hearty and healthy plant-based chili filled with lentils, beans, tomatoes, and plenty of delicious spices! An easy one pot dinner option that the whole family will love! Jump to recipe.
This plant-based chili is GREAT for you! It’s packed with nourishing, healthy ingredients like lentils, beans, and tomatoes that contain numerous health benefits.
Source: food with feeling
Why Hydrate First Thing in the Morning?
Fam, start your day off right! After a full night’s sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated. Even if you feel well-rested, your cells and organs have used up much of your body’s water supply during the night for vital functions like digestion, detoxification, and cellular repair. Starting your day with a Hydrating Cocktail ensures that you replenish essential fluids and electrolytes right away, setting the foundation for a productive and energized day.
The Morning Hydrating Cocktail:
12 ounces filtered water.
3 grams pink Himalayan salt.
1/4 lemon, squeezed
Mix all in a Shaker Bottle
Key Benefits:
Optimal Hydration: Drinking this hydrating cocktail first thing in the morning replenishes essential electrolytes lost overnight, helping maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration.
Improved Energy Levels: Proper hydration at the start of the day can help jumpstart your metabolism, enhance energy levels, and provide a natural boost without the crash associated with caffeine or sugar-laden drinks.
Enhanced Recovery: Morning hydration supports muscle function and recovery, especially if you exercise early in the day or have a busy schedule ahead.
Supports Cognitive Function: Hydrating right after waking up improves brain health by enhancing focus, clarity, and overall mental performance throughout the day.
Source: Aubrey Marcus
Financial Wellness
Employee Wellness Resources
IISD Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Check out our new EAP. The registration process will ask you for a Web ID. Please enter: NYLGBS.
You can also call 800-344-9752. When you call you will be speaking with a specialist who can help you find resources including counselors and therapists in your area, information on health care, child care, elder care, financial planning, legal advice, and other work/life services. The specialist will explain the details.
Our TeleHealth with Behavioral Health option is called MDLIVE. If you are enrolled for our insurance benefits, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, you have access to MDLive, which includes free virtual counseling. Click on the picture to get to the website. Then click on “ACTIVATE NOW” to register. You can also call the MDLIVE to register by phone or if you have any questions: (888) 365-1663. Our Benefits Department can also help with any questions you may have about the TeleHealth and MDLIVE free virtual counseling and how the benefits work: 972-600-5241.
from teacher
Sara Ipatenco
🎉Attention teachers! We know you’re constantly working hard to make a difference, so it’s time to treat yourself to some well-deserved savings. Whether you're gearing up for the classroom or looking to enjoy a little retail therapy, we've got you covered with *tons* of discounts exclusively for educators.
🖍️ **Classroom Supplies**: Stock up on essentials to keep your classroom thriving. From markers to notebooks, you can snag all the supplies you need at discounted prices.
📚 **Books, Clothing & Accessories**: Update your personal or classroom library, refresh your wardrobe, or grab those must-have accessories—all at special teacher rates.
💻 **Technology**: Whether you need a new laptop, tablet, or accessories for your tech setup, take advantage of exclusive deals to upgrade your gear and keep up with your students!
🌍 **Location-Specific Discounts**: Depending on where you’re teaching, you might have access to special discounts at local retailers, museums, and even travel packages. Be sure to check out what’s available in your area!
Don’t miss out on these fantastic offers—because you deserve it!
Visit The Ultimate List of Teacher Discounts for 2024 for details on how to unlock these savings.
Thank you for all the amazing work you do!
Source: Bored Teachers
of Wellness and Professional Learning
MAHI
MAHI features:
- Professional learning spaces
- Meditation Room
- Well-being & fitness coordinators
- Wellness room (treadmills, free weights, medicine balls, etc)
- Exercise classes
- Wellness partners
- Outdoor patio open to events and classes
MAHI will also feature monthly social hours from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM for employees, which will include food, games, entertainment, and wellness resources. The next social hour is September 26.
Click here to learn more about upcoming events.
Support the Spread of Wellness
About Us
Our Employee Wellness and Support Services provides opportunities and resources for employees to develop and maintain healthy mental, emotional, physical, nutritional, and financial health through support and guidance, as well as promoting personal and professional productivity through educational engagement.
Reach out to us via email: iisdewsresources@irvingisd.net or by phone 972-600-5249
Newsletter
Questions, Suggestions, Comments
Contact
Jose Villasenor
972-600-5217 O | 469-781-1843 M