Wellness Newsletter

It's hard to believe that the 2023-24 school year is almost over! As summer approaches, it's important to stay active and spend time outdoors whenever possible. Remember, being in good health is essential for happiness. Therefore, please ensure to prioritize your well-being, fitness, and safety this summer.

Additionally, your efforts throughout the school year are greatly valued, and we can't wait to see you again next school year!

You should visit your health care provider regularly, even if you feel healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

• Screen for medical issues
• Assess your risk for future medical problems
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle
• Update vaccinations and other preventive care services
• Help you get to know your provider in case of an illness

Risks and benefits of screening methods vary based on age and gender. Always discuss your particular health care needs with your health care provider.

June 3rd is World Bicycle Day 🚴🏻‍♀️

World Bicycle Day is a special day that highlights the advantages of using bicycles as a mode of transportation. Bicycles are a simple, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to get around. They help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, making it easier for everyone to access important services like education and healthcare.

Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or playing sports, has numerous health benefits. It's always better to be physically active than to be inactive, as even small amounts of activity can make a difference. By incorporating more movement into our daily routines, we can easily meet the recommended activity levels.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that creating safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is crucial for promoting health equity. For those in low-income urban areas who cannot afford private vehicles, walking and cycling offer a means of transportation that also reduces the risk of various diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Therefore, improving active transportation not only promotes good health, but also ensures fairness and cost-effectiveness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC), not counting some kinds of skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women in the U.S. and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. When colorectal cancers are found early and properly treated, about nine out of every 10 patients are still living five years later.

The risk of developing colorectal cancer rises with age. It is estimated that 13% of new colorectal cancer cases occur in people younger than 50 years. For this reason, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends yearly colorectal screening for persons of average risk beginning at age 45 and continuing to age 75.

They also recommend that adults aged 76 to 85 years talk with their doctor about screening. Your overall health status and previous medical history can help you and your doctor determine your screening approach.

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.

Complete the quiz below and get entered into a raffle drawing. Two winners will be selected and announced in the September 2024 newsletter. If you have SASD health insurance, this quiz is eligible for one (1) wellness point.

Below are some delicious and healthy smoothie recipes to make this summer!

Strawberry-Blueberry-Banana Smoothie

Kale Smoothie

Pina Colada Protein Smoothie

Cherry-Almond Smoothie

Looking for ways to stay active and healthy this summer? Need more wellness points? Just click here to explore a variety of enjoyable activities! Complete at least three challenges during the summer break (June to August) to collect three points.

Deadline: September 30, 2024

Requirement: Annual physical + 40 wellness points

Incentive: 2 additional points awarded in next year's wellness cycle (November 1, 2024 - October 31, 2025)

The wellness program runs from November 1 - October 31 each year. It is your responsibility to maintain your points during each cycle within the Wellworks For You portal. Anything reported after the deadline will not count.