Happy New Year!: Time for Resolutions

Welcome to 2016! With the new year upon us, many will be making resolutions. Nearly 144 million Americans make New Years resolutions every year. Of those that make resolutions, only 8%  achieve their goal. At the top of the list are losing weight, getting organized and spending less. Whatever you decide to work on this year lets make sure you're successful by following these simple tips outlined by Forbes:

 

1. Set goals that matter to you, and that you can put energy around. Don't make them just because it's what you do in January. Be ready to commit.

 

2. Every resolution should have a plan to accomplish it. Don't just vow to change your career, determine what steps you'll need to take.

 

3. Rather than making all-or-nothing resolutions, build in milestones. For example, instead of attempting to hit the gym every day, commit to exercising 2-3 times a week and gradually increasing.

 

4. Believe in your own ability to change. Consider that every day, people in the worst of circumstances - whose lives have been wrecked by factors like addiction or trauma - decide to change their lives and do. If they can; you can. Whatever has happened in the past has no impact on what you can do with your future. None.

 

Resolutions, or any goal, should be S.M.A.R.T. - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Bound. Whatever it is you decide to work on this year we wish you the best of luck! You deserve the best life has to offer.

 

In the comments below let us know what your 2016 resolutions and goals are, we would be excited to hear them!

Week Five of OktoberFIT 2014!

Download the fifth week's newsletter HERE.

Week four is in the books! Our top three are:

1. Iris Hennon - Planning *Prize: 1 pass to Fast Kart and a gift certificate to Ogden Pizzeria.
2. Sherri Sillitoe - Planning 
3. Cheryl Potter - Weber County Library

Remember for this challenge you need to log in to your Vitality Wins account everyday. By doing this you'll get the maximum number of points. But if you miss a day, don't worry! You can still log in and update your account to show what you've done, you just won't get as many points. To maximize your point potential, log in each day to show what you've accomplished!

For any questions regarding the OktoberFIT 2014 Wellness Challenge, please contact Jason Davidson, Health Promotion intern, at internhe@co.weber.ut.us.

Week Four of OktoberFIT 2014!

Download the fourth week's newsletter HERE.

Week three is in the books! Our top three are:

1. Iris Hennon - Planning *Prize: 2 free meals at IHOP, & 2 passes to the Roy Recreation Complex.
2. Sherri Sillitoe - Planning 
3. Hope Whitaker - Weber County Library

Remember for this challenge you need to log in to your Vitality Wins account everyday. By doing this you'll get the maximum number of points. But if you miss a day, don't worry! You can still log in and update your account to show what you've done, you just won't get as many points. To maximize your point potential, log in each day to show what you've accomplished!

For any questions regarding the OktoberFIT 2014 Wellness Challenge, please contact Jason Davidson, Health Promotion intern, at internhe@co.weber.ut.us.

Week 3 of OktoberFIT 2014!

Download the third week's newsletter HERE.

Week two is in the books! Our top three are:

1. Iris Hennon - Planning *Prize: The World is Not a Stressful Place, & 2-relaxation exercise downloads.
2. Tracy Barker - Weber County Corrections 
3. Kathryn Pudlock - Weber County Library

A special thanks to Dr. Michael Olpin for this week's prize!

Remember for this challenge you need to log in to your Vitality Wins account everyday. By doing this you'll get the maximum number of points. But if you miss a day, don't worry! You can still log in and update your account to show what you've done, you just won't get as many points. To maximize your point potential, log in each day to show what you've accomplished!

For any questions regarding the OktoberFIT 2014 Wellness Challenge, please contact Jason Davidson, Health Promotion intern, at internhe@co.weber.ut.us.

Week Two of OktoberFIT 2014

Download the second week's newsletter HERE.

Week one is in the books! Our top three are:

1. Hope Whitaker- Weber County Library *Prize-Trekking Poles and metal water bottle from Recreation Outlet. (Pick up your prize at 2380 Washington BLVD #340)
2. Lisa Stringham- IT
3. Sherri Sillitoe- Planning Division 4181

A special thanks to Recreation Outlet of Ogden for this week’s prizes!

Remember for this challenge you need to log in to your Vitality Wins account everyday. By doing this you'll get the maximum number of points. But if you miss a day, don't worry! You can still log in and update your account to show what you've done, you just won't get as many points. To maximize your point potential, log in each day to show what you've accomplished!

For any questions regarding the OktoberFIT 2014 Wellness Challenge, please contact Jason Davidson, Health Promotion intern, at internhe@co.weber.ut.us.

Week One of OktoberFIT 2014!

Today starts the Fall Wellness Challenge! 

Have you and your co-workers signed up? 

Download the first week's newsletter HERE.

Remember for this challenge you need to log in to your Vitality Wins account everyday. By doing this you'll get the maximum number of points. But if you miss a day, don't worry! You can still log in and update your account to show what you've done, you just won't get as many points. To maximize your point potential, log in each day to show what you've accomplished!


For any questions regarding the OktoberFIT 2014 Wellness Challenge, please contact Jason Davidson, Health Promotion intern, at internhe@co.weber.ut.us.

Register for this Fall's Challenge: OcktoberFIT 2014!

Time is running out to sign up! 

Don't let two vacation hours slip away!

On October 6th, the new Fall employee wellness challenge, OktoberFIT 2014, will begin! The challenge will benefit all in a variety of ways and is catered to individual needs. It is easy to participate and participants will be measured on an even playing field regardless of fitness level.

Follow these steps to join the challenge:

1. Go to www.vitalitywins.com and click "Join Now" at the top right corner of the screen.
2. Follow the prompts to set up your account. 
3. Save your account.
4. Next click on "add/join another team."
5. Then click on "join an existing team" and type OktoberFIT2014.
6. Finally click "ask to join."
7. Email internhe@co.weber.ut.us your Vitality Wins username and county department.

Benefits include:

• Daily access to accurate health information on topics such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, and emotional & social health
• Gain personal insights about the decisions you make regarding health
• Tips to improve your health
• Feel inspired and motivated as you compete against fellow Weber County employees
• Weekly newsletters addressing various health related topics
• Brown bag lunch presentaion on the effects music has on your health; Wednesday, October 29th at 12:15 and 1:15. Bonus points awarded to all who attend
• Bonus points for completing a health assessment
• Prizes award to top Participants
• Catered lunch will be served to all participants who complete the challenge; Wednesday, November 19th from 12 pm-2 pm*
• 2 hours of vacation to all who complete the challenge, as part of the Weber County Employee Wellness Program*

If you would like to participate sign up through the Vitality Wins website (instructions above). Email your Vitality Wins username and county department to internhe@co.weber.ut.us. This will allow your name to be identified to receive your well deserved prizes!

*Challenge Rules:

• Completing the challenge is defined as having a minimum of 1% of possible points listed in each weekly column for the 6 weeks.
• Weekly winners will be determined from end of week percentages taken on Sunday nights at 11;59 pm each week. For this reason make sure you update your Vitality Wins account before 11:59 pm Sunday night. 
• The overall winners will be determined from the game total percentage after 6 weeks. 
• The challenge will end Sunday November 26th at 11:59 pm. Any entries posted after these times will not be considered when awarding prizes but will still count toward completing the challenge.

Feel free to contact Fall Challenge coordinator, Jason Davidson, with any questions at (801) 399-7181 or internhe@co.weber.ut.us.

Fall Wellness Challenge: OktoberFIT 2014

On October 6th, the new Fall employee wellness challenge, OktoberFIT 2014, will begin! The challenge will benefit all in a variety of ways and is catered to individual needs. It is easy to participate and participants will be measured on an even playing field regardless of fitness level.

Follow these steps to join the challenge:

1. Go to www.vitalitywins.com and click "Join Now" at the top right corner of the screen.
2. Follow the prompts to set up your account. 
3. Save your account.
4. Next click on "add/join another team."
5. Then click on "join an existing team" and type OktoberFIT2014.
6. Finally click "ask to join."
7. Email internhe@co.weber.ut.us your Vitality Wins username and county department.

Benefits include:

• Daily access to accurate health information on topics such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, and emotional & social health
• Gain personal insights about the decisions you make regarding health
• Tips to improve your health
• Feel inspired and motivated as you compete against fellow Weber County employees
• Weekly newsletters addressing various health related topics
• Brown bag lunch presentaion on the effects music has on your health; Wednesday, October 29th at 12:15 and 1:15. Bonus points awarded to all who attend
• Bonus points for completing a health assessment
• Prizes award to top Participants
• Catered lunch will be served to all participants who complete the challenge; Wednesday, November 19th from 12 pm-2 pm*
• 2 hours of vacation to all who complete the challenge, as part of the Weber County Employee Wellness Program*

If you would like to participate sign up through the Vitality Wins website, by Tuesday September 20th 2014. Email your Vitality Wins username and county department to internhe@co.weber.ut.us. This will allow your name to be identified to receive your well deserved prizes!

*Challenge Rules:

• Completing the challenge is defined as having a minimum of 1% of possible points listed in each weekly column for the 6 weeks.
• Weekly winners will be determined from end of week percentages taken on Sunday nights at 11;59 pm each week. For this reason make sure you update your Vitality Wins account before 11:59 pm Sunday night. 
• The overall winners will be determined from the game total percentage after 6 weeks. 
• The challenge will end Sunday November 26th at 11:59 pm. Any entries posted after these times will not be considered when awarding prizes but will still count toward completing the challenge.

Feel free to contact Fall Challenge coordinator, Jason Davidson, with any questions at (801) 399-7181 or internhe@co.weber.ut.us.

Where are YOU at?

There are stages that people go through as they progress toward better health behaviors. These stages are formally known as "The Stages of Change." Each stage is a different mental state. Being mentally ready to make a behavior change is integral to physically making a behavior change.

Let's explore the different stages to determine what stage you're in.

1. Precontemplation

People in this stage do not think they have a health problem and therefore aren't considering making a behavior change. They may also not know the benefits of changing their behavior.

2. Contemplation

In this stage people are starting to think about making a change but they are still not ready to make the change. Usually they're gathering more information and feeling positive about the behavior. An example is a smoker who begins to be aware of the negative effects of smoking.

3. Preparation

In this stage you are psychologically preparing yourself to engage in the behavior change and may already think of yourself as a healthier person.

This stage, as well as contemplation, is what we've been in for the last few weeks as we get ready for the program to start (tomorrow!)

4. Action

Exactly as it sounds, you start doing the new healthy behavior! One of two things can happen in this stage. Either you have a successful experience and you feel motivated to continue the healthy behavior. Or you have an unsuccessful experience and you feel defeated and  you're less likely to continue the healthy behavior.

Starting tomorrow we should all be in this stage! I hope we all have successful experiences and use this blog for support and motivation.

5. Maintenance

In this stage the behavior is fairly ingrained and starts to become a habit. The challenge in this stage is staying motivated. Relapses are common and it's easy to become defeated and want to give up.  A healthier response to a slip-up is to forgive yourself, you're only human, and to make sure the rest of your choices for the day are healthy ones.

Where you are in the stages of change depends on your attitude and mind-set. If you are preparing yourself mentally to make a healthy behavior change you are more likely to succeed in this change. Hopefully this behavior change will become a life-long habit that will benefit you for the rest of your life and will allow you to be an example of health!

Where do you feel you are in the stages of change?

'Scent'sational Wellness Challenge - Brown Bag Lunch

Want to earn more points for the wellness challenge? Would you like to learn more about relationships?

Then grab some lunch and a friend and join us at the Weber Center for a great presentation! There will be two presentations Wednesday July 9th; either 12:15-12:45 OR 1:15-1:45. 

Download the flyer HERE and post it in your office where everyone will see it.

Last Week of the 'Scent'sational Summer Challenge

This is the last week of the Summer Wellness Challenge! Let's end it strong! Remember to turn in your weekly point tracking sheets in order to earn your vacation hours and get an invitation to the end of challenge luncheon. You can submit these by either faxing to (801) 399-7185 or by email.

Read the Week 6 newsletter HERE.

This week's focus is to move more,  wear sunscreen, and to attend the Brown Bag Lunch & Learn on Wednesday July 9th. There will be two sessions for the Brown bag Lunch & Learn; 12:15-12:45 OR 1:15-1:45. **This Lunch & Learn is NOT a part of the Eat, Earn & Learn series. As such, you will not earn additional vacation hours for attending but will earn points within the Wellness Challenge.**

How did you like the 

'Scent'sational Summer Wellness Challenge?

Let us know in the comments!

Week 5 of 'Scent'sational Summer Challenge!

We are nearing the end of this Summer challenge but there is still time to earn points and get healthier! Remember to turn in your weekly point tracking sheets by either faxing to (801) 399-7185 or by email.

Read the Week 5 newsletter HERE.

This week's focus is to move more,  swap ground chicken or turkey in place of ground beef, and to try a "new-to-you" whole grain or seed. 

Winco's bulk section is a great place to buy different grains and seeds because you can purchase the exact amount called for in a recipe, rather than buying a big bag and discovering you don't like it.

What are your favorite grains and seeds? Let us know in the comments!

Week 4 of the 'Scent'sational Summer Challenge

Week 4 is here! The halfway point of this Summer's Challenge! You are you doing so far?

Read this week's newsletter HERE.

This week's focus is to move more, swap cow milk for almond or coconut milk, and list 10 things for which you are grateful.

What are you most grateful for? Let us know in the comments!

Week 3 of the 'Scent'sational Summer Challenge

Week 3 is now here! The Summer is heating up and we're on our way to better health!

Read this week's newsletter HERE.

This week's focus is to move more, drink 32 ounces of water each day, take 15-20 minutes to relax each day, and to write a letter to someone.

For help relaxing, check out a relaxation CD through the Health Promotion division located on the 3rd floor of the Health Department.

What is your favorite way to relax? Let us know in the comments!

Week 2 of the 'Scent'sational Summer Challenge

We are now one week into the 'Scent'sational Summer Challenge. You should be feeling energized from incorporating more exercise into your week and getting more sleep each night! Let's keep the momentum going!

Download week two's newsletter HERE.

This week's focus is to move more, eat more fruits and vegetables, trade unhealthy snacks for healthy ones, and to try a fruit or vegetable you've never had before. 

Come back and share in the comments what new fruit or vegetable you tried!

'Scent'sational Summer 2014 Wellness Challenge is Starting!

Today starts the Summer Wellness Challenge! 

Have you and your co-workers signed up? 

This challenge has an extra bonus! Get a co-worker to sign up who has never participated in a challenge; when they sign up you both get an extra 5 points. When they complete the challenge you both get another 10 bonus points!

Download the first week's newsletter HERE.

This week's focus is to move more, get the recommended amount of sleep, keep track of your progress, and to try Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. On Stonyfield Organic Greek Yogurt's website they have a useful substitution guide. You can find it HERE. 

Have you substituted Greek yogurt in recipes? 

How did you like it?

Last week of the Spring 2014 Wellness Challenge

It's hard to believe that the challenge is almost over, it feels like it just got started! However this is the last week of the Spring 2014 Wellness Challenge and the last week to earn any last points.

Click HERE to read this week's newsletter!

As a reminder, all those who earn at least 300 points in the Wellness Challenge, will be invited to the End-of-Challenge luncheon AND earn two hours of vacation through the overall Weber County Employee Wellness Program. To ensure you get credit for your work, you need to submit ALL previous weeks tracking sheets by Tuesday April 22nd. These tracking sheets can either be faxed to (801) 399-7185 or emailed to Health Promotion intern, Lisa McCoy.

 

Any questions regarding this Wellness Challenge need to be directed to Health Promotion intern, Lisa McCoy. Any questions regarding the overall Weber County Employee Wellness Program need to be directed to Megan Passey or Rochelle Creager.

 

Congratulations on all your hard work!

Week Five of Spring into Health Wellness Challenge!

We're near the end of the Wellness Challenge, but not the end of our hard work for improved health!

 

Read this week's newsletter HERE.

 

Remember to turn in your weekly tracking sheets to Health Promotion intern Lisa McCoy to be eligible for the weekly prizes and to earn vacation hours in the overall Weber County Employee Wellness program.

Wellness Challenge Brown Bag Lunch Invite

Are you participating in the Spring Wellness Challenge? If so, please join us on Thursday afternoon April 3rd for the Brown Bag Lunch Presentation. Come learn ways to get more exercise and be more active! Check out the invite for more details!

 

Bring a canned food item and earn
10 bonus points!

 

Remember to
bring your own lunch!
See you there!

 

 

Halfway through the Spring 2014 Wellness Challenge!

We are now halfway through the Spring 2014 Wellness Challenge! The wellness challenge is a great way to get healthy, feel more energized and earn 2 hours of vacation through the Weber County Employee Wellness Program.

You can read Week 4's newsletter HERE.

The Bonus Activity for this week is to think about three areas of your health you would really like to improve and write a short description detailing why you would like to improve those areas. This bonus activity can also be used to earn more vacation hours! 

One of the options on the activity menu is to visit Walgreens' website and complete three health risk assessments. Earn a half hour of vacation by submitting the Health Assessment form. See the activity menu for more details.

If you complete the three health risk assessments you'll both earn more vacation hours plus you'll get the bonus points for this week! Sounds like a win-win!