August is National Wellness Month

Published on August 04, 2020

 
Even small steps can lead to many more healthy habits in your lifestyle.

August is National Wellness Month, a time to focus on self-care, managing stress and promoting healthy routines. Research has shown self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. Whether you challenge yourself to take a few extra steps or lift some weights, make a small change and impact your health in positive ways.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day and only one in three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week. In addition, more than 80% of adults do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, and more than 80% of adolescents do not do enough aerobic physical activity to meet the guidelines for youth.

There are numerous ways to make those small changes.

• Drink more water.
• Add more fruits and veggies to your meals.
• Enjoy healthier snacks.
• Monitor your sleep and make adjustments for better sleep habits.
• Get outside and exercise.
• Join a yoga, walking, or aerobics class.
• Learn to meditate.

Jackson County Wellness Coordinator said, “Especially right now, I feel like it is so important for associates to embrace what they are comfortable with to stay healthy.”

“At this time the county is offering associates a wellness reimbursement in the amount of $175. The increased amount takes some of the burden off associates in deciding to pursue something that keeps them moving,” she said.

“I am also incorporating the Good Vibes Wellbeing challenge, July 27- Sept 6, as some motivation to get steps in,” Miller said. “Again, an accessible way for them to keep moving, with the added bonus of incentives and co-worker participation. I am going to be sending out an additional link that gives detail on how to convert other activities to steps. So for example, maybe they love cycling, but it doesn’t register the steps; they can still participate!”