August 2022 Open Line
August 26, 2022
August 31 is Eat Outside Day
There’s something about eating out in the fresh air that makes the entire experience causal and yet luxurious. With only a few more days of summer to savor, why not take your lunch break outside this week?
View these quick tips from WFHTN Wellness Coordinator Lindsey Joe!
Upcoming Virtual Events
How to Keep Up the Momentum Webinar
Tuesday, Aug. 30 from 12-12:30 p.m. CT
With the transition from summer to fall, routines change and it’s easy to fall off the exercise wagon. In this session, we’ll discover ways to tap into our inner motivation to get us back on track.
Would you like to learn about the benefits of movement? If so, check out WFHTN’s Sit Less Move More handout.
You can access all upcoming WFHTN activities, webinars, and workouts at https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html.
Recipe of the Week
There are many benefits to incorporating tofu into your diet. It’s low in fat, high in protein, easy to prepare, and affordable. This Tofu Stir-Fry recipe includes spinach, but the more veggies you throw in (such as carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, etc.) the better!
https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/entrees/tofu-stir-fry.html
August 19, 2022
Be Kind to Humankind Week
Be Kind to Humankind Week is August 25 – 31. It’s a chance for us to set aside time to reflect on what we can do to make this world a better place. Research shows acts that benefit another person are emotionally rewarding. A kind word or helpful gesture can go a long way. Why not set aside time every day this week to do something nice for others?
Here are a few ways to volunteer:
https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/volunteer-tennessee.html/
https://www.tn.gov/firstlady/tennessee-serves.html
Upcoming Virtual Events
Importance of Flexibility Webinar with Stretch Break
Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 12-12:15 p.m. CT
Ever wonder why stretching is neglected in a physical activity plan? Because it’s hard! We’ll explore the reasons stretching will improve your overall health and make your workouts powerful.
You can access all our upcoming WFHTN activities, webinars, and workouts at https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html.
Recipe of the Week
Herbs are Mother Nature’s Medicine! More Herbs Less Salt day is coming up on Aug. 29, so get a head start on adding more herbs to your diet now. Not only do they change a regular meal into a gourmet one (think pesto instead of oil and garlic), but herbs also help the body get stronger. Fresh or dried, they really pack a punch.
This Creole Seasoning Blend is loaded with a variety of herbs and spices to provide a pleasurable eating experience. Your tastebuds will thank you!
https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/dressing/creole-seasoning-blend.html
Public Student Loan Forgiveness
for Critical Human Services Workforce
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in financial hardship for many, including members of the human services workforce. ACF employees, grant recipients, and partners may now be eligible for public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) for their important public service, even if they were not eligible before.
Typically, you must be employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government, a 501(c)3 non-profit, or a non-profit organization that provides a qualifying service (including military service) to qualify.
ACF has created a PSLF landing page that includes resources for you to share. Please help us share this news with the broader human services workforce.
Learn more about this program in Assistant Secretary Contreras’ Family Room Blog post.
Joint Task Force on Children’s Justice
and Child Sexual Abuse
The Tennessee Joint Task Force on Children’s Justice and Child Sexual Abuse (JTF) developed a child sexual abuse prevention guide to help agencies and organizations that serve children and youth in Tennessee with the implementation of Erin’s Law.
Erin’s Law, signed into law in Tennessee in 2014, encourages schools across the state to provide age-appropriate instruction to K-12 students on personal body safety, and how to report sexual abuse, including abuse that may occur in the child’s home. While the guide was designed primarily to assist schools with selecting curricula and resources to provide age-appropriate instruction to students, it can be used by other agencies/organizations that serve children and youth ages 3 to 18. All curricula listed in this document have been vetted by the JTF Outreach and Awareness Committee and DCS.
The guide covers the following topics:
- Overview of the JTF
- TDCS definition of Child Sexual Abuse
- Key findings from the Centers for Disease Control about Child Sexual Abuse
- What is Erin’s Law?
- Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Curricula for Pre-K-12 (including cost and grade level)
- Other Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training Resources
- Resource Listings of Selected National Child Sexual Abuse Organizations
- Resource Listings for Childcare Providers
Additionally, the JTF would greatly appreciate you sharing this information with your staff and prevention partner organizations.
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/dcs/documents/safety/JTF_Erins_Law.pdf
The JTF, a group of child welfare, juvenile justice, and health professionals, and representatives from state child-serving agencies was created by statute in 1985 by the Tennessee General Assembly, which enacted legislation requiring the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to develop a task force to address the state’s response to child sexual abuse and other forms of severe abuse. For more information about the JTF, please visit our website at https://children.sworpswebapp.sworps.utk.edu/
August 12, 2022
Are you Financially Fit?
A good rule of thumb is to have at least three months’ salary saved for a rainy day yet, 58% of us have less than $1,000 in savings. Overall wellness includes financial stability and having a budget helps.
This Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT, take your lunch break to learn How to Manage Your Finances presented by Here4TN.
Participants will learn the importance of setting up and maintaining a budget, information about establishing credit and the value of maintaining a good credit rating, and how to create an action plan to manage your finances.
You can check out additional resources on the Here4TN website, where you’ll find tips and articles to step up your financial know-how.
https://www.liveandworkwell.com/content/en/member/legal-financial/financial-fitness.html
Relax with us this Week!
Taking a moment to check in and relax trains the mind and body to work together to meet our needs. When that happens, stress melts away, and a sense of gratitude sets in. In honor of National Relaxation Day, try one of these Relaxation Techniques and tell WFHTN which one you tried by Wednesday, Aug. 31. Five participants chosen at random will receive a prize!
Recipe of the Week
Here’s a Strawberry Banana “nice cream” recipe that is sure to please even the most committed ice cream lover.
https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/desserts/strawberry-banana-nice-cream.html
P.S. Want to make this recipe into a pie? A nut crust is a perfect platform for this delicious treat!
August 5, 2022
Happy National Pickleball Day!
Did you know pickleball has been around since 1965? Most of us have only recently heard of it. In 2021, it was declared the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. by the Sport and Fitness Association. This game is for the young and the young at heart, with retirees making up a large portion of the sport’s growth and popularity. It can be played indoors and out. Community centers around the state have made it available, making it a year-round activity for the entire family.
Check out pickleball game times and locations at: https://www.places2play.org/state/tennessee
National Farmers Market Week is August 7-13!
Think about it: Produce available at farmers markets is fresh and grown locally. To grow, they must adjust to the same climate as us. The nutrients that help them survive the elements help our bodies. For example, a fresh juicy peach not only quenches your thirst but is loaded with vitamin A to protect your eyes from the bright sun.
Farmers markets around the state usually see a drop in attendance this week so it’s the perfect time to beat the crowds! For more than 30 years, Pick Tennessee Products has been a part of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, connecting people everywhere to all the great things that come from Tennessee’s farms and food businesses. From produce and pumpkin patches to honey and handmade soaps to cheeses and artisan chocolates, you can live local when you Pick Tennessee Products.
Join us on Thursday, August 11 from 11:30-11:45 a.m. CT for a webinar to learn more about all the great resources Pick Tennessee Products has to offer!
Download calendar invite.
Another way to maximize your farmers market trip is to watch Eat Right on a Budget (1 minute). It’s right on time for National Financial Awareness Day on Aug. 14.
Upcoming Virtual Events
Cardio Workout with Kayla!
Tuesday, August 9 from 9:45-10 a.m. CT
Ready for an activity break to help you feel energized and motivated? Assistant Director of Population Health and certified athletic trainer Kayla Livesay will lead a cardio workout for all fitness levels. No equipment is needed.
Recipe of the Week
To-may-toe, to-mah-toe… it all tastes delicious!
Did you know the official state fruit of Tennessee is the tomato? During the month of August, there is an abundance of vine-ripened tomatoes. This Black Bean and Tomato Salsa recipe is loaded with flavors and incredibly easy to make. On hot days like these, simple yet tasty meals are a must!
https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/appetizers/black-bean-and-tomato-salsa.html