July 2022 Open Line

July 29, 2022

Recipe of the Week

Monday, August 1 is Homemade Pie Day!

When thinking of the dog days of summer, peaches are the perfect treat. Their juice quenches your thirst and is also a source of energy to keep the body cool in hot temperatures.

This simple recipe for Peach Pie Filling is great for a pie and any crust will do: nut, cookie, graham cracker, or pastry. The filling can also be added as a topping to oats, ice cream, yogurt, or toast!

https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/desserts/peach-pie-filling.html

Upcoming Virtual Events

Cardio vs. Strength Training Webinar

Tuesday, August 2 from 12–12:30 p.m. CT

Download calendar invite.

Together we’ll explore ways to create a balanced workout plan. We’ll discuss the difference between cardio and strength training, different ways to add movement into your weekly plan, the five factors for putting together a strength training program, and how to create an action plan.

WFHTN Live Workouts
(Please note: Webcams are never required to join any of these events.)

Follow WFHTN on social media to stay up to date with health and wellness information!  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFHTN

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WFHTN

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingforahealthiertn/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TNSiteChampions

THANK YOU for being involved with the DCS Wellness Council! We are so excited to share that with your support and participation in workplace wellness activities over the past year, we earned GOLD Achievement Level with Working for a Healthier Tennessee (WFHTN). We hope our offerings are making a difference for you and your co-workers, and we hope you’ll continue to take the time to improve your well-being with us!

You can learn more about the WFHTN initiative in this “Working for a Healthier Tennessee Overview” video (6.5 minutes), and/or check out their award-winning agencies at https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/annual-celebration.html. You just might see some familiar names and faces!

Upcoming Events

Trivia Break with Morgan

Thursday, July 28 from 12-12:15 p.m. Central

Take a mental break to help lower stress and bring some fun into your day. The top three winners will be awarded a prize!

Download calendar invite.

Note: We will be playing trivia using the platform Kahoot (www.kahoot.it). To get the most out of Kahoot, it’s ideal to have a second screen, such as a second computer monitor or a phone with internet access. This is because you will need to be able to see the questions and answer them on your other screen. The Kahoot game pin will be provided on the day of trivia.

Webinar: Difference Between Cardio and Strength Training
Tuesday, August 2 from 12–12:30 p.m. CT
It’s easy to get confused between the two and this session breaks it all down. We’ll discuss the difference between cardio and strength training, different ways to add movement into your weekly plan, the five factors for putting together a strength training program, and how to create an action plan.
Download calendar invite.

Available On Demand:

Can't join us live? Check out this Eating Outdoors: Handling Food Safely guide: https://www.fda.gov/media/79871/download

You can access all of WFHTN’s upcoming activities, webinars, and workouts at: https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html

How to get Rewards for Going Outdoors!

WFHTN Wellness Coordinator Morgan McFarlane shows you how to use her favorite app, Healthy Parks Healthy Person. It allows you to get free swag for completing different outdoor activities in Tennessee!

https://youtu.be/hOnqnH5Um7g (55 seconds)

Recipe of the Week

Try out this lighter take on French Onion Dip: https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/appetizers/french-onion-dip.html

July 15, 2022

Get Active With Us!

The spring, summer, and fall seasons provide a wonderful opportunity to get outside and have some fun! Join the Mother Nature Calls Challenge happening from Monday, July 18 to Friday, July 29. The challenge incorporates many free resources provided by the Departments of Tourist Development and Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency! Three participants chosen at random will receive a prize!

The Move More Challenge is Coming!

The Working for a Healthier Tennessee team invites you and your colleagues to join our all-agency Move More Challenge from Monday, August 1 to Sunday, August 28!
 
Register by Wednesday, July 27 at https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/wfhtn_move_more_challenge_signup
 
During registration, you’ll select a group to join based on your level of movement. Each group will have weekly goals for cardio, strength training, and stretching! If you complete two of the three goals each week, you’ll be placed into a prize drawing. One person from each group will win a prize!

During the challenge, you’ll receive weekly emails with tips and reminders. You can also opt into a Microsoft Teams group where you can chat with your fellow participants.

If you have any questions, please email WFHT.TN@tn.gov!

Upcoming Virtual Events

How to Handle the Heat Webinar
Tuesday, July 19 from 11-11:30 a.m. CT
Learn the signs, symptoms, and how to prevent heat-related illnesses, along with proper hydration and physical activity guidelines for hot weather.
Download the calendar invite.

Can't join us live? Access this tip sheet on how to Stay Cool This Summer:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/wfhtn/documents/wfhtn_stay_cool_this_summer_july_final.pdf

You can access all upcoming WFHTN activities, webinars, and workouts at https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html.

Stay Food Safe

Food nourishes, brings us together, and adds flavor to life! It's important to prepare and handle food safely to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
View these tips on how to safely prepare foods at home. (45 seconds)

Recipe of the Week

Have you ever wanted to try Fruit Infused Water?  These flavorful combinations are easier to make than you think!

https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/drinks/fruit-infused-water.html

 De-escalation Tip of the Week

July 8, 2022

The Here4TN Scavenger Hunt is Here!

Life’s full of challenges, and Here4TN can make them easier.  Complete this virtual scavenger hunt to find out how Here4TN can help YOU!  Tennessee State Government employees who complete the scavenger hunt will be selected at random to receive a Here4TN tote bag.

Access the scavenger hunt at https://www.here4tnscavengerhunt.com from July 11-22. (Be sure to hit the green ‘Submit’ button after each question.)

Upcoming Virtual Events

Livestream Walking with Lindsey
Tuesday, July 12 from 12-12:15 p.m. CT
Get ready to virtually walk it out with WFHTN! No equipment is needed.
**Please sign this digital liability waiver prior to class:
https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/wfhtn_liability_waiver
Download the calendar invite.

Available on Demand: Can't join us live? Try this One-mile Happy Walk on your own time!

You can access all of our upcoming WFHTN activities, webinars, and workouts at: https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html
 
Healthy Hydration: Choose Your Drinks Wisely
(Presented by ActiveHealth Management and Here4TN)
Thursday, July 14 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
Think about what you drink in a day. Are you getting enough water? We’ll talk about easy ways to get more water each day. You’ll also learn how to make sure you’re not getting more than you bargained for from your drinks.
 
Please register at: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/finance/fa-benefits/documents/4mind4body_webinars_flyer_0622.pdf

Recipe of the Week

This homestyle version of a popular coffee shop drink uses a surprising ingredient in place of sugary syrup. Try it at home!
https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/drinks/iced-mocha.html

Weekly Word Game: Summer

Take a brain break during your workday to take on this week’s word game, search, puzzle, crossword, or quiz!

Download this week’s “Summer” word search HERE, and submit your completed puzzle to dcswellness.council@tn.gov by Friday, July 15 for a chance to win a wellness prize. 

Cindy completed research, developed, and rolled out a training on Communicating for Conflict Resolution due to a continual request from staff to have more training on managing conflict. The course was well attended, and participants gave positive feedback. She does an excellent job with curriculum development. The materials are organized and easy to follow. She has developed and/ or revised a number of curriculums and always does an amazing job. She should be recognized for her hard work in the area of curriculum development due to the fact that she has produced a number of original curriculums that were requested by staff and are still being offered on ongoing bases such as Secondary Trauma, Secondary Trauma for Supervisors, Basics of Parent-Child Visitation, Meaningful Parent-Child Visitation, and Communicating for Conflict Resolution. She also coordinated multiple Optum trainings and has done a lot of work with a workgroup on offering a variety of training and marketing training and resources for June safety month. Cindy is very responsive when needs are identified. She is a true asset to OTPD.

July 1, 2022

Upcoming Virtual Events

(Please note: A webcam is NOT required to join any of these events.)

Yoga Classes

• Every Monday from 12-12:15 p.m. CT
  • Download the Monday calendar series
• Every Wednesday from 12-12:15 p.m. CT
  • Download the Wednesday calendar series.

Join us for a 15-minute live, virtual, seated yoga class each week that’s suitable for beginners and relaxing for all fitness levels. No special equipment or attire is needed - just grab a chair!

• Every Friday from 12:15-12:45 p.m. CT

Join us for a 30-minute live, virtual yoga class with an extra emphasis on core each week. It’s suitable for all fitness levels. The only equipment recommended is a mat!

Download the Friday calendar series.

Have you been hesitant to join our live Yoga for All sessions? If so, you can get a sneak peek from previous yoga sessions on your own time:

• Monday Yoga for All (with Sophia) - 15 Minutes
• Wednesday Yoga for All (with Denise) - 15 Minutes
• Friday Yoga: Core & More (with Denise) - 30 Minutes

We hope you’ll join us soon!

Department of Human Services 10-minute Fitness Break

• Every Wednesday from 11-11:10 a.m. CT

Join the meeting. (The same link to join every week.)

Department of Children’s Services Thursday Fitness Break

• Every Thursday from 11-11:15 a.m. CT

Give your body a break with the Department of Children’s Services Wellness Council! You can expect a Livestream workout video handpicked by the DCS Wellness Council.

Download the Thursday calendar series.

Available On-Demand: Can't join us live? Check out WFHTN's Sit Less Move More handout. 

You can access all our upcoming WFHTN activities, webinars, and workouts at https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html.

Download the July Daily Wellness Calendar

Recipe of the Week

Love banana bread, but want a more satisfying option for breakfast? Try this lower sugar Banana Bread Overnight Oats recipe you can even take on the go: https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/breakfast/banana-bread-overnight-oats.html.