Blue Rewards

The Blue Rewards incentive program is available to all Frederick County Public Schools employees and their spouses enrolled in the CareFirst medical plan. You can each earn up to $100!  Whether you complete one activity or both, you get rewarded. Ready to start earning? Complete these activities before December 28, 2020.

• Earn $50 - Consent to receive wellness emails and take the RealAge test
• Earn $50 - Select a primary care provider

Log in today to start earning. If you don't already have a Sharecare account, visit www.carefirst.com/sharecare. You'll need to enter your CareFirst My Account username and password and complete the one-time registration with Sharecare to link your CareFirst account information. This will help personalize your experience.

CareFirst Wellness 

There are many health concerns that equally effect both men and women; however, there are certain conditions found to be more prevalent among women. Those including breast cancer, osteoporosis, as well as depression and anxiety. Creating awareness, knowing signs and symptoms as well as courses of action & resources are key to proper detection and treatment of these conditions.

Breast Cancer in Women

Breast Cancer is the second leading type of cancer among American women. Each year, more than 260,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. It is also estimated that 2,500 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. 

Learn the signs and symptoms, and if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

Early Detection

Since there are very few controllable risk factors for developing breast cancer; regular screenings and checkups are incredibly important to staying healthy and for early detection. Including,

• Self-Breast Exam

• Clinical Breast Exam

• Annual Mammograms for women ages 45+

Signs and Symptoms

Knowing what to look for is critical to discovering cancer early. The most common symptom is a painless, hard mass with irregular edges. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling of any kind

• Skin irritation or dimpling pattern

• Pain in the breast or nipple

• Nipple retraction (turning inward)

• Redness, thickening or scaling of the breast/nipple skin

• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm and/or collarbone

It is normal to feel upset if you notice a symptom, but it is important to contact your doctor right away.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weakened or brittle which can lead to an increased risk of fracture. As women age, they become increasingly more at risk for developing this condition.

Early Detection

It is recommended for women to have an initial examination with their physician once they’ve reached menopause. The course of action following will be dependent on a variety of personal factors, but it is important to maintain an open conversation with your doctor to discuss the best approach for you.

Mental Health

Mental health is getting much more attention these days in effort to break the stigma. This is imperative as women are more likely to be affected by depression and/or anxiety at some point in their lives.

Things to Know about Depression

• Depression is a medical condition that often requires some variety of treatment to feel better.

• There can be physical symptoms to depression along with (or sometimes in absence of) feelings of sadness.

• Certain types of depression are unique to women. Including, PMS or PMDD, perinatal depression and perimenopausal depression.

Self-Awareness for Early Detection

Body awareness is a valuable tool for everyday health. Taking time to get to know what looks and feels normal for your body on a regular basis, can be a key and primary indicator for any first signs of irregularities or possible disease.

The same can apply for your mind and way of thinking. Pay attention to your thoughts and thought patterns, this can help you and others identify when something may be feeling off.

If you do notice any changes or irregularities in your body or thought patterns, make an appointment with your doctor.

Reducing Risk

Some risk factors for these conditions are uncontrollable, such as sex and age. However, there are lifestyle behaviors we can adopt to help reduce the overall risk.

• Keep a healthy weight

• Eat a healthy, well balanced diet

• Exercise regularly

• Limit or avoid alcohol intake

• Avoid tobacco use

• If you have a family history of any medical condition, talk with your doctor

Support & Resources

Coping with cancer or illness directly or indirectly for a loved one, can bring about a range of emotions. It is very important to utilize your support system as well as reach out to your doctor for additional support as needed.

• Find A Doctor or Healthcare Facility – Search by provider last name or type of provider within your network. Also search for health care facilities, including hospitals, urgent care and labs.

• CareFirst Video Visit – Get the care you need when and where you need it. From sudden colds to allergy woes, simply sign in to connect with a doctor on your smartphone, tablet or computer right away. For mental health, diet/nutrition, or breastfeeding support, schedule a visit and meet with a licensed professional from the comfort of your home.

• AskMD - More than just your standard symptom checker, AskMD gets you from "what's wrong" to what you can do about it. Not meant to be used as a diagnostic tool but rather to be used to provide guidance for a conversation with your doctor.

• Sharecare Inspirations/Relax 360 – Soothing video content in the palm of your hand designed to help reduce and eliminate daily stress.

Deals4U

Deals4U is an employee discount program especially for Frederick County Public Schools employees and retirees that provides online access to discounts and deals on products and services from national, regional and local merchants. (Think Target, Peapod, Regal Theatres, HP and more!) The Web-based program is administered by PerkSpot, a company that manages employee discount programs for a wide range of business and organizations across the country.

How it Works

To take advantage of Deals4U, simply create an online account at deals4u.perkspot.com using your personal (not work) e-mail address. Then enter FCPS (if prompted for a code), and create and enter a password. You will then receive confirmation and log-in instructions. After logging in, you have access to all the discount offers available to FCPS employees. If you log in to Deals4U from your work computer, access to some vendors may be restricted for internet security reasons.

FCPS Hike for Wellness

We are in peak fall foliage, so take advantage of the beautiful fall sceneries at our local State Parks in Maryland. FCPS Wellness is hosting a DIY FCPS Hike for Wellness Challenge.  The goal is for each participant to visit at least eight State Parks in the country from now until May 31, 2021 to receive a prize.  There are more than 10,000 State Parks for you to explore across the country, and each one presents its own unique opportunities for experiencing nature.

Registration is not required, but registered participants will receive an FCPS Hike For Wellness logo stickers and be on an e-mail distribution list regarding future scheduled group hikes.  Click here to register.

Earn a Prize

• Participants must share a picture at the park location via social media with #FCPSHikeForWellness

• If participants does not have social media, you can e-mail a picture to benefits.wellness@fcps.org

  • Photos e-mailed will then be shared on our FCPS Wellness social media

So don't be afraid to lace up your boots and grab a walking stick and a buddy or two, the opportunities and benefits of hiking are waiting for you.  All you have to do is go.  "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu

Mid-Day Movement Breaks

Did you know that a mid-day movement break can increase mood, energy, and productivity and it can decrease stress?  Consider participating in one of the scheduled virtual sessions for a mid-day movement break to enjoy a short stretch, mindful minute, and deep breathing exercise.  If interested, please click here to register.  Sessions will be held every weekday from Monday, September 14^th to Friday, January 29^th at 12pm or at 12:30pm except on days schools are closed for staff.

Virtual Cooking Class

It's important to take good care of ourselves with healthy, filling, and easy to prepare meals.  FCPS has partnered with The Kitchen Studio Cooking School in offering a monthly cooking classes.  We are hosting a virtual class on Sunday, November 15^th at 3pm. 

What's on the menu?

• Turkey-Hominy Chili (meal prep item, ideal for slow cooker)
• Spaghetti Squash with Parsley and Bread Crumbs
• Healthy Chicken Picatta with Spinach

Click here to register. Discount code is FCPSNOV.

Virtual Fitness Class

It's time to get back on track with your health and wellness goals by including physical activity onto your daily routine.  FCPS Wellness has scheduled FREE virtual fitness classes for FCPS employees.  If interested, please click on the name of the class to register.  Sessions will be held from Monday, September 14^th to Friday, January 29^th.  Virtual fitness classes will not be held on days schools are closed for staff, but classes will be recorded and are available for registered participants to access at their own convenience. 

Hatha Yoga: Monday at 6:00AM-7:00AM

A gentle yoga that focuses on static poses that is to align, strengthen, and promote flexibility in the body.

Cardio Kickboxing: Monday at 4:30PM-5:30PM

This fast-paced cardio combines martial arts techniques that builds stamina, improves coordination and flexibility, and burns calories as you build lean muscle with this fun and challenging workout. This high-energy workout challenges the beginner and elite athlete alike.

Strength Training: Tuesday at 6:00AM-7:00AM

A full body workout focused on building muscular strength & endurance, cardiovascular endurance, core strength, and flexibility. With a combination of body weight, dumbbells, bands, and then some, each class will focus on a unique training approach which will challenge, engage, and inspire participants to become a better version of their current selves! Equipment is optional (other suggestions will be offered).  

Zumba: Tuesday at 4:30PM-5:30PM

A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves.  Zumba routines incorporate interval training - alternating fast and slow rhythms - to help improve cardiovascular fitness.

Barre: Wednesday at 6:00AM-7:00AM

A workout technique inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates. It focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements designed to strengthen your body.  

Hatha Yoga: Wednesday at 4:30PM-5:30PM

A gentle yoga that focuses on static poses that is to align, strengthen, and promote flexibility in the body.

Cardio Kickboxing: Thursday at 6:00AM-7:00AM

This fast-paced cardio combines martial arts techniques that builds stamina, improves coordination and flexibility, and burns calories as you build lean muscle with this fun and challenging workout. This high-energy workout challenges the beginner and elite athlete alike.

Bang!: Thursday at 4:30PM-5:30PM

An urban-inspired mixed fitness class.  A fusion of boxing, aerobics, intervals, hip hop, world dance, and body weight training - this class will take your workout to a whole new "banging" level!

Pilates: Friday at 6:00AM-7:00AM

A method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance. 

FUNctional Fitness: Friday at 4:30PM-5:30PM

A combination of high intensity cardio & strength training that is great for all fitness levels.