CareFirst Wellness 

New Year, New You and the Tools to help you!

Fitness

The new year is a great time to revamp your fitness program or try something new!  CareFirst members have access to free on demand yoga and a 12 week work out series through Sharecare!

Don’t forget about Blue365 for additional fitness related discounts! Find discounts on fitness gear, virtual fitness programs and more.

Weight Management and Nutrition

Proper nutrition can be difficult to figure out. There is a lot of information out there and the reality is nutrition is not one size fits all. If you are thinking about working on weight management in the new year, check out the Scale Back program in Sharecare.

Be part of a group, have 1:1 access with a registered dietician through the platform, track your food with real time feedback and get a FREE digital scale and Fitbit.

Stress Management

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. – Benjamin Franklin

Stress is no different. Incorporating stress management tools into your daily routine can have huge ripple effects in other areas of your life and help us become more resilient when stressful situations occur.  Check out Inspirations in Sharecare for breathing techniques, guided meditations, yoga, and much more.

Goal Setting for Success

As we come into the new year, we have a sense of rejuvenation and a fresh start. We begin to think about setting New Year’s Resolutions. One way to help set yourself up for success is setting goals, both short term and long term.  Setting short term goals allows you to build on the new habit, making sure you have ways to sustain it, even when obstacles try to get in the way. Short term goals allow you to maintain that long term goal once you get there! When you set goals, be sure you are setting SMART goals. Setting SMART goals is one way to ensure you are setting yourself up for success!

SMART Goals

• S – Make your goals SPECIFIC.
• M – Be sure they are MEASURABLE.
• A – Are they ATTAINABLE in your current stage in life.
• R – Is it RELEVANT to your current stage in life.
• T – TIME bound for progress.

Accountability Partners

Teamwork makes the dream work! Well, this statement applies to more than sports teams. The key factors in a team’s success are support and accountability. It is important to have connections that support your goals and will check in to see how things are going. Setting up regular check-ins with your accountability partners helps you stay on track, as well as keeps you connected to others in your life. Accountability partners check-in regularly to discuss both the successes and the difficulties you have experienced while working towards your goals.

Roadblocks and Bridges

There will be obstacles to your success when you set goals, it is life! Learning to navigate these obstacles is key. Having a “plan B” and some self-compassion will help you get back on the path when obstacles try to set you back. We can also learn from these obstacles to plan a more effective way of managing them in the future.

Hey Coach...

Every team has a coach. A coach is there to help guide the team to success by being supportive, facilitating practices to help the team see what is working & what isn’t, keeps the team moving forward towards their goal and celebrates their successes while learning from their losses.

A health coach is your personal coach. Someone who listens and helps you reflect on both your successes and your setbacks. Their goal is to see you succeed in your wellness journey. As a CareFirst member you have access to Health Coaches that are ready to be part of your team! There are a couple of ways to get started:

• Take the Call – Coaches will reach out by phone to invite you into the program.
• Self-Enroll – To call in to enroll in coaching, dial 877-260-3253 and press option 7.
• Enroll Online - Enroll through the Sharecare app. You will find the tile under the Achieve icon.

CareFirst Wellness Powered by Sharecare

Not signed up for the tool that will help you every step of your wellness journey.  Sign up today at https://www.carefirst.com/sharecare/ and start exploring!

ComPsych - Employee Assistance Program

Effective January 1, 2021, ComPsych will be providing FCPS employee assistance services.  The Employee Assistance Program is a FREE benefit provided and paid for by FCPS as a service and resource for employees and household members. 

ComPsych offers the following services and resources:

• Confidential Emotional Support: You and your family member can speak with a highly trained clinician about any issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, life adjustments, relational and marital conflicts.
• Work-Life Solutions: Specialists can provide qualified referrals and resources for just about anything on your to-do list, such as finding childcare, elder care, hiring movers, home repair contractors, planning events, locating pet care and services.
• Legal Guidance: Speak to an attorney for practical assistance with your most pressing legal issues, such as divorce, adoption, family law, will, trusts, and more.
• Financial Resources:  Financial experts can assist with a wide range of issues including retirement planning, taxes, relocation, mortgages, insurance, budgeting, debt management, bankruptcy, and more.
• Online Support: GuidanceResources Online is your 24/7 link to vital information, tools, and support, such as articles, podcasts, videos, slideshows, on-demand trainings, and more. 
• Interactive Digital Tools: A digital self-care platform, myStrength, offers interactive behavioral health tools and resources with guided programs on anxiety, chronic pain and opioids, depression, mindfulness, sleep, stress, substance use, and personalized resources on physical health conditions, and secure access through GuidanceResources Online.

For information or assistance, please call (800) 272-7255 or go online at guidanceresources.com (Web ID: FCPSMD). For hearing impaired, please call (800) 697-0353.

Deals4U

Looking for some great deals?  Enroll in 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, Verizon, 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.

Employee News

FCPS tries to target FindOutFirst emails only to those who have signed up for particular news groups or fall in certain categories.  If you would like to receive Wellness email of upcoming events/activities and information, elect to receive Wellness email through your FOF account.  To accomplish this, please log in to your FOF account at www.fcps.org/fof, select Menu, select Subscriptions, select FCPS news email you'd like to receive, and then select Save.

FCPS Hike for Wellness

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

Let's Talk About Health Webinars

FCPS has partnered with Frederick Health to host monthly health webinars for FCPS employees and their family members.  You have an opportunity to learn about up to date information and resources regarding specific topics.  Attendees will receive a free gift, so don't miss out and register.  

Upcoming Webinars:

• Friday, February 26 at 4:30 PM - Heart Health
• Thursday, March 25 at 4:30 PM -  Nutrition 
• Thursday, April 22 at 4:30 PM - Breast Cancer Prevention
• Thursday, May 27 at 4:30 PM - Mental Health 
• Thursday, June 24 at 4:30 PM - Diabetes Prevention 

Mammogram Screenings

FCPS has partnered with Frederick Health to host quarterly mammogram screenings for FCPS employees. This is an exclusive time slot just for FCPS employees. Schedule your appointment today and receive a free gift at your appointment. 

Screening Dates:

• March 17, 2021
• June 16, 2021
• September 15, 2021
• December 15, 2021

Screening Time: 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Location: Frederick Health - Rose Hill at 1562 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702

To schedule your appointment, call (240) 566-3400 and identify yourself as an FCPS employee.  Must have a doctor’s order to participate.

As an FCPS CareFirst member, routine screening mammograms are covered at 100% with $0 co-pay.

Mid-Day Movement Breaks

Did you know that a mid-day movement break can increase your mood, energy, and productivity and it can decrease your stress?  Consider participating in one of the scheduled virtual sessions for a mid-day movement break doing some stretches, gentle yoga, and meditation.  Sessions will be held every weekday (except on days schools are closed for staff) from Monday, February 1^st to Friday, June 25^th at 12pm, 12:30pm, and 1pm.  Invest in yourself and take the time out of your busy day to participate in the mid-day movement break.  If interested, please click here to register.  

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, February 21^st at 3pm. 

What's on the menu?

• Chicken Cacciatore
• Italian Salad with Fresh Herb Vinaigrette
• Focaccia Bread 

Click here to register.    Discount code is FCPSFEB.

Virtual Fitness Class

FCPS Wellness is excited to announce that we will continue to provide FREE virtual fitness classes for FCPS employees, so you can remain on track with your health and wellness goals by including physical activity onto your daily routine.  Sessions will be held from Monday, February 1^st to Friday, June 25^th.  Virtual fitness classes will not be held on days schools are closed for staff, but recorded classes are available for registered participants to access at their own convenience. If the times of the scheduled class does not work for you, please consider registering as you are able to access the recorded classes at a time that is more convenient for you. 

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.

ABSolute Fitness - Thursday at 6:00AM - 7:00AM

A new approach to training your CORE!  In this class, participant's will work their core from a non-traditional approach - functionally! This class will have participant's becoming aware and engaged with recruiting all muscles of the anterior and posterior abdominals through squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, and so much more! 

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/Core - 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. 

Yoga (Half Meditation and Half Hatha Yoga) - Friday at 4:30PM - 5:30PM

This class is a great way to wrap up the work week with meditation and gentle yoga.

Please click here to register for a morning class.

Please click here to register for an afternoon class.

Please note: The technology used to host the virtual fitness classes is the choice of the host.  FCPS does not provide technology support or endorse the Zoom platform. 

Wear Red Day

February 5 is National Wear Red Day.  February is considered as American Heart Month, so people wear the color red in order to raise and spread awareness in hopes to help eradicate heart disease in millions of women.  So put on your reddest red, whether it be a nail polish, scarf, tie, or shoes, wear your brightest reds on National Wear Red Day and take a picture to share on social media with #FCPSWearRedDay.  And even though this day gives us the opportunity to wear red, it is more important to focus on cardiovascular risks and diseases. 

Join FCPS and Frederick Health on Friday, February 26 at 4:30 PM to learn about up to date information and resources regarding cardiovascular risks and diseases by attending the Heart Health webinar.   Attendees will receive a free gift, so don't miss out and register.  

Join American Heart Association Maryland Chapter on Friday, February 5 at 12 PM for the Go Red for Women campaign launch and Community Conversation on women’s health advocacy. 

Red dress pins are available.  Submit a request to benefits.wellness@fcps.org for a red dress pin (while supplies last).