March 2021, Volume 3, Number 7
Upcoming Wellness Events
Date
Event
Time
Thursday, April 8
Social Security and Your Retirement Webinar Presented by VALIC
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Retirewise Workshop Series Presented By MetLife
Monday, April 12
Spring Into Motion Challenge
Saturday, April 17
In-Studio Paint Class with Hot Fired Arts
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday, April 18
Virtual Paint Class with Hot Fired Arts
Wednesday, April 21
Enroll. Take Control of Your Future Today Webinar Presented by VALIC
Thursday, April 22
Breast Cancer Prevention Webinar Presented by Frederick Health
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Virtual Cooking Class with The Kitchen Studio Cooking School
Thursday, May 6
Retirement Income Strategies Webinar Presented by VALIC
Saturday, May 15
Sunday, May 16
Wednesday, May 19
Thursday, May 27
Mental Health Webinar Presented by Frederick Health
Wednesday, June 16
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, June 24
Diabetes Prevention Webinar Presented by Frederick Health
Wednesday, September 15
Wednesday, December 15
CareFirst Wellness
March is National Nutrition Month
A nutritious diet can help you achieve a healthy weight and reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Eating a balanced diet is so important but knowing what is good for you can be confusing.
All Food and Beverage Choices Matter
Food fuels your body and determines not just your weight but your health and mood. Start with focusing on what is on your plate and in your glass at each meal:
Food labels are your friend
While buying fresh foods is ideal, much of our food comes in packages. The U.S. government requires Nutrition Facts labels on packages. Refer to these labels to help make smart and healthy choices. Do not rely on front package wording such as low fat, low-sodium, or low-sugar. Choose foods with Nutrition Facts that accurately show the product is:
If you are already eating healthy, keep up the good work. If not, making small changes slowly will be more successful than trying to change everything at once. Encourage the entire family to make changes with you and celebrate the small victories.
Aim for a healthy weight
Find someone in your friend group, at work, or in your family who also wants to reach or maintain a healthy weight. (If you are overweight, even a small weight loss of 5–10 percent helps your health.) Check in with them regularly to stay motivated. Do healthy activities together, like walking or playing on a neighborhood sports team. Share low-calorie, low-sodium meals or recipes.
National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
Remember to Exercise!
When you exercise regularly, you reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart
disease while increasing your chances of sleeping better and living longer. Plus, physical activity can help you manage your weight. If you have not been exercising at all, talk with your doctor about ways to start slowly.
If you start slowly and keep going you will reap health benefits and reduce your risk of injury or burnout. Find ways to make exercise fun. The possibilities are endless. Below are a few suggestions but find out what works best for you.
Diabetes Alert Day
American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert Day® is on March 24, 2020! Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day “wake-up call” that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk.
We encourage you to find out if you – or someone you love – is at risk for type 2 diabetes by taking this quick and simple Diabetes Risk Test.
CareFirst Member Resources
Scale Back Lifestyle Change Program – A personalized solution to reach a healthier weight through gradual lifestyle changes that become lifelong habits.
One-on-One Health Coaching – Confidential support to help improve your overall well-being that can help you achieve the best possible health. Call 877-260-3253 and press option 7 to enroll.
Sharecare Inspirations & Relax 360 – Soothing video content in the palm of your hand designed to help reduce and eliminate daily stress.
National Resources
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.
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.
Participants must share a picture at the State 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
Financial Wellness
GuidanceResources program has teamed up with TurboTax to offer a discount of up to $15 on its best selling tax software. To get started, go to www.TurboTax.com/affiliate/compsychb. ComPsych, your Employee Assistance Program, is prepared to take any calls from you and/or household members for financial resources. To speak with a financial expert, please call (800) 272-7255. For hearing impaired, please call (800) 697-0353.
For eligible participants, take advantage of MyFreeTaxes. This program is sponsored by United Way and H&R Block. The income limit to use this free software is $66,000 and you will do your own taxes either on your computer or smartphone. There is also a 24/7 tax support to answer any questions that come up while doing your taxes, in English and in Spanish. Find more information at https://www.unitedway.org/myfreetaxes.
For eligible participants, take advantage of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). With this program, clients will go to one of their three locations and an IRS-certified Tax Preparers will process your taxes and e-file them for free. With this program, you do need to make an appointment and there is an income limit of $54,000.
Locations:
The phone number to make appointments is 2-1-1 (this works when called from Frederick County only) or 866-411-6803. H&R Block offers the online software for MyFreeTaxes only; the brick and mortar H&R Block locations does not offer free tax preparation.
Golf League
FCPS Golf League is in its ninth year and will play at Glade Valley Golf Club. We'll meet every Thursday's beginning on April 15th and end on June 24th, with a 5:00pm tee-time, shotgun start, and alternating 9's each week.
League Information:
Registration is full. If you'd like to play as a sub, please mail benefits.wellness@fcps.org.
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:
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:
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 1st to Friday, June 25th 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.
Painting a Path to Wellness
Nutrition and exercise seem to be the buzz words for being healthy and maintaining mental wellness. Other advice includes having a good sleep routine, practicing relaxation, and having a good social network. Are you looking for something else to add to your toolbox? Why not try the arts?
Participating in the arts can help decrease everyday stress and anxieties and increase positive emotions. And if you create art within a group setting, you can form support relationships and friendships. Creativity is increasingly being validated as a potent mind-body approach to address a a variety of challenges. Why not give it a try?
FCPS has partnered with Hot Fired Arts in offering a monthly pain classes. Click here for scheduled paint classes. Registration password is FCPS2020.
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, April 25th at 3pm.
What's on the menu?
Click here to register. Discount code is FCPSAPRIL.
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 1st to Friday, June 25th. 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
Cardio Kickboxing (Previously ABSolute Fitness) - Thursday at 6:00AM - 7:00AM
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.
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The FCPS Wellness Newsletter is published monthly August-May by FCPS Human Resources, 191 S. East St., Frederick, MD 21701.
Brief information, subject to edits, and captioned photos for possible inclusion are due to Phoebe.Barreto@fcps.org by the 15th of the month. For more information: 301-644-5085.