Employee Wellness Newsletter | |
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Dear DCPS Teachers and Staff,
Welcome to our April 2024 Employee Wellness Newsletter! As April arrives, we embark on a journey of self-care and resilience, marking Stress Management Month with open arms. This edition of our Employee Wellness Newsletter is dedicated to providing you with invaluable tools, tips, and support to navigate stress and cultivate a sense of balance in both your professional and personal lives. Let us join hands in prioritizing our well-being this month by stressing less!
Did you know? Walking is good for you! Join in the fun by making every move count this month. Let us walk together to benefit our hearts, bodies, and minds. Remember, exercise is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy and release stress. Regular physical activity boosts your mood, gives you energy and improves your quality of sleep!
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April is Stress Management Month, a time to prioritize our mental well-being within the bustling halls of academia. As educators and staff members, we often find ourselves juggling numerous responsibilities, from lesson planning to administrative tasks. It is crucial to remember that amidst the chaos, taking care of our mental health is paramount. This month offers us an opportunity to explore various strategies to alleviate stress, whether through mindfulness practices, physical activity, or simply finding moments of tranquility throughout our busy days. Let us come together as a community to support one another in fostering resilience and maintaining balance in our lives. | |
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In honor of World Health Day (4/7/24), please join us for a Virtual Wellness Scavenger Hunt and a chance to win a $25 gift card. Take a short quiz! How well do you know your Wellness Program? The answers to the questions can be found in the Employee Wellness Guide.
To start your Virtual Wellness Scavenger Hunt, click here.
Individuals who answer all 15 questions correctly will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card!
Keep an eye out for next week’s Weekly Briefing for the winners and correct answers.
The challenge deadline is Friday, April 12, 2024, at 12 noon.
Be well!
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DCPS 2024 Journey to Wellness Fair | |
Join the Wellness Team for the Annual Journey to Wellness Health and Wellness Fair! In addition to booths from your favorite local Jacksonville vendors, we will be have tons of fun events for DCPS staff and family members, including a 1-Mile Walk Challenge, professional workshops, a kids corner, CPR Hands-on-Learning, health screenings, food trucks, a farmer’s market and more - you do not want to miss this! | |
Stress Less with Headspace Care | |
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We are excited to announce that Duval County Public Schools will be participating in the YMCA’s FIRST COAST GAMES for a 4th year this spring, and we encourage all employees who would like to participate to register today! This is the 19th season of FCG, and we look forward to sharing the court (or field) with 25+ corporate teams in events like basketball, volleyball, pickleball, dodgeball, flag football, and even a downtown scavenger hunt!
Feeling up for the challenge? To participate in any sport or event, you must register. Space is limited and is available on a first-come basis. To register, click the link below. If you have any questions, please email Employee Wellness at wellness@duvalschools.org.
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Pictured: DCPS Volleyball Team after winning their game on March 25! | |
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It is that time for onsite biometric health screenings! These free health screenings will check for cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, and more with immediate results. Health professionals will be onsite to discuss tips on health-related topics such as nutrition, diet and fitness, valuable information to help you maximize your health benefits, and answer your health questions.
Register for health Screenings, including for our Journey to Wellness Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 11, click here.
| Did you know? You can get paid to stay well. If you have Trustmark and/or Allstate, you are eligible to receive up to $200 for completing your biometric screening and submitting your results! Want to learn more? Contact Employee Wellness at wellness@duvalschools.org for more information! | |
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Medicare Basis with FSRBC
Wednesday, April 24
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Who should attend? Those turning 65 and/or are 65+ and planning to retire in 6 months – 1 year.
What will be covered? During this meeting FSRBC will review the Basics of Original Medicare including, how to enroll, and what you will need to do to have coverage once your District coverage ends.
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Investment Plan: Understanding Your Benefits
Monday, April 29
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Webinar Link via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 993 5032 1444; Password: FRS
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You must pre-register for the webinars with Zoom to participate. | |
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Social Security and Your Retirement
April 10 and May 8
Virtual Webinars
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Take Action to Achieve a More Comfortable Retirement
Learn more by attending a free educational workshop conducted by a knowledgeable professional on financial topics that matter to you.
Please find the workshop details below:
Social Security And Your Retirement
A secure, comfortable retirement is every worker's dream. Achieving this dream requires careful financial planning to anticipate your income and needs in retirement. As part of a comprehensive financial plan, Social Security is an
important element in retirement security.
Social Security Benefits:
It is important to understand the basics and benefits of the Social Security program.
DATE: April 10 and May 8
TIME: 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Virtual WEBINAR
To register, use this code: DCPPWA11AP
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Ask the Dietitian: Be More Plant Based
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
1:00-1:45pm
| In this Ask the Dietitian live webinar, Lauren Dimitrov, a registered dietitian nutritionist with Florida Blue, will discuss how to incorporate a more plant-based diet. After a short presentation, Lauren will answer your questions during live Q&A. | | |
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APRIL IS STRESS MANAGEMENT MONTH
April is National Stress Awareness Month, bringing attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing our stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.
It is important to recognize signs of stress and to act on it, such as deep breathing, stretching, going for a walk, writing down your thoughts and taking quiet time for yourself.
SELF-CARE TIPS:
-Take care of yourself – Eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, give yourself a break if you feel stress.
-Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a family member, friend, doctor, paster, or counselor
-Avoid drugs and alcohol. These can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.
-Recognize when you need more help. Know when to talk to a psychologist, social worker, or counselor if things continue.
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The most valuable thing to take away, is knowing to talk to others about your stress. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Lifeline chat is a service available to everyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | |
12 Best Foods to Eat for Depression and Anxiety | |
Consuming healthy foods is essential for fighting depression and anxiety as they provide vital nutrients that support brain function and mood regulation. By prioritizing a nourishing diet, individuals can empower themselves to better manage their mental health and enhance overall well-being. For more information on stress-busting foods, click the link below. GOOD FOOD = GOOD MOOD | | | | |
