Wellness Wednesday
May 2022
PGH Walking Challenge Winter 2022 Winners
Better Sleep Month
The purpose of Better Sleep Month is to raise awareness about the benefits of better sleep and how poor sleep can disrupt lives.
The Consequences of Inadequate Sleep
According to a Better Sleep Council survey 2 out of 3 people reported impaired sleep due to stress. One third of Americans experience poor sleep at least one night per week, and 16% are diagnosed with stress-induced insomnia. The Better Sleep Council also estimated $150 billion in lost productivity and absenteeism results from poor sleep.
Lack of sleep leads to reduced concentration, mood swings, irritability, stress, and a weakened immune system. The release of stress hormones, from lack of sleep can also make it harder to sleep, causing an unhealthy sleep cycle. Sleep deficits have been associated with high blood pressure, and a decreased tolerance of chronic pain. In severe cases, poor sleep may be linked to serious sleep disorders including narcolepsy, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea. Lack of sleep is also linked to several chronic diseases and conditions, including: Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression.
Tips for Better Sleep
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How Much Sleep do I Need?
Here's how much sleep the Sleep Foundation recommends.
Foods that help you sleep
According to American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) the most common sleep disorder is insomnia. 1 in every 3 adults has occasional insomnia while 1 in every 10 has chronic insomnia.
Changing your diet is an easy, natural way to help cure your insomnia. By eating certain sleep-inducing foods each night, there is a possibility that you will experience better sleep.
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Patty's Points
Do you have trouble falling asleep, getting too much sleep, or have irregular breathing during sleep? If the answer is yes, you may have a sleep disorder.
We're Here for You
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a benefit program intended to ensure a healthy work environment for all staff. Through a partnership between Pasco County Schools and New Directions (our behavioral health care provider), our employees will have access to enhanced services. These services include counseling and referral for personal or work-related issues, health coaching, legal and financial consultation, and a wealth of online resources. Click here for more info
For a list of counselors and locations click here
New Directions Employee Assistance Program
A free confidential tool to help you overcome life challenges and live a happy, balanced life.
Click here to access New Directions
Company code is: Pasco
My Health Onsite Spotlight
Extra Sleep Tips From Dr.Ortiz
- Stick to a sleep schedule, even on the weekends. Consistency is the key. Practice a bedtime routine which can/should include personal care, lights out, and reduced sources of noise up to two hours before the desired sleep time.
- If you have trouble sleeping at night, avoid naps, especially in the late afternoon. However short naps 20 minutes or less can help alleviate daytime fatigue, sleepiness, and even provide cognitive benefit.
- If you cannot sleep, do not look at a clock. Go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel drowsy enough to fall asleep again. Then return to bed. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
- Regular bright light exposure in the mornings may help to maximize alertness, improve daytime fatigue, sleepiness and maintain a regular circadian rhythm.
Do not hesitate to consult your primary care physician for more tips or to find a solution better suited for you individually.
Healthy Recipes from MHO
Click titles above to access recipes
2022 HEALTH & WELLNESS INCENTIVE (HWI) PROGRAM
Pasco County Schools offers incentives for covered employees and retirees who complete their annual Vital Health Profile. This program is voluntary; however, participants must follow the steps outlined here in order to qualify for the 2022 incentive.
Already Completed your VHP?
Work with a My Health Onsite Health Coach to achieve your wellness goals! Talk with your My Health Onsite provider to be enrolled. Employees enrolled in the Pascofit option may be eligible to earn additional incentive rewards by completing up to 2 wellness programs with a Health Coach. More information about the wellness programs through My Health Onsite can be found here.
The HWI 2nd quarter for Pascofit is April 1 - June 30, 2022. Click here for more information.