Publix leaders share their thoughts on health and wellness
What’s in it for me?
Publix associates hit the pavement on two continents!
Thinking 5K, no way? Think again!
Don’t wait
Give your summer barbecue a makeover
Coming soon …
Publix leaders share their thoughts on health and wellness
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| Miami Division Vice President Kevin Murphy |
Vice President of Talent and Organizational Development Alison Midili Smith |
Senior Vice President Mike Smith |
Vice President of Distribution Casey Suarez |
What does wellness mean to you?
Kevin: It means feeling your best and having the energy you need to be passionate and enthusiastic about your life and your work.
Alison: To me, wellness is about being the best you can be in all aspects of your life — physically, spiritually and mentally.
Mike: It means a lot more to me now than it did years ago, when information and programs focused on healthy lifestyles were not as available. Wellness means knowing the benefits and consequences of my choices, which can shape my behavior.
Casey: It means having a balanced lifestyle. Associates should take care of themselves, their families and their jobs — in that order.
Do you have any personal health and wellness goals?
Kevin: My goal is to feel good and to keep a high level of energy and maintain mobility. I want to be able to live a longer, healthier life.
Alison: I have four boys, so my general wellness goal is to be able to keep up with them! My oldest son has been wanting to run races, so my current goal is to be able to participate with him and not get left too far behind!
Mike: Yes, personal health and wellness is a journey. I need goals so I know I’m headed in the right direction. I want to maintain and, in some areas, improve my key wellness numbers. For me, this means less salt, portion control and monitoring my weight more closely.
Casey: I have a goal to get back to the shape I was in when I was in my 30s — both in weight and tone.
How do you cultivate wellness in your daily routine?
Kevin: My schedule requires me to constantly adjust what I do. It takes a strong commitment to stay active and eat the right things when I’m on the go so much. But, I know I feel better and perform better when I do. I like to do light workouts or run in the evenings, and I try to mix it up so I don’t get bored.
Alison: I try to focus on healthy eating because this is something I can do every day to really make a difference in how much energy I have. I also have switched to a standing desk at work, which has many health benefits.
Mike: I try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise six days a week. It’s a goal, and it sometimes doesn’t happen. But, what I’ve learned is when I fall short of achieving my weekly goal, it’s best to reset quickly and commit to doing better going forward.
Casey: I started by getting my annual physical. Going through that process changed my approach to wellness. I learned the importance of getting a good night’s sleep, eating smaller, healthful meals throughout the day and paying attention to what I eat. Since my last physical, I’ve lost 20 pounds, so I’m back down to my weight from when I was in my 40s!
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How does wellness fit into the Publix strategy?
Kevin: It all has to do with the servant mentality. We’re serving our customers and our co-workers. And, we have to feel our best to be our best. We have a personal responsibility to take care of ourselves, so we’re able to provide our best when we’re at Publix.
Alison: Everyone at Publix makes a difference. The more each of us focuses on our personal wellness, the stronger our company will be.
Mike: We should take care of Publix’s most important assets — our people, including ourselves. Doing so helps us execute our important processes and business objectives and better fulfill our purpose, which is to serve.
Casey: It’s a core value. By taking care of associates, they take care of Publix.
Why should associates participate in the Life. Inspired. program?
Kevin: It’s a tool to help us stay healthy. It’s all about living longer and enjoying life.
Alison: We all should be motivated to reach our personal best and this program can help us achieve that goal.
Mike: Taking advantage of our benefits, like tracking your key wellness numbers, allows you to be proactive. It can help you identify areas for improvement and also could detect potential serious health conditions that could be prevented.
Casey: It’s inspiring that Publix thinks enough of our associates to have a program focused on them. It shows our company really cares about our number one asset — our associates.
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What’s in it for me?
Let’s be honest. When you hear about something new — a new product, process, service or benefit — you want to know what’s in it for you. Is this something you will like and use? Will it help you? If so, how? It’s just human nature.
Last month, during your Associate Benefits Meeting, you learned more about Publix’s associate wellness program, Life. Inspired., and the benefits offered. A new benefit is free annual health screenings. So you’re probably asking yourself — what’s in it for me?
Knowing your key wellness numbers — and therefore, some of your potential health risks — is the best proactive approach you can take toward good health. Even if you feel healthy, it’s important to be aware of your numbers. And it gives you a great starting point for discussions with your doctor about your overall health, as well as a baseline to measure improvements you may need to make over time.
I say knowledge is what’s in it for you. And that’s an important first step toward a healthier, happier you. In the end, being proactive about your health could mean a better quality of life and more time to spend with loved ones. So what are you waiting for?
Best of health,
Mendi McDowell
Manager of Associate Wellness
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Publix associates hit the pavement on two continents!
“This event encourages people to exercise and sustain healthy lifestyles, and each year it gets bigger and better. We’re fortunate our company cares about health and wellness and encourages us to participate in events like this.”
For the fifth year in a row, associates in the Jacksonville Southern Region participated in the annual Insurance Office of America Corporate 5K in Orlando, Florida. Store Manager Doug Hill, #742, Altamonte Springs, Florida, ran with 134 Publix associates.
“This race started as a personal goal, and then my husband and sons said they wanted to run along with me. It was our first wellness adventure, and we had a great time. We even talked afterward about doing another race! It was a great feeling to cross the finish line together.”
Health and Welfare Benefits Compliance Manager Stephany Seekins and her family completed the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K in Tampa, Florida. It was their first time participating in a wellness event as a family.
“I was thrilled to be able to finish this marathon. I jumped for joy when I crossed the finish line! My next goal is to compete in the Berlin Marathon in September. It’s the last one of the six major marathons I have left to complete. After that, I can go wherever I want!”
In January, we shared the story of Cashier Ronnie Frostig, #664, Atlanta, and his passion for running. After completing a marathon in all 50 states, Ronnie set a new goal — to run a marathon on every continent. His only remaining continent was Antarctica. In February, he reached his goal by completing the White Continent Marathon alongside runners from around the world.
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Thinking 5K, no way? Think again!
Many of us look at runners as extremely fit and healthy people who aren’t like us. But even the most inexperienced of us can hit the road and achieve our goals.
A 5K is a great place to start. At 3.1 miles, it’s typically the shortest competitive race, and you can walk or run it. You may feel 3.1 miles is a long way, but it’s really very attainable — training is the key!
Here are a few tips to get you moving from the couch to your first 5K in just a few months.
- Check with your doctor before starting your training regimen.
- Start slow. Many people are turned off because they start too fast. Their bodies scream, “Why are you doing this to me?,” so they stop.
- Measure your walk or run — either time or distance — and commit to gradually improving it over time.
- Start each session with a five-minute warm-up walk or jog to loosen up your muscles. We don’t want you pulling anything!
- Space out your sessions throughout the week so you can rest and recover between sessions.
- Have fun! Put on your favorite music, pick a scenic location and just let loose. Some smartphone apps offer music for 5K training, so check out what’s available. Your mind and body will thank you!
Source: www.c25k.com
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Don’t wait
The bottom line is … it’s good to know. And now you can for free! Publix now offers all associates age 18 and older free health screenings each calendar year. And your household family members age 18 and older also can receive health screenings for the discounted cost of just $15 per person.
Getting your free health screenings is fast, easy and confidential. With just a simple prick of your finger and a visit to the higi station, your Publix pharmacist can provide you with your cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, blood pressure and body mass index results in about 10 minutes.
You don’t have to make an appointment, but you do have to be off the clock. You need to complete and sign a patient consent form to receive your confidential screenings. The consent form was provided to you with your Associate Benefits Meeting materials, or you can get the consent form at your Publix Pharmacy. You also need your 8-digit Publix personnel number so the pharmacist can verify your employment.
For more information, visit www.publix.org > Health and Well-Being > Life. Inspired. Program > Free Annual Health Screenings.
Don’t wait; visit your Publix Pharmacy today! After all, it’s good to know.
Before your screenings … think fast!
Want the most accurate screening results? Then it’s best to fast prior to your health screenings. This means you shouldn’t eat or drink anything other than water for 8 – 12 hours before your screenings.
How does an extra $500 sound?
It could be yours simply for taking advantage of this new associate benefit. Receive your free, confidential health screenings from your Publix Pharmacy by July 31, and you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win one of four $500 cash prizes. For more information and official rules, visit www.publix.org > Health and Well-Being > Life. Inspired. Program > Free Annual Health Screenings.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Starts 6/1/15 at 12 a.m. ET. Open only to Publix associates (18+) in AL, FL, GA, NC, SC & TN. Enter by completing free health screenings benefit at any Publix® Pharmacy by 7/31/15 during pharmacy hrs. Limit 1 entry/associate & 1 prize/hshld. Winners selected wk of 8/10/15. Prizes (4): $500 grossed up for payroll/income taxes. ARV: $540. Odds of winning dep on # of entries. Winners resp for all taxes/costs not stated above. Other restrs apply. For full rules visit www.publix.org > Health and Well-Being > Life. Inspired. Program > Free Annual Health Screenings.
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Give your summer barbecue a makeover
It can be easy to pack on the summer pounds, thanks to all of the enticing but calorie-laden cookout classics. Next time your friends and family come over for some summer fun, try some of these tips for a lighter, more healthful cookout.
Get grilling
- Try using 90 – 93 percent lean ground beef for your hamburgers. Want to go even healthier? Portobello mushrooms or lean ground turkey breast are great alternatives. If you like hot dogs or grilled sausages, try lean turkey hot dogs or chicken or turkey sausages.
- We all know fat helps make those burgers flavorful and juicy! But did you know adding veggies like mushrooms, onions or peppers, to the mix can add both flavor and moisture without adding too many calories? And don’t overwork your hamburger mixture — mix it just enough to get the seasoning throughout.
- Swap out the big bun for a lettuce wrap or a whole wheat sandwich thin.
- Top your burger with lower-fat options like lettuce and tomato, avocado (instead of mayo), caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and low-fat or thinly-sliced cheese.
Lighten the sides
- Items like macaroni salad, pasta salad, potato salad and coleslaw are traditional favorites. Try switching out most or all of the mayo in your recipe for low- or non-fat Greek yogurt.
- Consider lighter salads like a corn, zucchini and tomato salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
- Serve Publix cut fruit salad as a healthful, quick and easy side.
Stay hydrated
- When you’re outside, it’s easy to lose track of how much you drink. Drink water — it’s always your best bet.
- If you want to offer other beverages for your barbecue, try sun tea made with herbal tea bags. Use raspberry or blueberry herbal tea with sliced lemons or oranges as a refreshing touch.
Don’t forget dessert
- Desserts made with fresh fruit and ice cream are typical fare served at summer parties. While fresh fruit is a healthful way to go, serve sliced strawberries and blueberries over angel food cake for your own take on a “red, white and blue” dessert.
- Try sorbet or Publix Premium low-fat frozen yogurt instead of ice cream.
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COMING SOON…
We’re excited to be putting the finishing touches on our new Life. Inspired. website! Don’t worry; we’ll let you know when the website is ready. Just watch for launch communications.
