What does wellness mean to you? It means something a little different to each of us. For some, it means being physically active and striving to stay in shape. For others, it’s having an emotional sense of well-being and happiness.
Publix wants to help you and your family live well and is pleased to introduce an associate wellness program called Life. Inspired. The purpose of Life. Inspired. is to encourage a culture of health and wellness for Publix associates and their families that inspires and supports achievement of personal health and wellness goals.
In the days, months and years ahead, you will see more about Life. Inspired. and steps you and your family can take to become actively involved in your personal wellness journey. There’s a lot of planning going on so Life. Inspired. can offer you
- quick and easy access to health and wellness programs and events.
- motivation to engage in activities that are good for you and your family while also preserving and protecting your privacy.
- resources on eating right, getting the right amount of exercise, quitting tobacco and achieving overall well-being.
- a way to feel physically and emotionally better at home and at work.
“Living a healthful lifestyle allows us to be our best for our loved ones, co-workers and customers,” said Vice President of Benefits Administration Linda Kane. “Publix associates drive the success and well-being of our company, and it’s important we focus on our individual well-being, too.”
You are Publix’s most valuable asset. When you are well, everyone benefits. Take advantage of all Publix has to offer you, and start living Life. Inspired. today.
Wellness is a family affair
It’s time to kick the habit!
Publix associates run for their lives!
Brighten your days with a few sun rays
Inspire others … Enter the Life. Inspired. Contest
For more ways to be well, like Publix on Facebook!
Great tasting and good for you
Wellness is a family affair
It was obvious to me when I joined the Publix family that we are just that — a family. We spend a lot of our time together, so it’s not hard to see why we care so much about each other. Aside from our families at home, we are each other’s biggest supporters.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our new associate wellness program — Life. Inspired. — with you. You may have seen or heard a little about this in your benefits meeting last month, and you may have even noticed we’ve been sharing more ways for you to be well. Our Run/Walk Events Registration link at www.publix.org and this special Publix News insert are just two examples.
And, going forward, you’re going to hear about many more ways Publix is making it easier — and even more fun — for you and your family to live a lifestyle that will help keep you healthy. Being healthy — physically and emotionally — helps each of us enjoy life! And, what’s more important than that?
Life. Inspired. isn’t about getting you to make huge changes quickly. It’s not about forcing you to participate in something you don’t want to or depriving you of the things you enjoy most. Life. Inspired. is about making small changes that result in big differences. It’s about leaning on your Publix family, and your family at home, to help you be the best you. It’s about being inspired to live life to the fullest.
I look forward to sharing news, milestones, successes and lots of great information with you in the days, months and years ahead.
Best of health,
Mendi McDowell
Manager of Associate Wellness
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It’s time to kick the habit!
Shocking television ads, stories about why you shouldn’t smoke and grim statistics are everywhere. Yet, 18 percent of American adults still do it. It’s no surprise, because today’s cigarettes can be more addicting than ever … and quitting is hard! But, it’s not just smoking; about nine million Americans also use smokeless tobacco. If you use tobacco — in any form — you have the choice to quit. There’s no better time than right now, and Publix can help.
Show me the money
Think of the money you can save by quitting. People who smoke a pack a day will spend more than $2,000 a year on cigarettes. Not to mention they pay more for health insurance at Publix than those who are tobacco free. Publix offers associates and their family members who are tobacco free discounted premiums for coverage under the BCBS PPO Plan. So, stop thinking about your reasons for not quitting and focus on the benefits of quitting, such as
- reduced risk for lung and other types of cancers
- reduced risk for heart disease and stroke
- reduced risk for infertility and
- breathing better!
Free help is available
Publix is here to support associates and their family members who want to quit using tobacco. You have access to many free tobacco cessation resources, and state quit lines are available for all of our operating areas. Simply visit www.publix.org > Health and Well-Being > Free Tobacco Cessation Resources to find out how you can get started on the road to being tobacco free.
If you’re enrolled in Publix’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO Plan, you can get the brand-name tobacco cessation drug Chantix at the $12 generic copay for a 24-week course of treatment, when the prescription is filled at a Publix pharmacy.
Tobacco users who elect to participate in Publix’s Tobacco Cessation Program also are eligible for the discounted BCBS PPO Plan premiums. This program consists of taking Chantix and successfully completing the free GETQUIT support plan.
The GETQUIT support plan includes a step-by-step guide for preparing to quit, a toll-free support hotline to speak with a coach, a personalized website for tracking your progress, and support and advice to help you learn how to avoid returning to tobacco.
So, start your journey to be tobacco free today. Get more information by visiting PASSport > Benefits > Resources > Health > Guides > Tobacco-Free Discount Summary.
Sources: http://www.cancer.org/, http://www.cdc.gov/, http://www.lung.org/
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Publix associates run for their lives!
(Try our new feature and click on the images to see them “pop!”)
Associates from #1324, Tampa, Florida, teamed up to compete in the Gasparilla Distance Classic in February. One of the teams, “In it to Win it,” led by Assistant Customer Service Manager Rachel Katzenmeyer (now at #311, Temple Terrace, Florida) placed second in the corporate teams division. Since the race, the teammates and co-workers have continued to run together and motivate each other.
“It’s fun to run with a team because you keep each other motivated. No one wants to give up because everyone is counting on each other.”
Rachel Katzenmeyer
Assistant Customer
Service Manager
Associates from Publix’s benefits department posed for a pre-race photo before the Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa, Florida.
“We’re all different when it comes to our speed and the distance we’re able to go, but we support each other and enjoy participating in healthy activities together.”
Mendi McDowell
Manager of Associate Wellness
Lakeland Deli Plant Maintenance Technician Mark Tulowiecki can’t get enough of running. So far this year, he’s competed in 15 races, including two full marathons, five half-marathons, Ironman Central Florida and several 5k and 15k runs. He placed second overall in the Tomoka Marathon, which qualifies him to run in the 2015 Boston Marathon. Mark’s secret motivation — good music.
“Listening to great music while I run puts me in the zone. It really helps me enjoy my ‘me’ time and makes the run go by so much faster.”
Mark Tulowiecki
Maintenance Technician
Publix associates saved up to $65 on the Georgia Marathon when they registered using a special code. They also enjoyed refreshments and met Manager of Associate Wellness Mendi McDowell at a special tent exclusively for Publix associates.
Visit www.Publix.org under Health and Well-Being > Run/Walk Events Registration, check out a list of Publix-sponsored runs and walks scheduled in 2014. You can find information on the locations, dates and available associate discounts, as well as registration deadlines and links to event websites.
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Brighten your days with a few sun rays
There’s been much reported on the harmful effects sun exposure can have on people — from premature skin aging and sun spots to a more serious consequence — skin cancer. But, what about the good that can come from a little time in the sun? For instance, did you know sunlight can make you feel happier? And, it can even strengthen your bones!
You can feel it in your bones
The best known benefit of sunlight is its ability to boost your body’s supply of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps you maintain strong bones by allowing your body to absorb calcium. People who don’t get enough vitamin D can develop soft, thin and brittle bones. Fortunately, most people meet at least some of their vitamin D needs through direct exposure to the sun. The rest can be absorbed by eating foods, such as salmon, tuna and vitamin D-fortified milk. If you can’t drink cow’s milk, you may opt for vitamin D-fortified milk alternatives such as soy milk and almond milk.
The natural happy pill
Have you ever noticed you feel better this time of year? Perhaps it’s because spending time outdoors — specifically in the sun — can help you shake the blues. Research shows a link between positive moods and time spent outdoors in sunlight.
So, this summer, boost your bone health and brighten your day by spending some time basking in the glow of the sun. Just don’t forget your sunscreen! The FDA recommends using a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF values of 15 or higher regularly and as directed.
Sources: http://www.fda.gov/, http://www.nih.gov/, http://www.webmd.com/
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Inspire others…enter the Life. Inspired. Contest
Success is contagious! We want to hear how you live Life. Inspired. Share your story and you could win a $50 Publix gift card!
You could be an avid walker or runner, or maybe you’ve just worked your way up to that first 5k. Perhaps you quit smoking, found a healthful eating plan or even led a yoga class at the beach! Whatever your personal wellness story, we want you to share. You can send entries through company mail or U.S. mail to:
Life. Inspired. story c/o Mendi McDowell
P.O. Box 407, Lakeland, FL 33802-0407 or via email at PublixLife.Inspired@publix.com.
Submissions will be accepted in any form — photos, videos (DVDs, please), written testimonials — any way you wish! Five submissions will be randomly selected, and winners will receive a $50 Publix gift card and have their stories shared companywide. Hurry — entries must be received by Aug. 31 to be included in the contest.
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Online Exclusive
For more ways to be well, like Publix on Facebook!
Publix’s official Facebook page has even more good info for you and your family. From a home computer, visit www.facebook.com/publix and look for the Publix Place tab for an interactive experience your whole family will enjoy!
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Great tasting and good for you
It’s no secret eating a healthful, balanced diet can help you reach your health and wellness goals, have more energy and simply make you feel better. At Publix, food is our business, so we should know a thing or two about whipping up great-tasting recipes that can keep you and your family healthy and satisfied. Check out Aprons recipes such as: Caribbean fish with buttery yucca and feel good about your meal tonight!
