Life. Inspired.
What inspiries you to quit?
The battle called depression
Exercise – It helps you feel good in many ways
Be the superhero of your health – try the superman!
What’s your game plan?
Lighten up and enjoy your favorite holiday treats
Want to try something new and better for you?
What inspires you to quit?
Quitting tobacco is hard — there’s no doubt about it. But even long-term smokers have successfully kicked the habit. Scan Price Clerk Donna Ross, #1026, Montgomery, Alabama, shares her 40-year journey to quit smoking.
“I started smoking when I was 19. My college roommate and I thought it would help curb our appetites, so we bought a pack of cigarettes. I started smoking that day and continued until my 59th birthday.
“I tried quitting once and was unsuccessful. But during open enrollment in 2012, I started thinking about giving up smoking for good. Then, a month or so later, I began having tightness in my chest. After a series of tests, I found out I had a clogged artery and would need a heart catheterization. That was the wake-up call I needed! I knew I wanted to be around for my family, and quitting smoking was going to help me do that.
“I talked to my doctor about Chantix and started taking it after I received the heart catheterization. I’m proud to say, by my 59th birthday, March 1, 2013, I was officially a quitter! It’s been more than a year and a half since I had my last cigarette, and I’ve never felt better. Now I’m in control. It’s no longer my cravings telling me what to do.
“There are still times when it crosses my mind to have a cigarette, especially after a rough day, but the thought passes just as quickly as it came. I would encourage anyone who is serious about quitting smoking — and feeling better — to consider Publix’s Tobacco Cessation Program. Quitting smoking has changed my life, and I want others to know it’s possible to achieve that, too. There’s no better feeling than being asked, ‘Do you smoke?’ and being able to finally say, ‘No!’”
The Tobacco Cessation Program is offered to associates and their family members enrolled in Publix’s Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO Plan. If you’re a tobacco user, make the commitment to quit today by participating in the Tobacco Cessation Program. For more information, see the brochure in your open enrollment materials. And here is a list of free tobacco cessation resources..
back to top
Depression is the most prevalent mental health issue among older adults.
About 80 percent of people with depression report some level of functional impairment in their daily lives because of their illness.
In a given year, nearly 19 million American adults suffer from depression.
In a 3 month period, employees with depression miss an average of 4.8 workdays.
The battle called depression
The sad news of the recent suicide of actor and comedian Robin Williams has brought to the forefront a topic that’s often hard to talk about — depression. It’s a serious and sometimes life-threatening illness that affects every aspect of a person’s life at work and at home.
Depression is more than feeling sad at times or being in a bad mood. It’s a disorder of the brain that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest that interferes with your daily life. At its worst, depression can make you feel as if life isn’t worth living.
The cause of depression is most likely a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. And, while some types tend to run in families, depression can occur in people without family histories, too.
Depression can be very challenging to treat. Many people who have it never seek treatment, but the majority of those who are treated get better. Medications, psychotherapies and even exercise have proven effective.
People with depression can experience different symptoms at varying degrees.
If you’re enrolled in Publix’s BCBS PPO Plan, you have access to a free and confidential program to help you manage depression. For more information, call Companion Benefit Alternatives toll-free at 1-800-868-1032, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Eastern time.
You also can ask your family doctor for help or call the toll-free, 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to talk with a trained counselor.
back to top
Online Exclusive
Signs and symptoms that may indicate you have depression include
- persistent sad, anxious or empty feelings
- feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
- irritability and restlessness
- loss of interest in activities or hobbies
- fatigue and lack of energy
- difficulty concentrating, remembering details or making decisions
- insomnia, early morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping
- overeating or loss of appetite
- aches, pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease, even with treatment or
- thoughts of or attempted suicide.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
For more information on depression, you can visit
Companion Benefit Alternatives (for Publix BCBS PPO enrollees)
American Psychological Association
National Institute of Mental Health
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
back to top
Exercise — it helps you feel good in many ways
The word exercise is most often associated with activity that improves your physical health. But did you know exercising also can have a positive impact on your mental health? Exercise has been shown to be a beneficial antidepressant both immediately after activity and over the long term.
Exercise helps ease depression in a number of ways, which may include
- releasing feel-good brain chemicals called neurotransmitters and endorphins
- reducing immune system chemicals that worsen depression and
- increasing body temperature, which can have a calming effect.
If you suffer from depression and are considering exercise, be sure to
- talk about your mental and physical health with your doctor before beginning an exercise plan
- build an exercise routine gradually and set reasonable goals for yourself
- find which exercise works best for you, such as walking, swimming, yoga or even team sports and
- be aware of minor changes to your mood so you know what forms of exercise and intensity are most beneficial to you.
Sources: American Psychological Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Mental Health
back to top
Be the superhero of your health — try the Superman!
The Superman strengthens your lower back region and your gluteus maximus muscles. (Yes, we went there!) This exercise stretches and strengthens your lower back by extending the muscles similar to the way Superman flies.
Try it for yourself! You can perform the Superman on a mat or other flat surface.
- Lay flat on your stomach with your arms extended in front of you. Your legs should lay flat.
- Lift both your arms and legs at the same time, as if you are flying, and contract your lower back.
- Hold the position for two to five seconds per repetition. And don’t forget to breathe!
- Depending on your fitness level, perform two or three sets of five to 10 repetitions.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Source: http://www.livestrong.org/
back to top
What’s your game plan?
If you’re like my family, this time of year is filled with football, family get-togethers and lots of fun. And, you may not realize it but football and wellness have a lot in common.
Every football team has a playbook and every player knows the drills. There are many possibilities and options to improve our health and stay well, but each of us needs a playbook so we know what our next move is. Our Life. Inspired. associate wellness program offers you tools to help you build your unique wellness playbook.
Ever heard the saying defense wins ball games? Think about this in terms of your health. Do you know what risks you’re up against? The first step is knowing what’s coming before it hits you. Measuring and tracking your key wellness numbers — like cholesterol and blood pressure — need to be part of your game plan.
Next, you need a strong offense — one that is strategic and deliberate. Attack your health and wellness concerns head on by using all available resources, including the support of your teammates (friends, family and even co-workers)! At your annual physical, talk with your coach (your doctor) about setting health goals, including meal plans and exercise. Write down your goals, determine your next moves and keep score of your progress.
Finally, don’t forget that timeouts are sometimes needed. In football, a timeout is needed to either recover or to readjust the plan. So, take a quick timeout when you need to. Then, get back in the game.
Your well-being is important. So, let’s head into the season with a great game plan. Together, we can win!
| Best of Health, Mendi McDowell Manager of Wellness Services |
 |
back to top
Lighten up and enjoy your favorite holiday treats
The season is upon us of family, festivities and … food! This time of year is filled with parties and holiday get-togethers, and if you’re the host, it’s a great time to share new recipes with your guests.
Instead of heavy meals, try introducing your friends and family to a lighter fare menu with appetizers, drinks and desserts. But, be careful — even these can bust your waistline. So, lower the calories and fat, and see if your loved ones can taste the difference by making these adjustments.
- Use light versions instead of regular cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Use reduced fat Greek yogurt in place of creams in your favorite dips.
- Use half real eggs and half egg substitute instead of all eggs.
- Oven-fry your appetizers instead of deep-frying them.
- Choose whole grain breads and crackers to accompany your appetizers.
- Choose dark chocolate or cocoa powder in place of milk chocolate for your cookie and cake recipes.
- Cut down on sugar by opting for less-sugary or organic versions of your favorite drinks.
Give your guests a taste of fall with Aprons Pumpkin-Spiced Risotto. This sensible recipe combines fall’s most versatile vegetable with creamy risotto to give your friends and family a delicious side dish they won’t forget.
Aprons Sensible Recipes aim to provide no more than one-third of your daily needs for calories, fat, sodium and carbohydrates based on a 2,000 calorie diet and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These recipes provide simple yet nutritious meals for your friends and family.
 |
 |
Source: http://www.webmd.com/
back to top
Want to try something new and better for you?
Check out the coupons in the booklet sent to all Publix associates last month! You’ll find coupons for some of our popular healthful items — like Publix Greek Yogurt — and even for some products you may never have tried! So, don’t delay; save money at your Publix today!
