By Nancy - February 1, 2016

Life. Inspired.

Benefits corner

Setting the pace for a healthier lifestyle

Motivated by the companywide Life. Inspired. initiatives, Assistant Store Manager Amy Gustafson, #395, St. Petersburg, Florida, decided to invite her associates to join her in a quest to eat healthful and be more active.

“Recently, working out became a priority for me,” said Amy. “I find it easy to share what I love, and to encourage and support others who want to join in.”

While some associates view exercise as a way to lose weight, Amy felt others would simply want to increase their activity and improve their overall health.

To kick off the group quest, Amy created a calendar of nearby boot camps and classes offered by local gyms and personal trainers. The information was posted in the breakroom for associates. To her surprise, more than 20 associates expressed an interest in joining.

Once the team started exercising together, everyone was hooked.

“It’s easier to exercise once you know how, create a routine and have the support of others around you,”Amy said.

In addition to being more active, associates created their own weight loss goals and committed to improving their eating habits. They shared nutrition information with each other and made better choices during lunch breaks.

“They’re eating healthier foods and making an effort to avoid fast food,” Amy said.

Meat Cutter Hank Vizenor, #395, was one of the associates who joined the team on the quest to get fit.

“My goal was to get below 300 pounds and continue down a healthier path,” said Hank, who dropped 17 pounds over eight weeks. “I appreciate Amy taking an interest in my health and supporting my efforts to lose weight.”

While Amy’s quest may have triggered some initial interest to get in shape, Hank has continued to embrace a healthier lifestyle by walking two to four miles a day.

“Walking is the main reason I’ve been able to lose weight,” said Hank. “You have to find something you like — something that makes you happy — in order to reach your goals.”

During the quest, associates from #395 lost a combined total of 83 pounds.

“I’m really proud of Hank and all of the associates who took steps to get fit together,” said Amy. “We are trying to make it a little bit easier to be a whole lot healthier.”

Be. Passionate

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Let’s recommit today

Mendi McDowellWhile the calendar flipped to 2016 only a month ago,there’s a chance you may have already broken one or two of your New Year’s resolutions. Relax — it happens to the best of us.

Resolutions help us get organized and prepare for the new year. Many times, we make the important commitment to improve our health and wellness. Some resolutions are easy to achieve; others may be much harder. If you’ve already experienced a challenge or setback, now’s the time to hit the reset button and recommit. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be to start back. Don’t make excuses or wait for next month, next season or next year. Get motivated and do it today!

If you’re looking to increase your activity level, why not take advantage of a discounted race, like a Publix-sponsored 5K? If running is too much, then walk it! It’s all about your own personal wellness journey.

Don’t forget your free annual health screenings available at a Publix Pharmacy near you. Knowing yourkey wellness numbers can help detect potential areas of concern. It only takes about 10 minutes, and then you can schedule an annual visit with your primary care doctor or establish a relationship with a doctor if you don’t have one.

As you begin to master your resolutions and achieve a healthy lifestyle, be sure to share your journey with your family and friends. They can offer you valuable support, motivation and inspiration.

The months go by fast, and before you know it, we’ll be halfway through 2016. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Embrace your resolutions and recommit today.

Best of health,
Mendi McDowell
Manager of Associate Wellness

Be-well

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Happy to be tobacco free

Teresa MarinoRight now is a great time to quit smoking. According to the American Lung Association, your health begins to improve within 20 minutes after your last puff and continues to get better through the years.

Each smoker has their own personal reasons for quitting. For Seafood Clerk Teresa Marino, #1448, Inverness, Florida, it was for health reasons.

“I watched my father die from smoking three packs of cigarettes a day his entire life,” said Teresa. “Smoking got him, but I wasn’t going to let it get the best of me.”

Teresa quit last year and explained family and finances were additional incentives for kicking the habit.

“Here’s advice for my fellow associates who are enrolled in Publix’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO Plan and are considering quitting: Take advantage of the Tobacco Cessation Program offered by Publix. It will save you money — and your life!”

Be-committed

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Publix wants you to be as healthy as you can be for you and your family. If you want to join Teresa and be tobacco free, take advantage of tobacco cessation resources by visiting www.publix.org > Health and Well-Being > Life. Inspired. Program.

Get moving with a fun run or walk near you

Fun Run Walk
It can be tough to get motivated about fitness. But signing up for a local 5K event is the perfect way to get started.

Check with your doctor before you begin training, and pick an event that gives you plenty of time to prepare. Look for a sensible training schedule to keep you focused and motivated. Solicit friends and family members to help you stay on track.

Being active helps you burn calories, reduce stress and get your heart pumping.
But don’t forget — if running is too much for you, walking is good, too! Most 5K races offer a popular walking option at their event.

Publix wants to support you and your family in leading healthy, active lifestyles. We sponsor dozens of races and events, such as 5Ks and half- and full-marathons, across our operating area. In some cases, you receive a discount just for being a Publix associate.

Now’s the time to join in the fun! Visit www.publix.org > Health and Well-Being > Life. Inspired. Program > Publix-sponsored Runs and Walks to find an event near you.

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Set your sights on a happy, healthy heart

Wouldn’t life be easier if you had most of the answers in advance? That’s the idea behind knowing your key wellness numbers.

Screenings are available to help detect potential health concerns, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. If left untreated, high blood pressure and cholesterol can lead to a stroke or heart disease. But your chances of living longer and healthier may increase by knowing and understanding your key wellness numbers, working with your doctor and making the necessary lifestyle changes now … before it’s too late.

In addition to blood pressure and cholesterol, you also can get important numbers related to your blood glucose, body mass index and triglycerides — all key when trying to understand and evaluate health risks. That’s why Publix offers all associates age 18 and older free annual health screenings at our pharmacies. And your household family members age 18 and older can receive health screenings for the discounted cost of just $15 per person.

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Make your heart happy with this recipe!

pecan berry salmon orange quinoa saladIf you’re looking for a recipe to impress your sweetheart, try Aprons Pecan-Berry Salmon with Orange Quinoa Salad. This Better Choice* recipe is not only heart healthy, but you’ll love it too!

Pecan-Berry Salmon with Orange Quinoa Salad

TOTAL TIME: 35 MINUTES |  MAKES 4 SERVINGS

Ingredients

2 oranges, for zest/juice
1 cup quinoa
1 cup water
Nonstick aluminum foil
3 tablespoons pecan pieces, finely chopped
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
2 teaspoons grapeseed oil
4 salmon fillets (about 1 lb), skin removed
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
8 teaspoons low sugar strawberry preserves
8 oz trimmed asparagus spears, coarsely chopped
1 cup fresh strawberries, coarsely chopped
1 cup radicchio lettuce, coarsely chopped

Steps

  1. Zest/grate peel from 1 orange (no white; 1 teaspoon); squeeze both oranges for juice (about 1 cup). Prepare quinoa following package instructions (using 1 cup water and 1 cup orange juice).
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet will foil. Chop pecans and place in medium bowl; stir in bread crumbs and oil until combined.
  3. Place salmon on baking sheet; season with pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spread 2 teaspoons preserves over each fillet; divide pecan mixture evenly over preserves.
  4. Bake 10–12 minutes or until fish is 145°F (or opaque and separates easily). Meanwhile, chop asparagus (1–2 cups); chop strawberries and radicchio.
  5. Stir into quinoa: asparagus, strawberries, radicchio, orange zest, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve with salmon.
CALORIES (per 1/4 recipe) 490kcal; FAT 18g; SAT FAT 2.5g; TRANS FAT 0g; CHOL 70mg; SODIUM 280mg; CARB 47g; FIBER 6g; SUGARS 14g; PROTEIN 35g; VIT A 10%; VIT C 90%; CALC 6%; IRON 25%
*Better Choice recipes are designed to be included as part of an overall balanced meal.
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Dietitian services and online tools help you make better choices

Fruit SaladWhen you’re on a mission to find healthful foods, the grocery store can seem overwhelming. But making choices that are right for you doesn’t have to be hard.

Publix offers several ways to help customers — including you — make easier, more informed choices. From the icons on shelf tags to special shopping lists for specific dietary needs, as well as Publix Aprons Simple Meals recipes that feature Better Choice options, there are many ways to learn how to shape up your diet and live life inspired.

To offer the best programs and services to help you get and stay on the road to good health, Publix employs several registered dietitians. Some work in our corporate office and help to provide nutrition guidance for initiatives like Better Choice shelf tags and Aprons recipes. They also provide feedback to customers on nutrition-related questions.

Additionally, we have four in-store dietitians as part of a pilot in the Tampa, Florida area who provide nutrition counseling, meal planning, personal shopping assistance, nutrition classes and grocery store tours to customers. They also attend events at schools, health fairs and fitness centers.

Interested in learning more about food and nutrition? Visit www.publix.com > Pharmacy & Wellness > Wellness to take advantage of these useful online tools.

  • Nutrition — Help meet your dietary needs and goals by shopping smart. Here you can learn the meaning behind the green leaf and Better Choice icons on our shelf tags, get help reading labels or quickly see gluten-free products available in our stores.
  • Dietary Concerns — For those with specific dietary needs, get help finding the right foods for you, including lists of products that are gluten free, low sodium, low fat or made with 4 grams of sugar or less.
  • Health Center — Motivate yourself to eat better, and kick your health into gear. Special information is available on diabetes, men’s and women’s health, lowering cholesterol levels and managing blood pressure … just to name a few!
  • Publix GreenWise — Discover our special brand of products from organic to those made without artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.
  • Publix Dietitians — Our corporate dietitians are here to provide nutrition guidance, support all Publix stores, and offer customer feedback on nutrition related inquiries. More information is available at www.publix.com/dietitian.

While visiting www.publix.com, browse the health topics library, save with digital coupons or prepare a shopping list for one of the healthful meals available in the Recipes & Planning section. Take advantage of this information designed to help you meet your health and wellness goals.

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Your 2016 Life. Inspired. reminders for a healthier tomorrow

Use this handy checklist to make sure you’re meeting all of your New Year’s health resolutions and forming new habits that will stay with you for a lifetime.

  • Get your free annual health screenings at your Publix Pharmacy
  • Establish or maintain your relationship with a primary care doctor, and ensure you get your annual physical.
  • Make appointments for age-appropriate screenings recommended by your doctor, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy.
  • Eat healthful. Publix’s Better Choice products and Aprons Simple Meals recipes that feature Better Choice options are a great start.
  • Get moving and participate in activities you enjoy.
  • Quit tobacco.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Drink more water.
  • Reduce stress in areas within your control.
  • Set both personal and professional goals for the year, and check back monthly to make sure you stay on track.
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