LPS Wellness http://wp.lps.org/wellness My Lincoln Public Schools Web Log Wed, 15 May 2013 21:37:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Fair Comparison? http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/05/15/fair-comparison/ http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/05/15/fair-comparison/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 21:37:19 +0000 Michelle Welch http://wp.lps.org/wellness/?p=474 Compare-Yourself-to-Others1I fully admit to being a Parade of Homes Junkie. As I walk through these beautiful homes or look online at organizing ideas, it strikes me that the general idea is to make it look as though no one lives there. Pristine. Too clean. Yet it makes all of us go home and compare our cluttered existence to what we see and say “Wow, this place looks like a dump.”

It’s strikingly similar to how we compare ourselves to those airbrushed, three-hour hair and makeup session models we see in magazines or walking the red carpet. It’s reported Kim Kardashian spends $50,000 per year just to maintain her “look,” and she’s in her young 30’s? Crafted abs, shiny hair, and glowing skin. Perfect, perfect, perfect!

Throw into the mix those “real” people you know on Facebook, showing you only the great snippets of life, completing races, going out with friends, looking as though they found the fountain of youth (or great photo editing techniques). All of it “feeds the beast” of our negative self-talk. How do we change the conversation?

What if we:

  • Stop comparing ourselves to unrealistic expectations.
  • Figure out what’s really important to us, and then invest our resources in that way.
  • Recognize which comparisons help positively motivate us, and which do the opposite. Then step away from those that do the latter.
  • Realize that ultimately, our happiness is up to us. Behold the power of choice!

Give and Get This Thursday, May 16th is a big day for our community organizations with 350+ charitable groups taking part in “Give to Lincoln” Day. Several of these are linked to Lincoln Public Schools. No matter your favorite charity, “Give to Lincoln Day” allows organizations to gain extra bonus dollars through the matching funds available on this special giving day. Great news, you are also able to set up your “give” now to so it can be counted as a gift for Give Day. Go to www.GiveToLincoln.com and take advantage of this early-bird opportunity. Thanks for helping to make our community better!

All my best,
Michelle

]]> http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/05/15/fair-comparison/feed/ 0 Two Wheels Will Travel http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/05/08/two-wheels-will-travel/ http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/05/08/two-wheels-will-travel/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 15:55:30 +0000 Michelle Welch http://wp.lps.org/wellness/?p=469 XXX_8516_1273425631_1“I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike….” (Sorry for getting that song stuck in your head, Queen and Freddy Mercury fans) I also had an Elvis parody song brewing for you about a “Hunka hunka burning thighs, Ooowww!” Go with whichever one works for you in relationship to biking.

There are certainly some die-hard all season bike riders out there in LPS land, but for most of us, our thighs are more than happy to remind us that hopping on a bike for a long trek the first time the weather surpasses 70 degrees may be ill advised if we would like to be able to get out of a chair the next day. ‘Step at a time, people!

As we edge into fair weather bike season, please remember to put a helmet on that precious noggin. You know every student from your class will see you out and about if you don’t wear one. If it weren’t for those meddling kids…Kind of similar to how we see our old crush at the store any time we make a quick stop wearing our painting sweatpants. Never fails!

If you plan to make biking a centerpiece of your workout these next few months, consider taking part in the Lincoln Bicycle Commuter Challenge and the National Get Up and Ride Challenge from now through September 30, for both work and recreational bike riders. For more information, contact Mike Heyl, Public Health Educator, Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department, at mheyl@lincoln.ne.gov or 402-441-3889. Kudos to Mike and the Lancaster County Public Health crew for their fine work to make Lincoln a safer, bike friendly community. If you are interested, more events are going on to celebrate biking within the city from May 13-17th.

Health Assessment Update: Thanks for your patience during my delivery-palooza of the Health Assessment gift card incentives. It’s been fun to see many of you as I’ve made my way to each school and work site within LPS. All should be available by the end of this week—if yours hasn’t already found its way to you. If we missed you this year, we’ll be glad to have you along next year. By the way, we rocked it in participation; 52% completion compared with 42% statewide average, which is fantastic for a large district. You rule LPS crew!

Make it a great week,
Michelle

]]> http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/05/08/two-wheels-will-travel/feed/ 0 Self-Time? http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/05/01/self-time/ http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/05/01/self-time/#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 18:03:06 +0000 Michelle Welch http://wp.lps.org/wellness/?p=463 tiMEWhen was the last time you purposely gave yourself time away from everyone? Many of you may be asking, what is that? Pursuit of self-time may be why so many people are wandering around in Target. Really. We needed milk right?

As teachers, parents, managers and team players, those self-time moments may seem difficult to come by in life. Some have figured out that exercising is their only way to accomplish this; if you run fast enough, people can’t catch you to need something. J For the many knee and hip joint challenged in the world, we have to find a different solution.

Self-time helps not only us, but everyone around us. We are more refreshed. We can think straight and have a plan. Breathe. It can be as short as 10 minutes in the car singing along to your favorite tunes on the way to pick up your kiddos or 10 minutes of absolute silence. Whatever rocks your boat.

Most of all, we are likely missing our self-time by not recognizing it. Being aware of our little moments gives us a different appreciation for them. Take advantage of those little moments today and start making plans for bigger ones in the future. And if you see me wandering around in Target, say “Hi!” Time to get some milk… J

All my best,

Michelle

]]> http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/05/01/self-time/feed/ 0 Top 10 Signs Spring is Here http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/24/top-10-signs-spring-is-here/ http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/24/top-10-signs-spring-is-here/#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:27:58 +0000 Michelle Welch http://wp.lps.org/wellness/?p=456
  • springMiddle and high schoolers are wearing shorts. Who are we kidding? They didn’t stop all winter.
  • Strawberries are better in stores every week. Follow your nose…
  • Stores are featuring more shorts and capris, even if we are currently pairing them with parkas.
  • Tulips and daffodils are still making their best efforts. To be beaten out by the true first flower of spring: the dandelion.
  • Students have countdown to summer break calendars in full swing. No teachers do this, of course! (If so, hopefully it is in stealth mode at home. J)
  • Champagne mangos (the ones that change to golden yellow when ripe) are stellar!
  • Serious April showers prepping us for beautiful May flowers.
  • The thought of swimsuit shopping lures many of us back into eating and exercise routines.
  • Dr. Joel is almost out of the woods with snow day issues for the year, bylate April!
  • The weekend forecast: above 70 degrees. Yahoo! Celebrate it every way you can!

    • Kudos to the 2,900+ staff members completing recent EHA Health Assessments. Gift cards will be delivered as soon as I receive them, likely in mid-May. I’ll provide an update when I know more. Until then, I wish you all my best, Michelle Smile

    ]]>     http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/24/top-10-signs-spring-is-here/feed/ 0     Squirrel! Living in the Land of Distraction http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/17/squirrel-living-in-the-land-of-distraction/ http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/17/squirrel-living-in-the-land-of-distraction/#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:32:49 +0000 Michelle Welch http://wp.lps.org/wellness/?p=450 272819-squirrelDemands of work, kiddos and community commitments lead us to have less free time–maybe. Some of our pressures are self-induced. We used to think we couldn’t be in two places at once. Technology has changed that, with smart phones, iPads and laptops. Now distractions can follow us everywhere. I can check email and Facebook at my kid’s soccer game? Yeah!?! Is that a plus? For whom?

    Part of our feeling disconnected from others is our lack of focus. Squirrel! What research shows us is that we cannot effectively do two things at once; instead we are doing what they have labeled serial tasking, bouncing focus back and forth between two items. The more we serial task, the less productive we are within both activities. Heck, did we need a study to tell us that? Taking back our lives is up to us.

    ]]>     http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/17/squirrel-living-in-the-land-of-distraction/feed/ 0     Planting Good Ideas http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/11/planting-good-ideas/ http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/11/planting-good-ideas/#comments Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:16:52 +0000 admin http://wp.lps.org/wellness/?p=437 Emerging-PlantHi LPS Crew!
    This past weekend we cleaned out flowerbeds and prepared for all things spring lawn and garden. Even though it’s tough work, it can be such a joy to see the little perennials poking through the soil and the trees and flowers budding. Ahhh…Spring.

    If you are focused on finding better flavors, think about planting those key higher priced herbs you’ve been buying at the store, such as basil or rosemary. It is so fun to walk outside to pluck herbs to use in your supper! Others such as cilantro are inexpensive and available year round. Finally, know that some herbs such as tarragon and mint need to be contained or they will take over like a weed. Have some fun experimenting! Note: with another potential drought year, most herbs are a bit more forgiving on the watering front.

    One other great idea to plant: taking 15-20 minutes and completing your EHA Personal Health Assessment. You can harvest information about your health as well as the cash crop of a $25 Visa gift card as your incentive. Check email from April 1st from EHA, however you have until April 19th to complete the assessment. Take a tiny bit of time and grow your health IQ about you! Make it a great week! Those who qualify are LPS staff who have the option of LPS insurance, though you do NOT have to have your insurance through the schools to participate. If you received the email, you are in!

    ]]>     http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/11/planting-good-ideas/feed/ 0     Good Your Health Is? Does Yoda Know? Find Out! http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/03/good-your-health-is-does-yoda-know-find-out/ http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/03/good-your-health-is-does-yoda-know-find-out/#comments Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:24:34 +0000 Michelle Welch http://wp.lps.org/wellness/?p=445 yoda_silhouette_by_gillus99-d4bkaeuHi LPS Staff! Disclaimer: I apologize to the non-Star Wars set for the Yoda grammar.

    Do we feel the power of the force? Or the force of gravity? Yes, we’ve seen the dark side and know the lure of its cookies. J Has the dark side taken hold in our health? How do we know? Are we avoiding having to face our health out of fear? “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” (Say in your best Yoda voice.)

    Knowledge brings wisdom. Wisdom brings fulfillment. We sometimes need a Jedi to help train us and help us find the force within us. We’re never too old to gain from training. EHA Personal Health Assessment opportunities run from now until April 19th. Can you find 20 minutes to learn more about you? Check your email from Monday entitled “EHA Wellness” for your personal code. If you received the email, yes, you are encouraged to take part.
    “Receive a gift card of $25 when it’s completed you will,” says Yoda. “Learn more about your health you will.”Don’t mess with Yoda. He’s the little green man with the plan. Have a great week and yes, may the force be with you!

    Michelle

    P.S. For those who didn’t qualify this time for the health assessment, that’s okay. “Stay on target” toward better health and use the LPS Challenges to keep your mission on course.

    ]]>     http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/04/03/good-your-health-is-does-yoda-know-find-out/feed/ 0     Assessments and Results http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/03/27/assessments-and-results/ http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/03/27/assessments-and-results/#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:49:40 +0000 Michelle Welch http://wp.lps.org/wellness/?p=432 awardTime for You! EHA Personal Health Assessments: April 1-19

    Watch your email closely next week for the EHA Personal Health Assessment. Most important: your email will contain your personal code you need to take the health assessment. All who fully complete the health assessment will receive a $25 gift card incentive. Staff needs to be “LPS insurance eligible” to receive the opportunity to complete the assessment.

    Two tips: complete the assessment as soon as you can and flag the email so your code is easy to find. Be sure to print the first page of your assessment report as proof of completion for your personal records. Gift cards will be delivered before the end of the school year. Don’t miss out!

    Meal Time Challenge Results

    Congratulations to the 27 schools that completed the Family Meal Time Challenge! In all, 2,900+ students took part reporting 53,600+ meals/snacks shared with a parent. Over 100 staff members from 31 locations joined in as well. My favorite part: pages of great comments from both students and staff about the impact of the challenge on their lives. Click this link to be inspired by a sampling of the results:

    Staff winners from Meal Time Challenge district prize drawings: Denise Brennan (Scott), Shelly Mitchell (Adams), Marwa Nassrat (Northeast High), Meghan Schmidt (Eastridge) and Rebecca Smith (Bryan). Please watch interoffice mail for your fantastic prize.

    Want to be the next winner? Take part in our final challenge of the year, the Screen Time Challenge. Your personal minutes of screen time won’t be reported, only your success in competing against yourself. What do you have to lose? What do you have to gain? Click this link to get your personal copy of the staff challenge (scroll to page 3):  http://docshare2.lps.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-1353908/Screen%20Time%20Challenge%202013.PDF

    ]]>     http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/03/27/assessments-and-results/feed/ 0     Taking a “You” Turn http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/03/27/taking-a-you-turn/ http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/03/27/taking-a-you-turn/#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:08:30 +0000 Michelle Welch http://wp.lps.org/wellness/?p=427 u-turnWhen was the last time you went off track? Really off track? How did you feel when you did?

    I entirely let my food freak flag fly during a trip over spring break. It was awesome and awful all at once. Yummy? Beyond yummy! But the food coma follow up and salt ridden swollen ankles reminded me of some of the many reasons this isn’t how I choose to roll most of the time. We all have times when the lure of a great food aroma or the call of a cozy couch and blanket can lead us off track.

    However, it doesn’t take long for these moments of reckless abandon to lead to a longer detour away from our road to better health. Join me today in getting back on track with a “you” turn.

    Make a commitment to you. It’s not about what others think you should be doing; it’s about building a solid plan for your success. Plan a “you” turn and have a great journey through the end of this school year and fantastic summer of fun.

    ]]>     http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/03/27/taking-a-you-turn/feed/ 0     Prize Winners & Your Wellness Achievements http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/03/07/prize-winners-your-wellness-achievements/ http://wp.lps.org/wellness/blog/2013/03/07/prize-winners-your-wellness-achievements/#comments Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:00:14 +0000 Michelle Welch http://wp.lps.org/wellness/?p=418 awardYour Wellness Achievements!
    Here’s the latest LPS wellness news for you…about you!

    Quarter 2

    Many of you took advantage of the LPS Activity Variety Challenge. Both staff and students did a nice job of increasing variety of activities! 34 schools participated in the challenge with over 5,000 students returning the challenge. Students completed 76,600+ activities and even better, 14,500+ NEW activities were tried.

    Staff winners of Activity Variety prize drawings: Congrats to staff from 20 sites returning their results!
    Bob R. and Alan E. Eastridge, Kenny C. and Amber T. Fredstrom, Jeni F. Kahoa, Sue R. and Jen C. Kooser, Diane L. Prescott, Jason W., Kathryn F. and Kim R. Saratoga, Sara L. Scott Middle, Jean C. LPSDO, Arica W. West Lincoln. (Drawing Winners: watch for your special delivery via interoffice mail)

    Quarter 3

    Submit your personal results from the Family Meal Time Challenge to be eligible for prize drawings by this Friday. Don’t miss out on these nice prize opportunities! Note: staff submits their own personal results to be part of this drawing. Submission link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dENLWms5VnZTOGNMR0E1Zk5iMHJTOWc6MQ#gid=0

    Both school and non-school based LPS staff are welcome to take part in all challenges. (Student results are submitted to the district by school Wellness Champions/committees—a separate process.)

    Quarter 4

    LPS Screen Time Challenge. TVs and laptops and texting, oh my! Certainly one of my biggest lifestyle challenges too! Are you ready to learn more about your screen habits? Students and staff are welcome to take part. Check with your school wellness champion(s) for school specific dates of your challenge or set your own personal timeframe.

    Link to Challenge: http://docshare2.lps.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-1353908/Screen%20Time%20Challenge%202013.PDF

    (Check out page 3 of this pdf for the staff version) Have fun learning about you!

    All my best,
    Michelle

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