Words from Wellness | June 2022

The Tour de BL BikeaBLe Challenge will be returning in June! Beginning on June 13th, the Wellness Committee will be coordinating the two-week cycling challenge! All types of cycles and cyclists can join, and we will be amping up the fun this year with additional prizes not only for our top riders but random

Never feed or touch wildlife. Do not approach or attempt to move sick or injured wildlife. Please report any encounters with aggressive, sick or injured animals to a park ranger. Wildlife lives in all state parks, even near urban areas. Although rare, black bears, mountain lions and rattlesnakes may be seen. If you encounter wildlife on the trail, keep your distance, back away slowly and do not run. Snakes: Always know where you are stepping. For example, if you must traverse a log that has fallen across the trail, rather than just stepping over the log, first step up onto the log then step down once you know the coast is clear. Be cautious when climbing rocks or picking up firewood. If you see a snake, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet. Most bites occur when people get too close or try to touch them. Ticks: Populations are expected to rise again this season. Take the following precautions to avoid them: • Walk in the middle of trails. • Use insect repellent. • Tuck your pants into your socks. • After taking off gear, check for hitchhiking ticks • Always do a “tick-check” with the help of a friend. Poison Oak: Learn to identify its shiny, three- leaf pattern, and avoid touching it. If you touch poison oak, wash immediately with water and mild soap. Pat dry with a clean towel. Source: California Department of Parks & Recreation

There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in the great outdoors with an excellent hike. Fresh air? Peace and quiet? Stunning views? Yes, please. But as awesomely invigorating as hiking can be, it also carries some real risks. Below are some tips to help you prep smart and trek smart. Outdoor Plan: Cell connectivity in many hiking areas is limited or non-existent. Tell a responsible person back at camp or at home where you are going and when you plan on returning. Ask that person to notify local law enforcement if you do not return on time. Hike with a friend or family member. The companionship in the great outdoors is fun and you can encourage one another to meet your fitness goals. Don’t walk off-trail. Do not walk off-trail or enter closed areas. Cutting across switchbacks erodes the hillside and eventually destroys the trail. Plus, walking off-trail increases your chance of suffering an injury or getting lost. Be courteous and observe trail etiquette. Communicate with others and step aside to yield, if possible, when others approach you on a trail. Alert those in front if you wish to pass. Take plenty of drinking water. Leave stream, river and lake water for the park wildlife. Although it looks clean and refreshing, mountain stream water can make you ill. Drink and carry plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every two hours). Shoes: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes to help prevent injury.

drawings for all active participants. Sign up HERE and reach out to Ian McPhillips with any questions.

Join us on June 22nd for Wellness Webinar: Burnout Through a Nutritional Lens. This session will be recorded for those who are unable to attend. Did you miss Paint Night on May 25th? Good news! The event was recorded for anyone who would still like to participate. Please contact Jessica Fasi for a paint kit with all the supplies .

Wellness Resources & Benefits Reminder! Past Wellness Webinars can be found on the Intranet! Documents and Resources > Video Library Solutions EAP Short-term, confidential counseling and/or referral for employees and employee family members. www.solutions-eap.com Cigna Talkspace Convenient, safe and secure online therapy from any location. talkspace.com/cigna

Join us for our next Wellness Webinar on June 22nd @12 pm

Ever wonder if it is normal to feel completely depleted and exhausted around 3pm every day? Although it may be common, you don’t have to feel this way. Patricia Daley is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner passionate about helping professionals understand the root cause of burnout from a nutritional perspective. Join us for 30 minutes to review the cause of energy crashes and habits that can help you have sustainable energy long term. Patricia will be available for 15 minutes after the presentation for any nutrition- related questions you may have. Burnout Through a Nutritional Lens

For more info visit www.thedaleybeet.com or follow her on IG @thedaleybeet

More resources can be found on the Intranet.