On June 7, the Employee Wellness Program hosted its bi-monthly Lunch & Learn Cooking Class at the District Clerk's Office. JoAnn Breaux, a registered dietitian from H-E-B Nutrition Services, delivered an informative presentation about healthy alternative dishes that can be served at your weekend barbecue.
Breaux stirred up a sparkling blackberry punch with a rosemary garnish. This delicious mocktail can replace alcoholic beverages during at barbecues or parties this summer.
She listed a variety of recipes in her presentation. If you are interested in receiving the slides from Breaux's presentation, email the Wellness Program at hidalgocounty.wellness@co.hidalgo.tx.us.
On June 14, the Employee Wellness Program hosted a Health Talk covering cancer screenings for employees from the Facilities Management Department.
Dr. Jose Cruz, a medical oncologist at DHR Health, engaged with the county employees about the health topic. He addressed their concerns about possible factors that may lead to cancer.
Wellness Ambassador Annual Conference
The Wellness Program hosted its annual Wellness Ambassadors Conference last week. It was held at the Precinct 2 Indoor Sports Complex in Pharr.
Ambassadors enjoyed a healthy breakfast and heard from Diana Salinas, the Wellness Program Coordinator, who discussed how improving self-efficacy can lead to healthy lifestyle changes in employees.
Dr. Andrea Valdez from Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service of Hidalgo County was the guest speaker. She highlighted the department's programs and explained its Master Wellness Volunteer Program.
The volunteer program allows wellness ambassadors to share their passion for health and wellness with others through the Wellness Program and community events. Wellness ambassadors would need to undergo a 40-hour online training course and also offer 40 hours of service to receive certification.
The Master Wellness Volunteer Program is open to the public. For pricing and questions, please contact Dr. Andrea Valdez at 956-383-1026.
"Tiny lifestyle changes can easily turn into a big change later on. Just don't get discouraged."
Monica's "little steps" plan of breaking her goals into parts has helped her reach her main goals. She shared with us how she shifted gears during the pandemic, channeling her energy into something positive.
Do you know someone who has made changes to improve their health and well-being? Nominate them below for a chance to be featured as the Wellness Champion of the Month!
“You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
UPCOMING WELLNESS EVENTS
Eat Well. Move More. Sleep Better
Friday, July 8 at 10 A.M.
This session will explore the ways you can introduce new techniques for healthy practices and learn simple but effective ways to eat well, move more, and sleep better.
This 8-week wellness challenge is an effort to get county employees to shed some pounds and switch out sugar sweetened beverages for water The Hidalgo County Employee Wellness Program will make six stops at different locations to weigh-in and measure your body fat percentage. The scale will also tell us body water measurements for those who are interested in participating in the BONUS water intake tracking challenge.
Click the button below to view the dates and locations, and to register!
This presentation is designed to help individuals gain valuable insight into the emotional and physical problems that can occur when we let our lives get out of balance.
A fan of podcasts? We'd like to help you out with suggestions. Every month we will highlight a few podcasts that cover health and wellness topics. Take a listen on your breaks or commute to work and home.
