OPH360

In an effort to increase physical activity, encourage healthy eating, improve productivity, and boost a positive culture in our workplaces, the Office of Public Health is implementing a statewide wellness program for all employees. OPH360 will support you in improving your personal health through peer encouragement, educational opportunities and wellness activities. Wellness activities will focus on healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco cessation and mental health. Be on the lookout for emails from your Wellness Champions for upcoming events and activities.

Join our Facebook group to stay updated on all things OPH360! Your wellness champion will share what’s happening in your area there. Stay engaged and motivate your coworkers by sharing your healthy habits, recipes and successes. 

Moving Well-Ahead

Making small, healthy changes is easy when your community is also committed to health! Find health resources near you with the Community Resource Guide! You can find resources for different health topics here.

Is your child’s school a WellSpot? Use our Find WellSpots tool to learn more. What about your favorite lunch spot? Find out here!

Become a Wellness Champion

A Wellness Champion is a co-worker that volunteered to lead your region or location’s wellness activities. Have a question? Contact your Champion and shoot them an email. Our Wellness Champions include OPH employees who are committed to moving OPH’s health forward. Click here if you’d like to apply to become a Wellness Champion. 

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

This year, the Move Your Way campaign, launched in 2018, focuses on fostering and promoting a healthier lifestyle for people of all ages by empowering communities to increase daily physical activity.

Let’s come together to promote a healthier life through movement and encourage greater participation in sports for everyone, regardless of age.

Lack of physical activity is closely linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine can significantly lower your risk for these illnesses.

Exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and reduces the risk of stroke.

In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, regular physical activity helps manage blood sugar levels, lowering the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

When you exercise, your muscles use glucose for energy, and the positive effects on blood sugar can last for 24 hours or longer.

Be intentional about your health and the health of your family. Establish consistent routines, such as providing nutritious meals and physical activity with your family.

Encourage healthy habits by incorporating family time through cooking together and allowing everyone to participate in meal preparation. Support smart snacking by keeping ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables cleaned and accessible in the fridge.

Lastly, plan family outings that include physical activity, such as weekend hikes or bike rides, to make wellness a shared experience. Healthy life changes are not always easy, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. Even simple adjustments can have lasting and meaningful benefits for your long-term health.

Boost Your Activity Level

• Boost your heart rate by taking a walk in your neighborhood.
• Take the stairs whenever possible to accelerate your heart rate.
• Incorporate a new activity, such as tennis or swimming, into your workout routine.

Ways to Motivate a Healthier and Active Lifestyle

• Add a new healthy recipe to your menu each week, and consider taking a cooking class for fresh ideas when time permits.
• Choose options from the lighter side of the menu to reduce fat and calorie intake.
• Set your alarm 20 minutes early in the morning to start your day with yoga or meditation.

It Is Recommended to Incorporate

• At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week as part of your daily routine.
• Strength training exercises to build muscle mass, which can improve blood sugar levels and support weight loss.
• Consistent physical activity for lasting results.

Things to Do in Baton Rouge in May

• Strong & Calm Yoga – USS KIDD Veterans Museum, May 2, 2026
• Baton Rouge Arts Market – Red Stick Farmers Market, North 5^th St., May 2, 2026
• CYT Baton Rouge Presents: The Little Mermaid, May 21 – 24, 2026 LSU Shaver Theater – Music & Dramatic Arts Building, Dalrymple Dr.

Resources

• Physical Activity and Chronic Disease
• Exercise and Your Heart
• Family Fitness Fun
• Healthy Habits for Your Family
• Healthy Heart
• Healthy Turkey Burgers

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Ingredients:

Slaw

• 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces of cored and thinly sliced savoy cabbage
• 1 Granny Smith apple, cut into matchsticks
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and thinly sliced

Sweet Potato Chips and Mayonnaise

• 4 cups of sweet potato chips
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

Burgers

• 1 1/2 tablespoon chili paste (like sambal oelek)
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of freshly-grated ginger
• ½ a small onion, finely chopped
• 1 lb. of ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the skillet
• 4 buns, split and lightly toasted

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, whisk the lime juice, vinegar, and honey together with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the cabbage, apple, and jalapeño and toss to coat. Let sit, tossing occasionally, until ready to serve.
2. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and spread the potato chips in an even layer. Bake just until warm (this releases the oils and helps the spice stick), for about 5 minutes. Toss with the paprika.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lemon juice together, and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the chili paste, soy sauce, and ginger. Stir in the onion, add the turkey, and mix to combine. Form the mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties.
5. Heat a grill or the oil in a large cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Grill or cook the burgers until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F, 7 to 8 minutes per side on the grill or 4 to 5 minutes per side in the skillet.
6. Spread a touch of the Sriracha mayonnaise on the buns, then top with the burgers and slaw. Serve with the potato chips and remaining mayonnaise.