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. 

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.  Physical activity helps to improve your brain function, manage your weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.  Join us this month while we promote the benefits of being active and encourage participation in various sports and activities. 

Physical fitness is not only about sheading pounds, it is about living a healthy life and being consistent in what you are doing.  Physical activity keeps you fit, but it also helps with anxiety, nervousness and depression.  Regular physical activity reduces stress hormones, increases endorphins, improves your sleep and reduce muscle tension that contributes to anxiety and depression. 

Here is a look at the importance of Physical Health:

• Physical activity can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
• Exercise helps to strength your heart and lungs while improving circulation and breathing.
• Regular activity builds endurance and improves stamina.
• Regular exercise helps to burn calories and maintain a healthy body weight.

Types of physical activity to incorporate:

• Aerobic exercise such as running, walking and swimming can reduce stress and anxiety.
• Strength training helps to build muscle strength and has a positive effect on mental health.
• Yoga and mindfulness based activities can improve sleep, enhance cardiovascular health, and help with pain management.
• Try a new physical sport such as soccer, tennis or rollerblading.
• Join in on a community fitness fair or family fitness night.

Ingredients:

• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¾ teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 (6-ounce) skinless cod fillets
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ⅜ teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• ¼ cup canola mayonnaise (such as Hellmann’s)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickle
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
• Lemon wedges

Directions:

1. Preheat broiler to high.
2. Place egg whites in a shallow dish. Combine panko, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Sprinkle fish evenly with pepper and salt. Dip each fillet in egg white, then dredge in panko mixture; place on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Broil 4 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
3. Combine mayonnaise, pickle, lemon juice and dill. Serve with fish and lemon wedges.