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. 

Welcome to FALL!

September is a great time to reflect and refocus on your physical and mental health. Engaging in self-care activities such as outdoor sports, daily walks, and quiet time at the park helps to relax your mind and embrace self-awareness. Take personal time to set goals and eliminate negative situations that are a source of hindrance in your life. Self-care is simply taking the necessary steps to take care of yourself.  

The Benefits of Self-Care

• Improve your physical health – Incorporating gym time, swimming, or a daily walk is needed for self-time and physical activities to become healthier. Physical activity helps to boost your immune system and reduce stress.
• Reduce stress and anxiety – A daily routine reduces or eliminates anxiety and depression. Try to include stress relievers such as meditation, journaling, or crafting. New activities can be therapeutic and rewarding.
• Boost your self-esteem – Identify and heal, set small goals, and be kind to yourself. Daily affirmations that reflect how you see yourself help to improve your mood and evoke positive thoughts about yourself. Be kind to yourself and surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
• Protect your mental health – Set boundaries, honor, and respect your emotional needs. Setting boundaries help to protect the things that are valuable to you and keep you aligned with your goals and your vision.

Outdoor Physical Activities

• Go for a hike¹
• Collect Leaves
• Play Football
• Host a Scavenger Hunt²
• Run a Fall 5k^3.

Baton Rouge Fall Fun

• Tailgating – LSU⁴ and SU⁵ Football Games
• Fifolet Halloween Festival
• Baton Rouge Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze⁶

Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound 99 percent fat-free ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• Kosher salt
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 1/2 cups)
• 4 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
• Two 14-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

Directions:

1. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the turkey and cook, breaking up chunks with the side of a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Push the turkey to the edges of the pan, leaving the middle empty. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, then the onion and garlic to the center of the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin and coriander and stir about 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and 1 teaspoon salt and stir until the paste begins to darken in color, about 30 seconds. Then add the squash, tomatoes and 4 cups water, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any stuck bits. Bring to a simmer, adjust the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the chili has thickened and the squash is tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
2. Stir the beans and chia seeds into the chili and heat through, about 5 minutes. Season with an additional 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, then taste the chili and stir in up to 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Spoon the chili into bowls and top each bowl with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.