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.

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. 

Fall Into Autumn

The transition from summer to fall is a great opportunity to adapt your routine to the changing season. As the weather shifts, it’s important to continue the healthy habits you established over the summer. Adjust your schedule to include physical activities that fit around your workday, and pay attention to your meals and snacks, especially as you may find yourself less active during the fall months.

The structured routine of back-to-school season can be challenging. To make this process smoother, create a plan that will help you ease into changes in work schedules, increased demands, or adjustments for the new school year. As you plan, consider what is most important for making your day run smoothly. For example, do you want to maintain a morning routine such as meditation or stretching? Or would you like to establish the habit of making a healthy breakfast for your family to start the day off well?

Healthy Ways to Prepare for Fall

• Plan Ahead – A sudden shift from a relaxed to a structured routine can be a shock to your system. Preparing in advance helps ease the transition.
• Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Sleep – Summer often brings longer daylight hours and later nights. Set a consistent bedtime that allows you to get the rest you need to function at your best.
• Nourish Your Body With Healthy Choices– Transitioning from summer snacking to more mindful eating can take time. As the new season begins, add a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your meals to support your overall health and well-being.
• Balance Activities – Fall is filled with the start of school, sports, and seasonal events. Create a balanced schedule that includes both fun activities and much-needed rest.
• Stay Connected – Seasonal changes can affect your emotions. Some people may experience sadness as fall arrives, so be proactive by recognizing your triggers and developing a plan to support your emotional well-being.

Falling into wellness begins with creating healthy habits. Here are some tips for your wellness journey this season:

• Eat well by including more fruits and a variety of vegetables in your daily meals.
• Incorporate a balanced amount of exercise and prioritize quality sleep.
• Increase your water intake to stay hydrated.
• Be proactive and take preventive measures to maintain your health.
• Take steps to reduce and manage stress effectively.

Baton Rouge August Events

• Food Truck Round Up at the Rowe: Perkins Rowe –
  • August 14, 2026: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Sweet Baton Rouge Ultimate Tailgate: Perkins Rowe –
  • August 22, 2026: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival 2026:
  • Manship Theatre Shaw Center for the Arts – August 27- 30, 2026
• Totally Rad Vintage Fest: Raising Cane’s River Center –
  • August 29, 2026: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Resources

• A Healthy Routine
• Falling Into Wellness

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Ingredients:

• 5 cups of low-sodium chicken stock, divided
• ¾ cup of quick-cook grits
• 1 ½ cups of grated pepper jack cheese
• 1 ½ cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup of mascarpone, softened
• 4 tablespoons of butter, divided
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 ½ lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
• 6 strips of bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• Hot sauce, to taste
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 2 green onions, sliced, to serve

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of chicken stock to a boil. Slowly stir in the grits. Return to a boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn down the heat and stir in the pepper jack, cheddar, and mascarpone. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep warm.
2. In a separate saucepan, heat the remaining 2 cups of stock until hot.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and 2 tablespoons of remaining butter. Season the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and some salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside. (The shrimp will finish cooking in the sauce.)
4. Add the bacon, onion and bell pepper to the skillet, and season with a little more salt and pepper. Cook over high heat until beginning to brown, for about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the hot stock and add hot sauce to taste. Return the shrimp to the skillet with any juices that have accumulated. Cook until the shrimp are just cooked through, for another 2 minutes. Add lemon juice. Season with more salt and pepper.
5. To serve, spoon the shrimp and sauce over the grits and sprinkle green onion on the top for garnish.