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. 

Summertime Health

The summer months in Louisiana are hot and humid.  On any given day, temperatures can reach high in the 90’s, well into the upper 100’s.  The key to combat the change in temperatures is to stay hydrated!  Drinking the suggested amount of water helps prevent common ailments during summer.  Common ailments that increase during the summer are dehydration, heat stroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, food poisoning, sunburn, and allergies.

Babies/infants, children, and older adults are at the highest risk of becoming dehydrated. Babies/infants are susceptible due to their low body weight, and older adults become unaware that they are dehydrated until it is too late.  When you are overexposed to the sun and do not drink enough water, your body begins to lose water content, body salts, sodium, and potassium. 

Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydration can range from mild to severe, based on body weight and loss of fluids.  By the time your body is feeling thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration can vary from person to person.

Some beginning signs are:

• Thirst
• Dark yellow or strong smelling urine
• Dry mouth, lips and tongue
• Less frequent urination
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps

Severe Dehydration

• Dry, shriveled skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Sunken eyes
• Shock
• Unconsciousness or delirium

Hydration through Food

Many foods have a high content of water. Studies show our body retains 20% of the water from those foods.  Foods that are high in water content are not a substitute for drinking water; however, they help to decrease dehydration throughout the day. 

Foods High in Water Content

• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Yellow Melon
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Oranges
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Cantaloupe
• Peaches
• Zucchini
• Bell Peppers
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Coconut Water

Healthy Tip

Water Infusion provide nutrients and electrolytes from fruit and/or vegetables.  Infused water assist with improving immunity, reduce cravings and flush toxins from your body.  To make infused water, mix chosen ingredients with water and let it sit for at least an hour – the flavors develop more, the longer it sit. 

Resources

Who has the highest risk for dehydration?

Summertime Ailments

Symptoms of Dehydration

4th of July BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 6 hamburger buns, split and toasted
• Dill pickle slices, optional

Directions:

1.  In a large saucepan, sauté the onion, celery and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in the salsa, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt and pepper.
2.  Stir in chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve about 1/3 cup chicken mixture on each bun.