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. 

Healthy Living for the New Year

Welcome to 2026! Let’s begin the year by setting a clear vision with practical goals and objectives that will lead to success. Take a moment to reflect: What would you like to accomplish this year? What changes are you willing to commit to in order to achieve your desired results?

January is the ideal time to focus on enhancing both your physical and mental well-being. Today, healthy living is more than just a trend—it’s an essential part of our lives. By prioritizing your health, you can minimize medical expenses and reliance on medication. Remember, even small changes can make a significant difference in how successful and fulfilling your year will be.

Start with achievable steps, be consistent, and celebrate your progress. Here’s to a healthier, happier, and more successful 2026!

You can begin your health journey by making small changes that lead to significant long-term improvements. One of the easiest places to start is by making simple eating modifications. Remember, a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up all your favorite foods. Here are a few suggestions:

• Replace soda with water during meals. Water aids digestion and helps you feel full without extra calories.
• Add more whole grains to your diet and reduce refined grains. Whole grains are rich in fiber, which helps improve cholesterol levels and lowers your risk for heart disease, stroke, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Refined grains lose important nutrients like vitamin B, iron, and dietary fiber.
• Include more vegetables in your meals—they’re your healthy allies! Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Vegetables help lower your risk for chronic disease, manage your weight, boost immunity, and regulate blood pressure. Aim for a variety of colors and types for maximum benefit—eat the rainbow!

Small, consistent changes in your eating habits can have a lasting impact on your overall health. Start today and watch your wellbeing improve over time!

When you feed your body healthier options, you decrease your chances of suffering from chronic diseases, boost your energy levels, and support better mood and sleep patterns. Making nutritious choices fuels your body and mind, setting the foundation for a more vibrant, productive, and enjoyable life.

Good health goes beyond what you put into your body—it also includes your mental health. Mental health encompasses your emotional and social well-being, reflecting how you handle stress, respond to life changes, and process your thoughts and feelings. Everyone experiences mental health differently, and it’s important to acknowledge your own needs and responses.

Incorporating physical activity into your routine is a powerful way to support your mental state. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve cognitive function. Taking care of your mind is just as crucial as taking care of your body, so make mental wellness a priority in your journey toward better health.

Physical activity helps to boost your mood, reduce stress, and relieve anxiety. The mental and emotional benefits of adding physical activity to your routine include:

• Improved mood and increased feelings of happiness, thanks to the release of endorphins (“feel-good” hormones)
• Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Enhanced self-esteem and confidence
• Better sleep quality
• Increased ability to manage stress and cope with challenges
• Greater mental clarity and sharper focus
• Opportunities for social interaction, which can decrease feelings of loneliness

Additional ways that physical activity can benefit your mental and emotional health include:

• Gaining confidence: Set goals, start small, and celebrate your achievements as you progress. As you get in shape, you’ll begin to feel better both physically and mentally.
• Stepping out of your comfort zone and interacting socially: Positive encounters can boost your mood and change your outlook on the day. Remember, a simple smile can make a big difference in someone’s life.
• Eliminating negative habits: During moments of high anxiety or depression, create a positive list of activities—such as taking a walk, swimming, or going to the movies. Refer to this list whenever you need to reset your mental state.

Activities for Mental Health:

• Take an Art Class at a locate art studio – Create Studios, 546 Bienville St., Baton Rogue
• Take a yoga or Zumba class – Orangetheory Fitness, 2373 Town Center, Baton Rouge
• Volunteering – St. Vincent De Paul, 220 St. Vincent De Paul Dr, Baton Rouge
• Nature Walk – BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 10503 N. Oak Hills Pkwy, Baton Rouge.

Resources:

The Benefits of Water

Whole Grains vs Refined Grains

Exercise and Mental Health

New Year’s Crab Dip

Ingredients:

• 1          tablespoon unsalted butter, softened, for greasing
• 8          ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½        cup mayonnaise
• 1          shallot, minced
• 2          tablespoons minced chives, plus more for garnish
• 2          garlic cloves, minced
• 2½      teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 1¼      teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• ½        teaspoon mustard powder
• 1½      teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ⅓         cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 8          ounces lump crabmeat, drained and picked through for shells
• Black pepper
• 5 butter crackers, finely ground, plus more for serving
• Ground cayenne, for serving
• Hot sauce, for serving
• Sliced toasted baguette, for serving
• Celery sticks and carrots, for serving

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease an 8-inch cast iron skillet or 1-quart baking dish with butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, shallot, chives, garlic, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce and ⅓ cup Parmesan. Stir until well combined. Add the crabmeat and gently stir until just combined, trying to not break up the large lumps. Season with pepper to taste.
3. Scrape into the prepared skillet and smooth the top. Sprinkle the ground butter crackers and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan on top.
4. Bake until golden brown and bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with ground cayenne, hot sauce and chives. Serve with baguette, celery sticks, carrots, additional crackers and more hot sauce.
5. Tip: For an extra crunchy top, broil for a minute or two after baking until deep golden brown.