Available for iPhone and. Android users. EMPLOYEE ... (iOS and Android, free). Use Sworkit to follow along with ... smar
WALK THE TALK
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS NEWSLETTER May 2017 It’s Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month! What causes allergy symptoms? A person with allergies has an immune system that treats ordinarily harmless proteins like pollen, pet dander, dust mites or peanuts as if they were dangerous invaders by producing antibodies to protect the body, setting off a complex series of chemical reactions, causing inflammation. The lining of the airways becomes irritated. Cilia, the tiny hairs that sweep allergens out of the airways, become bogged down with mucus and excess fluid, and allergy symptoms occur: runny nose, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath; itchy, watery eyes; itchy, irritated skin. In some cases, symptoms can progress into lifethreatening anaphylaxis. Who’s at risk for allergies? As many at 50 million people in the United States have some sort of allergy. The tendency to develop allergies is often – but not always – hereditary, passed down from generation to generation. However, not everyone in a family will be allergic to the same things – and some won’t be allergic at all! Some common allergies:
Food allergies Seasonal nasal or eye allergies, to tree, grass or weed pollens or outdoor mold Environmental nasal or eye allergies, to indoor allergens such as dust mites & mold Pet allergies Skin allergies, including eczema and hives Insect sting (venom) allergies Latex allergy Medication allergies, such as penicillin or sulfa drugs
People who have allergies are at increased risk of developing other allergic diseases, like asthma and eczema. So it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Adapted from: www.allergeryasthmanetwork.org
There’s an App for That!
If you suffer from allergies, keep track of conditions with the free Allergy Alert app from www.pollen.com. Features include:
Check multiple locations instantly Side by side 5 day up-to-date weather & allergy forecasts In-depth information about top allergens with detailed plant descriptions and images Dynamic screen background changes depending on allergy season: Tree, Grass or Ragweed
Check out the app store! Available for iPhone and Android users.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Family Dinner Conversations
Strawberry Asparagus Salad Source: www.food.com
May is Strawberry Month, Asparagus Month, AND Salad Month. Let’s combine all three is this refreshing spring side!
Prep: 20 minutes Makes: 4 servings Ingredients:
2 c. chopped asparagus, cut in pieces and blanched 2 c. strawberries, sliced
Dressing:
¼ c. lemon juice 2 Tbs. vegetable oil 2 Tbs. honey Salt and pepper to taste.
Directions: 1. Toss asparagus and strawberries together in a bowl. 2. Combine the dressing ingredients and mix well. 3. Pour dressing over salad and toss. 4. Chill before serving. Garnish with fresh mint or basil.
How are the dinner conversations in your family? A well-worded question is the quickest way to connect after a long day. We call them starters because we imagine they will spark a deeper conversation about the things that matter to you. Each category contains a number of conversation starters that have worked well for us. Check out a few ideas from www.thefamilydinnerproject.org.
Let’s Get Physical… Be Smart About Your Health!
How many times each day do you look at your smartphone? Why not start using it to help track and improve your health and wellness? Here’s a short list of apps that can do just that. Get outside with REI's Trail Run Project app. While the sidewalks around town can be great to get in a few miles, trail running gets you on softer surfaces, meaning your knees don't take as much pounding. Open up REI's Trail Run Projects app to see just how many trails are near you, find loops, view images of the trail, and check out the elevation. The best part is that the app works offline, too, which is a life saver when you have zero service. There is no shortage of trails listed in every state, plus Canada, South America, Central America, and Europe. *(iOS and Android, free). Enjoy outdoor scenery on the treadmill with Treadmill Trails. If you're getting bored with watching the same Housewives reruns on the treadmill, download Treadmill Trails for follow-along videos of iconic runs. Hike the Appalachian trail in fall, run along the bluffs in Big Sur, or check out New York City's Central Park. Each silent video is 30 minutes long, meaning you can listen to your own music as you run along the river banks. (iOS and Android, $0.99).
Keep track of your interval and circuit workouts with the Seconds timer. High-intensity interval training is incredibly effective for burning fat and improving your cardiovascular health, and the Secondstimer app lets you know when to switch between the highintensity intervals and low-intensity intervals you specify ahead of time. You can also keep track of circuits. If you're doing, say, 20 seconds of push-ups and then 40 seconds of squat jumps, it'll let you know when to switch, so the only thing you have to think about is working hard during every rep. (iOS and Android, free). Use Sworkit to follow along with workout videos. Sworkit features video demos of noequipment strength, stretching, cardio, Pilates, and yoga routines. A trainer instructs and cues you through each move. The workouts are simple, straightforward, and easy to follow. Plus, premium users ($5/month) can also take advantage of custom six-week workout plans. (iOS and Android, free). Make working out a habit with Today, which uses a "don't break the chain" approach to keep you motivated. The Today app is the virtual version of a fitness advent calendar—except instead of popping out a stale-tasting chocolate each day, you mark off whether you completed the workout you had planned (or any habit you want to track, like sleeping eight hours or meeting your waterintake goal). It's insanely satisfying to see the little green boxes add up as you build consistency, and it also reminds you of your longest streak so you can stay encouraged to beat it. (iOS and Android, free). Source: www.self.com For more workout and fitness apps, go to http://www.self.com/story/best-new-workout-apps
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS NEWSLETTER
