Head Start of Beaver County Hosts Wellness Training in March

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The staff of Head Start/Early Head Start of Beaver County participated in a wellness training day on Monday, March 13, 2023.  The morning consisted of staff participating in an icebreaker activity, a game and viewing a diversity, equity and inclusion video called, “Open Your Mind”.  Staff were also asked to write down activities, topics, and speakers that they would like to have on the agenda for future wellness days.  We heard from three speakers who were dynamic in their expertise on each topic.  Our first speaker was a State Farm Insurance Agent.  He spoke about the importance of having a life insurance policy outside of the one provided through an employer.  He emphasized that life insurance is personal and flexible, discussed the different types of life insurance products available, and he encouraged us to review our policy and update it based on family/life changes. He also shared that State Farm now has a product for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

April is designated as National Donate Life Month.  A representative from CORE (Center for Organ Recovery and Education), talked about the history of organ transplantation specifically in reference to Dr. Thomas Starzl, who is credited with the first liver transplant in 1963, which was unsuccessful, but later had success in 1967 with the first simultaneous liver and heart transplant.  The presenter dispelled some myths and provided the criteria to be eligible to donate organs and tissue.  There are 110,000 people across the nation waiting for a transplant.  Only one percent of donors are usually able to donate organs due to the strict criteria.  The odds show we are ten times more likely to need a donation, than be a donor.  One person can save the lives of as many as eight people through organ donation and heal the lives of as many as 75 people through tissue donation.  Staff were encouraged to consider registering to be a donor and talk to families about their decisions.

A member of the Health Services Advisory Committee, from Heritage Valley Health System presented information on Diabetes Prevention.  She provided information on the two types of diabetes, what we can do to prevent or slow the progression of diabetes, and the risk factors that may put you at a higher risk of developing diabetes.  She discussed what it means to eat healthy following Myplate guideline, eating whole grains and limiting sodium intake, processed foods and fried foods.  It is important to be active for at least 150 minutes per week and make it fun!  Everyone took a Prediabetes Risk Test and received a Starter Walking Plan to build up our walking stamina.

The afternoon schedule included a healthy lunch.  Each staff person received a wellness bag filled with goodies that included a water bottle, pedometer, inspirational coloring book, first aid kit and program t-shirts to name a few items.  Once the bags were distributed, it was time to make candles with Pappy’s Candles.  All staff had an opportunity to select a scent or mix scents to create a special handcrafted wood wick candle and give it a name.  It was a relaxing, informative and fun day!  We closed the day with a video from our Gear Up for Kindergarten Day that was held a week prior.  It was great to see a slide show of photos with children and staff having a great time as we collaborated with the school districts to prepare for kindergarten. We are looking forward to planning more wellness days for staff in the near future and maybe we will can capture the day with a slide show as well.

 

 

 

 

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