MESD Staff Wellness Newsletter

Wellness begins with a single SPARK - and grows with every choice we make!

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fortunately, there are many healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices that people can engage in to help support healthy heart.

Review the Heart Healthy Steps by CDC and Million Lives

Check your MESD email to ensure you've registered for Wellable. Join fun individual/team challenges, track your healthy habits to earn points, watch on-demand videos, access hundreds of fun recipes, and more!

Social wellness focuses on cultivating belonging, connection, community, and healthy relationships across all MESD worksites and teams.

Physical wellness aims to support movement, fitness, nutrition, hydration, sleep, ergonomics, and overall physical health.

Promotion of personal and collective awareness through mindfulness, stress management, emotional reflection, and recognition of individual well-being needs.

Mindset Matters: Boost Your Brain

Workout your Brain (No Gym Membership Needed!): Think of your brain health like muscle health: use it or lose it. Incorporating small bursts of mental activity into your routine can help improve memory, focus, and cognitive resilience. Ideas:

• Card/board games and puzzles keep your mind sharp by improving strategy, recall, and problem-solving.
• Take a class or try a workshop! Learning new things helps build new neural pathways, strengthens memory and encourages critical thinking.
• Screen-free time - give your mind a break from constant notifications and scrolling. Unplugged moments improve focus and mental clarity.
• Feed your Brain Health: what you eat plays a major role in how well your brain functions. Add more of these to your plate:
• Omega-3s (fatty fish, nuts, seeds) are essential for brain cell structure and communication
• Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and chard, packed with folate and antioxidants that help protect against cognitive decline.
• Berries contain flavonoids shown to improve memory and support healthy aging.
• Whole grains, like oats or quinoa, deliver steady energy to help maintain focus throughout the day.

Caring for your brain doesn't require big changes. A daily puzzle, a few minutes away from your scree, and a plate full of colorful, nutrient-rich foods can go a long way in supporting long-term cognitive health. Your brain is a powerful organ - help it thrive!

Resources: Brain Exercises: 13 Ways to Boost Memory, Focus, and Mental Skills

Ensure employees have access to helpful tools, financial education, community services, and supportive programs that address everyday life needs.

This webinar provides a broad overview of Oregon’s public employee retirement plans and how retirement benefits are structured. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how their retirement plan works and what to consider when preparing for the future.

Click Here to Register through PD Networks.

1. MFS | Cash Oregon - Free tax preparation for individuals earning under $69,000 a year.
2. Portland Public Library - AARP Foundation Tax-Aide - Free tax filing by appointment
3. Multnomah County Library - Free workshops on tax basics.

Provide education, learning opportunities, and helpful information that empower employees to make informed choices while fostering safer, supportive, and comfortable work environments.

Explore the list of wellness resources (internal + community), bookmark each one so you know how to access them.

• MESD Wellness Website
• Save a mental health hotline
• Review Canopy Employee Assistance Resources - For employees and their household
• Explore fitness options through your medical plan - MODA or KAISER
• For those without MODA or Kaiser - Download Wellable for fitness resources