Wichita Public Schools Wellness Initiatives

Contact:  Angela Peters, Manager        973-4737
              Julie Stiebner, Assistant        973-4745


HEALTH PLAN WELLNESS OPTION

As of January 1, 2010, all employees enrolled in the USD 259 Health insurance plan will begin paying a $240 per year Annual Premium. The Annual premium can be waived by participating in 4 Wellness activities during the plan year. A list of approved wellness activities are in this document. 

We will offer Tobacco Cessation classes this Spring, and we will continue with the TOPS Healthy Living program.  The  Health Eating Webinar is handy for employees who like to participate in web-based programs, and enjoy the interactive conversations with other group members about improving eating habits. 

This Calendar of Wellness Activities includes more district activities that have been scheduled for 2010. This list may be updated during the year, so please come back and visit this site.

Coventry has created a Health Assessment page for any employee to chart their current health levels, and use this tool to continue to monitor these levels. This tool can be used as one of the 4 Wellness activities used to waive the health premium. . Coventry Health Assessment Instructions

Employees waiving the health premium will be subject to audit to verify participation in these activities.


WICHITA AREA WALKS AND RUNS FOR 2010
Employees can earn Wellness activity credits for participating in any of these Wichita area walks or runs. Please contact the sponsor with questions or to register for an event.
Wichita Area Wellness Activities: Walks, Runs, Bike events


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More great activities to improve your personal wellness

We have found several activities that anyone can use to help start your own wellness program.
101 ways to De-Stress. We all need to decompress from a busy day. Try one of these suggestions.
Small Steps to Increase Your Physical Activity  will give you ideas on how to get more activity in your day.
How about some exercises to help get you through the winter, and ready for the activity the Spring months will bring. Flexibility Exercises will get you started!

Speaking of flexibility: Don't forget to try the CHAIR YOGA exercises in the video link at the bottom of this page.  You can do these short exercises at your desk when you need a quick break!

TheraBands are an elastic resistance tool to use for increased strength, mobility and function. Use the TheraBand for stretching exercises and balance training among other uses.
TheraBand Instructions
TheraBand Precautions
TheraBand Exercises
VitaBand Exercises

We found a website with short "No Time to Work Out" workout videos. These are 2-3 minutes in length and are a quick way to get some stretching in during your day. Here is a great example

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FIT, FAST, ON A DIME - COOKING WITH USD 259

Students teaching Students about good nutrition. What a great opportunity for collaboration between several departments in the district!  "Fit, Fast, On a Dime - Cooking with USD 259" was conceived as a way to promote good nutrition for staff and students alike. Employee Benefits, USD 259 Nutrition Services, and Media Production Services developed a plan to involve FACS students in producing videos showing fellow students how to create fast, easy, nutritious meals on a small budget. This program was made possible by a grant from the Sedgwick County Health and Wellness Coalition.

The FACS students and teachers created the recipes, and Media Production taped the sessions to run on the USD 259 channel 20 and on the web. The recipes and videos are available here:
East High School Recipes
Heights High School Recipes
North High School Recipes
Northwest High School Recipes
South High School Recipes
Southeast High School Recipes
West High School Recipes

The streaming videos for each cooking show are available on the USD 259 streaming video website at http://www.usd259.com/news/streaming/Special+Programs.htm. Enjoy!

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WELLNESS NEWSLETTERS

Learn more about Employee Health Fairs, Wellness Credits, etc. from these newsletters.

Feb-March 2010 Wellness Newsletter
Wellness Newsletter Dec-Jan 2010
Oct-Nov Wellness Newsletter
Wellness Newsletter for Aug-Sept 2009

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CHAIR YOGA - for your health!
The Greater Wichita YMCA has created a Chair Yoga video and has generously made it available to district employees.  This is a 10 minute video that you can use any time you need to "recharge". 
This video may not be appropriate for everyone. If you are experiencing muscle or joint pain contact your physician.

CHAIR YOGA

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                                                Healthy Kansas!

The "Healthy Kansas" program is a challenge for all Kansans to improve their own physical health. This website has great information for everyone, including health tips, safe drug information, and a Healthy Kansas Pledge.
Healthy Kansas website

                        U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Pyramid website

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is promoting a "healthier you" with a website featuring the Food Pyramid.  Go to www.mypyramid.gov  to get specific information on healthy foods, dietary guidelines, etc. Challenge yourself: Enter your data into MyPyramidPlan and get your personalized "Steps to a Healthier You".