January 2023 Open Line
January 27, 2023
February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a time when everyone can focus on their heart health. This Friday, Feb. 3 is Wear Red Day. Wear red and encourage others to do the same. Help raise awareness that heart disease, largely preventable, is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Send in your wear red photos (with permission) to WFHT.TN@tn.gov by March 3. 💗
Upcoming Virtual Events
Every Thursday: Department of Education Meditation Break
Join us this Thursday, Feb. 2 from 11:15-11:30 a.m. CT
Give your mind a much-needed break with the Department of Education Wellness Council every Thursday on Microsoft Teams! You can expect a live-streamed meditation video handpicked by TDOE Wellness Council members.
Download the calendar series.
You can access all upcoming activities, webinars, and workouts at https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html.
Recipe of the Week
African Heritage and Health Week is celebrated in the first full week of February each year. Celebrate with this Vegan Slow Cooker Peanut Stew (Maafe-Inspired).
From the recipe author: "Maafe is a popular West African stew that originated in Mali but is also prepared in many other countries including (but not limited to) Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, and Mauritania. With a base consisting of tomatoes and ground nuts, maafe typically also contains meat and is served with rice, couscous, or sweet potatoes. Recipes vary greatly by chef and region, and can also include corn, peppers, paprika, carrots, onion, and leafy vegetables."
The sweet potatoes in this recipe are filled with vitamin A and one serving gives you more than the daily recommended amount of vitamin A. Vitamin A can be good for eye health, protective against cancer, and boost the immune system!
https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/soups/vegan-slow-cooker-peanut-stew--maafe-inspired-.html
January 20, 2023
Set a S.M.A.R.T. Goal With WFHTN
Many people use the new year as a time to set goals. Set a health or wellness S.M.A.R.T. Goal with WFHTN! Complete this S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting Worksheet and share it with us by March 31.
Ten participants chosen at random will win a prize!
Upcoming Virtual Events
Live WFHTN Panel: Meet the Experts
Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 12-12:30 p.m. CT
Join us on Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 12-12:30 p.m. CT for an interactive discussion where you'll have the chance to meet our team! Get some of your health and wellness questions answered by our experts. Submit your question(s) to
https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/wfhtn_january_panel_question_submission for consideration by Wednesday, Jan. 25!
Download calendar invite
You can access all upcoming activities, webinars, and workouts at https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html.
Recipe of the Week
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with these Chinese Chicken Dumplings. 🥟 Chinese dumplings are said to be more than 1,400 years old. The crescent-shaped dumplings served during Lunar New Year symbolize the brightness of the moon and the promise of a bright and prosperous year ahead.
https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/appetizers/chinese-chicken-dumplings.html
January 13, 2023
Financial Wellness Month
January is Financial Wellness Month! Are your finances fit? Is your budget trim? Do you have healthy savings? As a Tennessee State Government employee, you have access to financial wellness resources. Explore tips and articles to step up your financial know-how:
https://www.liveandworkwell.com?pin=Here4TN&redirectURL=/content/en/member/legal-financial/financial-fitness.html
Upcoming Virtual Events
Meditation Break with Nat
Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT
Give your mind a much-needed refresh with this live, virtual meditation break.
This class is brought to you by volunteer instructor and state employee Nat Chapman from the Department of Human Services in partnership with Working for a Healthier Tennessee.
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Live WFHTN Scavenger Hunt
Thursday, Jan. 19 from 10-10:30 a.m. CT
Join the hunt and learn more about Working for a Healthier Tennessee!
What to expect: Wellness Coordinator Morgan will lead the live scavenger hunt. We’ll use the platform Mentimeter. A link to join will be provided the day of the activity. Two participants chosen at random will win a prize!
Download calendar invite
You can access all upcoming activities, webinars and workouts at https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html.
Workout Your Brain!
Complete this Wellness Word Scramble by Jan. 31 for International Brain Teaser Month. Five participants chosen at random will win a prize!
Recipe of the Week
Jan. 19 is National Popcorn Day 🍿
This homemade popcorn is an easy, healthy snack. That's because it’s a whole grain. High-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and other health problems. Try out the popcorn and one or more of the homemade popcorn seasonings!
https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/snacks/brown-paper-bag-popcorn.html
https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/snacks/easy-homemade-popcorn-seasonings.html
January 6, 2023
Find Your Fitness Challenge
When you have fun while exercising, you’re more likely to make time for it. We can help you discover ways to be physically active that are fun for YOU!
Each week, your mission is to try something different. On the challenge worksheet, we’ll have tasks to get you started. After you have an opportunity to reflect on the week’s activity, you’ll rate your enjoyment level. Don’t worry about perfection. Give it your best effort, and don’t forget to have fun!
Visit https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/wfhtn_find_your_fitness_challenge to sign up for the optional Microsoft Teams chat and/or challenge communications by Friday, Jan. 6. You can also access the challenge tracker to participate on your own time: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/wfhtn/documents/wfhtn_find_your_fitness_challenge_worksheet_final.pdf
Upcoming Virtual Events
New! Dance Break!
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 11:45-12 p.m. CT
Join this 15-minute live, virtual dance class each week that’s fun for all fitness levels.
- Attire: Anything you can move in
- Equipment needed: Nothing, except plenty of space to move around
This class is brought to you by volunteer dance instructors and state employees Adrienne Hackney, Denise M. Galben, Kendra Thomas, Lara Gill and Robin Littlefield in partnership with Working for a Healthier Tennessee.
Download the calendar series at
https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html
(click Workouts to expand the menu)
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NEW Thursday Fitness Break Schedule
Thursday, Jan. 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 11-11:15 a.m. CT
Give your body a break with the Department of Children’s Services Wellness Council every Thursday on Microsoft Teams! You can expect a live-stream workout video handpicked by your DCS Wellness Council members
- Attire: Anything you can move in
- Equipment needed: Varies (None to light/medium hand weights.)
Download this calendar series (starting January 2023)
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WFHTN WANTS YOUR INPUT!
Live WFHTN Panel: Meet the Experts
Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 12-12:30 p.m. CT
Join Working for a Healthier TN on Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 12-12:30 p.m. CT for an interactive discussion where you'll have the chance to meet our team! Get some of your health and wellness questions answered by our experts. Submit your question(s) to
https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/wfhtn_january_panel_question_submission for consideration by Wednesday, Jan. 25!
Download calendar invite.
You can access all upcoming activities, webinars, and workouts at https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/challenges/wellness-events.html.