The Governor's Wellness Award application is now OPEN!!

Go to https://www.pphd.ne.gov/pwwc.html to access the application.

The Governor's Wellness Award was developed to help organizations of all sizes across the state of Nebraska become recognized for their wellness efforts. The Governor's Wellness Award has recognized 517 companies since 2008 for their wellness achievements, with several companies receiving the award more than once. We are proud to be the administrators and facilitators of this evidence-based awards process.

All organizations or schools complete one application! Based on how many points are earned will depend on which award level your organization or school will receive.

What is the cost to apply?

There is no cost to apply.

How and when will our company be recognized?

All award recipients will be formally notified by the Governor and receive a framed certificate. You will be recognized publicly and award recipients will be listed on the State of Nebraska websites. The State of Nebraska will issue periodic press releases announcing award recipients. A media release will be provided in your award packets for use with your local media.

Contact Nicole at nberosek@pphd.ne.gov to learn more or ask questions.

Please join us for the wellness chat on April 11, 2024, via ZOOM or in person (Sidney Regional Medical Center- SRMC - Behavioral Health Office, 610 Glover Road, Suite #3, Sidney, NE 69162), to learn more regarding Everyday Diversity and OSHA updates.

The ZOOM link is found here.

Click here to download the image.

If you’re 45 years or older, the time to get screened for colorectal cancer is now! Talk to your doctor about what screening test option is right for you. Regular Screening can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum) so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening can find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, and Nebraska ranks 41st for screening rates, but we can do better. Get screened today!​

Colon cancer develops with few, if any, symptoms at first. If symptoms are present, they may include:

• Blood in or on the stool
• A change in bowel habits
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• General, unexplained stomach discomfort
• Frequent gas, pains, or indigestion
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic fatigue



These symptoms can also be associated with other health conditions. If you have any of the symptoms, discuss them with your healthcare provider. Only your healthcare provider, through testing, can determine why you're having these symptoms.

Sources: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Colon-Screening.aspx; https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/index.htm

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes National Nutrition Month to help individuals learn how to make informed choices about their food. Start healthy habits this month by using the FDA’s tools and tips to help you make nutritious choices that last all year long!

Consider kickstarting healthy habits in your own life:

• Plan weekly meals ahead of time by writing out the ingredients needed for each meal.
• Look at the nutritional facts labels when grocery shopping to compare the ingredients of different foods.
• Use MyPlate.gov to create healthy, complete meals that cover all five food groups.
• Review the calorie labeling on menus to help inform about healthful decisions about meals and snacks.
• Eat smart by monitoring calorie intake and portion sizes.

https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/national-nutrition-monthr#:~:text=Join%20the%20U.S.%20Food%20and,that%20last%20all%20year%20long!

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We all know sleep is important, but what are tips for good sleep?

• Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, including weekends.
• Keep the bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable temperature.
• Remove electronic devices from the bedroom.
• Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
• Be active during the day to help you fall asleep at night.

Why is sleep so important? Lack of sleep is linked to several chronic diseases and conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Depression

One (1) in three (3) adults don’t get enough sleep, which is 7+ hours of sleep per night. As you can see there are many reasons to get enough quality sleep, so make sure you make it a priority.

https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/sleep.htm

If your organization would like to schedule an on-site fingerstick health screening, please contact Nicole at nberosek@pphd.ne.gov.

Flu, RSV, and COVID immunizations significantly reduce the risk of developing severe respiratory complications and hospitalization, ultimately protecting against avoidable illness or death. They also reduce strain on healthcare resources and the workforce.

Most insurance covers these important immunizations because of the promising results against severe disease but be sure to check with your insurance provider. PPHD accepts most insurance and offers free Vaccines for Children (VFC), Vaccines for Adults, and Bridge Access Program (BAP) to support some vaccines. Call your local vaccine provider or PPHD at 308-633-2866 before going to confirm if you or your family are eligible for one of these free vaccine programs. 

Click here to download the FLU image.

Click here to download the RSV image.

Click here to download the COVID image.

Did you see the latest influenza news release? If not, please review the release using this link.

Click here for the Luck of the Irish image above.

Click here for the Shamrock and Roll image above.

Click here to download the employee wellness image above.

Click here to download the mini-grant image above.

Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) is partnering with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) to offer youth-led mental health and tobacco-free mini-grants. All information is below. Please contact Nicole at nberosek@pphd.ne.gov for more information.

Youth-Led Mini-Grants:

• Mental health initiatives: An opportunity for prevention, education, and hope through action
• The mini-grants are geared towards Panhandle students who want to lead initiatives to help decrease stigma around mental health and/or tobacco/vaping prevention in the community in which they live and learn.
• Up to five (5) mini-grants can be awarded with up to $1,000 per project. Please note, that each project must have a teacher or advisor to help support student efforts.
• Grant opens today, 2/5/24, and closes Friday, March 15^th.
• See the attached document for additional information. If you have questions, please reach out.

Youth-Led Tobacco Prevention Mini-Grants:

• Youth-led tobacco prevention mini grant’s purpose is to draw public awareness to the impacts of youth use of tobacco.
• Youth will design a project that can address a variety of issues from how flavored tobacco impacts the increase in the use of tobacco products, the environmental impacts of tobacco in your neighborhood, and looking at current tobacco control policies that would assist in the reduction of tobacco use in the state of Nebraska.
• The youth-led events will be shared with public service announcements such as videos, digital billboards, and other creative means to share statewide on social media channels and on the No Limits Nebraska website.
• Funds must be spent before 4/30/24.
• The application is found here. Additional information is also attached. 

Basecamp

2024 Council Promotional Calendar is now on Basecamp! Click HERE to visit the Worksite Wellness Basecamp.

Interested in receiving additional Worksite Wellness information? You can find all the Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council (PWWC) documents and information on Basecamp. Check out our video to learn more about Basecamp: https://www.powtoon.com/c/b2ubYtnQ8bx/1/m. If you have questions or comments, please reach out by emailing nberosek@pphd.ne.gov.

Building healthy relationships is a process that requires mutual understanding, effective communication, and a commitment to growth. When individuals prioritize open and honest communication, it fosters an environment where both partners feel heard and valued. Trust is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, and is cultivated through transparency and reliability. Mutual respect, kindness, and empathy are essential traits that contribute to a positive dynamic, creating a space where individuals can express themselves authentically without fear of judgment. 

To guide you on this journey of building healthy relationships, we've compiled a set of resources designed to learn more about the traits of a strong relationship and provide practical strategies for fostering connection. 



Check out more at https://pphd.crediblemind.com/.