San Leandro Unified
Employee Wellness
Newsletter

Welcome to Happier January!

Let's start the new year happier together. 

Click here to download and print the calendar.

Like the Wellness Calendar? There's an app for that!

Download the FREE Action for Happiness app for iOS or Android here and make your phone another spot for happiness inspiration!

Ten Tips to Keep Work From Taking Over Your Life


When work and life feel like they're in conflict, we can set boundaries and take steps toward better work-life integration. Learn more here.

January is National Blood Donor Month

Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Visit the American Red Cross Blood Services website to find blood drives near you to participate in an easy and gratifying way to contribute to your community.

Strength Training at Work? Try the Water Bottle Workout!

Looking to add easy exercise at work? Have two water bottles nearby? Try these low-impact seated exercises!

Get Help When You Need it!


At times, we might need mental health or other support. SLUSD partners with Claremont EAP and Care Solace to support our collective well-being, including you and your family. If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health and would like help, take the first step today:


1. Claremont Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Call 800-834-3773 if your need is urgent, or visit their website at: https://www.claremonteap.com/


2. Care Solace: Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in any language. Visit www.caresolace.com/slusdfamilies and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Learn about risk factors during Glaucoma Awareness Month

Not all glaucoma risk factors can be prevented. Some are due to age, family history, ethnicity, or other things out of your control. However, detecting glaucoma as early as possible can prevent significant damage.

Read more here.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in people over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. This video discusses the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancer. Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.

How to Make Sure You Keep Growing and Learning


Small, everyday experiments can help us reach our goals and get better at the skills that are important to us.


Read more here.

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Lyka Zanipatin


Previous SLUSD Pet of the Month returns to welcome in 2023


Long-time wellness newsletter readers may remember this husky beauty from many issues past, but we couldn't resist the paw-sitive way Lyka greeted the first light of the new year by walking her owner in the Hayward Hills!


We want to see your pets and hear their stories! Send your photos to communications@slusd.us and win an unlimited year of cheek-scratching!

Vegan Vegetable Korma


Cashews are blended with dates and seasoned sautéed onions to create a luscious, full-bodied vegan curry sauce in this hearty, warmly spiced korma, which takes just 30 minutes to come together. Serve curry over whole grains such as brown rice or whole wheat vegan naan.


Ingredients

  • ¼ cup raw cashews
  • 2 dates (any variety), pitted
  • 2 onions, chopped (2 cups)
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 small bay leaf
  • 6 oz. fresh green beans, cut into ½-inch pieces (1 cup)
  • 1 cup sliced carrots (¼-inch-thick slices)
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Steamed grains or whole wheat naan


Instructions

  1. In a small bowl combine cashews, dates, and ½ cup warm water. Let soak 20 minutes.
  2. In a saucepan combine the next six ingredients (through bay leaf). Cook over medium 7 to 10 minutes or until onions are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Remove and discard bay leaf.
  3. Meanwhile, place beans, carrots, and bell pepper in a steamer basket in a large saucepan. Add water to saucepan to just below basket. Bring to boiling. Steam, covered, 5 to 7 minutes or until tender.
  4. Drain cashews and dates. Place in a blender. Add cooked onion mixture and the next four ingredients (through cayenne). Cover and blend to a paste, adding water, 1 to 2 Tbsp. at a time, as needed to reach desired consistency.
  5. Pour paste into saucepan. Add 1 cup water. Bring to boiling. Add steamed vegetables and peas. Cook 3 to 5 minutes more or until peas are tender. Season with salt. Stir in lime juice. Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve over steamed grains or with naan.


(Credit: Forks over Knives)

Vegan Grapefruit Loaf


This Vegan Grapefruit Loaf is simple to make and perfect for citrus season!


Ingredients

FOR THE LOAF:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of cane sugar (or regular white sugar)
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil (or other neutral-tasting oil)
  • 3/4 cups of plant-based milk
  • 1/2 cup of vegan yogurt, preferably plain but vanilla flavored also works
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  • 1/4 cup of grapefruit juice
  • Zest of 1/2 of a large grapefruit, roughly 1 tablespoon total
  • optional for topping: fresh grapefruit slices

FOR THE FROSTING:

  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoon of grapefruit juice
  • 1 teaspoon of grapefruit zest


Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: oil, milk, yogurt, vanilla, grapefruit juice, and zest. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and mix gently until just combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes. It’s done when it’s a nice golden color on the outside, and a toothpick entered into the center comes out clean. Let cool most of the way before frosting.
  5. Make the frosting by whisking together the powdered sugar, juice, and zest. Drizzle over the loaf, serve and ENJOY!


(Credit: Food with Feeling)

January 15-21 is Healthy Weight Week!

What to Do When You Get a Pay Raise: 12 Tips

Looking for ideas on how to allocate new money in 2023? Here are some suggestions from our friends at SoFi to strengthen your financial wellness!


Read more here.

San Leandro Unified School District | communications@slusd.us | www.slusd.us