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The OEA Choice Trust blog is one more way for us to connect with school employees! Once or twice a month the blog will be updated with a new post featuring the latest in the science of well-being. Guest writers from other health and well-being organizations will also be invited to share their expertise. Please check back monthly or sign up for announcements from the Trust to be notified about new posts!
The Interconnectedness of School Employee Wellness During a Crisis
How does School Employee Wellness (SEW) fit in our current reality? Jess Lawrence, director of Cairn Guidance and former keynote speaker at the Oregon School Employee Wellness Conference, hosted a webinar to help school employees in our state connect some dots. Many...
Healthy Eating: What does it mean to you?
This post was written by guest bloggers Crista Hawkins, RDN and Erin Hirte, RDN of Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council and Jennifer Young, MPH, EdD, RDN of Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs. We all come to the table with our own traditions,...
Humor and Well-being
As the saying goes, “Laughter is the best medicine,” but does humor really improve well-being? The short answer is yes, humor can positively impact our physical and emotional well-being. The Benefits of Humor Laughter can have many benefits on our everyday...
The Role of Leadership in PPS NS Wellness Program
*Quotes are all captured from an interview with Whitney Ellersick, Nutrition Services Director of Portland Public Schools. The Portland Public Schools Nutrition Services (PPS NS) Department is in its third year of a pilot project with OEA Choice Trust. The...
Music Improves Staff Well-being, Student Performance
*Note: This post was written with assistance from psychologist and research scientist Dr. B Grace Bullock. Some days, all we need is peace and quiet. Other times, music can be a very helpful tool for boosting our well-being. Music can positively affect our emotional...
Gut Health and Probiotics
Many of us celebrate the upcoming holidays with food, and shared meals are a wonderful way to improve social and emotional well-being and build a sense of community. During these celebrations, it’s not uncommon to indulge a little more than normal. Keep reading for...
Gathering Data to Inform Your Wellness Program
When creating a School Employee Wellness (SEW) program, it’s important to survey all staff before diving into program planning! Employee engagement is key to a successful wellness program. One of the best ways to get continued engagement from staff is to tailor the...
Building Resiliency in the Workforce
This blog post was written by Asta Garmon, OEA Choice Trust’s School Employee Wellness (SEW) Program Manager. The SEW Grant program is one way OEA Choice Trust serves public school employees in Oregon. School Employee Well-being and Resilience Here at OEA...
Healthy Fun in the Sun – Sunscreen and Vitamin D
Summer is here, and with it comes fun activities like days in the park, stand up paddle boarding, floating in the river, camping and barbecues! It’s important to use sunscreen consistently while playing outside. Sunscreen protects your skin, the body’s largest organ,...
3 New Grantee Success Stories
Have you ever wondered how OEA Choice Trust grantees use grant funds to develop and implement efficient, inclusive and sustainable School Employee Wellness programs? OEA Choice Trust Success Stories were developed to feature school employee wellness journeys and...