There are many reasons to put asparagus on your plate this spring. It is not only delicious, but it is also low in calories and high in nutrition. It is fiber-rich, high in vitamins like folate and minerals such as potassium and chromium.

Healthy lifestyle behaviors like getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, exercising regularly, not smoking and eating a nutrient-rich diet are the best ways to maintain a robust immune system. These 6 vitamins and minerals can keep your immune system running in tip-top shape. And, remember, your body is better at absorbing these nutrients through food rather than supplements.

Yoga is going virtual until April 30th!

Cardiovascular activity, which is any activity that increases your heart rate, can improve sleep, reduce stress, increase lung capacity, strengthen your heart, and help burn fat.

Play bingo with the American Heart Association to continue our 2020 Heart Walk campaign and stay healthy at home.

Drinking water provides many benefits to the body including enhancing physical performance while exercising, boosting energy, and improving brain function. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 8 glasses (8 ounces each) of water per day, or at least 64 ounces daily. Here are a few tips to help you increase your water intake:

Do you know someone who has made a significant health or wellness achievement? Submit their name and why you think they should be nominated to Sara Pickett.

Did you know that EAP is available 24/7 to offer support to you and your household?

24/7 NurseLine

Melissa Hehmann, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator, will be onsite to answer your nutrition questions and support your wellness goals. Feel free to make an appointment via email at mhehmann@citizensenergygroup.com or introduce yourself when she visits.

Along with diet, exercise is key to losing and maintaining weight, but the amount you need is likely more than you think to support weight loss. In this 30 minute class, learn the types and amounts of exercise needed to lose weight and support weight maintenance.

Spring is upon us and so is an abundance of fresh produce from crisp lettuces, asparagus, leafy spring onions, fresh peas and green beans. Stop by on Thursday, March 12th at the Corporate or Langsdale locations during the times listed below to sample a spring recipe and take home additional recipes.

Did you know that Citizens will reimburse employees and spouses up to $100 for tobacco cessation products and/or therapies.Tobacco cessation programs are also offered to aid and support employees on their goals to quit. To access the Quit For Life Program go to Verve.Medikeeper.com.

Anthem has a new and improved app called, Sydney! You can think of it as the brains behind your health plan as it is designed to deliver a highly personalized, custom experience for you that is based on your plan, health-care needs and lots more!

We hope you enjoy this new format for the monthly Healthy Citizens wellness newsletter! Our goals for this new publication are to:

Please read this very carefully, as many commonly asked questions about health screenings can be answered by thoroughly reviewing this information. All employees are encouraged to participate in the annual health screenings. There is no charge for employees and spouses who are enrolled in Citizens’ medical plans. A $55 fee will be charged to those who are not enrolled in the medical plan. INCENTIVES As summarized in the 2020 Benefits Open Enrollment Guide: Participating employees who meet the goals as outlined in the 2020 Wellness Plan, will receive a medical insurance premium discount. Participating spouses who meet the goals outlined, will receive a $250 HSA deposit into your HSA account. INSTRUCTIONS Log into your account at medikeeper.com. If you did not set up an account last year, click on “Or click here to register” on the site, and use your Citizens Energy Group email address as your username. Schedule your appointment by clicking on “Scheduler” from the portal’s home page. The last opportunity to participate in the health screenings is Wednesday, April 29. There will NOT be any make-up screening. Spouses: Follow these same instructions above using your own email address as your username. Customer Service Employees: Please set up an account at verve.medikeeper.com, as outlined in step 1 above. Please contact your supervisor to schedule your appointment. If your spouse cannot attend the 2020 Health Screenings but would like the opportunity to qualify for the incentive, please contact Sara Pickett to receive a physician kit. Need help? More detailed instructions can be found HERE. Please note you will need to fast for 12 hours prior to your screening.

Looking for a quick and energy-packed snack? These heart-healthy, protein-rich energy bites fit the bill. Stop by on Thursday, February 13th at the Corporate or Langsdale locations during the times listed below to sample an energy ball and take home additional recipes.