DHHS Wellness at Work

Suzanna Young
DHHS Wellness Director

Snacking at work

It's two hours until lunch and your stomach is growling. You need something to eat—NOW. Do you make a fast trip to the vending machine in your building? Or did you forget to bring your lunch and then depend on a package of crackers and a soda to get you through the day? Everyone knows this is not a healthy way to eat, but lack of time and convenience often make us turn to vending machines when we are hungry.

Typical vending selections are high in sugar, simple carbohydrates, fat, and calories. Providing employees access to healthier snack options is a priority for DHHS wellness committees and the Division of Services for the Blind, which oversees vending contracts for state agency buildings. The goal is to offer at least five healthier snack options in each vending machine, as well as water and 100% juice in drink machines.

How employees can help improve snack options

Employees can make better snack selections and help their wellness committees ensure that healthier items are included in vending machines by:

• Reading labels and becoming more aware of the nutritional and caloric content of snack items;
• Letting wellness committee members know what types of healthier snack items they would purchase so wellness committees can convey this information to the vendor;
• Purchasing the healthier snack items—employees must realize that vendors cannot afford to continue to stock items that do not sell well on a regular basis; and
• In buildings without refrigerated vending, helping their wellness committees organize honor-system fresh fruit baskets.

For healthy snack ideas go to: www.myeatsmartmovemore.com/

Can between-meal munchies be prevented?

Eating a breakfast and lunch that is low in sugar and simple carbohydrates and includes some protein can prevent swings in blood sugar levels that cause hunger pangs between meals.

Include a slice of lean meat, an egg, peanut butter, cheese or yogurt; fruit rather than juice; vegetables; and whole-grain bread or cereals at meals. A more balanced selection at meals can help reduce hunger and prevent overeating between meals.

Staff at MMIS enjoy a healthy snack-tasting event planned by their wellness committee.

Have you taken a health risk assessment yet?

The health risk assessment (HRA) is a great way to become more aware of health risks and what can help reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions.
It takes only 15 minutes to complete the free confidential HRA. After taking the HRA, you will receive instant feedback on your individual health risks and you can choose from a variety of health resources for your needs.
N.C. State Health Plan members should go to www.statehealthplan.state.nc.us.

Employees who are not members of the State Health Plan can take a free personal health risk assessment at www.fittogethernc.org/HRA.aspx.

Plan Members: Complete your Health Plan Assessment by Sept. 30 and be entered in a drawing to win one of 20 $150 Food Lion gift certificates!!

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Last Modified: July 31, 2006