Beacon Health | Focus On You | Spring 2021

Spring 2021 ON YOU A health guide for members of our Northern Light Employee Health Plan Beacon Health Dolores Foster, CIS Analyst, Northern Light EMMC, could write a book about the value of self-care and friendships. To meet her for the first time today, you’d never imagine that five years ago she weighed 190 pounds more, had several chronic illnesses, and took copious amounts of medication to keep them under control. “For the first time in my life, I’m in a ‘normal’ size body, and I’m no longer classified as overweight or morbidly obese!” she says. Paying attention to how her body feels and recognizing when it’s off is just as important as eating right. During the pandemic, Foster’s ten- to 12-hour desk job was starting to take its toll on her neck and shoulders. Her massage therapist was closed due to COVID-19, so she was grateful for Virtual Wellness Classes—she could participate from anywhere! “Kristine’s stretch and breathe break—after just ten minutes, it’s amazing how much better I feel, and not only with my physical body—my mind is in a better place as well,” says Foster. The breath work and meditation help with anxiety too. Wellness, for Foster, is a daily commitment. Each day starts and ends the same—planning her meals, measuring serving sizes, and staying true to what is serving her well. She knows what’s at stake. “I do this because I am happy, and I want to keep playing with my grandchildren, having energy, and doing things that make me feel good—it’s not a sacrifice, it’s a way of life.” Our Wellness experts are here to help you! Family members on the Plan can join too! Learn about our virtual wellness programs and find one that fits your needs and schedule! Visit morehealth.org/virtualwellnessprograms to register for a class today. 1 Choose to Lose Program: An eight-week virtual program 2 Weekly Virtual Wellness Classes • Monday 4:30 pm: Greatest HIIT’S. Join Dani Reardon for a 30-minute strength and cardio interval-style class to start your week off on the right foot. • Tuesday 2 pm: Deep Breathing and Stretch Break . Join Kristine Taylor for 15 minutes of light stretching and deep breathing exercises to help round out your day. • Wednesday 9 am: Rise and Shine Yoga. Join Cara Miller for a 20-minute gentle yoga workout to start your day and increase your flexibility. • Wednesday 11:30 am: 15 Minutes of Self-Care. Join Lynn DeGrenier for a weekly conversation about the importance of self- care and how to maintain your health. 3 Health coaching: Email beaconwellness@northernlight.org stating your interest, and one of our coaches will reach out to you to set up your first appointment. ‘It’s a way of life’ Wellness helps the mind and body

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzIxMDA=