Employee Wellness Month – You Matter! Be Healthy

Welcome!

County of San Mateo’s Employee Wellness Program has created a safe space for employees, retirees, and their families to process changes, losses, and challenges of the last few years, H.E.A.L., and find hope for a brighter, healthier future. Join wellness experts, movement therapists, the Wellness Team, and clinicians for 40 sessions that facilitate reflection, connection, and teach new skills on County time with Supervisor approval.

H.E.A.L

Hummingbirds are known for their high energy levels and agility, symbolizing vitality and the importance of staying active. This represents the encouragement of regular exercise, nutritious eating, and overall healthy habits to maintain energy and well-being.

Hummingbirds are pollinators, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping plants reproduce. This symbolizes the importance of interaction and connection, encouraging employees to form meaningful relationships, participate in group activities, and support one another.

The hummingbird’s ability to hover and move with precision highlights mindfulness and being fully present. This aligns with the awareness aspect, where employees are encouraged to be mindful of their emotions, accept their current state, and be present in their experiences.

The hummingbird’s flight and agility represent aspiration, freedom, and the pursuit of goals. This ties into the lift-off aspect, encouraging employees to look towards the future with hope, find their life purpose, and use their healthy habits to build resilience and achieve their goals.

H

Healthy Habits

E

Exchange

A

Awareness

The hummingbird's ability to hover and move with precision highlights mindfulness and being fully present. This aligns with the awareness aspect, where employees are encouraged to be mindful of their emotions, accept their current state, and be present in their experiences.

L

Lift Off

The hummingbird's flight and agility represent aspiration, freedom, and the pursuit of goals. This ties into the lift-off aspect, encouraging employees to look towards the future with hope, find their life purpose, and use their healthy habits to build resilience and achieve their goals.

Workshops

All workshops are on County time with supervisor approval.

Legends for H.E.A.L

Topic	Date	Description	Time	Event Location	Registration
Kickoff with Coffee 'n' Callagy Theme: Exchange Facilitator(s): Mike Callagy	8/19	CEO Mike Callagy is kicking off the Wellness Fair! Swing by for a complimentary cup of coffee while learning more about the exciting Wellness Fair activities ahead. Enjoy coffee, conversation, and connection with coworkers over fun ice breakers and opportunities to meet Wellness Buddies who share similar interests with you. Set intentions to support your personal health and well-being needs, meet new people you don't normally work with, and have fun attending Wellness Fair sessions with each other over the next two weeks!	9 - 10 a.m.	County Center Courtyard, Redwood City
Work of Art Challenge Theme: Lift Off Facilitator(s): N/A	4-Week Challenge: 8/19 - 9/15 Registration Starts 8/5 Registration Ends 8/26	Join this exciting 4-week challenge about the art of living an emotionally healthy life. Within a few weeks, you will learn the skills to build emotional fitness, including ways to foster resilience and boost happiness. All participants also have the option to create or join a team!	N/A	Online
Healing Power of Nature Theme: Awareness Facilitator(s): Kaiser	8/19	Explore the health benefits of blue and green spaces, and nature therapy.	10 - 10:45 a.m.	Zoom
Headspace App Demo - Feeling Overwhelmed	8/19	Explore quick meditations from Headspace- a free app through Kaiser and Aetna- that are designed for moments of intense stress with titles such as "SOS Mini Meditation".	11 - 11:20 a.m. and 5 - 5:20 p.m.	Zoom	11 - 11:20 a.m. and 5 - 5:20 p.m.
Sun Salutation Rooftop Yoga Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Jen	8/20	Learn standing yoga stretches on the rooftop of the 7-Story County Center Garage! Please bring a mat or towel. Open to all levels. Please complete this physical activity waiver prior to attending if you haven't done so already: https://smcgov.okta.com/app/cornerstone/exk19ruldt4R1v6XJ1d8/sso/saml?RelayState=LMS/LoDetails/DetailsLo.aspx?loId=fabb1c2e-95dd-4062-9503-9d80de79ed7f	7 - 7:45 a.m.	Top Floor of New County Center Garage
Healthy Habits Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Nicole	8/20	This Healthy Habits session is designed to help individuals adopt and maintain lifestyle practices that enhance overall well-being and longevity. Covering essential nutrition, physical activity and exercise, stress management, and the importance of sleep, this course provides practical strategies and actionable steps in forming healthy habits around these topics.	11 - 11:45 a.m.	Zoom
Noontime Healing Yoga Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Jen	8/20	Join us to learn standing yoga poses! This class will be held between the Old County Garage 555 County Center. Open to all levels. Please complete this physical activity waiver prior to attending if you haven't done so already: https://smcgov.okta.com/app/cornerstone/exk19ruldt4R1v6XJ1d8/sso/saml?RelayState=LMS/LoDetails/DetailsLo.aspx?loId=fabb1c2e-95dd-4062-9503-9d80de79ed7f	12 - 12:30 p.m.	Between Old County Garage and 555 County Center
Ikigai - A Journey into the Japanese Secret to Living a Purpose-Filled Life Theme: Lift Off Facilitator(s): Conrad Fernandes	8/20	This session will cover the Japanese concept of ikigai! Ikigai is a concept that combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” and gai, meaning “worth.” When combined, these terms mean that which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose. Ikigai can help one find their “reason for being.” We will engage in thoughtful discussion, creative exercises and explore our own personal ikigai in a safe and welcoming environment.	2 - 2:45 p.m.	455 County Center, Redwood City, Rm. 101
Men's Health Theme: Awareness Facilitator(s): The Chad	8/21	Join us for an enlightening Men's Mental Health Awareness session, dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by men. This class aims to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health, encourage open dialogue, and provide a supportive enviornment for maintaining mental well-being.	12 - 12:30 p.m.	Zoom
Band Together	8/21	**This class is open to the first 20 people who register. Please only register if you are certain you can attend. Wor out your large muscle group using an exercise band. Attendees will receive a resistance band to take home! Please complete this physical activity waiver prior to attending if you haven't done so already: https://smcgov.okta.com/app/cornerstone/exk19ruldt4R1v6XJ1d8/sso/saml?RelayState=LMS/LoDetails/DetailsLo.aspx?loId=fabb1c2e-95dd-4062-9503-9d80de79ed7f	12:30 - 1 p.m.	2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Atrium Room
POP Stress Now: Pause, Observe, Proceed Theme: Awareness Facilitator(s): Terre Passero	8/21	What decisions have you made when you were frustrated or overwhelmed? How about conversations, texts, meetings you’ve contributed to when you were irritated? How did it go? When we react to everyday situations from stress reactivity, we may make poor decisions creating additional stress. In this workshop you will learn how to calm the nervous system in seconds as you move through the day, enabling you to focus, collaborate, and make decisions that you don’t have to apologize for later.	1 - 1:45 p.m.	Zoom
Coping with Change Theme: Awareness Facilitator(s): Kaiser	8/22	Build coping skills with uncertainty and times of change, such as a new job, marriage, death, or new parent.	10 - 10:45 a.m.	Zoom
Band Together	8/22	Wor out your large muscle group using an exercise band. Attendees will receive a resistance band to take home! Please complete this physical activity waiver prior to attending if you haven't done so already: https://smcgov.okta.com/app/cornerstone/exk19ruldt4R1v6XJ1d8/sso/saml?RelayState=LMS/LoDetails/DetailsLo.aspx?loId=fabb1c2e-95dd-4062-9503-9d80de79ed7f	11 - 11:30 a.m.	455 County Center, Redwood City, Rm. 101
Downtown Redwood City Art Tour Theme: Lift Off Facilitator(s): Jason "Gadget" Newblanc	8/22	Put on your walking shoes and take a guided tour of Redwood City’s downtown public art collection! Visit more than 10 artworks, hear the backstories, discover some of Redwood City’s hidden gems, and discuss/debate what makes good art. Along the way, you learn about some of Redwood City’s history, as reflected in the art, as well as the process of commissioning art in public spaces. Your tour guide is an artist, a world-wide explorer of street art, a Redwood City resident of 25 years, a participant in some of Redwood City’s art communities, and has spent over 15 years championing, establishing, and growing Redwood City’s public art program. This walking tour is 1 hour for the first 10 people who register.	11 a.m. - 12 p.m.	County Center Courtyard
Band Together	8/22	**This class is open to the first 10 people who register. Please only register if you are certain you can attend. Wor out your large muscle group using an exercise band. Attendees will receive a resistance band to take home! Please complete this physical activity waiver prior to attending if you haven't done so already: https://smcgov.okta.com/app/cornerstone/exk19ruldt4R1v6XJ1d8/sso/saml?RelayState=LMS/LoDetails/DetailsLo.aspx?loId=fabb1c2e-95dd-4062-9503-9d80de79ed7f	11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.	801 Gateway Blvd. , South San Francisco, Bay View Room
Band Together	8/22	**This class is open to the first 10 people who register. Please only register if you are certain you can attend. Wor out your large muscle group using an exercise band. Attendees will receive a resistance band to take home! Please complete this physical activity waiver prior to attending if you haven't done so already: https://smcgov.okta.com/app/cornerstone/exk19ruldt4R1v6XJ1d8/sso/saml?RelayState=LMS/LoDetails/DetailsLo.aspx?loId=fabb1c2e-95dd-4062-9503-9d80de79ed7f	12:15 - 12:45 p.m.	2415 University Ave. #3, East Palo, 3rd Floor Conference Room
What’s on Your Plate? Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Amanda Kocher	8/22	Making real change is all about you, head to toe. Eating healthier isn't a walk in the park, it needs time, effort, focus - and getting in touch with your inner self. Learn how to look at the bigger picture of your life in order to see where the real change needs to happen.	12 - 12:45 p.m.	Zoom
Pickleball Open Play Theme: Exchange Facilitator(s): Wellness Team (Alysa and Nicole)	8/23	Join coworkers to play the exciting sport of Pickleball! Pickleball is a fast-growing, beginner-friendly sport on a court slightly smaller than a tennis court. It tends to be easier on the body and knees than tennis and has more close-up shots at the no-volley zone. There are many free public courts throughout the peninsula and surrounding areas. Please bring a pickleball paddle, comfortable clothes, athletic shoes, and water. Balls will be provided. There is no cost to attend this event. Please complete this physical activity waiver prior to attending if you haven't done so already: https://smcgov.okta.com/app/cornerstone/exk19ruldt4R1v6XJ1d8/sso/saml? RelayState=LMS/LoDetails/DetailsLo.aspx?loId=fabb1c2e-95dd-4062-9503-9d80de79ed7f	8 a.m. - 12 p.m.	Leo J. Ryan Park, Foster City, All 3 Pickleball Courts
Organic Farm Box Eating & Healthy Eating Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Rudolph Gonzalez	8/23	Through our partnership with Farm Fresh to You, all County and Court employees receive a discount to receive fresh, local produce delivery! Learn more about this offering as well as the importance of eating healthy, local organic produce. You will also learn about the local farms that Farm Fresh to You is networked with in California.	11 - 11:20 a.m.	455 County Center, Rm. 101
5-Minute Mindful Eating Theme: Awareness Facilitator(s): Melissa	8/23	Mindful eating, or conscious eating, can help build awareness to our eating experiences. In this practice, you will be invited to bring your full attention to your food, moment to moment, without judgment. Please bring a small piece of food (fruit, dark chocolate, or part of your lunch) to practice with during this session.	12 - 12:05 p.m.	Zoom
Embracing Port-Traumatic Growth: Finding Strength in Adversity	8/26	Philanthropist Isha Price explores the concept of post-traumatic growth and its transformative potential for individuals who have experienced trauma. Free journals and healthy snacks will be provided.	3 - 3:30 p.m.	455 County Center, Redwood City, Rm.101
Aetna Health Your Way: Accessing resources to HEAL. Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Heidi Strickland	8/27	Are you enrolled in an Aetna medical health plan? If so, join this session to learn more about Aetna Health Your Way! Achieve is a holistic wellness solution that provides employees, spouses, and adult dependent children 18+ on the Aetna medical plan access to several wellness tools to help support them in their wellness journey through an online portal and mobile app. Members can complete wellness activities such as preventive visits, completing daily physical activity tracking, participating in digital coaching modules, peer to peer challenges, health coaching and more. Each activity completed earns hearts towards earning electronic gift cards redeemable in the online rewards mall. Each participant can earn up to $100 in electronic gift cards each plan year.	Multiple Times: 7 - 7:45 a.m. (Live Zoom) 11 - 11:45 a.m. 1 - 1:45 p.m. 4 - 4:45 p.m.	455 County Center, Rm. 101 (& SMMC TBD)	Zoom 7-7:45 a.m. All Other Sessions
The LifeBalance Program Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Ava Barlow	8/27	County of San Mateo employees can enjoy great employee discounts from the LifeBalance Program! With LifeBalance, you can save on your favorite things –fun family time, travel, fitness, electronics, apparel, outdoor adventures, gardening, and more! Plus get great deals on auto insurance, meal delivery, childcare, pet insurance, and other services. Discounts are available year-round for both you and your family and can be accessed by visiting COSM.LifeBalanceProgram.com. Learn more by attending the County of San Mateo Wellness Fair!	9:30 - 10 a.m.	Zoom
Self-Compassion Theme: Lift Off Facilitator(s): Kaiser	8/27	Learn tools for self-love during challenging times.	10 - 10:45 a.m.	Zoom
Caring for the Caregiver Theme: Awareness Facilitator(s): Terre Passero	8/27	61% of family caregivers work full-time. Being a family caregiver can be a demanding role. The responsibilities and demands of caregiving, coupled with the pressures of daily life and needs, can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. This workshop recognized the complexity of caregiving and offers evidence-based, practical stress management tools for people caring for (or preparing to care for) a loved one.	11 - 11:45 a.m.	Zoom
Salsa Dance Lessons	8/27	**This session is open to HSA employees only. Learn beginner-friendly Salsa Dance while connecting with coworkers!Please complete this physical activity waiver prior to attending if you haven't done so already: https://sanmateocounty.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/course/fabb1c2e-95dd-4062-9503-9d80de79ed7ff	12 - 1 p.m.	1 Davis Dr. Belmont, Montara Room
Moving through Grief Theme: Awareness Facilitator(s): Alysa and Melissa	8/27	Participants are guided through exercises designed to stimulate left and right sides of the brain to help regulate the nervous system. Mindfulness, deep breathing, sighing, stretching, moving, shaking, and meditating are some of the ways to decrease stress and process trauma. Each session will have four or more exercises for participants to practice together and discover what works best for their body and mind as they move through the grieving process.	12 - 12:20 p.m.	455 County Center, Redwood City, Rm. 101
Growing Your Fall Vegetable Garden	8/27	In this class we will explore how and what to plant to have fresh vegetables this fall. We will cover planting resource for our climate zone. If you are a new gardener or an experienced gardener this class will help you on your way to a great fall veggie garden!	2 - 2:45 p.m.	Zoom
Parachute Movement Therapy	8/28	Join licensed Clinical Theraphist, Nate Pyzik, for uplifting and playful movements with parachute to help us connect with each other and ourselves as we think of a lighter and more hopeful future.	10 - 10:30 a.m.	County Center Courtyard
Healing through Play Theme: Exchange Facilitator(s): Wellness Team + Volunteers	8/28	Healing is the process of becoming healthy or well again. Join us for a variety of fun activities to choose from that are designed to help you explore and express your emotions through terrarium-making, puzzles, painting, games, murals, music, and more!	11 a.m. - 1 p.m.	455 County Center, Rm. 101
Awakening Post Traumatic Growth	8/28	Learn more about the concepts of trauma and healing including realistic expectations and next steps.	1 - 1:45 p.m.	455 County Center, Rm. 101
Mike Callagy's Wellness Walk Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Mike Callagy	8/28	County Executive Mike Callagy leads regular Employee Wellness Walks at County Center. These walks provide time for employees to talk with Mike, get to know each other better, and to get outside for some fresh air and physical movement.	2:30 - 3 p.m.	County Center Courtyard
Moving through Grief Theme: Awareness Facilitator(s): Alysa and Melissa	8/29	Participants are guided through exercises designed to stimulate left and right sides of the brain to help regulate the nervous system. Mindfulness, deep breathing, sighing, stretching, moving, shaking, and meditating are some of the ways to decrease stress and process trauma. Each session will have four or more exercises for participants to practice together and discover what works best for their body and mind as they move through the grieving process.	11 - 11:20 a.m.	Zoom
Solutions for Stress Eating Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Amanda Kocher	8/29	Whether its stress, anxiety, boredom or loneliness we often turn to food for comfort. It may offer a short-term solution, but then the guilt sets in which perpetuates the behavior. Learn new methods of breaking the emotional eating cycle.	12 - 12:45 p.m.	Zoom
Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, San Mateo County Health Officer Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Dr. Baldwin-Santana & co-facilitators	8/29	Join our Public Health Officer to help shift preventive healthcare back to the top of your priority list and learn more about the physical and mental health connection.	1 - 1:30 p.m.	Zoom
Dog Therapy Theme: Lift Off Facilitator(s): Christine Hollender	8/29	Join Therapy Dogs and their handlers for a hands-on session where you can experience the two-way wellbeing you can gain by petting a dog!	2 - 3 p.m.	County Center Courtyard
Worksite Wellness Workshop Theme: Healthy Habits Facilitator(s): Lisa O. and Alysa	8/30	Brainstorm with Employee Wellness Program Manager, Alysa Stanford, and Human Resources Deputy Director, Lisa Okada, on ways to best support County employees at work. Building off principles from the ESS's "Creating a Culture of Wellbeing", Lisa and Alysa will identify resources for Managers and Supervisors to change up meetings, Wellness Rooms, onboarding, 1-on-1's, breaks, and employee appreciation.	1 - 1:30 p.m.	Zoom