SLCo Employee Wellness Wellcast

Summer doesn’t need to be risky to be memorable, but it does need a plan. We’re sharing a practical, easy-to-remember guide to summer safety that covers outdoor adventure safety, water awareness, and sunscreen protocols, all in one tight listen you can use before your next hike, camping weekend, pool party, or beach day.We start with heat illness prevention and the key differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. You’ll learn the most common warning signs, what to do immediately to cool the body, when to call emergency services, and how to reduce risk with hydration, shade breaks, smart clothing choices, and avoiding peak heat hours. We also touch on camping safety basics like packing a first aid kit, managing campfires, and storing food properly to avoid attracting wildlife, plus simple Leave No Trace habits that protect the places we love.Next, we shift to water safety and drowning prevention, including why drowning can be silent, how active supervision works in real life, and how a dedicated “water watcher” can prevent tragedy. We cover open water safety for lakes, rivers, and oceans, why life jackets matter for boating and paddle boarding, and what to do if you’re caught in a current. We close with sun protection tips that actually work: broad-spectrum SPF 30+, timing and reapplication, water-resistant realities, easy-to-miss burn spots, and reef-safe sunscreen options.If this helps you, subscribe, share it with a friend planning summer fun, and leave a review so more people can find these safety reminders.

In this episode we address common health myths you may have heard before.

Ready to turn small walks into steady wins? We’re welcoming our new health educator, Cody, and mapping out March Into May—a light, practical step challenge built around daily movement, simple tracking, and community energy. Over six weeks, we show how to pair effortless habits with the outdoors so wellness feels easy, social, and fun.We break down how to log steps in WellSteps, when to sync your Apple Watch or Fitbit, and how to spot-check your data so your streak stays intact. Then we share no-fuss ways to add motion to your day: park a little farther, choose the stairs, walk during calls, take five-minute office laps, stroll between TV segments, and turn chores into tidy walks. The mindset shift is everything—ditch all-or-nothing for all or something. A quick after-meal walk can calm stress, steady blood sugar, and build momentum without a gym bag.For those craving fresh air and connection, we spotlight a full lineup of guided walks and hikes with USU Extension, from family- and dog-friendly routes at Wheeler Park and Little Confluence to scenic evenings around Oquirrh (Daybreak) Lake and crowd favorites like Bells Canyon and Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge. There’s even an Earth Day cleanup at International Peace Gardens—purpose, community, and movement in one. You don’t need to visit a national park to join the theme; share photos from local paths and neighborhood trails, and we’ll feature your stories in our weekly lineups. Visual inspiration is powerful—seeing peers outside can be the nudge to lace up.If you’re looking for a gentle on-ramp to fitness, this is your season. Track a little, walk a little, invite a friend, and let nature do the rest. Subscribe for more wellness guidance, share this episode with a teammate who needs a boost, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. What small step will you take today?

Your heart doesn’t need a life overhaul; it needs a few smart levers pulled with consistency. We dive into three powerful drivers of cardiovascular health—cholesterol, stress, and movement—and show how small, sustainable habits can change your numbers and your day-to-day energy.First, we demystify cholesterol. You’ll learn why LDL and HDL behave differently in the bloodstream, how plaque forms quietly over time, and which simple nutrition shifts truly move the needle. From soluble fiber in oats, beans, and flaxseed to unsaturated fats in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and salmon, we map out approachable changes that lower LDL and support HDL. We also explain why routine lipid panels matter, what “silent risk” really means, and how to think about genetics, age, hormones, and lifestyle in a way that empowers—not overwhelms.Next, we tackle chronic stress as a cardiovascular issue, not just a mood killer. We walk through fight-or-flight physiology, the role of cortisol and adrenaline, and how ongoing tension raises blood pressure and inflammation. Expect practical tools you can use immediately: slow, intentional breathing to switch on your relaxation response; sleep routines that steady hormones; and micro-moments of connection that buffer stress. We speak candidly about gender differences, the behavior loops that stress fuels, and when to reach for professional support through counseling or your EAP.Finally, we make movement feel doable. Cardio builds endurance, strength training improves metabolism and blood sugar control, and daily motions—stairs, yard work, walking meetings—add up faster than you think. We share simple frameworks to get to 150 minutes a week, why ten minutes beats zero, and how consistency transforms your heart more than any single workout.If this helped you rethink heart health, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more people find simple steps that protect the heart they live with every day.

Start the year with a plan that actually fits your life. We’re kicking off our Roadmap to Wellness by helping you design a personalized route across seven dimensions—physical, mental, social, financial, environmental, and spiritual—so you can make steady progress you’re proud of. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure for health: pick the stops, set your speed, and celebrate each milestone without chasing perfection.We share what’s returning and what’s new. From March into May and weekly fitness classes to nutrition workshops, mindfulness sessions, and stress relief webinars, there’s a mix for every schedule. Social connection gets its due with guided hikes, volunteer opportunities, parent support groups, and family-friendly events like ice skate night. Financial wellness isn’t left out—we outline budgeting workshops, savings strategies, coaching, and retirement planning that demystify money decisions and reduce stress. Environmental wellness shows up through sustainability challenges and practical workspace improvements, while spiritual wellness resources help you find focus, balance, and meaning.To build a route that lasts, start with the WellSteps Personal Health Assessment. That private snapshot reveals high-impact next steps and anchors a plan you can stick to. Then customize with 20+ challenges—fruit and veggie boosts, hydration goals, stress reset practices, self-care streaks—or create your own and invite colleagues. We’re also adding walking art tours to make movement more inspiring and bringing therapy animals to campus for calm, connection, and a quick reset. Cap it off with a vision board workshop to turn intentions into daily cues and momentum.We want to hear from you. Share ideas, feedback, and milestones on our pages and at events to help shape the year and motivate others. Subscribe, share this episode with a teammate, and leave a quick review so more colleagues can design a roadmap that works for them.

Ready to claim your power at the point where it matters most? Session Zero opens the door to our year-long Diabetes Prevention Program by demystifying prediabetes, explaining A1C in plain language, and laying out a simple path that helps you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes without crash diets or punishment workouts. We focus on practical changes you can use this week—balanced meals, movement you enjoy, real-world tracking, and the overlooked levers of stress and sleep—so your choices feel doable and your progress shows up in energy, mood, and measurable markers.We start with clarity: what the A1C test reveals about your last three months, how prediabetes signals a pivotal window for change, and why early action pays off. Then we get tactical. You’ll learn how to read nutrition labels without overwhelm, build meals that steady blood sugar, and pick activities that fit your body and schedule. We keep it light, flexible, and personal—no one-size-fits-all plan here. You’ll also see how simple tracking of minutes and meals can reveal patterns that guide smarter tweaks, and how we define success beyond the scale with non-scale victories like improved sleep and a lower A1C.Sustainability is built in. We lean on habit stacking and approachable strategies inspired by Atomic Habits to make progress feel automatic over time. The program structure—weekly sessions to start, then every other week, then monthly—keeps you supported without burnout. You’ll receive class materials, community, and free A1C testing at key touchpoints to mark your progress. Whether you’re curious or ready to commit, you’ll leave Session Zero with confidence, a clear next step, and a team in your corner.Take the one-minute prediabetes risk test, complete the quick enrollment survey, and join us for Session One where we set your personal goals and get moving together. If this helps, subscribe, share with someone who’d benefit, and leave a review to spread the word.

Lindsay Van Roo, a licensed clinical social worker, shares her deeply personal journey of losing her mother to colon cancer while navigating her new role as a mother herself, offering valuable insights on grief, therapy, and supporting loved ones through illness.• Finding balance between supporting a loved one with cancer and caring for your own mental health• Embracing conflicting emotions during grief—allowing joy and pain to coexist• Using the "circle of control" concept to focus on what you can manage during difficult times• Importance of therapy as a safe space to express all emotions, especially the difficult ones• How to support someone who has lost a loved one by asking specific questions• Creating meaningful ways to remember and celebrate those we've lost• The value of vulnerability and sharing stories as part of the healing processFor support with navigating cancer personally or with a loved one, remember you don't have to do it alone. Therapy can be a place to process, breathe, and heal. You can reach out to our EAP services, VEST, to connect with a therapist today.

Ever feel like healthy eating is an impossible goal in your busy life? Take a deep breath—this episode is your permission slip to ditch perfection and embrace progress instead.Wellness Coordinator Brittany Perry breaks down how sustainable nutrition actually works in real life, not just in aspirational Instagram posts. She introduces a refreshing perspective: instead of focusing on what to eliminate from your diet, concentrate on what nutrient-rich foods you can add to your meals. This simple mindset shift transforms healthy eating from a punishment into an opportunity.Did you know your taste buds regenerate every 10-14 days? If you've written off certain vegetables based on childhood experiences, your adult palate might surprise you. Brittany explains how to stock your kitchen with versatile, budget-friendly staples that make nutritious meals possible even on your busiest days. Her practical advice on ingredient prepping (not necessarily full meal prepping) helps you create mix-and-match components that adapt to your changing schedule and cravings.The episode demolishes common nutrition myths, explaining why all three macronutrients—carbs, proteins, and fats—are essential for your body's optimal functioning. Using a clever car analogy, Brittany illustrates how each nutrient group serves a vital purpose in keeping your "engine" running smoothly. Her tips for mindful eating help you reconnect with food enjoyment while honoring your body's natural hunger signals.Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or someone who dreads meal planning, you'll find actionable strategies that work for your lifestyle. From smart grocery shopping to creative leftover transformations, these techniques help you build sustainable habits without sacrificing satisfaction.Ready to personalize your nutrition journey? Take advantage of the six free health coaching sessions available through the Salt Lake County Employee Wellness Program. Visit the website to find the perfect coach for your specific goals and start nourishing yourself in ways that feel good, taste great, and fit your real life.

Join our very own, Brittany Parry, and Parks and Recreation, Bess Thompson, as they talk about the community and connection that is found at Salt Lake County recreation centers. Bess is a recreation center manager that has an insiders look on the overall health benefits that can be enjoyed if one just walks in and "checks it out"! After this listen, you are guaranteed to take a trip to your local county rec center for some fun!

It’s your body’s largest organ, your first line of defense, and it tells your story. So today, let’s talk skin — more specifically, why sunscreen isn’t optional and why a skin check could literally save your life. 

Part II of our resilience Wellcast is all about work. Listen in for tips and tricks with Dr. Lock from the University of Utah's resilience program on how we can create better environments for our teams and ourselves through vulnerability and advocating for ourselves.

Strengthen your resilience with this Wellcast episode as we talk to Dr. Lock from the University of Utah and Utah Valley University about understanding what resilience is and how we can overcome stress and burnout by focusing on our values and connecting with others. 

Vaccines represent one of our most powerful tools for disease prevention, yet they remain shrouded in misunderstanding and controversy. Nurse Troy Davis, a supervisor with Salt Lake County Health Department's immunizations program, pulls back the curtain on how vaccines actually work and why they matter.Have you ever wondered about the extensive journey a vaccine takes before reaching your doctor's office? Troy walks us through the comprehensive 10-15 year development process, explaining how vaccines move from initial discovery through animal testing and three phases of human clinical trials before receiving FDA approval. Safety isn't just a consideration—it's the absolute priority at every stage, with multiple surveillance systems continuing to monitor vaccines even after they reach the public.The science behind different vaccine types comes alive as Troy explains how inactivated viruses, live-attenuated vaccines, mRNA technology, and subunit vaccines each work to teach our immune systems to recognize and fight pathogens. He clarifies why some vaccines require boosters while others provide lifetime immunity, and addresses the critical importance of following recommended vaccination schedules based on years of research showing optimal timing for immune response.Perhaps most compelling is Troy's explanation of community immunity—how our vaccination decisions affect not just our own health but protect vulnerable individuals who cannot receive certain vaccines due to medical conditions. Through clear examples and thoughtful analysis, he dismantles common misconceptions about "natural" immunity and vaccine safety, reminding us that diseases like measles and polio remain just "a short plane trip away" despite their current rarity in the United States.Ready to separate vaccine fact from fiction? Listen now to gain clarity on this essential public health tool and understand how vaccines continue to evolve to meet tomorrow's health challenges.

Financial wellness is essential to living a balanced life and maintaining healthy relationships. Our experts provide valuable insights to your wellness questions including:• Importance of financial wellness in relationships • Understanding different money perspectives in couples • Strategies for communicating about major purchases • Teaching kids sound financial habits • Tools for budgeting and handling unexpected expenses • Getting started with investing and retirement planning 

Listener Advisory: This episode contains mature language and sensitive topics about sexual assault and consent which may be triggering for some listeners. It may not be suitable for all environments or children under 14. Please listen with caution and seek support with VEST EAP if needed.--------Creating spaces for open dialogue is key to understanding consent, and our conversation provides practical steps for initiating these critical discussions. From small everyday choices to utilizing community resources, we offer guidance on how to introduce the concept of consent without overwhelming individuals. Programs like the Peer Advocacy Council play a pivotal role in offering platforms for youth engagement, while upcoming workshops open doors for continued learning in the workplace. This episode serves as a call to action, urging every listener to participate actively in fostering a community grounded in respect and understanding and creating relationships that are built upon consent. 

Uncover the hidden dangers of lead poisoning and discover practical steps to safeguard your family in our latest thought-provoking episode of the Employee Wellness Wellcast. We sit down with Candice Breeze and Brittany Bucko from the Salt Lake County Health Department to unravel the complexities of lead exposure, highlighting the alarming vulnerability of children under six. From peeling paint in older homes to contaminated soil and imported goods, lead lurks in unexpected places. Candice and Brittany share their personal journeys into lead education, underscoring the critical need for awareness. Their eye-opening insights reveal how even the smallest amounts of lead can have profound neurotoxic effects, stressing the urgency of testing and early intervention.This episode calls for community engagement and offers listeners actionable ways to contribute, from organizing informational sessions at local libraries to supporting senior centers. Join us on this crucial journey to prevent lead poisoning and build healthier, safer communities for everyone.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Codie Crosby, who transitioned from collegiate rugby to becoming a powerlifting champion and a dedicated health educator. With Quitter's Day looming, Codie shares her journey and offers valuable insights on setting realistic, long-term exercise goals. Through her story, listeners will learn the importance of identifying a strong "why" to stay motivated through life's transitions. Whether it's for mental health, disease prevention, or family well-being, Codie emphasizes the power of consistency and dedication in creating sustainable movement habits.We also address the common hurdles many face when maintaining an exercise routine. From feeling intimidated at the gym to juggling a busy schedule, this episode uncovers practical solutions like habit stacking from James Clear's "Atomic Habits." Discover strategies for incorporating exercise into your daily life and explore the wealth of support systems available, such as local recreation centers and employee wellness programs. Hear about the benefits of group activities and how they can offer camaraderie and motivation. Tune in to unlock the tools you need to transform your fitness journey and enhance your overall well-being.

High voltage conversations – (dun dun dun) Whether you are in the workplace or not, these come up often. These conversations are inevitable and are necessary for personal and professional growth. Julia Andrus, SLCo Learning & Development Facilitator provides tips on having these difficult conversations that lead to more meaningful relationships.

Is anxiety getting the best of you? Whether it's grounding techniques, mindfulness exercises, or practical tips for managing stress, we've got you covered in this Wellcast. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Let's embark on a path of healing and resilience together. Tune in, take notes, and most importantly, be kind to yourself as you learn and grow

Are you constantly dreading Monday's arrival? Our podcast offers a unique solution to get rid of these 'Sunday Scaries' and turn them into something enjoyable. We believe that Sundays shouldn't be spent worrying about the week ahead. Instead, they can be filled with anticipation and excitement for new opportunities that Monday might bring. Our podcast will provide you with effective strategies to transform your Sunday nights, making them as fun as any other day of the week. After all, why should Mondays get to have all the fun? Tune in and uncover the secret to erasing your Sunday blues for good.

Join Hannah Butler as she talks to the Office of Regional Development's Emily Paskett about the Five Pillars of Sustainability and different ways to get involved in sustainable living here in Salt Lake County. 

Join us as we bust some myths and misconceptions about the Healthy Lifestyles program with our very own Hannah Butler. 

Health Educator Kiersten Philpott and Wellness Coordinator Brittany Parry talk with Professor Stephanie Lutz about the intricacies of being a working woman with children in this world. 

Tune into this month's Wellcast as we talk about mental health with licensed therapist, Joel Huff. We break down the Blunovus resource and what county employees can expect when they meet with a therapist using their services. 

Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." Tune into this episode to hear from HealthyMe clinic mental health therapist, Deanna Weeks about the process of therapy and the importance of vulnerability. 

Half used paint in your garage? In need of some stain but don't want to spend the money? Tune in this month to learn the how, what, when, where, and why of Household Hazardous Waste. 

Former U of U gymnast and current physician assistant Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie joins the wellcast to discuss Functional Medicine and the importance of having tools you have in your "life toolbox" to find balance and fulfillment.

Boundaries are an important part of any healthy relationship. Join us as we discuss how to set boundaries and how to uphold them with Health Educator, Kiersten Philpott and Licensed Therapist and Communications Coach, Shaylee Watts.

Healthy Lifestyles Coordinators sit down with Dr. Sheehan from the HealthyMe Clinic to discuss the importance of establishing a relationship with a primary care physician and receiving an annual physical.

Join Healthy Lifestyles' Health Educator Morgan Daily & guest, Caden Handley, as they promote WINTER SAFETY! This month's WellCast helps us to prepare for the unexpected before heading out on our wild winter adventures!

Money can feel messy, complicated, and very emotional. It can also feel freeing, exciting, and even adventurous. Cassandra Fuentes from Mountain America Credit Union joins the Wellcast to explain how money can be a tool for happiness and fulfillment. 

"Everyone can be great because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love." - Martin Luther King, Jr.Take a moment to serve those around you this holiday season, and most importantly continually throughout the months to come. To serve others means that you are doing something for the benefit and goodwill of another person or a group of people. When we serve, we are part of something bigger than ourselves and our situation. We look outside of ourselves, past our problems, and look to help others, bringing value, love and kindness.

Learn how to savor your food and feel healthy this holiday season with Health Educator, Brooke Avei and Harmon's Dietician, Hannah Langley. 

You can make a big impact with a few small actions. Learn how you can become an everyday environmentalist with our very own Jayne Hansen & Brittany Parry.

Alyssa Mitchell stops by for Suicide Prevention Month to spread hope for suicide prevention. Alyssa is the Utah Department of Health and Human Services but has been doing work in Suicide Prevention for 7 years. Alyssa is a certified Question. Persuade. Refer. trainer and Vital Cognition trainer. In addition to providing suicide prevention at a community level, Alyssa now oversees the Zero Suicide Program at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services assisting clinics with implementing policies to identify patients at risk for suicide and connecting them with the necessary care and follow up. Alyssa currently lives in Layton, Ut with her husband James and their daughters Zoey and Myla. 

Achieving occupational wellness is what we all want ultimately, but on the journey to finding that, we may experience bumps in the road such as burnout. Even if you feel like you are achieving occupational wellness, you do what you love and are passionate about your work, you will still unfortunately at one time or another experience workplace burnout. When you read the phrase ‘workplace burnout’, what words pop into your mind instantly? Stressed, impatient, easily irritated, overwhelmed, easily distracted mentally and the list can go on and on, right? Job burnout is a special type of work related stress - a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and even a loss of personal identity. This can impact your physical and mental health. Take time now to reflect on how to know if you are experiencing workplace/job burnout. If you aren't sure what workplace burnout looks like, or if you have identified that you are experiencing it/see that you can see yourself getting close, don’t worry, we have a whole podcast episode for you to tune-in to. 

Learn how to stretch your social wellness muscles after the loneliest two years. It's time to get out and be together. 

Brooke & Jayne share 8 tips for creating a summer full of health and happiness. 

Go Beyond Weight Loss with Sadie + Jayne as they interview Utah State University dietician and author Brooke Parker on ditching the diet mentality and creating health beyond the number on the scale. 

We all know that healthy habits can help us feel better, live longer, and improve the overall quality of our life, but just because we know this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is easy to do. This podcast explores how habits are formed and how to develop healthy and productive ones that you will stick to. 

Rich Shoenfeld from Lone Peak Hospital shares with listeners How to Get a Good Night Sleep whether you are working a graveyard shift, experiencing nightmares, or just stressed out. 

Registered Dietician Megan Steinbach takes a break from her role at St. Mark's to discuss Mindful & Intuitive Eating with Healthy Lifestyles coordinators.