October 10 was recognized as World Mental Health Day but it’s fair to say mental health is something we should be talking about every day, not just on October 10. The real focus of World Mental Health Day is not only to recognize the prevalence of mental health and really put a face to it, but also to focus on the gaps in health services that people with mental health concerns have and the stigma still associated with mental illness.

Mental illness shows itself in so many ways during so many stages of life:

• In grandparents who have been isolated for so long and whose minds have started to wander.
• In parents who are experiencing something beyond the ‘baby blues’ or preparing for their children to head off to college or who are just trying to keep an unstable marriage alive for their children’s sake.
• In adults who are dealing with the constant pressure of living up to expectations, so often their own.
• In children who struggle to come to terms with the constantly changing world around them and where or how they fit in.

For those of us not amongst the almost one billion people who have a mental disorder, we’re affected because the people we love are personally affected.

I know it seems cliché these days but you never really know what someone else might be going through. That smile they give you in the hallway might be hiding suicidal thoughts. That purposefully avoided eye contact might be someone pleading to simply hear a ‘hello’. That overdose in the school restroom is a literal cry for help.

As you think about your own mental health today and the mental health of the people that matter most in your world, consider the strangers as well. And remember that you don’t know what journey they have faced, you don’t know what path they’re following, and you don’t know what makes them tick. Be kind to them. Give them some grace. And let them know you care. While you’re at it, do the same for yourself.

For some great resources on depression, suicide, and mental health in general, head to www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2021/

Beth Bangtson, HR Manager

 

PMG believes that those who eat better work better. But we don’t just want you to work better; we want you to feel better too! This blog aims to help you feed yourself with better fuel and we have tips, tricks, and recipes to make that possible. If you missed our last lunchbox hack, there’s still plenty of summer left to get grilling, so check it out now.

Eating vegetables is always an important part of any diet because of the contributions they make to your health in terms of vitamins, minerals, complex carbs, fiber, and heart-healthy “good” fats. Proper vegetable intake is even more important during the hot summer months because they help keep you hydrated too. That makes this a great time of year to recommit to getting more vegetables into your daily lunchbox.

Tip

There’s lots of great ways to work more veggies into your daily lunch and kids can benefit too! One of the easiest things to do is to think about how you can replace an item with a vegetable rather than just simply adding them. For example, think about your favorite, old reliable sandwich. Now swap out the bread for something green and call it a lettuce wrap. Voila! Instant vegetable increase!

Trick

Start with a bag of frozen vegetables. They’re cheap, easy to cook in the microwave, and they can double as an ice pack in your cooler!

You might be saying, “Wait! Great idea, but I work outside. How does this help me?” The answer to that is easy. If you work on sites or in situations where a microwave isn’t handy, wrap your frozen (but thawing) veggies in tinfoil before lunch time, and let them sit in the sun while on top of your cooler or on your dash. Depending on temperatures and cloud cover, an hour should normally be enough.

Recipe

One of the easiest ways to eat more vegetables is to not eat them at all. Drink them instead!

A tasty smoothie can make a lot of vegetables go down easy while also being easy to prep. Try this Kale Pineapple Smoothie recipe next time you have the blender out. Then just make sure to leave enough to pack for work the next day!

If you found some of these ideas to be helpful, check out our earlier Lunchbox Hacks on our blog page for more to chew on.

Have some delicious tips, tricks, or recipes of your own you’d like to share? Send them to our Writing Team and we might feature them in future posts. Either way, we hope you work safely and eat healthy today!

Josh Erickson, ReTool Public Relations & Engagement Specialist

World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) takes place on June 14^th and is celebrated around the world to raise awareness for the need for safe blood and blood products.

I’ve been donating blood since my senior year in high school (way too long ago) – and even though I donate every 56 days, it still feels like such a rewarding experience each time, because I know what a difference those few minutes can make to someone in need of blood.

In honor of WBDD, I wanted to share some common concerns and facts in hopes of convincing you to think twice next time you drive by a blood donation bus or see there is a blood drive near you!

Concern #1: I don’t like needles

I’m not sure anyone LOVES needles but your fear or hatred of needles can be overcome for a few short minutes, I promise. Prepare yourself in advance for your first donation by reading up on the donation process. While you’re donating, you are always reminded to look away in case you don’t like needles. You also get a chance to just kick back and relax for 10 minutes or less. Don’t forget, the snacks afterwards are a little bonus too. Best of all is the pride you’ll have for being able to donate!

Did you know that 1 pint of blood can help save as many as 3 lives?

Concern #2: I’m not sure I’m eligible 

If you’re in good health, over the age of 17 (or 16 with parental consent), and weigh at least 110 pounds, you’re probably eligible. Less than 38% of Americans are able to donate and unfortunately, less than 10% actually roll up their sleeves and follow-through.

Did you know that every 2 seconds, someone in the US needs blood and/or platelets?

Concern #3: Is it safe to donate?

Absolutely! Each donation requires the use of sterile needles and the technician discards them after one use. You’ll also complete a mini-physical prior to donating to make sure you’re healthy enough to donate that day.

Did you know that a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood?

Concern #4: I’m afraid I’ll faint.

In all the years I’ve been donating or have hosted blood drives, I’ve never seen anyone faint, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Most donors feel fine after donating, especially if they’ve drank plenty of fluids and eaten plenty of food prior to their donation. Plus, you’ll have experts around during the entire donation process who are paying close attention and constantly asking you how you’re feeling; they want to make sure this is a positive experience for you.

Did you know you have about 10 pints of blood in your body? The loss of 1 pint during blood donation can be replenished is a pretty short amount of time.

Concern #5: I don’t have the right kind of blood

At times, there may be more of a demand for one particular type of blood, but there’s always a need and a purpose for every type.

Did you know that Sickle Cell Disease affects more than 80,000 people in the US? Sickle Cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.

As you’re deciding what to do over your next lunch break or what to do with that hour you have to spare between your kids’ soccer game and dance class, consider finding a donation site near you and saving someone’s life.

For more quick facts, check out: https://www.umms.org/-/media/files/ummc/community/blood-facts

Beth Bangtson, HR Manager

Love Yourself This Valentine’s Day

To my children, Valentine’s Day means decorating boxes for school, filing out Valentine’s Day cards for each of their classmates, and eating lots of yummy candy.

For my husband, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for giving and receiving sarcastic cards about being ‘the peanut butter to my jelly’, exchanging gifts neither of us really need, and spending too much on a nice dinner that we’ll regret later because who really needs a five-course meal?

While we show everyone else how much we love them on Valentine’s Day, what about treating ourselves to a little love? What about giving ourselves the time to do something that will benefit us even after Valentine’s Day has come and gone?

Here are a few things you can do to pamper yourself this Valentine’s Day and it doesn’t need to cost you a dime.

Smile

You spend so much time smiling at others but what about just smiling at yourself? That one smile in the mirror from YOU could make you happy all day long (and might even garner a laugh)!

Make a list

Take some time to praise yourself for the good things you do. You went out of your way to help a coworker yesterday; gave the homeless person on the corner that second sandwich you didn’t really need; donated blood. You do good things all the time – pay attention!

Say no

I know this one is easier said than done for some people (including myself), but don’t let someone else determine your next move. If you aren’t heading in the direction of your dreams, say no and steer yourself in the right direction.

Challenge yourself to something new

You are constantly learning and growing and it’s never too late to try something new. Did you take piano lessons as a child and always wish you would have stuck with it? Maybe now is the time to find a piano teacher. Want to learn Swedish? Ge det ett fÖrsÖk! If Google serves me right, that means ‘give it a try’!

Forgive yourself

I read a book recently that reminded me that, more often than not, forgiveness if for me, not for the person I’m forgiving. I’m freeing myself from whatever has trapped me and allowed me to stop growing. The same can be said for forgiving yourself. No one is perfect. Allow yourself some grace and learn from your experience. Take a cue from Elsa and ‘let it go’ (please tell me I’m not the only one singing right now).

Do what makes you happy

For some, this could be popping popcorn and binging Harry Potter all weekend. For others, taking your beloved Fido to his favorite dog park. If you’re typically a home body, but you know that being happy means getting out and doing something different, go explore a nearby State Park. There are so many options no matter where you are.

Find your inner sparkle

I’m pretty sure Dr. Seuss said it better than anyone else when he said, “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Embrace the ‘youer’ that you are – you’re worth it!

Happy Valentine’s Day to YOU!

Want more Valentine’s Day reading? Check out our post on Love & Appreciation at Work.

Beth Bangtson, HR Manager