Wellness Wednesday - February 13, 2019

Come join us today from 11 AM – 1 PM at 8000 N. Stadium for the Healthy Heart Event

  • Free Blood Pressure screenings
  • Healthy Heart Nutrition table with freebies
  • $50 gift card giveaway
  • Information on how to get your discounted gym membership at LA Fitness, Gold’s Gym, the YMCA, and Heritage Plaza Fitness Center
  • Book Raffle and Signing by Samir Becic – Author of “Resync Your Life”
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to improve your lifestyle and learn more about
your health!

Contact Wellness Connection at 832-393-6000 or wconnection@houstontx.gov
for further questions.

 

Did you know?!
February 14th is National Donor Day

This is a time to focus on all types of donation - organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelets and marrow - by participating in blood/marrow drives or donor registration events. It is also a day to recognize our loved ones who have given the gift of donation, have received a donation, are currently waiting or did not receive an organ in time.
 
If you still need Wellness Credit, don't miss out on your opportunity to take part in the Physical Activity Test!



Win for Life
Physical Activity Test


The Physical Activity Test (PAT) is an onsite program where employees and spouses can earn 90% wellness credit. Participants who engage in regular exercise will have an opportunity to undergo four physical activities in about 1 hour. The physical activities include:
  • Push-ups
  • Sit-ups
  • Shuttle Run
  • 300 Meter Dash
*Up to 50 applicants will have the ability to RSVP for this event by searching COH-PAT on Eventbrite.com. Registration for each date closes 48 hours before the event. Please contact the Wellness Connection by emailing WConnection@houstontx.gov or calling 832-393-6000 for more information.
 
Schedule for remaining dates:  February 27th, 2019 AND March 6th, 2019
Time: 8AM
Location: 2999 S. Wayside Dr. Houston, TX 77023 (Gragg Park Football Field)
Please wear appropriate athletic attire.
 
Tour de Houston
Join us Sunday, March 17, 2019!

The 14th Annual Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation is a fundraising bike ride that benefits Houston's Reforestation Program. This event offers Houstonians and visitors a unique way to view the city with bike routes winding through Houston’s historic neighborhoods, scenic districts and parks. With three ride length options, the Tour de Houston is the perfect event for leisure riders or cycling enthusiasts. Mayor Sylvester Turner will be on hand to start and ride in the event with the route heading north to Lake Houston.
Registration Information:
  • February 5 - 18: $35 (13 and older)
  • February 19 - March 16: $40 (13 and older)
  • March 17: $45 (13 and older)
  • Kids 12 and Under: $20 through Ride Day
For more information, visit https://www.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=8702
 
 

  • A Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for dependent care services like preschool, summer day camp, before or after-school programs, and child or elder daycare services.
     
  • Who Qualifies:
    • A dependent child under the age of 13, who lives with you for more than half of the year.
    • An adult tax dependent, such as a parent, who is not able to care for themselves and who lives in your home a minimum of eight hours a day.

Learn more about the Dependent Care Reimbursement Care benefit:
 
 

Spaghetti Squash with
Parmesan Cheese


Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cup uncooked white quinoa
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups black beans
  • 2 cups corn
  • 1/3 cup cilantro
  • 3 green onions
  • 4 small corn tortillas
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

  1. Cook the quinoa. In a large pot, combine 1 part quinoa with 2 parts water. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, and then allow to simmer until all the water is absorbed (about 20 minutes). Note: it’s important to first rinse quinoa under warm water to remove the bitter coating. This is best done in a fine mesh kitchen strainer.
     
  2. Meanwhile, prepare the tortilla strips. You *can* just throw chopped corn tortillas into the bowl, but I find them much better after being toasted. To do this, cut 3-4 corn tortillas into small pieces, and toss in a 375º oven for 8-10 minutes until they just turn slightly crispy.
     
  3. While those things are cooking along nicely, prepare all the fresh ingredients. Dice the avocado. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the green onions. Chop the cilantro. Prepare the corn (frozen works well). Drain the can of beans.
     
  4. Prepare the lime taco seasoning. Basically, this simple taco sauce will coat the quinoa and boost the flavors of this bowl off the charts. To make, combine the juice of about 2 limes (if you run out of limes, feel free to top off with water) along with the listed spices in small bowl and whisk until incorporated.
     
  5. Toss everything together. When the quinoa is perfectly fluffy, remove from the heat, transfer to a large mixing bowl, and gently drizzle in this lime taco seasoning. Then add all other ingredients (including those tortilla pieces) and toss until evenly mixed.
 

Have a safe and healthy week.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Wellness Connection
832-393-6000 / wconnection@houstontx.gov
houstonwellnessconnection.org



                          

 
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1st - February 13, 2019
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