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This is a wonderful time of year in Oregon. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, we all start to get a bit of spring fever. It can be hard to stay inside when the sun and cherry blossoms are beckoning.
My recommendation is to give in to temptation and go outside. As we work toward our goals of bringing better health, better care and lower costs for all of Oregon, we need to remember that includes all of us at OHA.
Let's face it – our lifestyles work against us. We have long hours at our desk, in the car, and on the couch. This is detrimental for our mental and physical health, leading to stress, weight gain, and serious chronic conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
Spring also brings the annual "Public Health Week" in which activities around the state call attention to the fact that for most of us our health isn't dependent on what happens in the doctor's office – it comes from how much we move, what we eat and whether we use tobacco.
Here's what we know: even the smallest steps can help, and around the Oregon Health Authority people are taking those steps. From group stair climbs during breaks to "moving meetings," to lunch-time power walks – it's really fantastic to see!
If you are looking for a jumpstart, you can join a noon-hour "Walk around the Capitol" Tuesday, April 2 as part of the Public Health Week activities.
We also have health and wellness tools available to us as PEBB members that can help support healthier choices, including free Weight Watchers memberships. You can sign up any time during the year.
I applaud everyone who is taking action to stay healthy, get healthier and enjoy life a little more.
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