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DojoLIVE! features CEO Jeff Allen to talk about healthy people, buildings, & planet

Founder + CEO, Jeff Allen, joins DojoLIVE! for a conversation on the future of health and wellness

Yesterday, Wednesday August 19th, Jeff Allen was featured on DojoLIVE! for a conversation about the future of health and wellness. During the interview, Jeff shared his views on how we can advance human health and wellbeing, while simultaneously making our planet healthier and more sustainable. He also discussed how our building spaces greatly impact health outcomes, and how creating healthy building environments is critical to human health and wellbeing.

The WELL Learning Library is becoming the go-to platform on health and wellness education for the built environment. In the current COVID-19 climate, online education (especially health and wellness education) is more important than ever.

The WELL Learning Library provides learning opportunities on topics such as:

  • Nutrition
  • Ergonomics
  • Preventive Health
  • Mental Health
  • Substance Use / Addiction Recovery
  • Hydration
  • Movement / Fitness
  • Impact of Lighting
  • Impact of Air Quality
  • Impact of Sound + Accoustics
  • Impact of Building Materials

You can find the full interview webcast here.

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WLL Welcomes Chef Daniella Malfitano of Plant-Based Made Easy

New partnership expands nutrition education + healthy, delicious meal prep recipes

The WELL Learning Library, today, announced a partnership with Chef Daniella Malfitano. This new partnership, provides WELL Learning Library members with access to an expanded array of nutrition education, as well as a multitude of cooking classes with delicious, healthy, easy-to-make recipes.

Daniella is a Chef, nutritionist, Nine-time Cookbook Author, TV and Radio host, and the creator of Plant-Based Made Easy. She was the host for Disneyland California California Adventure Food and Wine Festival and hosted a regular live cooking show for many years. 

With COVID-19 forcing the park to close, Daniella has now created her own online cooking show. 

I am so excited that Daniella is joining the WELL Learning Library. Her expertise in plant-based cooking and nutrition will provide members with valuable information that can be used as a tool to have an immediate impact on their daily eating and health habits. Her presence on camera is fun, inspiring, and intoxicating. I know I will definitely be watching and preparing some of her plant-based recipes!

Jeff Allen, Founder + CEO (WELL Learning Library) Tweet

Chef Daniella Malfitano will provide her Plant-Based Made Easy cooking lessons for members of the WELL Learning Library. New recipes will be added to the library on a regular basis.

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Kimball Goes Live with the WELL Learning Library

Kimball Launches WELL Learning Library for Employees at HQ

Last week, Kimball successfully implemented the WELL Learning Library for its 180 employees at the Kimball Headquarters located in Jasper, Indiana. Kimball is providing the WELL Learning Library platform to its employees and associates, so that they have access to on-demand learning opportunities to advance their health and wellbeing. The WELL Learning Library serves to fulfill the education requirements of the WELL Building Standard, which Kimball is in the process of achieving for their HQ building at 1600 Royal Street in Jasper, IN.

The WELL Learning Library is becoming the go-to platform on health and wellness education for the built environment. In the current COVID-19 climate, online education (especially health and wellness learning) is more important than ever.

The WELL Learning Library provides learning opportunities on topics such as:

  • Nutrition
  • Ergonomics
  • Preventive Health
  • Mental Health
  • Substance Use / Addiction Recovery
  • Hydration
  • Movement / Fitness
  • Impact of Lighting
  • Impact of Air Quality
  • Impact of Sound + Accoustics
  • Impact of Building Materials
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Announcing Strategic Partnership with Freedom 365

New partnership provides substance use recovery and support

The WELL Learning Library today announced a strategic partnership with Freedom 365. This new partnership, provides WELL Learning Library members with access to learning content from Freedom 365’s virtual substance use recovery system.

Freedom 365 was developed by Addiction Recovery Author and State Licensed Addiction Treatment Center CEO, Brian McAlister. The Freedom 365 – Virtual Recovery System takes the content and activities of a rehabilitation program, presented in an interactive digital experience that can be accessed privately – anytime, anywhere – from a phone, tablet or PC.

It’s become crucial to provide innovative mental health support to our workforce. Workers with substance use disorder are up to 35% less productive and use significantly more healthcare benefits. The WELL Learning Library provides the perfect platform to bring mental health and wellness solutions that meet people where they are.

Brian McAlister, CEO (Freedom 365) Tweet

Several recent reports have shown that COVID-19 has led to a surge in substance use. People may be using alcohol and drugs more frequently to deal with the stress, anxiety and even boredom of the current pandemic. A report recently released by Nielsen showed that alcoholic beverage sales shot up 55% in the third week of March compared to the same time a year ago.

In the post COVID-19 world, it has never been more important for everyone to understand and have an awareness of best practices in the areas of personal health and wellness, building design and operations, and public health. The WELL Learning Library provides on-demand educational content to organizations large and small; advancing human health and making our building environments healthier, better prepared, and more resilient.

Jeff Allen, Founder + CEO (WELL Learning Library) Tweet

Freedom 365 will provide exclusive substance use and recovery content to the WELL Learning Library, in addition to offering WELL Learning Library members discounted access to the entire Freedom 365 Virtual Recovery System.

For more information on Freedom 365, visit vrsfreedom365.com.

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Navigating COVID-19: Awareness & Resources

Most of us have been recommended or directed to stay home with the goal of mitigating the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Of course, leaving your house for “essential” business or personal matters are allowed, such as: performing “essential” jobs, going to the bank, and picking up groceries, food, or medications.

There is so much information out there, and at the WELL Learning Library, we realize it is difficult to sift through it all. The intention of this blog article is to provide some useful, quick glance visuals with guidance around the following:

  1. Preventing the Spread of Germs
  2. “Social” (Physical) Distancing
  3. When to Use a Mask
  4. How to Use a Mask

1. Preventing the Spread of Germs

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends these 7 steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

These preventive actions can keep you healthy, as well as the people you live with. 

By applying these guidelines to your daily habits, we can all help to create a safe and healthy world for ourselves and everyone around us.

This one minute video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides quick guidelines on how you can prevent the spread of germs and COVID-19. 

2. "Social" (Physical) Distancing

Use the right/left arrows to scroll through 5 quick slides on social distancing. These guidelines on social distancing are from the WHO.

3. When to use a mask...

The CDC updated its guidelines on April 3rd, 2020 to wear a mask in public places.

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

More information on wearing face masks, including how to make them and how to effectively wear them can be found on the CDC Website.

4. How to Use a Mask...

When you do wear a mask, how you wear it is very important. Wearing a mask incorrectly can (in certain cases) make you more vulnerable to catching the virus or other illnesses. The WHO recommends the following best practices when wearing a mask.

Got a question about COVID-19? Email us.

Email Us
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Mental Health Awareness & Resources

Introduction

More and more people are being diagnosed with Mental Health conditions each and every year. According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, about 1 out of 5 adults (ages 18+) reports some kind of mental illness each year1. There are over 200 types of mental illnesses. The American Psychiatric Association provides a full list of these illness here.

The most common mental illnesses2 are:

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Disruptive Behavior Disorders
  • Depression & Other Mood Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Personality Disorders
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
  • Substance Use Disorders

You are not alone

If you have experienced or are currently experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to recognize that you may have a mental health condition, and you should see your primary care provider or mental health professional. Mental illness can get worse over time, so it is important not to wait. It is also important to understand that you are not alone. Mental illnesses are quite common and most are fully treatable.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following symptoms may be signs of a mental health condition3:

  • Feeling sad or down
  • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
  • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
  • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities
  • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
  • Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
  • Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
  • Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
  • Problems with alcohol or drug use
  • Major changes in eating habits 
  • Sex drive changes
  • Excessive anger, hostility or violence
  • Suicidal thinking

Ask for help if you need it

There is no shame in asking for help. If you think or feel like you need help, ASK! Here are some organizations that provide resources you can reach out to directly if you or a loved one is need of support.

Mental Health Resources

The following are intended to give you quick access to mental health information and resources.

National Institute of Mental Health

NIH provides a list of resources to support you in finding help for you, a friend, or family members. Resources include getting help in a crisis, finding a healthcare provider or treatment, and others.
Click Here

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

The CDC provides a list of free and confidential resources to help you or a loved one connect with professional counselors near you, including helplines and treatment locators.

Click here

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association has an easy-to-use lookup tool to help you find psychiatrists in your area. Click below to access the lookup tool.
Click Here

National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI has a robust list, including: helplines, suicide & crisis hotlines, financial assistance, advocacy & legal, and community support.

Click here

References:

1 Center for Disease Control & Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
2 American Psychiatry Association, https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm 
3 Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968   

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Making the Most of the WELL Learning Library

A Quick How-To Guide for Using

A Quick How-To Guide for Using
the WELL Learning LIbrary

We built the WELL Learning Library to provide employees and building occupants an easy-to-use and on-demand platform that provides educational resources on health and wellness. Ultimately, we want the WELL Learning Library to provide you with all of the health-related educational resources you need to be your healthiest, most vibrant self. In addition, we want the platform to be easy to use and convenient to access. This blog article is intended to provide you with a few tips on how to best use the WELL Learning Library

 

Logging In

Once you’ve been given access to the platform, you can login by following 4 simple steps:

  1. Click the Sign In button in the top right corner.
  2. Enter your Email Address.
  3. Enter your Password.
  4. Click the Login button.

Navigating to Courses Page

After you’ve logged in, you can access any of the courses that are available on the Courses page. The Courses page should be displayed by default immediately after logging in, but if you ever need to navigate back to the Courses page, simply:

  1. Click the WLL icon in the top left corner.
  2. Then click the Home button.

Registering into a Course

As a WELL Learning Library member, you have access to all of the courses available on the Courses page. To register into a course from the Courses page, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Course Tile you want to register for.
  2. Scroll down and click the Register for Free button.
  3. Click the Ok button in the pop-up menu.

At this point you are registered into the Course. To start the course, scroll down and click the Continue Learning button or click on one of the sections.

Socia Media Resources

Every week we post additional content on our Social Media feeds. Click the links below and follow us to get additional updates and resources directly to your news feed.

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Being Well Over the Holidays

Being Well Over the Holidays

Let’s be real, we all want to indulge over the holidays. And to be honest, you deserve it! The holidays are a time that we love to spend with family and friends, rest and recharge, and maybe even let loose with a holiday cocktail or two.

Champagne. Hot Toddies. Peppermint Mochas. Pie. Ice Cream. Chocolate. Cheese and Crackers. Ham. Gingerbread Houses. Turkey. Sugar Cookies. Prime Rib. Stuffing. Peppermint Bark. Yum yum.

Are you hungry yet? The point is, most of us are going to splurge a little this holiday season and that’s ok. Here are 5 habits you can implement for improved well-being during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, while still indulging in some holiday treats. 

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Drinking water and staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your well-being. Make sure to drink lots of water and carry your canteen with you so that water is right there when you need it. Many health experts agree that being dehydrated can cause reduced energy, that drinking lots of water can help you lose weight, and that increased water intake can prevent certain health problems. So, always stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water every day.

2. Eat Sugar in Moderation.

Most of us are going to indulge in some sweets, maybe some holiday cocktails, and most likely a lot of food. Try to eat and drink alcoholic beverages in moderation, especially foods that are high in sugar. WebMD says that too much sugar can affect body weight, sexual health, organ health, tooth cavities, skin inflammation and aging, brain functioning and mood, and joint pain. Enjoy in moderation, but don’t go overboard!

3. Get Lots of Sleep.

Getting enough sleep is vital to our well-being. Use the holidays as a time to get lots of it. Most of us don’t get enough sleep throughout the year. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults 18-64 years old. And WebMD says that getting more sleep increases your brain’s sharpness, boosts your mood, increase heart health, improves athletic achievement, steadies blood sugar levels, fights illness, aides weight control. The holidays are busy and packed with commitments, but don’t forget to treat yourself and get the sleep you need.

4. Be Active.

You may not have time to work out or go to the gym, but you can always find activities to do with your friends and family that have you get out and move around. Go for a hike or walk around the neighborhood. Use the stairs. Park further away and walk to your destination. Or, check out these clever ways to get some quick exercise in, no matter where you are. None of them require a gym or anything other than your willingness to try them out!

5. Connect With Family and Friends.

Connection is something we need as humans, although many of us often forget this. According to Psychology Today, social connection strengthens our immune system, helps us recover from disease faster, increases our self-esteem and emotional well-being, and may even lengthen our life. Take the time to be with your friends and family. Find out what they are up to. Share what you’ve been up to. Come from love, gratitude, and acceptance, and this will create the space for connection to occur.

Take on these wellness tips and you will be ready to hit the ground “running” in the new year!

The WELL Learning Library team would like to wish you and your family a very special holiday season! However you choose to celebrate this time, be generous with yourself and others.