Tag Archives: wellbeing
Journaling and Mindfulness Today
A reminder that all employees are invited to join the Journaling and Mindfulness sessions being held today, March 4, at 12:45 p.m. in the LLCC Library, Sangamon Hall, Room 1126. This session is led by LLCC faculty Deborah Brothers and John Paul Jaramillo. Journals and ink pens will be available for those who need them.
We hope you join us for a relaxing break!
AllOne Health EAP Services
As a reminder, LLCC’s EAP partner, formerly Deer Oaks EAP Services, is now operating as AllOne Health. AllOne Health benefits help you thrive in all areas of life with holistic support for mental health, well-being and more. These benefits are completely confidential to use and open to family members. We encourage you to reach out to EAP for personalized support! Check out the information on the health and wellness employee portal page for details about how to create your account, download the app and access services available.
For questions, please contact Rachel Duff, employee health and wellness coordinator.
Watch for students in distress
This time of year can be a stressful and overwhelming time for our students. Please remember that if you notice a student needing extra mental health support or experiencing mental health challenges, we have a student care coordinator who can assist students in finding the appropriate mental health resources. You can refer the student to LLCC Student Care Coordinator Kellee Phillips.
If you notice a student in crisis (a potential harm/threat to themselves or others), please contact the LLCC Police Department immediately at 217-786-2222 or 911.
If you notice a student in distress (experiencing extreme emotions), please contact Kellee Phillips via teams at 217-786-2409.
Let’s make sure that we are looking out for one another!
Journaling and Mindfulness Today
Join the Journaling and Mindfulness session with Deborah Brothers and John Paul Jaramillo being held today at 12:45 p.m. in the LLCC Library, Sangamon Hall, Room 1126. Journals and ink pens will be provided to those who need them.
It’s the Last Week of Heart Health Month
As Heart Health Month comes to a close, we hope the information shared over the past few weeks has helped you find ways to care for your heart. The good news is that even small changes can make a big impact! CDC research shows that losing just 5-10% of body weight can significantly reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. In fact, for every 2.2 pounds (1 kg) lost, systolic blood pressure can drop by about 1 mmHg — a step in the right direction for overall heart health.
Making heart-healthy choices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether it’s adding more movement to your day, reducing sodium intake or managing stress, small, consistent efforts add up.
As we wrap up Heart Health Month, consider one simple change you can make today to support your heart—it all starts with one step!
This week:
- Take part in the Journaling and Mindfulness Session on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
- Check out the heart risk quiz, detailed high blood pressure education, learn about the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke and take the nutrition quiz from the Heart Safety Expo all provided on the Health and Wellness page.
Heart Safety Expo Success
More than 30 employees enjoyed the Heart Safety Expo held on Wednesday, Feb. 19 by visiting with local area vendors and LLCC students and staff.
Area vendors in attendance included:
- Balance Yoga
- Fit Mind Body
- Gateway Foundation
- Prairie Heart Institute
A special thank you to the following LLCC groups:
- Nursing students – Kim Conaway, Hope Cherry, Allyson Whitaker, Summer Smith, Quinta Anuh, Katie Lacy, and Jennifer Brannock for providing blood pressure checks.
- EMS Students – Staci Stults, Michael Smothers, Alex McCoy, and Savanna Cloyd for providing AED and CPR demonstrations.
- Massage Therapy Student Sophie Beckham for providing chair massages to staff and students.
- Jan Dowell of the Culinary Program for her delicious treats and information.
- And volunteers Kellee Phillips and Lisa Lang
The winners of giveaway items were Jennifer Roberts (Neck Massager), Kassie Thompson (self care book and water bottle), Robert Schuerman (first aid kit), Brandon Lewis (first aid kit), Kelly Ellis (therapy light), Kellee Phillips (free yoga class), Jennifer Watret (gratitude journal), Barb Eades (Sweet Indulgence cookbook), Lynn Giles Harris (resistance bands and water bottle), Mion Denton (heating pad), Michelle Pulce-Flynn (first aid kit), and Megan Hallberg (yoga mat).
Thank you again to all who participated!
Journaling and Mindfulness Sessions Begin Next Week
Join LLCC Faculty Deborah Brothers and John Paul Jaramillo for the first Journaling and Mindfulness session this semester, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 12:45-1:45 p.m. in Sangamon Hall, Room 1126, in the library.
This session begins with a 15 minute calming mindfulness exercise to help you step away from daily challenges and clear your mind. Following this, we’ll transition into journaling, sparking creativity and reflection in a supportive, relaxed setting through a journaling prompt.
The next event will be on March 4 at the same time and location. We hope you’ll join us for a midday recharge!
Visit the Heart Safety Expo Today!
All employees are invited to attend the Heart Safety Expo today, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Union, to learn more about heart health. Visit with local vendors, learn about AEDs, get your blood pressure checked and win prizes! We hope you’ll join us!
Learn More about High Cholesterol During Heart Health Month
Did you know that nearly 2 in 5 adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol, according to the CDC? In week 3 of heart health month, we move to the topic of high cholesterol including what it is, the optimal cholesterol levels to achieve, and the myths and facts about cholesterol.
Here’s what you can look forward to this week:
- Visit the health and wellness page for more information about high cholesterol and access links to resources.
- Attend the Heart Safety Expo on Wednesday, Feb. 19 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to visit with local vendors, get a blood pressure check, see an AED demonstration, win prizes, and more!
Additional Facts and Stats about High Cholesterol
- About 86 million US adults aged 20 or older have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL. Nearly 25 million adults in the United States have total cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL.
- A cholesterol check, also known as a lipid panel or lipid profile, is a blood test that measures LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Total Cholesterol.
- Lifestyle changes, such as choosing healthy heart fats (such as avocados and nuts) over saturated fats, staying active most days, and avoiding tobacco products can help manage cholesterol levels.
- Adding fiber-rich foods, such as oats, fruits, and vegetables, can lower LDL cholesterol.