ActiveHealth Coach's Corner Sarah enjoys helping people make their plan to living a healthy life easy. Her way of thinking is, “One size does not fit all. Each journey is a collaborative effort.” Sarah’s well-being tips: Plan your meals. Your health care team can help you make a diabetes meal plan.  Fill up on fiber. Choose carbs that are nutrient-dense, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and low in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Make it Mediterranean. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, fish, and healthy fats.

Tips for eating out with diabetes

• Think ahead. Research the restaurant menu or look up the nutrition facts.
• Build your meal. Choose your lean protein, then your veggie, fruit, and low-fat dairy. Save the starch for last.
• Have it cooked your way. Ask for entrees to be baked, grilled, or broiled.
• Use the MyPlate method. Make half your plate non-starchy, high fiber veggies.

Need help getting started on your health goals? You can sign up for a 15-20 minute 1:1 coaching session with Sarah at the Government Center Clinic. It’s easy to schedule. Just call 855-202-4219.

ActiveHealth Webinar: Reduce your risk for Type 2 Diabetes

Tuesday, November 16 • 12:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. ET

More than 86 million Americans have higher than normal blood sugar. Are you or a family member or friend one of them? You can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes with a few simple steps. Learn the basics of this growing disease, the risk factors, and how you can achieve better health.

Wellness around the holidays

November 4, 9, and 18
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
IGC South Cafeteria

Come to these activity tables and learn how you can stay on track.

This time of year can be tricky to stay focused on your health. There are a lot of tempting treats around and it can be challenging if you’re trying to eat a healthy diet. Stop by the activity tables to learn some tips and tricks to help you stay on track. And have some fun! Check out this flyer to learn more.

Keeping an eye on safety

The time change this weekend will bring shorter days and is a great reminder to be aware of your surroundings. Employees are encouraged to think “safety first” at all times.

Here are some basic safety tips to remember:

• Always park in a well-lit location.
• Always lock your doors.
• Remember where you parked so that you can locate your vehicle easily.
• Always pay attention to your surroundings.
• Hold your keys in your hand as you walk to your vehicle.
• Never leave your keys in your car and do not leave the vehicle when it is running.
• Avoid distractions such as cell phone, headphone, or earbud use until you have entered a secure location.
• Leave cash and items of value at home or make sure they are out of view.
• If you see something suspicious, report it.
• Use the buddy system. Ask a friend or colleague to walk with you to your vehicle.

Capitol Police can be reached at 317-232-8248. This number is available 24/7 but is not for emergencies. If you feel you are in danger, please call 911.

Dr. Rebecca Holwerda
Commissioner
Indiana Department of Administration

Recycle your plastic bags, get a free reusable tote!

To celebrate America Recycles Day, IDEM is hosting a plastic bag recycling event on Monday, November 15 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the IGC-S Atrium. Stop by the event and drop off your used, clean plastic bags to receive a free reusable tote!

If you can’t make it to the event, you can still recycle your plastic bags now through November 15 at the specialty recycling bins near the North and South cafeteria, snack shops and Coffee Zon locations.  

See this flyer for more information!

State employee donation drive to benefit Afghan evacuees at Camp Atterbury

We're incredibly thankful to everyone who has donated to help the Afghani refugees who are temporarily housed at Camp Atterbury in Johnson County. Nearly 48 percent of evacuees are children under the age of 14 and they all still need your help. We are still collecting warm clothes as the cold Indiana winter approaches. If you are able to, please consider helping meet these latest and ongoing needs:

• Umbrella strollers
• Men’s shoes
• Women’s shoes (sizes 6-7)
• Men’s underwear and socks
• Men’s and women’s unbranded, modest clothes such as long sleeve t-shirts, underwear, pants, and jackets in sizes small to large. No shorts or tank tops.
• Children’s clothing, including baby and newborn clothes, hats, and socks
• Powdered baby formula
• Socks, hats, shoes, and slide-on sandals (no flip flops) for evacuees of all ages

NOTE: Items should be new, preferably in original packaging.

Donations are being accepted 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following locations:

• Indiana State Personnel Department, IGC-S, Room W161
• State Employees' Appeals Commission, IGC-N, Room N103
• Indiana Department of Health, 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204

Any organization or business seeking to make a large donation and cannot deliver to a designated site should contact IDHS at privatesector@dhs.in.gov.

Indiana Canine Assistance Network (ICAN) calendars are here

Wednesday, November 11 at 11 a.m.
Near IGCS Cafeteria Doors

The Indiana Canine Assistance Network (ICAN), larger anniversary edition calendars will be on sale for a discounted price of $20 each. ICAN dogs will be signing “pawtographs” for those who want their calendar personalized.  This year, ICAN will be able to take electronic payments, as well as checks or cash. 

ICAN dogs are trained to help with mobility and access.  The training team depends upon trained Dep’t of Correction offender handlers and volunteers who help the dogs practice their new skills in environments where DOC offenders cannot go.  Many dogs are placed with veterans who have experienced traumatic brain injuries and PTSD. 

2022 Open Enrollment: Two weeks left!

All selections and updates must be entered by noon (EST) Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

You have two weeks remaining to complete your 2022 Benefits Open Enrollment selections. Log in to PeopleSoft to complete your enrollment. Make sure that you have carefully reviewed your medical expenses for 2021 to make the best decision for investing in your health in 2022.

Everything you need to know is in the Open Enrollment edition of The Torch and on the Open Enrollment website. 

If you still have questions, call the Indiana State Personnel Department Benefits Hotline at 317-232-1167 or 877-248-0007. They're available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.

COVID-19 vaccine boosters

Mixed dosing has been authorized for COVID-19 vaccine boosters.  The Indiana Department of Health has created a vaccine booster guidance chart to help you understand when to get your booster shot, who is eligible, and the options for each.  View the Vaccine Booster Guidance chart