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Today's Wellness Wednesday includes information about King County's onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics, shares an upcoming webinar on suicide awareness and prevention, and much more.
 Onsite King County flu and COVID-19 clinics
Getting your flu and COVID-19 shots are an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot and COVID-19 shot every year.
Flu shots have many important benefits; getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of getting the flu, help protect vulnerable populations, and conserve health care resources. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work onsite. Click on the blog below for information about locations, times, and how to schedule an appointment.
 In the know
This section focuses on news, education, and resources about well-being and your King County employee benefits and retirement.
 A Discussion on Suicide Awareness and Prevention
In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Balanced You is coordinating a panel discussion, which will be held on September 19, 2024. This event is intended to provide an opportunity for King County employees to normalize the discussion around mental health, learn how to identify early warning signs of suicidal ideation, and learn more about resources that are available to support the mental health of employees and their loved ones. We hope you will join us for this important discussion!
Thursday, Sept. 19, noon to 12 p.m.
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There are a variety of upcoming events and classes related to financial wellness, mindfulness, movement, and physical activity opportunities. Check them out below!
Please note, attendance at all classes is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related.
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Mindfulness classes
 The new Mindfulness summer schedule is here and Balanced You is excited to announce the new classes and offerings from our new vendors CuriosityBased and SolJoy (pictured above)!
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Supervisors: Here is a printer-friendly PDF with the new Mindfulness summer 2024 schedule to post at your worksites for employees who do not have access to email. |
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Qigong Tai Chi Movement
Move your body to feel more health, happiness, and peace. The rhythms of modern life often require too much sitting and staring at a screen. Get ready to release stress, detox emotions, and relax the mind to transform your energy for more health, happiness, and peace.
All levels are welcome. This is an interactive somatic mindfulness class of 100% movement. Bring your yoga mat, loose fitting clothes, water bottle, and enough room to move around. Please be in a quiet, private space free of distractions, cameras on, where the instructor can guide you.
Please note: Class registration will close two business days before the event.
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 10 to 11 a.m.
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Introduction to Practicing Curiosity
Our vendor, CuriosityBased, likens curiosity to a practice instead of as an external personality trait. The first step of this practice is self-awareness and mindfulness. In this learning experience, the instructor will break down the practice into actionable steps. You will get to connect with and learn from your colleagues while also contributing to King County’s culture of learning. Practicing curiosity at work leads to more trust and less miscommunication.
Please note: Class registration will close two business days before the event.
Thursday, Sept. 12, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
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 Financial wellness
 Did you know that as a King County employee you have access to My Secure Advantage (MSA)? MSA is a financial wellness program that provides King County employees with financial tools and coaching. Please join us for an upcoming free financial webinar hosted by MSA.
Planning for College 101
Financing a college education is a big task. This event explores things you may need to know about funding education, including how to apply for federal and state financial aid, scholarships and grants, and other funding options like a 529 plan. We'll also touch on budgeting for college expenses. Whether you're supporting a loved one or you’re a student yourself, this event can help.
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. class and noon class.
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Retirement classes
 Check out the upcoming educational opportunities below to help you learn about—and prepare for—retirement.
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Your PERS Pension
Learn about your Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) pension. Guest speaker Stacy Rundle from DRS will discuss your options as a King County employee and answer your questions. For additional information, visit the King County Retirement page, read the Retirement Guide, or contact Carmen Johnson, retirement navigator.
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register here.
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Road to Retirement
This class is designed for employees who are planning to retire from King County in the next six months. It covers procedures, forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement. For additional information, visit the King County Retirement page, read the Retirement Guide, or contact Carmen Johnson, retirement navigator.
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register here.
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Saving for Retirement: Deferred Comp Basics
Join this session to learn the basics of retirement savings, how to use your plan to build a retirement savings strategy and how T. Rowe Price can help you save, invest, and plan for the kind of retirement you want. For more information, go to the Deferred Compensation Plan web page or contact KC Deferred Comp.
Friday, Sept. 6, 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 p.m. Register here.
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Visualize Retirement
This session is intended to help you visualize your retirement. Putting money aside now for a future date may be more meaningful to you if you have a good idea of what you’re saving for. For more information, go to the Deferred Compensation Plan web page or contact KC Deferred Comp.
Friday, Sept. 20, 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 p.m. Register here.
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 Get Movin
 Movement and physical activity are proven to have a positive impact on mental health. These 30-minute movement breaks are free and virtual so you can tap in from anywhere and benefit from the instruction of a certified trainer. Join us for all the classes in the Get Movin' with Balanced You series focusing on yoga, stretching, cardio, core, mat-based Pilates, and strength training. Classes are for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
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Supervisors: Here is a printer-friendly PDF with the new Get Movin' summer 2024 schedule to post at your worksites for employees who do not have access to email. |
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Mat-Based Pilates
Join us for this low-impact exercise that focuses on strengthening muscles and improving flexibility.
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
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Yoga
Are your muscles tight and in need of a good stretch? Balanced You has got you covered. You just need to bring yourself!
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
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 Fitness classes
 Want to boost your mood while working out in the comfort of your own home? Join the Balanced You complimentary live fitness classes! We’re currently offering two different classes with multiple schedules.
Registration is required. Find out more and register here.
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Core conditioning classes
Learn to access your “core” muscles (chest, abdomen, hips, and back) to enhance total body movement through power, strength, and stabilization exercises like woodchops, planks, and glute bridges. This type of movement is perfect for combatting the effects of sitting at a desk all day. Heavy floor work with minimal jumping is involved. Exercises are taught at an intermediate level with variations suitable for all fitness levels available.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 to 5:50 p.m.
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Yoga classes
This yoga practice has a strong emphasis on deep breathing, core connection, and overcoming stiffness or pain in the body. It’s a moderate flow class where you’ll move from one yoga position to another in an effort to strengthen and stretch your body. It features a variety of standing, seated, balance, and lying down sequences. Heavy floor work with no jumping is involved. Exercises are taught at an intermediate level with variations suitable for all fitness levels available.
Tuesdays, 5 to 5:50 p.m. and Fridays, noon to 12:50 p.m.
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