Welcome to DCHR's Employee Wellness Series that helps you go further.
Our wellness program offers a wide range of courses including fitness classes, mental health seminars, cooking demonstrations, and so much more.
These opportunities are available to all employees, regardless of title, position and grade.
October’s Health Observances are Breast Cancer and Flu Shot Awareness Month
Think Pink During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast. Early detection is the key to treating breast cancer.
Think pink by completing a monthly breast self-exam.
During a breast self-exam, it is critical to look for any changes in shape and warning signs like lumps, pain, swelling, etc.
Warning Signs of Breast Cancer:
• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.
Another important way to screen for breast cancer is to visit your primary care doctor for a mammogram — an X-ray of the breast. You can increase the odds of early detection of breast cancer by completing an annual mammogram and performing monthly breast exams.
Flu season is upon us! Protect yourself, as well as your family and friends, from influenza.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season typically begins in October and peaks between December and February. The flu shot is your best defense against serious illness this season, and now more than ever, it’s important to stay safe and stop the spread.
In partnership with our health care vendors, the DC Department of Human Resources will host flu shot clinics for employees from October 4th-12th at four DC Government sites.
Download and share the Flu Shots Clinics Locations flyer.
Check out our list of FREE upcoming wellness activities to help you create a healthy lifestyle:
Meditation Class: Reduce Anxiety and Stress
October 5, 2022 | 11:30AM - 12:00PM
As a tribute to every employee – from the directors of the agencies to the hardest working clerical staff – 11:30 am meditations are inspired to give your mind a little rest to rejuvenate and recharge. Take slow breaths to nurture the immune system.
Build a Routine! Occurs every Wednesday
Spanish Class with Profesora Harrison and Nina Jones
October 5, 2022 | 12:30PM - 1:30PM
Enhance your language skills with elementary and intermediate level Spanish. Learn basic Spanish oral and written communication skills.
Build a Routine! Occurs every Wednesday
Breast Cancer Awareness
October 11, 2022 | 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Think pink and learn more about breast cancer, early detection, prevention, and alternative treatments.
Domestic Violence Awareness
October 18, 2022 | 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Domestic violence is a national health concern with significant negative impacts on individuals, families, and communities. This training will highlight the impact and signs of domestic violence (particularly in the workplace) and provide resources on how to support victims of domestic violence.
Managing and Supporting Employees Experiencing Domestic Abuse
October 18, 2022 | 2:00PM - 3:00PM
The World Health Organisation has described domestic abuse as “a global public health problem of epidemic proportions, requiring urgent action”. Statistics published by the WHO report that one in three women will experience domestic abuse in their lives. Contrary to the belief of many, employers have a duty of care and crucial role to play in helping staff who are victims of domestic abuse, particularly as domestic abuse is about control, and a workplace may be the one place that an individual would come to where they are on their own and able to gain support and guidance.
Join this session to:
- Understand domestic abuse and how might it affect employees
- Dispel myths related to it
- Consider responsibilities as an employer and gain g uidance on how managers can acknowledge their responsibility to help address domestic abuse in the workplace
- Learn how to support an employee in need.
Smart Nutrition
October 20, 2022 | 1:00PM - 2:00PM
The basics are never a bad place to start, even for the most nutrition savvy folk. Making smart food choices can help you to better nourish your body, prevent disease, and promote long- term wellbeing. This seminar shares the foods we should be eating more of (and ones we should be eating less of), along with tip for changing habits and tools for staying on track.
Will There Be a Couch? What to Expect from Counseling
October 20, 2022 | 2:00PM - 3:00PM
“The Couch” as an icon for therapy has its origins in the days of Psychoanalytic therapy developed by Sigmund Freud going back 1920s. It was more for people to relax and be able to talk. The psychoanalyst sat behind the patient. These days we do not do psychoanalysis which took hours and endless sessions. We mostly do counseling which is set at up to 50 mins a session.
Join this session to:
- Discuss some of the myths and realities about counselling
- Identify different types of therapy and counsellors
- Understand what to expect in a counselling session
- Discuss tips for selecting a counsellor.
General Preventative Care Guidelines
October 25, 2022 | 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Prevention is key! Join the discussion on managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and depression.
10 Tips to Maximize Your Metabolism
October 27, 2022 | 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Give your metabolism a boost with 10 lifestyle habits to help you use energy more efficiently to improve your health.
Check Out Additional October Wellness Resources
World Mental Health Day Seminar, (Available Starting 10/10) Access Now
Navigating Your Holiday Seminar, (Available Starting 10/18) Access Now
Breast Self-Examination Learn More
Think Pink! Breast Cancer Awareness Month Learn More
Breast Cancer: Myths and Facts Learn More
4 Reasons to Get Flu Shots Learn More
October Recipe for Cold and Flu Season Download Now
Other Resources