3 Secrets for Staying Healthy at Work

90,000.

That's the number of hours the average person spends working in his/her lifetime.

So how do we ensure we're healthy in our workplaces? That's our focus this year with Starts With Apples, a monthlong campaign focused on health literacy and practical tips to improve workplace health.

Ready to get started? Here are a few tips. You can also visit us online at StartsWithApples.com to download our digital "Get Healthy At Work" kit.

Take A Break: Time spent away from our desks is getting shorter and shorter. Stepping away, however, is key to good health. Taking a break -- even for 20 minutes -- may help in maintaining concentration, keeping energy levels up and giving our brains time to recuperate.

Healthy Snack Program: Take a break from the donuts and cookies once in a while by setting up a weekly/monthly healthy snack sign-up. There are plenty of recipes that are great for offices both big and small.

"Deskercize": Short sessions of cardio, strength exercises and stretching could improve fitness levels and heart health. Think of your office furniture as a mini-gym, one that can provide everything from improved posture to an ab workout.

Remember, good health is about both mind and body. These are just a few of the hundreds of ways to make sure you're keeping both in check.

STARTS WITH APPLES

As we kick off our fourth year of Starts with Apples, we're celebrating National Apple Month and National Health Literacy Month -- and both can contribute to a healthier community!

Health literacy is the ability to understand health information and make good decisions about your health, from preventative care to healthy food choices that go beyond the confines of the doctor's office. For 45 years, Family First Health has been dedicated to connecting with the community to encourage improved health literacy and improved overall health.

Join us noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20 as we pop up with an Apple Handout Station in York's Continental Square. We'll be giving away apples and information on how you can take control of your health!

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: MEET BRITTANY HANCHETT

Title: Nurse Educator

Started at Family First Health: June 2015

Brittany has always wanted to help people -- it's one of the reasons she decided to go into the field of health care.

"In the medical field, you see people at some of the best and worst times in their lives," Brittany said. "Being able to be a part of those good moments and offering support in difficult times is a very special privilege."

For her, one of the best parts about working for Family First Health is its connection to the community.

"I love the way this organization reaches out to the community to offer assistance wherever it can," she said.

When not working at Family First Health, Brittany can be found outdoors. She enjoys everything from running and hiking to spending time at the beach. She also has an adorable 1-year-old daughter who has no trouble keeping her busy!

DONATE TO FAMILY FIRST HEALTH

Mark your calendars for two fundraisers this fall to support Family First Health:

CHEERS! For Charity -- Family First Health CEO Jenny Englerth and Leg Up Farm President and CEO Louie Castriota are back at Holy Hound Taproom for a night of celebrity bartending from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29. All cash tips will be split between the two nonprofits! Find details via Facebook.

Jazz Beats & Cajun Eats -- Join Family First Health for a Big Easy birthday! In honor of our 45th anniversary, we're bringing the Big Easy to one of downtown York's most unique spaces. From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, enjoy Cajun-inspired food from Underground West chef Sean Arnold, authentic New Orleans cocktails, and live music by Gumbo Junk, a spicy blend of New Orleans-style funk and jazz. Find details and get your tickets ($45 each) via EventBrite.

When you make a gift to Family First Health, you are making an investment in the health of our community. Each gift elevates Family First Health's ability to provide affordable access to high-quality care and ensures healthier outcomes for our patients.

Please mail contributions to:

Family First Health

Attn: Courtney Lewis,
Director of Development

116 S. George St., Third Floor

York, PA 17401

Or, visit us online at www.familyfirsthealth.org/support-ffh.

For those who enjoy shopping online, we also encourage individuals to give through AmazonSmile, where Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of eligible purchases to Family First Health. Perfect for the upcoming holiday season and year-round!