Wellness Resources

December/January Resource: EAP Resources for Living

Did you know, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has a Discount Center? The Discount Center offers a huge selection of savings for you and your family. Browse deals from national and local retailers, from vacation packages to shopping, fitness memberships, services, and more, including:

• Computers & Electronics

• Travel, car rentals, & hotels

• Gift & retail shopping

• Flowers

• Fitness Centers

• Shoes & Clothes

• Movie tickets & video rentals

• Media & streaming services

• Childcare discounts

• Theme Parks

• Auto maintenance

• Restaurants & more

Just in time for holiday travel and gifting, visit the Discount Center today using the EAP Resources for Living general MCCCD login listed below, and click on "Discounts" in the "Popular Links" section of the homepage, or under the "Resources" drop-down menu tab at the top.

• Website: resourcesforliving.com

• Username: MCCCD

• Password: EAP

Please note: you will need to create an account to access the discounts.

November Resource: Know Where To Go For Care

Cold and flu season is upon us, and we’d rather spend it curled up with a good book or cup of coffee than with a pile of tissues.

Here’s what you can do to stay healthy, even if you do get sick:

1. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (as long as it takes you to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), especially after being in public places, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face as germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your coughs and sneezes using a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow if a tissue isn’t available. Remember to clean surfaces regularly, especially high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and keyboards, to remove germs.

2. Keep your immune system in strong shape. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, as your body needs this time to rest and repair. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, and broth. Eat a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods, including a colorful mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Check out these immune-boosting foods that you can easily incorporate into your daily diet. Exercise regularly to promote good circulation and as a way to manage stress. 

3. If you do get sick, practice self-care. Stay home from work, school, and errands as much as possible - this prevents you from spreading germs to others and gives your body the rest it needs to recover. Maintain your distance from others if you are sick, and seek care if symptoms do not improve or if you are at a higher risk of health complications. 

4. Take preventative medical steps. Getting the flu vaccine is the most important step for preventing influenza, and it is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Know the difference between COVID-19, cold, allergies, and the flu so you can take the appropriate steps. If you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, attend any of the in-person Open Enrollment College Benefit Events to receive one. Additional resources for free and low-cost flu shots to those not receiving medical benefits can be found on the Maricopa County Public Health website. 

It’s important to know where to go for care before you might need it. Did you know you have options for affordable and convenient care? Did you know there are virtual options available if you cannot get into a physical clinic near you?

Banner | Aetna has created a Smart Chart that breaks down when to use a:

• PCP

• Banner Nurse On-Call Line (virtual)

• 98point6 (virtual)

• MinuteClinic

• Urgent Care Center

• Emergency Room

October Resource: Gilbert Farmer's Market Moves to CGCC Pecos Campus

As part of the Heritage District Redevelopment plan, the Gilbert Farmer’s Market is moving to Chandler Gilbert Community College! The Gilbert Farmer’s Market opened in October 2010, with fewer than 30 vendors. Today, the GFM features more than 100 vendors year-round, and will continue to grow in the new space at CGCC as this new location provides greater space than the current site for more small business owners, seating, and parking. 

Their mission continues to promote local sustainability, healthy eating, and green living practices. The market features local, chemical-free, organic produce from various local farmers, farm-fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee and tea, sauces, seasonings, and many other locally made artisan products. Farmers’ markets are an essential space to educate the public about local food by allowing them to personally meet with the Farmers and other vendors to learn where their food comes from and how it’s made. 

As the weather cools off, join this family-friendly event to browse and shop for local, seasonal, healthy finds! 

Check out this list of greater Phoenix farmers markets or explore all Maricopa County farmers markets near you using the Maricopa County Healthy App. With the Maricopa Healthy App, you can even see which markets take EBT/SNAP benefits, Double Up Food Bucks (SNAP Matching), and other assistance programs. There are no app store downloads or passwords needed to access this resource, and you can also access this resource on a computer. 

September Resource: Insight Timer App

Insight Timer is a free downloadable app for sleep, anxiety, and stress with over 250,000 free features to choose from, including guided meditations, music tracks, learning topics, yoga sessions, live events, sound baths, and online groups to connect with others. It allows you to set goals, track progress, set reminders, and explore different areas of interest.

Not sure where to start? Click on the Library and search for topics you are interested in by putting keywords in, such as “patience”, “gratitude”, or “healing”, or check out the beginner’s link. Each resource is listed with the timing length and a rating for other users, so you can find the one that works best for you.

August Resource: Mind Companion App

Mind Companion (formerly named “mystrength” until April 1, 2024) self-care is a digital, self-guided mental well-being program that offers rich multimedia content.

The program content is based on concepts like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), positive psychology, mindfulness, and resiliency programs, and includes 

• Videos

• Interactive questions

• Relaxation exercises

Go to the Resources for Living Member website, click the Mind Companion Self-Care Page to create an account. 

• User name = MCCCD

• Password = EAP

Check out a video on the Mind Companion app.

July: Virta Health

Virta Health is a research-backed, nutrition-based treatment program addressing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes without calorie-cutting, surgery, or additional medications. To participate, employees must pre-qualify for one of the following four (4) programs:

• Diabetes management 

• Type 2 Diabetes Reversal

• Prediabetes Reversal 

• Obesity treatment 

Contact wellness.maricopa@domail.maricopa.edu for more information. 

June: PerkSpot

PerkSpot, a longtime partner of MCCCD, has a new look! Perspot provides personalized savings on various items, from health and beauty to electronics. You can view the discounts available once you create an account (this is separate from your MCCCD login information). Once you have created a PerkSpot account and logged in, visit the new PerkSpot wellness page,  you can find discounted wellness items related to various wellness dimensions, including financial, social, emotional, and physical. You can find discounts on fitness facilities, device discounts, apparel, and much more.  Thinking of traveling this summer? Perkspot is your discount clearinghouse for flights, hotels, and rental cars. Find out more about discounts on everything “travel” at Perkspot!

If you are having trouble with the PerkSpot link, please try clearing your cache. Below are some links to clear cache directions for a few common browsers:

• Firefox

• Google Chrome 

• Microsoft Edge

• Safari

May: Resources for Living

Our Employee Assistance Program helps with daily living, work-life balance, legal and financial counseling, and more. Please visit www.resourcesforliving.com for more information. Click on the Login button and use the Employer/Organization Username: MCCCD, and the Access Code: EAP.  

March: Solstice Dental

Solstice has 25 years of experience in providing dental coverage nationally. Solstice prides itself on the innovation of dental insurance plans and methods to keep dental costs low while remaining current with the latest dental care standards.

Solstice partners with local providers to provide a great dental network and to support easy access to care. With Solstice, you have a national network of over 380,000 providers from which to choose. Learn more about Solstice and keep an eye out for monthly solstice information in the weekly #YOUMATTER articles from Wellness Maricopa. 

February: Spark Magazine by Virta

Editorially independent, Spark is a new monthly magazine sponsored and published by Virta, a life-changing program to help people lose weight and reverse type 2 diabetes. 

The mission of Spark magazine is to tell stories and publish information about general wellness and health that inspire people to embrace their metabolic health and take control of their lives.

December/January: Alliant Top Health Newsletter

Alliant, our insurance broker, shares their monthly health and wellness newsletter. Get information on nutrition, physical activity, emotional wellness, and more. As our partner, Alliant provides us with the most up-to-date information on wellness and well-being. The most recent edition features articles entitled "Jazz Up Your Breakfast," "Reverse Type 2 Diabetes", "The Truth About Vaping and Snuff," and Q&As on Video Game Addiction and Off Label Medications.

Visit the Alliant Vendor Partner Outreach page to see the Alliant Top Health Newsletter. 

November: Aetna Health Your Way Digital Health Platform

Want to eat better or be more active? Do you need to better manage a health condition? 

Aetna’s Health Your Way is a one-stop shop for your personal well-being. You can easily track your health, look up symptoms or just find a healthy recipe for dinner. No matter the question or issue, Aetna’s Health Your Way can help you find the answer. 

October: College Fitness Centers for EMPLOYEES at MCCCD

Many of our college sites have fitness centers available to employees. Some facilities are well-equipped with cardiovascular and strength training equipment. Facilities also have trained personnel to help you develop a healthy and effective routine. Now that we are back from summer, this is the perfect month to get started.

 Find out more information on fitness centers around the district.

Spark Magazine - Free and Open to Everyone

Editorially independent, Spark is a new monthly magazine sponsored and published by Virta, a life-changing program to help people lose weight and reverse type 2 diabetes. 

The mission of Spark magazine is to tell stories and publish information about general wellness and health that inspire people to embrace their metabolic health and take control of their lives.

For more information on Spark Magazine by Virta

September: Alliant Top Health Newsletter

Alliant, our insurance broker, shares their monthly health and wellness newsletter. Get information on nutrition, physical activity, emotional wellness and more. As our partner, Alliant provides us with the most up to date information on wellness and well-being. Just another example of a wonderful wellness resource. 

Visit the Alliant Vendor Partner Outreach page to see the Alliant Top Health Newsletter. 

August: PerkSpot

PerkSpot, a longtime partner of MCCCD, is an employee discount platform that provides personalized savings on various items, from health and beauty to electronics. You can view the discounts available once you create an account (this is separate from your MCCCD login information). 

Once you have created a PerkSpot account and logged in, visit the new PerkSpot wellness page,  you can find discounted wellness items related to various wellness dimensions, including financial, social, emotional, and physical. You can find discounts on fitness facilities, device discounts, apparel, and much more. 

If you are having trouble with the PerkSpot link, please try clearing your cache. Below are some links to clear cache directions for a few common browsers:

• Firefox

• Google Chrome 

• Microsoft Edge

• Safari

July: Solstice Your Dental Wellness Provider

Solstice has 25 years of experience in providing dental coverage nationally. Solstice prides itself on the innovation of dental insurance plans and methods to keep dental costs low while remaining current with the latest dental care standards.

Solstice partners with local providers to provide a great dental network and to support easy access to care. With Solstice you have a national network of over 380,000 providers to choose from. Learn more about Solstice and keep an eye out for monthly solstice information in the weekly #YOUMATTER articles from Wellness Maricopa. 

June: Banner Aetna Preventive Health

• Banner Aetna Preventive Health 

May: Wellness Resources

Maricopa Employees now have even more resources to find healthcare in Arizona:

• Arizona locations - English

• Arizona locations - Spanish

• Smart Chart - Where to go for health care in general

April: Mental Health Resource

Book: Unlocking the Potential for Student Success

Dr. Thomas Rojo Aubrey, Counseling Division Chair and Director of Behavioral Sciences at South Mountain Community College, has published Unlocking the Potential for Student Success to address mental health challenges among students in higher education. 

This college textbook teaches the science of resilience and happiness by fostering mental well-being to improve the quality of life. The textbook takes a holistic approach to student success, including cognitive, emotional, social, nutritional, physical, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Thomas Rojo Aubrey at thomas.aubrey@southmountaincc.edu 

March: Self-Care Support

Mind Companion (formerly named “mystrength” until April 1, 2024) self-care is a digital self-guided mental well-being program that offers rich multimedia content.

The program content is based on concepts like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), positive psychology, mindfulness, and resiliency programs and includes 

• Videos

• Interactive questions

• Relaxation exercises

Go to the Resources for Living Member website, click the Mind Companion Self-Care Page to create an account. 

• User name = MCCCD

• Password = EAP

February: Know Where To Go For Care

Did you know you have options for affordable and convenient care? Did you know there are virtual options available if you cannot get into a physical clinic near you?

Banner | Aetna has created a Smart Chart that breaks down when to go to use a:

• PCP

• Banner Nurse On-Call Line (virtual)

• 98point6 (virtual)

• MinuteClinic

• Urgent Care center

• Emergency Room

Free Move 1 Million App

Download the free Move 1 Million app (either on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and start your day (every day) with 5 minutes led by celebrity trainer Chris Powell – 3 minutes of movement and 2 minutes of relaxation.

Visit https://m1m.org/ and get moving today!