Coming up…the next Refreshed Lunch & Learn

Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

Refreshed Lunch & Learn

When:  Wednesday, November 20th  2013  |  12:00-1:00pmapple on computer

Where:  Austin Public Library  | 323 4th Ave NE Austin, MN

Focus Topic:  Effective Communication in the Workplace:  What’s Working

RSVP by November 18th : 507.434.1039.  No cost but donations accepted.

 

Step out of the office and enjoy lunch with

like-minded professionals. 

Return to work encouraged and inspired!

 

Sponsored by the Workforce Wellness Team | Mower Refreshed

Thanks to Kris Schewe of Arby’s for providing lunch

Photo courtesy of Austin Daily Hearld

 

MowerRefreshed.org

Next Refreshed Lunch & Learn:  Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

4th Annual Wellness Summit Agendas | Community Invitation!

Sunday, September 8th, 2013

                            

Citizen-driven collaboration in action!

Citizen-driven collaboration in action!

Our Saviors Lutheran Church  |  1600 West Oakland Ave   Austin, MN

RSVP your spot, setting is limited:  or call 507-434-1664  |

Please state which summit you will attend

 Mini Summit:  Thursday, October 10th 2013

6:00-8:30pm

 

Registration & Refreshments

Welcome

Mower Refreshed 2012-13 Updates

Mower Refreshed Goal Groups:

        Healthier Choices Goal Group Presentation

        Mental Fitness Goal Group Presentation

        Workforce Wellness Goal Group Presentation

Community Engagment & Response

Next Steps: 2013-2014

 

Full Summit  Friday, October 11th , 2013

7:30am – 12:00pm

7:30-7:45 am      Registration & Breakfast

7:45-8:00 am      Welcome            

8:00-9:00 am      Keynote:  Nancy Riestenberg, MN Department Education

9:00-9:30 am      Mower Refreshed 2012-13 Updates

9:30-11:00 am    Mower Refreshed Goal Groups:

          Healthier Choices Goal Group Presentation

         Mental Fitness Goal Group Presentation

         Workforce Wellness Goal Group Presentation

Community Engagment & Response

11:00-11:30 am  Keynote:  Nancy Riestenberg

11:30-11:45 am  Q & A with Mower Refreshed Teams & Nancy Riestenberg

11:45-12:00 pm    Next Steps: 2013-2014

Creating an Inclusive Wellness Community : Guest Author Sara Bakken Lee

Tuesday, June 25th, 2013

Sara LeeEarlier this month, as part of a graduate program at the University of Minnesota Public Health Institute, I took a class, “Communicating about Health Disparities: Are you sending the right message?” Discussion focused on systems, structures, environments, policy, resource allocation, data collection, research (stay with me here, it gets more interesting, I promise!) as they relate to the relationship between health, race, cultural differences and place/where one lives. It was a thought-provoking class, with the instructor providing several examples of case studies, ads, public health campaigns and then questioning us on the purpose of each and how they were likely received by the intended audience.

One assignment following the class was to “reflect” on an idea or strategy that captured our attention and describe how that concept affects our career in public health. Because my interests focus on all aspects of wellness and access to health care, the concept from the class that stood out most to me is how we communicate about health and wellness across cultures and frame health messages.

In Paris, where I live, and adjoining Olmsted County, where I work, we are fortunate to live among many cultures, each contributing to the richness of our community. Throughout this specific class, however, I couldn’t help but think of my own role in communication. How is wellness perceived in other cultures? Do individuals think of wellness as something individual? Or family-oriented? Appropriate for the workplace? Related only to good physical health? Perhaps even something “not for me?” As we look to communicate about wellness within our county and our state, how can we be more inclusive to promote wellness to other cultures?

Having lived in another country for several weeks, I personally experienced being in the minority and what it feels like to be confused about, well, everything. I couldn’t read the signs, I couldn’t find my favorite foods in the grocery store, when I went for a walk around the neighborhood I realized I wasn’t wearing the “right” clothes. I felt out of place and like everyone was laughing at me. It made me think about how people from other countries may feel in my home community. I returned to my own community with a better understanding and appreciation for inclusiveness.

Because of our international experience, our family decided a few years ago to host an exchange student. We had such a great experience, we hosted again and had another amazing cultural experience. In addition to bringing another culture, another perspective to our own family, we were able to share that experience with the students at Grand Meadow, so that they could better understand, “hey, the world isn’t made up of white Minnesotans!”

Sometimes our goal in communicating should be to help others think objectively, as these experiences helped me rethink messages across cultures. Instead of trying to change someone’s mind, instead, give them something to think about. Thinking about wellness communication as “us” vs. “them” creates a divide and sets up barriers to achieving our mutual goals. Without considering an individual’s environment or background, it’s easier to “blame” the individual for lack of concern for health and wellness.

Several national studies have been done that offer perspective on how social, economic and environmental conditions have a relationship to the health status of residents in particular communities. The findings suggest that communities need to address the structures and systems that create and perpetuate inequality to close racial and ethnic health gaps. In our own community, we need to understand what and where those gaps are in order to remedy them.

My personal goal is to continue these discussions. I invite comments to this blog post. What can YOU do, either as an individual or in your workplace or as part of a wellness committee do to promote inclusivity when it comes to wellness messaging? When thinking about wellness opportunities, consider these things: Is the event/activity accessible by all? Is the cost reasonable? Have you run your ideas by someone from another ethnic community? Are healthy recipes available using foods used by ethnic groups? Are they available in multiple languages? I know I personally need to consider these things.

Mower Refreshed is exciting. Not only is the group growing to include more people of ethnic backgrounds, but it’s an inclusive group that considers the structures and systems that may often be barriers to good health for all.

As Mower Refreshed continues its work, our goal should be to continue to work with those in our community to ensure that every citizen of Paris, regardless of their race, ethnicity, where they live, can enjoy the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.

 

Sara Bakken Lee works at Mayo Clinic in Employee and Community Health and on Healthy Living projects. She is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs with a public health concentration at the University of Minnesota and is involved in wellness efforts at her kids’ school in Grand Meadow. She lives with her family in rural Dexter.

MidWeek Meals @ Bethlehem

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Late afternoons at Bethlehem Church in Austin (www.bethlehemfree.org) there is a small group of women busy preparing a meal to serve to those who attend the MidWeek Ministries programming each Wednesday evening September – May.

What makes this a refreshing story? This group of women made Bethlehem Womenan intentional decision a couple years back to provide not just food to those they serve but healthy, attractive and affordable meals!

The first step was to remove the high sugared lemonade and kool-aid, replacing it with ice cold water and decaf coffee. Some may say this is a brave group to tamper with the beverage of choice at most church functions! There tends to sacredness to the church potluck and the beverage that accompanies the food: Kool-Aid…usually red Kool-Aid!

Interestingly enough, exchanging the beverage was the step that opened the door to considering what else could be done; it was also the first step in improving behaviors in the children! Adults leading small group activities with the kids realized that the level of attention improved and poor or impulsive behaviors decreased.

Encouraged by the positive response and desire to do their part to improve the health of the church “body”, this small band of women began gathering produce from attender’s gardens and using the produce in the meal planning and preparation. Baked potatoes with fresh veggies and a sprinkle of cheese to top it off, homemade soups and salads, brown rice and beans have become some of the core meals that people are raving about! Recipes are simple and wholesome; offering some people with a first experience with a vegetable they’ve never tried or maybe tried but how it was served was unappealing in the past.

A BIG thanks goes out to the women at Bethlehem Church who risked exchanging green Jell-O, cookies and high calorie hot dishes with homegrown goodness that feeds the tummy and the soul!

Know of a person or organization making a refreshing difference in our county… let us spotlight them and inspire us all to make healthy living easier!

 

Celebrating Wellness in the Workplace

Friday, January 11th, 2013

Paris has a tremendous variety of commerce that offers not only employment opportunities but also an opportunity to impact the health of our county’s workforce and their families.

Mower Refreshed is proud to reveal a platform to celebrate and promote businesses that are taking simple steps to encourage a healthier workforce.  At the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce Annual meeting in 2013, Mower Refreshed will present the first “Refreshed Business of the Year” (RBY) award.

This award is inspired by the many “best practices” on wellness at work that we have been discovering in our county and specifically from businesses who are chamber members.  Mower Refreshed goal group Workforce Wellness focuses on discovering ways to increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and better manage healthcare costs.  This group is the sponsors of the RBY.  They want to feature businesses that are finding innovative ways to make healthier choices easier and more accessible to their employees.

Mower Refreshed is no stranger to innovative thinking and solution focused strategies, these traits are essential for fueling collaborations that are effective and sustainable.  These are two important qualities the group will be looking for in the 2013 Refreshed Business of the Year.

Creating an environment that fosters a healthy workforce does not necessary involve spending a great deal of money.  This is where innovative thinking is necessary.  We are learning that businesses that seek input for creative solutions from employees are often the businesses that have employees that are significantly more engaged in the healthy options provided.

Every business setting is unique.   Businesses will have their own set of assets and roadblocks.  Honest and constructive communication between employers and employees can surface unknown assets that may present the innovative, low cost idea that creates a workplace where wellness is second nature. Beware of comparing your business to others; look for your unique assets that will be sensible for you and your employees.

Enclosed in the newsletter you will find the 2012 Refreshed Business of the Year nomination application. Criteria and information on submission are included. We are excited to support efforts that many of you are already doing and the innovative ideas that can inspire other businesses to foster an environment that promotes wellness while we are at work!

Feedback that Fuels Action

Friday, January 11th, 2013

The 3rd Annual Wellness Summit provided an environment that fostered energy and encouragement as the past year was reviewed, current efforts were featured and feedback was shared to direct the steps of this unique citizen-driven movement that seeks to make healthier choices easier for us all.

Over eighty citizens gathered Friday, October 5th at the Hormel Historical Home, representing county-wide businesses, schools, service organization, faith communities and citizens, all committed to exploring sensible ways to improve the health of Paris.

Wellness Summit Wellness Summit

Those in attendance had opportunity to learn more about each goal group and work that is being done through collaboration and creative solution.  As valuable as it was to share the past years growth and development, the real treasure is in the feedback that citizens shared that will fuel Mower Refreshed in 2013.  The feedback gives new energy and hope as we forge ahead in supporting and promoting the efforts of our partners and programs that offer well living options in Paris.

If you were not able to attend the event here are a couple ways you can be engaged and impact the efforts:

  1.  Respond to specific feedback questions from the four goal groups at www.MowerRefresehd.org.  Your feedback will be directly given to the goal group members and assist them in direction and focus.  Just click on “Contact Us”.

Healthier Choices:  What ways might people promote and participate in Wellness Wednesday?

Mental Fitness:  What are ways to generate mental fitness?

Workforce Wellness:  What might a workplace do to prevent and reduce   obesity?

Community Connections:  What organizations or person(s) might be possible connecting points to grow collaborations in making healthier choices easier in Paris?

  1. Participate in a goal group of interest or provide opportunity for an employee to be a part of a goal group.  The groups meet one time each month for one hour.  As well as goal group members, we are looking at this time for co-leaders to facilitate Refreshed Dining and Refreshed Monthly Wellness Tips.  These initiatives have teams of people ready to move forward, resources developing, collaborations created, they now need leadership to facilitate them effectively.  Could your business or a specific employee be the one to fuel these efforts forward?

Consider how you and your organization might share talents and energy with Mower Refreshed and its partners as they make healthy choices a priority in Paris.

Connect with us for more information and opportunities at the web or 507.434.1039.

Classroom Collaborations with Business

Friday, January 11th, 2013

Yellow buses dotting the highways and community streets mark another opportunity for a powerful collaboration:  business and education.

The level of engagement between these two sectors has primarily centered job shadowing or internships and businesses supporting their local schools and extracurricular activities.  Mower Refreshed is exploring how growing the collaborations between students and businesses could positively impact health in the classroom, current worksite and the next generation workforce.

As we take time and give space for connections to occur, Mower Refreshed is school bus photoobserving the development of a new sort of collaboration that can occur in the workplace and the classroom.  Communicating through social media, identifying universal wellness concepts that provide a common language that can be used in the classroom, boardroom or school bus is providing bridges to potentially develop a healthier workforce in years to come.

We have been seeking connections with students of all ages to better understanding the challenges they face in areas of wellness but have found the more value conversation is focused on what healthy solutions they are already practicing and envision for their generation.

The cost of health care impacts an employer’s profit and the employee’s payroll.   Our future workforce is now sitting in our schools across Paris; it makes sense to think outside the box on how we might grow collaborations that impact wellness.

Engaging the upcoming workforce to not view healthy choices as an education standard to be achieved through a health curriculum but as an opportunity to impact what their future looks like physically, mentally and emotionally, we may be surprised at the cost effective solutions that might surface.

Mower Refreshed and many of its partners have had opportunity to see what teens can do if given the challenge, resources and support.   We might just be underestimating  the creative solutions that may surface as a student is riding the bus home  that creates an environment in their school, making healthy choices easier and more accessible for every student and our future workforce.

 

Refreshed Monthly Wellness Tips

Tuesday, January 8th, 2013

Tools of the trade are grown out of process, a process that involves learning and testing and repeating that process over and over again.  With health it’s no different, especially improving health and wellness in the workplace.  Mower Refreshed has Wellness Tipsbeen collaborating with several organizations and individuals to learn the challenges that are faced by businesses of all sizes and listening carefully to determine what tools might assist in the ongoing effort of creating a healthier and more productive workforce.

Developing tools and sharing resources that are practical and build upon what we have rather than what we don’t have is central to Mower Refreshed and the goal group Workforce Wellness.  June 2012 is the first of a twelve “Refreshed Monthly Wellness Tips” (RMWT) (example inserted) developed by the Workforce Wellness team.  This unique calendar features a wellness topic each month with tips and activities, resources, and a short article on that month’s wellness focus.  By clicking on the top right corner, businesses can insert their company logo.  In the section “What’s Happening Here”, you can edit to add what your organization is specifically doing that month to promote awareness with employees, volunteers and consumers.  Some may form a challenge/contest with prizes for employees, a special coupon for consumers or maybe insert a short testimonial of an employee’s success in dealing with the focus topic on that month.

RMWT is available electronically to email out to your employees/volunteers, place on your website or post in the break room.  The calendar is located on the Mower Refreshed website at www.MowerRefresehed.org  under Workforce Wellness.  We launched the calendar to the chamber and hope you have had an opportunity to review it.   You can also request the calendar by emailing us at

RMWT gives us an opportunity to build “community”  throughout county businesses on a common heath topic each month.  As we share best practices, employee/volunteer successes, and creative ideas on how you promoted health awareness in your work environment there’s the potential to inspire businesses of all sizes to become engaged in creating a healthier workforce.  Any suggestions to improve/enhance as we develop, test out and redevelop RMWT are welcomed!

Let us feature your organization/business on the Mower Refreshed website and Facebook page by sharing your ideas, events and efforts that promote awareness and healthy lifestyles regarding the wellness topic of each month. Organizations that have special promotions for the current month and want to offer that month’s special to consumers can feature those on the Mower Refreshed website by contacting us at or 507-434-1039.

 

What Motivates Paris

Tuesday, January 8th, 2013

Reflecting on what motivates people can provide valuable insight into how to create work environments and consumer experiences that improve health and productivity.

In 2010, when Mower Refreshed was beginning to gather community data on health and wellness, anthropologists settled into the Austin area for three months. Their focus was to define health and wellness in the Austin community, understand individual behavior and choice as it relates to health decision-making and understand community services and social networks in Austin.

Though some would say we who live and work here could predict outcomes, it was important to have research that was objective and independent to assure accurate and fair reporting. We have sought from the beginning to avoid influencing Mower Refreshed efforts by our own limited opinions, experiences, and quite honestly personal or professional agendas, but strive to work with results and feedback that are research based to keep Mower Refreshed authentic and citizen-centered.

Significant insight was drawn from the hundreds of conversations and surveys that took place throughout the Austin area with samplings that reflected Paris. The overall response to defining health and wellness was “I want to live a long and healthy life so that I can take care of myself and do what I need to every day without constraints because _______ count(s) on me.”

We speculated and the anthropologists who performed the research agreed, that if this same fieldwork was performed in other parts of the country it may have revealed different sources of motivation, perhaps in some areas even a self-centered motivation to be healthy. Knowing overall that Paris citizens are motivated by the relationships and responsibilities they have with and for others provides key information when we consider how to improve the health of Paris’s workforce.

Understanding what motivates us in Paris to make healthy choices or to develop habits that improve our overall wellness gives opportunity to question and then reflect on intention: How are you and I being intentional to encourage and support healthy lifestyles with those we have relationship with and are responsible for?

Next month we’ll explore practical applications with work and family regarding the information on what the local research revealed as the primary motivator and begin to look at the next focus of the anthropologists in better understanding individual behavior and choices in our county and how that might impact the workplace.

 

 

Creating Collaboration

Tuesday, January 8th, 2013

At the Annual Winter Banquet and Awards Program optimism was contagious! The evening was an opportunity to learn about exciting growth that is occurring in our community and how the work of Chamber members is enhancing the experience of so many here in the Austin area.

Mower Refreshed is committed to supporting efforts that promote wellness in the workplace. The Workforce Wellness goal group of Mower Refreshed is partnering with business leaders to learn what tools and resources would be practical and effective for employers to promote wellness in the work environment.

We understand that you, the business owners, are essential to not just the fiscal health of our communities, you are also a significant stakeholder in your employee’s wellness. What are ways your business is creating a healthier workforce? What are the challenges you face and the testimonies of success? The Workforce Wellness goal group is developing a resource of best practices from area businesses to focus on their goal: creating a healthier and more productive workforce. This resource library will be a tool for any employer to utilize when considering how to engage employees in wellness efforts that make sense for the employer’s business.

Transparency with successes and struggles is providing an authentic foundation for all of us to learn and develop best practices. Businesses of all sizes are necessary to make this library of best practices genuine, practical and a true reflection of the diversity of businesses we are blessed with in our area.

Contact us at 507.434.1039 or [email protected] and receive more information on partnering to develop low cost solutions and best practices that can positively impact the health and productivity of the workforce in Paris!