MAY 2024 EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER Live Well. Work Well. Breaking Down Mental Health Stigma May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national • Talk openly. Break the silence surrounding health observance dedicated to shedding light on mental health by initiating open and honest mental health conditions and fostering conversations with friends, family and understanding and support for those experiencing colleagues. By sharing personal experiences or them. Mental illnesses are among the most common listening without judgment, you can create a safe health conditions in the United States. space for others. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness • Choose your words carefully. Avoid (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health stigmatizing words and use person-first disorder each year. Despite the prevalence of language emphasizing the individual, not their illnesses and increasing recognition of mental health condition. as a critical component of overall well-being, stigma • Encourage equality between physical and remains a significant barrier to receiving treatment mental health conditions. Mental illness is a and support. The fear of judgment and medical condition, so it should be treated just discrimination often prevents individuals from like a physical ailment. seeking help. • Speak up. Is you suspect someone is struggling with their mental health, send them messages of NAMI reports that nearly 60% support or help them get on the path to of adults with mental illness treatment. didn’t receive mental health By taking proactive steps to reduce mental health services in the previous year. stigma, you can help create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to seek help. Together, we can break down the barriers that stand in the way of healing and acceptance. It’s imperative to raise awareness and educate others about mental health to combat stigma and create a more compassionate and supportive society. Here are some tips for reducing the stigma associated with mental health • Educate yourself and others. Understanding the complexity of mental illness, including substance use disorders, can help dispel misconceptions. Take the time to learn about mental health conditions, symptoms and treatments.

MAY 2024 LIVE WELL. WORK WELL. NEWSLETTER: Seasonal Eating Health Benefits The Benefits of Active It’s normal to see the same produce available year- Recovery round in today’s market. However, that doesn’t mean the quality is the same throughout the seasons. A complete fitness routine includes Eating seasonally helps you take advantage of the training and strategic recovery. Unlike harvest schedule. Fortunately, May is peak spring passive recovery, which involves rest, mode and offers a variety of produce. Spring produce sitting or inactivity, active recovery keeps include: you moving and engaged in low- • Asparagus intensity exercises. Active exercises can • Artichokes facilitate faster muscle recovery and • Carrots enhance performance. Think of it as an add-on to your fitness routine— • Radishes recovering for 10 to 15 minutes after a • Spinach strenuous workout or taking it easy the following day. Consider these benefits of • Peas active recovery activities: • Peppers • Reduced lactic buildup in muscles • Strawberries • Decreased muscle soreness Not only is spring produce vibrant and fresh tasting, • Improved circulation but it also offers health benefits. Picked at the peak • Flexibility maintenance of their freshness and nutritional value, spring • Injury prevention produce is packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, providing a natural boost to your immune system and overall well-being. Eating seasonally also means you’re adding variety to your diet, along with diverse vitamins and minerals. Types of Active Recovery Seasonality depends on where you live, so let nature be your guide at your local farmers market or grocery store. Stretching Walking Light Resistance Cycling Training