October 2017 Edition
AISD Benefits & Wellness Fair
Tuesday October 3rd
2:00pm-8:00pm
Performing Arts Center
1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd.
Stop by the AISD Performing Arts Center for the Benefits & Wellness Fair.
Employees will be able to learn & ask questions about the 2018 benefit plan changes, visit with all AISD healthcare vendors, including Delta Dental, Superior Vision, Aetna and more, and enroll in your 2018 benefit selections.

Also enjoy free chair massages and get your free flu shot (bring your Aetna medical card)

Family members are welcome to join you! Trick-or-Treat your way through the vendors for chances to win one of the AWESOME door prizes, such as a 50" 4K TV, a Bicycle from Mellow Johnny's, Yeti Coolers, $250 gift cards, and more!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Early detection is key.

The importance of Mammograms
Mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can be felt. They also can show tiny clusters of calcium called microcalcifications. Lumps or specks can be caused by cancer, fatty cells, or other conditions like cysts.

Once a Month
Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important. While mammograms can help you detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel.

Reducing Your Risk
Although you cannot prevent cancer, some habits that can help reduce your risk are:
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Staying physically active
  • Eating lots of fruits and vegetables
  • Being a non-smoker
  • Limiting alcohol consumption

Remember on all health plans, preventative care is 100% covered.
#MindfulMonday

While 27% of people report that Monday is the day they experience the most stress, 58% of people see Monday positively,as an opportunity for a "fresh start."

Use the video below to practice the 4-7-8 breathing exercise, which can be helpful to calm anxiety and stress.
Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
Did you know? Pumpkin is packed with nutritional value. It's got great fiber, loads of Vitamin A, potassium, riboflavin and copper!

Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
2 cups oats (ground up or whole, you decide)
2 scoops protein powder (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Add everything to a bowl and mix together. Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes
  3. Let it cool for 5 minutes before eating. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Notes: Depending on the oats and if you use protein, you may need to increase the oats. Go by consistency, if the dough seems too wet, then add a little more.
Employee Flu Shot Clinics

Prevention is Key!

The Flu Shot Campaign is in full swing and will continue through October.


Details
  • Shots are FREE for anyone on AISD's Gold Choice or Gold Seton Plan. Must have your insurance card with you.

  • Those not on an AISD health plan can get the trivalent flu shot for $12.00 cash or check accepted.

  • Dependents can also get the shot. Children under the age of 7 must have a prescription.

If you missed your campuses clinic day, remember you can come to the Benefits & Wellness Fair and receive your free flu shot there also!

Click the image to enlarge the
Trick-or-Treaters
Workout Challenge
#AISDGot ❤
Stories from the Heart
Breathe For Change - Blackshear Elementary's Story
Featuring Assistant Principal Ms. Birdwell and Special Education Teacher Kasey Kirk

During the summer break Ms. Birdwell along with one of her employees, Kasey Kirk completed the Breathe for Change program. This program empowers educators to enhance well-being in their lives, classrooms and school communities. Ms. Birdwell describes the program as having been “life-changing & transformational, with a lot of focus on self-care.” She stated “the fact that it’s a class created by educators, for educators, you walked in on day one and immediately felt a sense of inclusiveness and comradery.” This included a diverse group of professionals ranging from elementary to college from all around the country. Beyond the transformation of self, the two from both agreed there was also a strong SEL connection that they were able to take back and practice with both employees and students at Blackshear Elementary.

At the end of the Breathe for Change program participants are not only encouraged to continue practicing the skills they’ve learned but they are also challenged to pay it forward and help create a transformation in their community. That is when Ms. Birdwell and Ms. Kirk came together and decided to start a weekly yoga class at Blackshear Elm.

The weekly class meets on Wednesdays at 4:00pm in the Blackshear gym and is FREE for Austin ISD employees. Community members can also join and have a suggested donation of $5/class. With those donations Ms. Birdwell said they will put them towards purchasing yoga props, resources to further teacher wellness initiatives on campus, and scholarships to send other educators through the Breathe for Change program.

To find out more details about the Blackshear free yoga class contact (512) 414-2764.