“Kindness is like snow—it beautifies everything it covers.”
– Kahlil Gibran

Welcome to our December update!  
Wendy Gammons, MIIA Wellness/Health Promotion Manager  

I’m not sure if we will have snow before Christmas, but hopefully we can all extend kindness towards one another. Kindness is not affected by the supply-chain issues and kindness is free – it is the perfect holiday gift! 
 
We have another fun contest this month with Sara Barrios that involves creating seasonal décor. Check out the flyer immediately below. You can also see the raffle winners from the Succulent Pumpkin contest we ran last month. Thanks to all of the members who participated. 
 
Wishing you a very merry holiday season!
Fun with Seasonal Decorations Boxwood and Pine Challenge and Raffle
Join Sara Barrios in making Boxwood Tree and Season Centerpiece for the winter holidays. Send the photo of your final product to MIIA for a chance to win prizes! See flyer for more details (only MIIA/BCBS subscribers can earn prizes).
Program of the Month
Stress Less Express
3-week Self-Directed Activity Starting December 13

The holiday season will look a bit different this year and may feel more overwhelming than usual. During this self-directed program, you will learn stress-reduction and time management tactics, practice self-care, and learn to be intentional with your time throughout the holidays. Each week will focus on a different stress-reducing tactic. Earn cool prizes as well.
Webinar of the Month
Exercising at Home Made Simple
Looking for a fun, safe, no cost way to work out in the convenience of your own home? Try this 15-minute Webinar and get a total body workout using only household items. Discover simple ways to create a total body workout including strength, balance and light cardio exercises and some great suggestions to keep you motivated! Available December 1 through 31.
Foods to Help Fight the Flu
Adopted from AARP
Between COVID and the flu we need to do everything we can to strengthen our immune system this winter (and beyond). Take a look at the article to learn which foods to include in your diet as frequently as possible.
Stress Less During the Holidays
Learn to Live
The holidays are a fun time, but can be another source of stress for many of us. However, with a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays. Click below for some tips from MIIA's mental health partner Learn to Live.
The Wellness "Succulent Pumpkin" Results!
Thanks to everyone who participated in this event. We received a wide variety of Succulent Pumpkin Masterpieces. Check out the raffle winners and their pumpkins. Note: MIIA randomly chose 3 adults to win a prize. These people are the "winners".
Recipe of the Month
Healthy Gingerbread Loaf
Olena Osipov
Nothing says the holidays like the smell of gingerbread. Enjoy this tasty (and healthy) recipe with family and friends!
The Well Aware Self-Directed Activity Challenges
Now there are TWO ways to earn gift cards while staying fit and well! Find our Wellbeing Smorgasbord and Webinar Buffet in each Monthly Newsletter like Stress Less Express and Exercising at Home Made Simple. We offer a variety of exercise, diet and wellbeing activities in self-directed and webinar formats. Each program includes educational information, tips and strategies. Only MIIA/Blue Cross subscribers are eligible for $125 worth of gift cards.
Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, 3 Center Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA 02108
617-426-7272 | 800-882-1498| www.emiia.org