November 2019
Managing Holiday Stress
Coping with stress as the holidays approach

You have now been on your “wellness journey” for several months. You may have conquered the addition of physical activity to your daily life, added carrots or squash as new meal choices, even gone to the doctor or had your blood / labs drawn here at work. Now, it’s time for the holidays! You can almost smell the turkey or “Tofu Turkey” and hear those jingle bells. It is an exciting time, so why do you feel so jittery and out of sorts as November and December appear on the calendar?

Holidays are supposed to be fun and joyous occasions. But for many, they bring an unusual amount of stress. Learn tips to reduce and manage holiday stress at home and work, and conquer your holiday blues before it starts so you can enjoy the festive season.
Fighting Stress Everyday
Stress in the Workplace
Signs of stress can be both physical and emotional. 

Stress affects the body and can contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as hypertension, ulcers, and migraine headaches. Stress can also exacerbate existing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Learn the signs of stress and how to combat this debilitating condition so you can live a healthy, happy life.
Combat Stress with Encouragement: Take the Fist-Bump Pledge
Encouragement is the act of giving someone support, confidence and hope.

Without these three things, accomplishing goals at home or in the workplace are tough, and sometimes downright impossible. Everyone needs to be encouraged at one time or another. It only takes a little boost of encouragement to lift someone's spirits, keep them moving forward and derail the impact of a stressful situation.

What better way to reinvigorate your wellness routine than through the power of encouragement and the celebration of the hardwork and dedication of others. Therefore, this month, Retif encourages you to give a little - fist bump, that is - to your co-workers who are getting the job done, working hard and showing true commitment to cultivating a more productive workplace. Take the pledge to bump -start each day by celebrating everyone around you during this season of giving.
Stress Less & Thrive
Retif Wellness Corner
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

In an effort to educate the public about diabetes, a disease that disportionately impacts people in Louisiana and other southern states, we are working to spread the word about preventive care to people who do not have the disease and self-management for those living with the disease. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes we encourage you to click below to read Diabetes Management & Supplies' (DMS) monthly e-newsletter, The Monthly Monitor. The newsletter for the month of November, and every month of the year, is dedicated to educating the general public about diabetes.
Healthy Kitchen
FEATURED ARTICLE: 51 Healthy Ways to Pack a Better Lunch
Try out Cooking Light's 51 delicious lunch recipes and kick start the holiday season with a commitment to healthy living.

As the employees of Retif Oil & Fuel con tinue to follow their individual paths to wellness and wellbeing, we at Diabetes Management & Supplies offer our continued support for everyone’s personal journey towards optimal health. Our wellness team consists of Eloise Keene and Jennifer Rittiner. They are available for in-person, face-to-face, or telephonic interfacing with Retif Wellness group participants. We can offer in-person HBA1c and glucose testing and individualized lifestyle coaching.

To learn more, contact:
Eloise Keene, MS, MPH, RD, LDN, LD, CDE   
Jennifer Rittiner, BS 
504-734-7165 Extension 1118
ekeene@diabetesms.com
Diabetes Management & Supplies | 1-888-738-7929 | Website