“By all these lovely tokens, September days are here. With summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.”
– Helen Hunt Jackson, American poet

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

I’ve always loved the September weather and think it is one of the best times to be outside. I hope you continue to take advantage of the beautiful New England weather and enjoy these last few weeks of warm days and cooler nights. Be sure to check out the 2021 – 2022 calendar for our Smorgasbord and Webinar Buffet activities – you can earn $125 worth of gift cards by participating in these activities (only MIIA/BCBS members can earn prizes).
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 Passport to Health and The Power of Self-Compassion and Resilience. 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.
Program of the Month
Passport to Health
A 3-Week Challenge Starting September 13

Experience what it’s like to live the lifestyle characteristics of some of the healthiest regions of the world and learn how to integrate them into your life. As usual, prizes are awarded for program completion. Enjoy!
Webinar of the Month
The Power of Self-Compassion and Resilience
Want to improve your quality of life and overall sense of wellbeing? Complete this webinar to nurture two life skills: Self-Compassion and Resiliency. People face all kinds of adversity in life and learning how to adapt to life challenges pays off for a lifetime. Learn techniques to help nurture and grow self-compassion and resilience, to thrive through life's ups and downs. Available September 1 through September 30.
Give Yourself a Self-Care Boost
Elizabeth Berner, MIIA Wellness Representative

September stress is here. Whether you are returning to work or have children returning to school, September can bring about anxiety and stress. It is especially important to attend to your own self-care. Here is an article on Self-Care to support you during this month. Be on the lookout for a Self-Care Zoom wellness program offered by Trish Hart in the coming weeks.
Back to School in 2021
Learn to Live

Sending your kids back to in-person learning got you stressed out? Are you dealing with many negative thoughts around the back-to-school situation? Check out this article to learn more about how you can deal with those and other negative thoughts through MIIA's Learn to Live program.
Get Notified of Possible COVID Exposure
MassNotify is a free smartphone app, created in partnership with Apple and Google, to alert users of COVID exposures. Anonymous codes are shared with other MassNofity users; NO personal or location data is collected or shared. You are notified if a user test positive near you. The app will not tell you who tested positive. Add this extra level of security to your phone.
SmartShopper
Earn a $100 Cash Reward on Your Next MRI 
People tend to go to the MRI facility their doctor suggests. Believe it or not, you stand to save hundreds of dollars by shopping around!  As a MIIA member, you automatically have access to SmartShopper. They help you compare in-network locations for many medical procedures so you can get the same care for less.  SmartShopper is free and easy to use, so take advantage of this awesome benefit. 
Recipe of the Month
Roasted Tomatoes Recipe for Freezing
Gloria Duggan, Homemade & Yummy


Whether you have a garden overflowing with extra tomatoes or like to grab a bunch from your local Farmer's Market, now is the time for tomatoes! This simple recipe will have you enjoying summer-fresh tomatoes in the middle of winter.
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