Employee Wellness Gets Cookin’ in LMS

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Beat the heat by getting out and grilling this summer season. Employee Wellness recently cooked up an appetizing lunch-and-learn class focused on healthy eats made on the grill. And now you can watch that cooking demonstration on LMS.

The video features four delicious dishes: gazpacho shooters with tomatoes and peaches, grilled veggie and quinoa salad with basil lemon dressing, grilled Portobello burgers with sun-dried tomato pesto, and a summery sweet dessert of grilled peaches, raspberry sauce and whipped coconut cream.

Search for “2015 Q2 Cooking Demo” to watch during your break. Attending at least one Healthy Cooking Demonstration or watching it on LMS is one of the requirements to enter the Employee Wellness opportunity drawing for a beach cruiser.

For more information on wellness programs, visit the Employee Wellness site.

'Fitness Fanatic' Rides Across California

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Dave Krosch, a workers compensation adjuster, has strength, endurance and commitment. Krosch has competed in 300 triathlons, including five Ironman races, and countless other fun runs including the Tough Mudder and Spartan Races.

The self-proclaimed fitness fanatic has spent up to 25 hours per week, largely by himself, training for big races. He got into competitive swimming, biking and running in the mid-1980s. But these days, he has a workout partner who proves that fitness is in his blood.

“It’s been fun for me to train with someone else—it’s been so much fun to train with my 11-year-old son, Sam,” said Krosch.

There is no doubt that Krosch has passed on his natural athleticism, love of fitness, sense of adventure, and competitive spirit to his son. Sam participates in wresting and football, and enjoys biking and running.

“He’s a long-time athlete, having run across finish lines with me when he was small at various races and having run a 10:29 mile at 3 years old,” said Krosch.

During the week, the two lace up their sneakers after work or school for quality time together on a run or bike ride. And on weekends, they’re off to 5K races or longer competitions.

One of the most memorable races was a “Ride Across California” this spring, said Krosch. The two rode 267 miles from the Arizona border to the coast in San Diego County with a group of Sam’s peers. The event for 5th grade riders from the Poway Unified School District is sponsored by the Rancho Family YMCA in Rancho Penasquitos.

Krosch explained that the group pedaled 20 to 54 miles each day for 7 days. And every night they stopped to camp underneath the Southern California stars. All of the riders were accompanied by an adult and most had a “chase driver” carrying gear and extra food and drinks. The father and son pair made it a family affair—Krosch’s wife Jeanne followed the route.

“The ride started by dipping our rear wheels in the Colorado River at the Arizona-California border and finished by dipping our front wheels in the Pacific Ocean at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas,” Krosch explained.

“It was a pretty emotional week watching my son do so well, and just generally spending 7 straight days, mostly all day with him,” he said.

The two are focused, driven and even a little obsessed with training. Krosch gets in an average of 11 workouts per week, several while at work.

“I use the gym here at COC five times a week to lift weights or as a launching point for runs around Kearny Mesa, so the gym is an awesome benefit,” Krosch said, who has also participated in several Employee Wellness campaigns such as Thrive Across America.

While at work, he also gets outside to run the stairs in the parking garage.  One of his favorite quick workouts is 2,500 stairs and 100 push-ups.

What is your secret to fitness success? Do you have a fitness buddy or take advantage of County gym space? Let us know in the comment section below.

Fill 'er Up: 12 Tips to Help You Save Gas

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Don’t blink! By the time you’ve read this sentence, gas prices may have gone up — again!

In less than a week Southern California gasoline prices have soared to levels we haven’t seen since 2012 — increasing up to nearly 70 cents a gallon.

Fortunately, our County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures is doing its best to help protect your wallet — by constantly monitoring gas-station pumps to make sure you that when you buy a gallon of gas, you’re actually getting a full gallon. (Speaking of 2012, check out this video we made about AWM's program that year.)

But heck, in times like these, we figure everyone can use a few gas-saving tips.

Most of us are already familiar with tips like: “make sure your tires are properly inflated (under-inflated tires equal more road resistance and decreased mileage), and “drive smoothly, avoid quick starts and fast stops.”

But here are a dozen more we ran in 2012 (still good today) from experts including Popular Mechanics, AAA, Consumer Reports and even — Mythbusters!

1)Find the cheapest gas in town by checking websites such as GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com. (You can also check out smart-phone apps like Gas Buddy and Gas Guru.

2)Don’t buy premium gas unless your car actually requires it (Your owner’s manual and/or your dealer can tell you if it’s necessary). Most cars run just fine on regular unleaded!

3) Don’t carry junk in your trunk. You’re literally weighing yourself down.

4)If you can, leave for work before the rush so you’re not stuck in gas-guzzling stop-and-go traffic.

5)Keep up on your car maintenance. Tune-ups and new air filters can add extra miles to the gallon.

6)Drive the speed limit (OK, stop whining). Driving slower uses less gas. If you can’t drive the speed limit, slow down anyway and save!

7)Plan errands before you leave the house. Combine multiple errands into one trip — and hit the farthest distance first because a fully-warmed up car runs more efficiently.

8)Check for deals. Some companies like AAA and Costco (in partnership with American Express) will offer money back, travel or gift cards for using their credit cards to buy gas.

9)Pay cash for gas. Many gas stations tack on an extra 35 to 45 cents to use a debit or credit card.

10)Make right turns only. What? Mythbusters proved this works. When city-driving, don’t idle and waste gas at lights and stop signs when you can turn right and keep moving! Even if it takes you a few hundred yards out of the way, it will save.

11)Wash your car every now and then! A clean car actually creates less resistance and is more fuel-efficient!

12)Keep your truck tailgate up! There is information out there that says if you lower your truck’s tailgate, you’ll decrease drag and increase mileage. However, keeping it raised actually creates a vortex of air that will allow other air to pass over it with less drag. (Thanks, Mythbusters!)

Live Well and Look Good

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Want to look fashionable and help spread the County’s Live Well San Diego message at the same time?

You can! Live Well San Diego T-shirts, polos and sweatshirts are now available for purchase online.

The Live Well San Diego apparel store has a variety of styles and colors. All items are Live Well San Diego branded and come in a variety of colors (orange, blue, green, charcoal, white, red, black and gray).

The apparel is perfect to wear to County events, give as gifts for friends and family, or wear as a brand ambassador for Live Well San Diego in the community.

All orders will be handled by Infinite Business Solutions/Creative Print Solutions.

Here is some important information from the vendor:

  • Infinite Business Solutions/Creative Print Solutions will not accept returns for wrong sizes ordered

  • Infinite Business Solutions/Creative Print Solutions will replace any damaged shirt(s)

  • Please allow 3 weeks for printing and delivery of your order

  • All items will be shipped to your specified location

  • Please note that the website allows for 5 items per cart order. For orders more than 5 items, please email your order to catlynch@sbcglobal.net.

Please note you must order using personal funds. County funds may not be used to purchase this apparel and any purchase is optional, voluntary and is not in any way a job requirement.

View order instructions

Retired Employees Group Stays Active

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You’re never too young to plan for retirement. And you’re never too old to think about your future. Luckily for active and retired County employees there’s an organization looking out for you—the Retired Employees of San Diego County (RESDC).

With the motto of “honoring yesterday—protecting tomorrow,” the organization is more than just a social group. RESDC is dedicated to being an advocate for retiree interests and to providing relevant information and services to its members, said Mark Nanzer, executive director of the private nonprofit.

“While we have 6,500 members, our goal is to watch over and protect the interests of all County employees and retirees,” said Nanzer.

RESDC is not to be confused with San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA), whichadministers retirement and associated benefits for eligible employees of the County. As the recognized retiree organization, RESDC nominates a seat to the SDCERA Board of Retirement to voice and vote the opinion of retirees.

In addition, RESDC offers supplemental benefits including vision and dental insurance, hosts classes geared towards seniors on topics like living wills and Alzheimer’s disease, delivers retiree news through a print and electronic newsletter, and invests in the future.

Most recently, RESDC participated in one of its long-standing traditions—awarding scholarships. At last month’s Board of Supervisors’ meeting, it gave out five $2,000 scholarships to students who are all children or grandchildren of retirees.

And of course, there are plenty of social activities too. A group of retirees recently attended a Padres game last week and more than a hundred members gathered last month for the popular Flag Day luncheon.

Membership is open to all County retirees for $5 per month or $60 per year. Non-voting associate memberships are available for current employees for $12 per year.

The group publishes a monthly newsletter. To view the newsletter or for more information on upcoming meetings or the benefits that RESDC provides, visit www.resdc.net or call 866-688-9229.

New EAP Provider – Anthem Blue Cross!

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Changes are coming to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). (For Sheriff’s Department employees, your provider won’t change.)

They’re not big changes and you won’t be impacted at all.

Anthem is the new EAP provider so all you have to do is remember a new phone number and website. As of July 1, you should call (888) 777-6665 or visit www.anthemeap.com to get help. Login in the members's section and type "County of San Diego."

The services will remain the same and, yes, they are still FREE. You can still get up to eight counseling sessions per problem or situation, as well as access to legal and financial services and elder and childcare assistance, in addition to other online resources.

“The program is available to help employees deal with personal problems before they affect their health, relationships or job performance,” said Elaine Pitpit, HR benefits manager for the County’s Department of Human Resources. Anthem EAP can help employees address the following:

 • Emotional Distress

 • Marital, Family and Parenting Concerns

 • Divorce/Relationship Conflicts

 • Custody Issues

 • Grief and Loss

 • Life Transition

“If an employee or family member is having work/life balance struggles, marital or work related issues, EAP is there for them to seek assistance. The services provided are strictly confidential,” Pitpit concluded.

In Touch: Summer Reading Recommendations

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Ah, it’s summer. The last couple days here, it’s been feeling like summer in Florida. But summertime nonetheless and time to enjoy long days and all we love about the season in San Diego.

Many of you are taking well-earned vacations or just spending some days lounging around at the beach. There’s nothing like that downtime for diving into a book. But what to read?

Sure, we could go look up a list somewhere, but we have so many good ideas in-house, why not start here? I hit up my group of general managers and a few employees from around our departments for some reading recommendations they could share with all of us. Links are added for the titles we have in the County Library.

 

David Estrella, Community Services Group

One of my favorite reads is “The Grapes of Wrath.” John Steinbeck captures the struggle of so many people during a challenging time in American history. This book is still relevant today because so many people in our country continue to struggle to come out ahead.  Also, “East of Eden” has a beautiful discussion about California and rain and how we perceive our state.

 

Jody Bumhoffer, Registrar of Voters

A book I would recommend for a good summer read is “The Lost Key” by one of my favorite authors, Catherine Coulter. This is a nonstop FBI thriller that introduces believable and easy-to-relate-to characters, while showing the different processes the FBI agents follow to solve a crime.  The plot moves easily through the pages and it makes you feel as if you are in the scenes as the story unfolds.  It’s a page turner. 

 

Sarah Aghassi, Land Use and Environment Group

One of the books that has left an impression on me over the years is "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell.  It's a series of stories that provides a thought-provoking perspective on what makes individuals successful and how the environment, circumstances and opportunities in which we "grow" are just as important as intelligence and determination in achieving success.  Two aspects of the book that I reflect on frequently are first, the responsibility we have as a society to create the environment, circumstances and opportunities for more individuals to become successful; and second, how critical good communication and teamwork are to achieving success.


Michele Clock, Public Safety Group

I highly recommend the book, “The Fire Outside My Window: A Survivor Tells The True Story Of California's Epic Cedar Fire.” Written by an East County resident who awoke in the middle of the night to find the Cedar Fire racing toward her home, Sandra Millers Younger’s gripping first-hand account describes what it was like to just barely get out in time (including driving through flames). What sets this book apart is how well written it is, and also her meticulous research of the incident from all angles, including from the point of view of the first fire officials to arrive on scene. A fascinating narrative. It will motivate you to make sure you’re ready, too (readysandiego.org)!


Sarah Panfil, Clerk of the Board

I recently read "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" by Erik Larson. I found this historical nonfiction book to be full of information, intrigue and interesting characters just like other Erik Larson books I have read. It is a story of the ship with various perspectives of those involved in the sinking of the Lusitania during WWI in 1915.

 

 

Tracy Sandoval, Finance and General Government Group

I can't find the time for a whole book these days. If I have a few minutes, I squeeze in People magazine. A little light escape is just what I need to relax.

 

 

Vinnie Freeman, Parks and Recreation

I’m a big fan of sports stories and recommend The Echoing Green: The Untold Story of Bobby Thomson, Ralph Branca and the Shot Heard Around the World by Joshua Prager.

It’s the story of the 1951 New York Giants “miraculous” comeback season and dramatic playoff win over the Brooklyn Dodgers.  It was a feel-good story except for one thing: the Giants were able to hide a telescope in the center field clubhouse and steal the catcher’s signals, then tapped into the ballpark’s electrical system to relay the signals to the dugout through a buzzer system. The book is about a classic pennant race, two men whose lives were changed forever and the intrigue of previously undiscovered gamesmanship that puts the story in a whole new light.


Nick Macchione, Health and Human Services Agency

I just finished reading a few great books.  Here are two of them:   

1. "Simpler: The Future of Government" by Cass Sunstein.  Great book highlighting the importance of "potent simplicity" in the work we do in government.  Using the concepts of “choice architecture” and “nudges,” Sunstein states "Nudges are often the height of simplicity.” (aka Make it Easy!)

BTW: Sunstein also co-authored the book on "Nudge." Another great read. 

2. "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End" by Atul Gawande.  Offers a fresh perspective on the emerging role of medicine from sick care to helping people live well all the way to the end of life. Great complement to our work with Live Well San Diego.

 

Giang Nguyen, Health and Human Services Agency

“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. This is a classic! I consider it sort of a bedtime story for adults – super easy read. Barnes & Noble describes it as “a whimsical story with a fairy tale feel” and it shows one portrayal of “the secret of what is important in life.” It’s something that would be great to read with your children. My parents gave me the book on my sixteenth birthday, and I loved it!

 

Ron Lane, Public Safety Group

I would recommend, “George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior.” More of a pamphlet than a book, these rules provide great advice from the father of our country. While some of the rules don’t translate well (I hope) to the 21st century, like rule #13 “Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others,” most of the rules, such as rule #6, ”Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace” provide good advice, and the world would be a better place if more people abided by them.

 

Helen here again. Certainly some variety in those suggestions. As for me, my reading list this summer is the Century Trilogy by Ken Follett. Nothing on work! I just finished the first, “Fall of Giants” and am about to start the second, “Winter of the World.” The third is due out in September “Edge of Eternity.” It’s historical fiction starting with World War I running through the Cold War. 

Summer is often a time to explore, and I love how we don’t have to go any farther than a good chair to let reading take our minds new places. That makes our lives richer, and fresh perspectives are some of the best souvenirs we can bring back to work. Whether you’re reading, taking a road trip, barbecuing with friends and family, or otherwise enjoying the season, I hope you all have a wonderful summer.