Employee Wellness News

The Lafayette Employee Wellness Program (LEWP) offers monthly news, tips, and resources from our benefit providers.

This Month’s Features:

healthy aging | suicide prevention | sleep well | cooking demo | ovarian & prostate cancer awareness | FREE webinars

HEALTHY AGING - SEPTEMBER EMPLOYEE WELLNESS FOCUS

To stay sharper while aging, get active, challenge your brain, and eat healthy (Associated Press | July 29, 2025)

IT'S OFFICIAL! Older Americans worried about cognitive decline can stay sharper for longer by exercising both their bodies and their brains and eating healthier. That’s according to initial results released by a rigorous U.S. study of lifestyle changes in seniors at risk of developing dementia. People following a combination of healthier habits slowed typical age-related cognitive decline — achieving scores on brain tests as if they were a year or two younger.

ORAL HEALTH & OVERALL WELLNESS AS YOU REACH MIDDLE AGE

Delta Dental

People in their 40s and older looking for warning signs of diseases may be overlooking key symptoms in their mouth. Regular oral exams can catch some diseases in their earliest stages when they're most treatable. Research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole.

Starting with middle age, people may find themselves especially vulnerable to developing diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease. Research shows that more than 90% of all systemic diseases (diseases involving many organs or the whole body) have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems.

Seeing a dentist regularly helps to keep your mouth in top shape and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues. A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, improper jaw alignment and signs of developing oral problems. Share your complete medical history with your dentist and inform them of any recent health developments, even if they seem unrelated to your oral health.

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY IS SEPTEMBER 10th

Mental Health America

If you’re struggling right now, that’s okay.
You’re not weak or broken.
You’re human—and you’re not alone.

For confidential support and guidance, reach out to Health Advocate, your Employee Assistance Plan (EAP):
Phone: 877.240.6863
Email: answers@healthadvocate.com
Web: HealthAdvocate.com/lafayettecollege
Registration code: LAFAYETTE

No suicide attempt should be dismissed or treated lightly. We should all learn more about suicide, self-harm, and mental health so that the stigma surrounding the topic is reduced and people aren’t afraid of openly talking about their struggles before crisis.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes, but those feelings can change—they don’t last forever. Reaching out for support or talking to someone can make all the difference.

YOUR LIFE MATTERS

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741, or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline. Trained crisis workers will listen to you and direct you to the resources you need. Click Here for more resources for immediate response.

Make Sleep Health a Priority

Sleep is vital to good health and emotional well-being. Sleep is a complex biological process that helps your brain process new information and gives your body time to rebuild cells and energy. The amount and quality of sleep are essential. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. The health benefits of getting enough, good-quality sleep are numerous and includes lowering risks of chronic diseases, maintaining healthy weight, improving attention and memory, and improving immunity to sickness.

Information From World Sleep Society

Sleep Health is Multi-Dimensional

“Healthy sleep” means more than simply “enough sleep.” There are six dimensions that affect sleep health and consequently overall health and wellbeing.

Organizing “healthy sleep” into distinct aspects offers sleep health advocates more focused messaging that promotes healthy sleep behaviors.

The six dimensions of sleep health are the following:

Duration: how much did you sleep over 24 hours?
Efficiency: how well do you fall asleep and stay asleep?
Timing: when do you sleep?
Regularity: do you have consistent sleep and wake times?
Alertness: do you maintain good focus and attention during waking hours?
Quality: do you feel satisfied with your sleep?

Make a plan to prioritize your sleep health

Each person’s everyday life is unique, so there is no single method to improve your sleep health.
Each person needs to consider their circumstances individually. Consider:

How can you control your environment for sleep? Your sleep environment is one of the most important factors for good sleep, but it can also be the hardest to control. Control what you can. Minimize light (particularly phone screens); keep the temperature cool; use “white noise” or some other method to control sounds. The most important part is that you are comfortable and
able to relax in your sleep space.
When is your bedtime? Plan to make it consistent each day. Regularity is essential!
How much sleep do you get per night? Make at least 7 hours per night your goal [18].
Do you feel satisfied with your sleep? Record your answers to this question as you work on your sleep health. Track your progress.

Start with these questions when you make a plan to prioritize your sleep health. There are countless other questions and details you can consider, but you can’t change everything at once! Your first step is the most important: recognize that sleep is essential to your health, and make it a priority!

Crunch Wrap Dupe - Virtual Cooking Demonstration

All employees and their spouses/dependents are invited to attend a live virtual cooking demonstration sponsored by Capital Blue Cross on Friday, September 12th, 2025 @ 11AM EDT Register HERE

September is Ovarian & Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Ovarian cancer affects 1 in 78 women, but many people don't know the risk factors, or the most common signs and symptoms of the disease.

All men are at risk for prostate cancer, but there are some factors that can increase your risk. Early detection is the key.

FREE: UPCOMING AND ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Don’t miss these free virtual wellness presentations from your benefit providers:

Suicide Prevention — What to Know and How to Help (AM) (Wellthy)

MORNING WEBINAR: September 18 @ 10:00 AM

Suicide affects people from all walks of life—and awareness can save lives. Recognizing the warning signs and understanding how to support someone at risk can make a critical difference. Join us to separate myths from facts about suicide, identify key risk factors and warning signs.

Suicide Prevention — What to Know and How to Help (PM)

September 18 @ 4:00 PM

The Cost of Caregiving: Budgeting, Planning, & Finding Suport for Caregiving Costs

September 17 @ 12 PM

Domestic Violence Awareness (AM) (Wellthy)

October 16, 2025 at 10am (morning option)

Domestic violence occurs when one person in a relationship purposely hurts another person physically or emotionally. It often begins as threats and verbal abuse and then escalates to physical violence. Learn how to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship and help those in need.

Domestic Violence Awareness (PM WEBINAR)

October 16, 2025 at 4pm (afternoon option)

The Sandwich Generation: Caring for Kids and Aging Parents (Wellthy)

November 19th, 2025 at 12 pm ET

Many caregivers are sandwiched between raising children and caring for aging parents. Balancing both can be exhausting, especially when you’re also trying to keep up with work, relationships, and your own health. This webinar will offer practical tips for managing competing priorities and building a support system.