Healthy Lifestyles' Wellcast: Recent Episodes
Healthy Lifestyles
Lindsay Van Roo, a licensed clinical social worker, shares her deeply personal journey of losing her mother to colon cancer while navigating her new role as a mother herself, offering valuable insights on grief, therapy, and supporting loved ones through illness.
• Finding balance between supporting a loved one with cancer and caring for your own mental health
• Embracing conflicting emotions during grief—allowing joy and pain to coexist
• Using the "circle of control" concept to focus on what you can manage during difficult times
• Importance of therapy as a safe space to express all emotions, especially the difficult ones
• How to support someone who has lost a loved one by asking specific questions
• Creating meaningful ways to remember and celebrate those we've lost
• The value of vulnerability and sharing stories as part of the healing process
For support with navigating cancer personally or with a loved one, remember you don't have to do it alone. Therapy can be a place to process, breathe, and heal. You can reach out to our EAP services, VEST, to connect with a therapist today.
Ever feel like healthy eating is an impossible goal in your busy life? Take a deep breath—this episode is your permission slip to ditch perfection and embrace progress instead.
Wellness Coordinator Brittany Perry breaks down how sustainable nutrition actually works in real life, not just in aspirational Instagram posts. She introduces a refreshing perspective: instead of focusing on what to eliminate from your diet, concentrate on what nutrient-rich foods you can add to your meals. This simple mindset shift transforms healthy eating from a punishment into an opportunity.
Did you know your taste buds regenerate every 10-14 days? If you've written off certain vegetables based on childhood experiences, your adult palate might surprise you. Brittany explains how to stock your kitchen with versatile, budget-friendly staples that make nutritious meals possible even on your busiest days. Her practical advice on ingredient prepping (not necessarily full meal prepping) helps you create mix-and-match components that adapt to your changing schedule and cravings.
The episode demolishes common nutrition myths, explaining why all three macronutrients—carbs, proteins, and fats—are essential for your body's optimal functioning. Using a clever car analogy, Brittany illustrates how each nutrient group serves a vital purpose in keeping your "engine" running smoothly. Her tips for mindful eating help you reconnect with food enjoyment while honoring your body's natural hunger signals.
Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or someone who dreads meal planning, you'll find actionable strategies that work for your lifestyle. From smart grocery shopping to creative leftover transformations, these techniques help you build sustainable habits without sacrificing satisfaction.
Ready to personalize your nutrition journey? Take advantage of the six free health coaching sessions available through the Salt Lake County Employee Wellness Program. Visit the website to find the perfect coach for your specific goals and start nourishing yourself in ways that feel good, taste great, and fit your real life.
Join our very own, Brittany Parry, and Parks and Recreation, Bess Thompson, as they talk about the community and connection that is found at Salt Lake County recreation centers. Bess is a recreation center manager that has an insiders look on the overall health benefits that can be enjoyed if one just walks in and "checks it out"! After this listen, you are guaranteed to take a trip to your local county rec center for some fun!
It’s your body’s largest organ, your first line of defense, and it tells your story. So today, let’s talk skin — more specifically, why sunscreen isn’t optional and why a skin check could literally save your life.
Part II of our resilience Wellcast is all about work. Listen in for tips and tricks with Dr. Lock from the University of Utah's resilience program on how we can create better environments for our teams and ourselves through vulnerability and advocating for ourselves.
Strengthen your resilience with this Wellcast episode as we talk to Dr. Lock from the University of Utah and Utah Valley University about understanding what resilience is and how we can overcome stress and burnout by focusing on our values and connecting with others.
Vaccines represent one of our most powerful tools for disease prevention, yet they remain shrouded in misunderstanding and controversy. Nurse Troy Davis, a supervisor with Salt Lake County Health Department's immunizations program, pulls back the curtain on how vaccines actually work and why they matter.
Have you ever wondered about the extensive journey a vaccine takes before reaching your doctor's office? Troy walks us through the comprehensive 10-15 year development process, explaining how vaccines move from initial discovery through animal testing and three phases of human clinical trials before receiving FDA approval. Safety isn't just a consideration—it's the absolute priority at every stage, with multiple surveillance systems continuing to monitor vaccines even after they reach the public.
The science behind different vaccine types comes alive as Troy explains how inactivated viruses, live-attenuated vaccines, mRNA technology, and subunit vaccines each work to teach our immune systems to recognize and fight pathogens. He clarifies why some vaccines require boosters while others provide lifetime immunity, and addresses the critical importance of following recommended vaccination schedules based on years of research showing optimal timing for immune response.
Perhaps most compelling is Troy's explanation of community immunity—how our vaccination decisions affect not just our own health but protect vulnerable individuals who cannot receive certain vaccines due to medical conditions. Through clear examples and thoughtful analysis, he dismantles common misconceptions about "natural" immunity and vaccine safety, reminding us that diseases like measles and polio remain just "a short plane trip away" despite their current rarity in the United States.
Ready to separate vaccine fact from fiction? Listen now to gain clarity on this essential public health tool and understand how vaccines continue to evolve to meet tomorrow's health challenges.
Financial wellness is essential to living a balanced life and maintaining healthy relationships. Our experts provide valuable insights to your wellness questions including:
• Importance of financial wellness in relationships
• Understanding different money perspectives in couples
• Strategies for communicating about major purchases
• Teaching kids sound financial habits
• Tools for budgeting and handling unexpected expenses
• Getting started with investing and retirement planning
Listener Advisory: This episode contains mature language and sensitive topics about sexual assault and consent which may be triggering for some listeners. It may not be suitable for all environments or children under 14. Please listen with caution and seek support with VEST EAP if needed.
Creating spaces for open dialogue is key to understanding consent, and our conversation provides practical steps for initiating these critical discussions. From small everyday choices to utilizing community resources, we offer guidance on how to introduce the concept of consent without overwhelming individuals. Programs like the Peer Advocacy Council play a pivotal role in offering platforms for youth engagement, while upcoming workshops open doors for continued learning in the workplace. This episode serves as a call to action, urging every listener to participate actively in fostering a community grounded in respect and understanding and creating relationships that are built upon consent.
Uncover the hidden dangers of lead poisoning and discover practical steps to safeguard your family in our latest thought-provoking episode of the Employee Wellness Wellcast. We sit down with Candice Breeze and Brittany Bucko from the Salt Lake County Health Department to unravel the complexities of lead exposure, highlighting the alarming vulnerability of children under six. From peeling paint in older homes to contaminated soil and imported goods, lead lurks in unexpected places. Candice and Brittany share their personal journeys into lead education, underscoring the critical need for awareness. Their eye-opening insights reveal how even the smallest amounts of lead can have profound neurotoxic effects, stressing the urgency of testing and early intervention.
This episode calls for community engagement and offers listeners actionable ways to contribute, from organizing informational sessions at local libraries to supporting senior centers. Join us on this crucial journey to prevent lead poisoning and build healthier, safer communities for everyone.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Codie Crosby, who transitioned from collegiate rugby to becoming a powerlifting champion and a dedicated health educator. With Quitter's Day looming, Codie shares her journey and offers valuable insights on setting realistic, long-term exercise goals. Through her story, listeners will learn the importance of identifying a strong "why" to stay motivated through life's transitions. Whether it's for mental health, disease prevention, or family well-being, Codie emphasizes the power of consistency and dedication in creating sustainable movement habits.
We also address the common hurdles many face when maintaining an exercise routine. From feeling intimidated at the gym to juggling a busy schedule, this episode uncovers practical solutions like habit stacking from James Clear's "Atomic Habits." Discover strategies for incorporating exercise into your daily life and explore the wealth of support systems available, such as local recreation centers and employee wellness programs. Hear about the benefits of group activities and how they can offer camaraderie and motivation. Tune in to unlock the tools you need to transform your fitness journey and enhance your overall well-being.
High voltage conversations – (dun dun dun) Whether you are in the workplace or not, these come up often. These conversations are inevitable and are necessary for personal and professional growth. Julia Andrus, SLCo Learning & Development Facilitator provides tips on having these difficult conversations that lead to more meaningful relationships.
Is anxiety getting the best of you? Whether it's grounding techniques, mindfulness exercises, or practical tips for managing stress, we've got you covered in this Wellcast. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Let's embark on a path of healing and resilience together. Tune in, take notes, and most importantly, be kind to yourself as you learn and grow
Are you constantly dreading Monday's arrival? Our podcast offers a unique solution to get rid of these 'Sunday Scaries' and turn them into something enjoyable. We believe that Sundays shouldn't be spent worrying about the week ahead. Instead, they can be filled with anticipation and excitement for new opportunities that Monday might bring. Our podcast will provide you with effective strategies to transform your Sunday nights, making them as fun as any other day of the week. After all, why should Mondays get to have all the fun? Tune in and uncover the secret to erasing your Sunday blues for good.
Join Hannah Butler as she talks to the Office of Regional Development's Emily Paskett about the Five Pillars of Sustainability and different ways to get involved in sustainable living here in Salt Lake County.
Join us as we bust some myths and misconceptions about the Healthy Lifestyles program with our very own Hannah Butler.
Health Educator Kiersten Philpott and Wellness Coordinator Brittany Parry talk with Professor Stephanie Lutz about the intricacies of being a working woman with children in this world.
Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." Tune into this episode to hear from HealthyMe clinic mental health therapist, Deanna Weeks about the process of therapy and the importance of vulnerability.
Half used paint in your garage? In need of some stain but don't want to spend the money? Tune in this month to learn the how, what, when, where, and why of Household Hazardous Waste.
Former U of U gymnast and current physician assistant Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie joins the wellcast to discuss Functional Medicine and the importance of having tools you have in your "life toolbox" to find balance and fulfillment.
Boundaries are an important part of any healthy relationship. Join us as we discuss how to set boundaries and how to uphold them with Health Educator, Kiersten Philpott and Licensed Therapist and Communications Coach, Shaylee Watts.
Healthy Lifestyles Coordinators sit down with Dr. Sheehan from the HealthyMe Clinic to discuss the importance of establishing a relationship with a primary care physician and receiving an annual physical.
"Everyone can be great because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Take a moment to serve those around you this holiday season, and most importantly continually throughout the months to come.
To serve others means that you are doing something for the benefit and goodwill of another person or a group of people. When we serve, we are part of something bigger than ourselves and our situation. We look outside of ourselves, past our problems, and look to help others, bringing value, love and kindness.
Learn how to savor your food and feel healthy this holiday season with Health Educator, Brooke Avei and Harmon's Dietician, Hannah Langley.
You can make a big impact with a few small actions. Learn how you can become an everyday environmentalist with our very own Jayne Hansen & Brittany Parry.
Alyssa Mitchell stops by for Suicide Prevention Month to spread hope for suicide prevention. Alyssa is the Utah Department of Health and Human Services but has been doing work in Suicide Prevention for 7 years. Alyssa is a certified Question. Persuade. Refer. trainer and Vital Cognition trainer. In addition to providing suicide prevention at a community level, Alyssa now oversees the Zero Suicide Program at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services assisting clinics with implementing policies to identify patients at risk for suicide and connecting them with the necessary care and follow up. Alyssa currently lives in Layton, Ut with her husband James and their daughters Zoey and Myla.
Achieving occupational wellness is what we all want ultimately, but on the journey to finding that, we may experience bumps in the road such as burnout. Even if you feel like you are achieving occupational wellness, you do what you love and are passionate about your work, you will still unfortunately at one time or another experience workplace burnout.
When you read the phrase ‘workplace burnout’, what words pop into your mind instantly? Stressed, impatient, easily irritated, overwhelmed, easily distracted mentally and the list can go on and on, right? Job burnout is a special type of work related stress - a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and even a loss of personal identity. This can impact your physical and mental health. Take time now to reflect on how to know if you are experiencing workplace/job burnout. If you aren't sure what workplace burnout looks like, or if you have identified that you are experiencing it/see that you can see yourself getting close, don’t worry, we have a whole podcast episode for you to tune-in to.
Learn how to stretch your social wellness muscles after the loneliest two years. It's time to get out and be together.
Go Beyond Weight Loss with Sadie + Jayne as they interview Utah State University dietician and author Brooke Parker on ditching the diet mentality and creating health beyond the number on the scale.
We all know that healthy habits can help us feel better, live longer, and improve the overall quality of our life, but just because we know this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is easy to do. This podcast explores how habits are formed and how to develop healthy and productive ones that you will stick to.
Registered Dietician Megan Steinbach takes a break from her role at St. Mark's to discuss Mindful & Intuitive Eating with Healthy Lifestyles coordinators.
Sabrina Vienneau, Holly Kener, Ray Nishikawa from Mountain America Credit Union are back to answer Healthy Lifestyles participants financial questions.
Sabrina Vienneau, Holly Kener, Ray Nishikawa from Mountain America Credit Union answer Healthy Lifestyles participants financial questions.
Jayne and Sadie from the Healthy Lifestyles team helps participants discover how to use anxiety to their advantage.
It's not enough to know that cancer just exists. To bring more awareness to cancer, we have Brighton Loveday, a nurse practitioner in the Supportive Oncology & Survivorship Program at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, on the podcast with us. This is an episode you won't want to miss as we talk about changes in cancer treatment, supporting loved ones through a cancer diagnosis, and much more.
This is an episode you do not want to miss! Listen to Salt Lake County Employees share stories of the resilient women in their lives. You will leave feeling strengthened by their stories.
Health Educator, Jayne Hansen and Healthy Lifestyles Intern, Haley McCallum share their tips on incorporating self-care into your everyday routine.
Salt Lake County's finest, Vicky Westmoreland from Behavioral Health joins the Healthy Lifestyles coordinators to discuss how to build resiliency and adapt to change in our uncertain world.
The Healthy Lifestyles crew debuts the Healthy Lifestyles Wellcast by busting common health myths.