Lunch & Learns – Educational Talks
2024 Lunch & Learns
December 4th, 2024
Our favorite holistic therapist, Lesley Loftis, who helped us kick off the year with the Kickstart Challenge, returns for a timely end-of-year discussion on managing anxiety and holiday stress. As the holiday season approaches, Lesley will provide practical strategies to navigate the pressures and emotional challenges that often arise during this time. Whether it's managing expectations, setting boundaries, or finding moments of calm amidst the chaos, Lesley will offer insights to help you move through the season with greater ease and resilience.
November 13th, 2024
In today's fast-paced business environment, managing conflict and promoting civility are essential skills for organizational success. As technology advances, multi-generational teams grow, and workloads increase, employees face mounting stress and longer workdays, often leading to conflict and inefficiencies. This virtual seminar, Working Effectively with Others: Addressing Conflict and Incivility, will explore how managers can effectively handle conflict, whether in person or in virtual settings, and create a culture of civility. Casey Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has served as an EAP Counselor with VITAL WorkLife since April 2023. Download the presentation
November 6th, 2024
Lora, a skilled gatherer of community and practitioner of cultural somatics, explores the transformative impact of nurturing belonging. She shares how practices like storytelling, polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and play can reshape how we connect, fostering both individual well-being and positive, collective change. This session offers practical insights into creating resilient, supportive communities that thrive. Check it out!
October 23rd, 2024
Join Certified Health Coach Abby Kranitz as she tackles the growing issue of cognitive decline. With the CDC reporting cognitive issues starting as early as our 40s and affecting two-thirds of Americans by age 70, it’s never too early to take action. Abby will dive into the lifestyle choices that can lower your risk, from diet and exercise to optimizing sleep and managing stress. Learn about the causes of cognitive decline—like toxic burden and hormone imbalances—and discover actionable steps you can take today for a healthier brain. Abby Kranitz is a Certified Health Coach dedicated to helping individuals achieve long-term transformation through small, manageable steps tailored to their unique health goals.
October 16th, 2024
Learn about Blue Care Advisor (BCA), your one stop shop online portal for all things BCBS including fitness incentive where you can earn additional dollars by tracking your activity and steps. Speaker, Jordon Meyer, also shares about Omada, our online diabetes and heart disease prevention and management program with a new hypertension management program. Crystal Rosebur also talks about Learn to Live, our online behavior health program designed to meet members where and when they need help including self-guided modules for a number of different mental health challenges.
September 26th, 2024
Writing can help to reduce stress and anxiety, increase self-awareness, and help to process and understand emotions. It can also be used to help people identify and work through difficult issues, build resilience, strengthen gratitude, and reach goals. Creating a journaling habit can help to provide a space to express yourself without judgement, and bring clarity to your thoughts and feelings. Bridget has been writing since she was young, winning poetry contests, and receiving high acclaims for several editorial columns.
September 18th, 2024
Join Casey Johnson, an EAP Counselor from VITAL WorkLife's Clinical Team for a comprehensive overview of the VITAL WorkLife Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the well-being resources available to you. Discover the wide range of support services, learn about the various digital tools, and gain valuable insights into managing personal and professional challenges. This session will help you better understand the EAP services and how they can support your overall well-being.
September 4th, 2024
Learn how stress impacts health and well-being and explore the root causes of stress in their lives. Take action by learning the upside of stress and how to reframe stressful situations, relaxation techniques to boost resiliency and how to incorporate mindfulness meditation into their routine. Jill is a Health Management Consultant who supports employers with implementing a customized well-being strategy. She empowers employees to take the lead in their own health and support their colleagues.
August 13th, 2024
As we reach the midpoint of the year, it's the perfect time to reassess your budget and financial goals. This session will provide practical tips and strategies to help you evaluate your current financial situation, adjust your budget, and set yourself up for success in the second half of the year. Betsy Sklar has over 25 years experience in the corporate world, finance degrees from Harvard and Georgetown, and has been helping people integrate money management skills into their value systems and day-to-day lives.
July 17th, 2024
Do you struggle with child or teen picky eating? Come learn how to help develop youth eating skills to ensure lifelong enjoyment of food, healthy eating attitudes and behaviors, and optimal nutrition! Jill Verchota-Luce will lead this session and is a Health Management Consultant, Licensed and Registered Dietitian, Integrative & Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach.
July 10th, 2024
In this talk, Alexa will discuss how to allow your body to extract and absorb the most nutrients possible from your food. This will be through the lens of Ayurvedic principles of optimizing your digestion, eating seasonally, and following loving guidelines around how and when you eat. Alexa Berman is a Denver-based Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner who has been helping people achieve balance and health transformation for over a decade. She sees clients virtually and in person.
June 26th, 2024
This 30-minute talk introduces you to a 3-2-1 wind-down routine that creates a framework to structure your evenings, connect your body and mind, and prepare you for a good night's rest. You will learn how to build sustainable practices with three tools to create a universal habit-change formula, leaving you with clear, actionable steps to up-level your evenings! Emily is a practicing Ayurvedic Health Counselor with multiple yoga certifications for adults and children.
June 18th, 2024
Join award-winning Chiropractic Doctor and Wellness Expert, Dr. Bell, in exploring creative approaches to men's health that extend beyond diet and exercise. Learn holistic strategies and practices to enhance your well-being in unexpected ways.
May 29th, 2024
Kristin and Bridget recap Marco's amazing Week of Wellness! Nearly 300 participants made this week a HUGE success. Kristin announces the winners from the 5/6K and Wellness passport, and Bridget leads an uplifting gratitude meditation.
May 14th, 2024
James Yardley, a tea enthusiast and holistic wellness advocate, introduces the health benefits of tea – taking us on a journey through its rich history and diverse varieties along the way! Leave with ideas for implementing tea into your wellness journey.
Everyday Workout with Ericka Holcomb
Join Ericka for a mid-day workout that you can do anytime and anywhere! No equipment needed.
May 13th, 2024
Revisit and assess your yearly goals with Lesley Loftis from the Kickstart Challenge! Gain valuable insights and strategies, and learn from Lesley's expertise.
May 7th, 2024
This talk clarifies the differences between normal age-related brain changes and signs of dementia. Discuss newfound research and discover tips for caring for someone who is suffering.
April 11th, 2024
Megan Sax shows you how to manage stress and enhance relaxation through the power of sound. Explore the science of vibrations, connection between sound and the brain, and how the nervous system interacts with sound.
March 14th, 2024
Sue debunks common menopause myths and equips you with evidence-based strategies to manage menopause with confidence. Sue is a certified nutrition coach specializing in women's health during perimenopause and menopause.
Febraury 14th, 2024
Ericka shares the benefits of tension release for mental and physical well-being. Discover easy self-massage techniques using everyday objects and gentle stretching routines.
January 24th, 2024
The best leaders and teammates are clear on their authentic values and who they want to be in the world - are you? Learn why authenticity is the secret sauce to creating an impactful and fulfilling life.
2023 Recordings
December 12th, 2023
Learn why sleep matters, the sleep-health connection (including impact on mental health/stress), and sleep disrupting habits that could be impacting sleep duration and quality. Evidence-based sleep hygiene suggestions will be shared to help you improve your sleep. You’ll also learn a simple breathing exercise to calm the mind and a receive a free tool to identify daily habits that may be unknowingly sabotaging your sleep at night.
December 6th, 2023
Mental health therapist and holistic wellness coach, Lesley Loftis shares the 4 pillar approach to mental health: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Lesley emphasizes the importance of connection, emotional intelligence, the gut-brain connection, nervous system regulation and more. This is definitely a talk you don’t want to miss!
November 16th, 2023
Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, Jillian Keaveny focuses on the stress, energy, and blood sugar connection. She teaches about how blood sugar dysfunction can translate into long term metabolic health complications. She shares why sugar is a stress, and how to solve blood sugar problems with diet and lifestyle.
November 8th, 2023
As we embark on holiday family gatherings, let's remember the importance of humor. Humor is a useful tool for keeping the peace and creating good memories. Humor helps us to relieve conflict, build relationships, and cope with stress. Steve will talk about finding opportunities for humor and how to have a humor mindset, which ultimately leads to a healthy and happy home environment.
October 24th, 2023
This webinar focuses on the critical steps to take to prevent cognitive decline and enhance cognitive performance at any age. We will discuss genetics, nutrition, and supplements as well as lab testing and lifestyle interventions to promote optimal brain health.
October 17th, 2023
Susannah unravels the intricate role of pharmaceuticals in modern healthcare, offering insights into their benefits, limitations, and potential interactions within a holistic approach to well-being. She shares common use drugs and their unintended side effects, as well as a couple case studies and how she helped them balance pharmaceutical medication with herbal remedies.
September 27th, 2023
Discover the secrets to setting up your workspace in a way that promotes comfort and productivity, avoiding the pitfalls of poor ergonomics. Join Dr. Dority as she shares some simple yet effective exercises designed to alleviate the ever-common low back pain, allowing you to feel your best throughout the workday.
September 25th, 2023
Jillian debunks some current nutritional practices that could be causing more harm than good, such as low-fat diets and intermittent fasting, and explore the tools required for successful intuitively eating. Learn about the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, and how all bodies can benefit from blood sugar regulation to prevent serious long-term disease.
September 18th, 2023
MC Sweet uncovers the secrets of leveraging plant-based foods to fuel your body optimally throughout the day. She shares some simple tricks like always have onions and garlic in the house, and talks about the power of beans, and how to make the best hummus with a very secret ingredient!
September 11th, 2023
As your kids go back to school, and you start creating new fall routines, focus your attention on creating healthy meals for your family. Kristin will share her favorite tips and tricks in the kitchen.
August 30th, 2023
Join Nicole Knapp, board certified nurse coach, as she walks you through what emotional awareness is, the profound impact it can have on your physical wellbeing, as well as practical guidance on how to develop and nurture emotional awareness.
August 16th, 2023
Kristin shares some her fave tips while cooking turmeric maple chicken and an easy kale, chickpea, and sweet potato salad. So yummy!!! Recording starts 5 minutes into demonstration.
July 26th, 2023
Muscles are the organ of longevity and the key to graceful aging. Learn how to keep them healthy with compound exercises, protein, and progressive overload.
July 19th, 2023
Functional Medicine emphasizes the prevention of disease and focuses on the individual as a whole, not just their symptom. Learn the foundations of Medicine 3.0.
July 11th, 2023
Member owned accounts that let you save for future medical expenses. Learn the explanations, qualifications, and benefits and other investment opportunities.
June 27th, 2023
Epigenetics is about how are genes are being used. While we can’t change our genes, we do have influence over how they’re expressed. Learn more.
June 21st, 2023
Increasing testosterone when it isn’t low can have serious health implications. Learn the importance of testosterone, mobility, and functional aging for men.
June 14th, 2023
Creative Expression is an effective way to regulate emotions. It helps relieve stress, improve mood, and increase self-awareness. Give creative expression a try!
May 26th, 2023
Hydration, healthy salad, bug sprays, sunscreens! Don’t let your wellness practices get lazy during the summer. Learn all the best tips and tools for a healthy and safe summer.
May 25th, 2023
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths. It’s about taking care of the self emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Check out Kristin’s favorite self-care tips and practices!
May 24th, 2023
What you eat affects your mood and how you feel. The building block for serotonin (feel-good hormone) is found in your food. Learn about nutritious food to improve your mood.
May 22nd, 2023
Take a moment to review a year of wellness with the executives of Marco. A recap of the wellness program thus far, and what wellness means to the people of Marco.
May 17th, 2023
Water intake, sleep, and stress all affect the gut. Taking care of your gut is more than just eating right. Learn the relationship between the gut, mind, and overall health.
May 3rd, 2023
Writing helps to reduce PTSD, increases self-awareness, and fosters emotional growth. Learn the different ways to journal and give it a try with this interactive talk.
April 26th, 2023
Principles for a healthy retirement. Learn about Marco’s 401-K plan and the right investment for you + your family. Discover a comprehensive overview of your options.
April 19th, 2023
Composting turns waste into a resource. It creates healthier & tastier food, puts nutrients back in the soil, and solves the carbon bank problem. AND…it’s easier to do than you think.
April 13th, 2023
Lifestyle and emotions commonly affect allergies and asthma. We can help heal these ailments through eating right, exercise, stress & toxic management, and informed self-care.
April 5th, 2023
Learn about the 2022 trends in the market as well as building a stock and bonds portfolio. Get details on recession timing, inflation, interest rates, and how to best plan around them.
April 4th, 2023
Key take aways: Trust your gut, run & evade first, aim for top 3 targets: eyes, nose, and groin. Watch the video for a full demonstration of defense moves that can save your life.
March 28th, 2023
Learn how to navigate through your Blue Cross Blue Shield member portal app. Discover how to get the most from your pharmacy benefits and get access to wellness benefits.
March 15th, 2023
During peri-menopause, estrogen & progesterone begin to decline, creating a wide variety of symptoms. Menopause marks one year after no period, and is a single day. Post-menopause hormones will settle into a new normal. Learn more!
March 8th, 2023
Balance is not a destination. It is a continual commitment to evaluating your life aspects and prioritizing the key aspects of the season. Learn about time management, boundaries and other ingredients for a balanced life.
February 28th, 2023
Salt, sugar, and caffeine affect your blood pressure. Exercise also plays a roll in heart health. Learn the chambers or the heart, the importance of arteries, the difference between good and bad cholesterol and how to stay heart healthy.
February 22, 2023
Categorization is the creation of out-groups based on difference and can create negative outcomes of diversity in the workforce. Learn about privilege, stereotypes, and reflect on your thoughts about diversity.
February 8th, 2023
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Traditional treatments include chemotherapy & radiation therapy. However, there are complementary treatments that can assist in healing cancer. Learn more.
January 24th, 2023
Financial well-being is based on freedom, control, capacity, and goals. There are two steps to building wealth: Live below means or invest early and often. Learn how what wealth & financial well-being is for you.
January 18th, 2023
Learn about saving $5 a day, compound interest rates, and the difference between non-taxable and taxable growth. This is great talk for those that are just starting to learn about finances.
January 18th, 2023
Trying to save more for a house? Retirement? Learn about life insurance policies, investment opportunities, and how to multiple your money for whatever your finance goals are.
2022 Recordings
December 21st, 2022
You can change your body’s chemistry through food, thought, and exercise. Our pH balance actually changes depending on what we eat, how we feel, and what we are thinking. Learn more!
December 14th, 2022
64% of American adults report experiencing the holiday blues. We can support ourselves through these harder times by setting realistic expectations, clearing clutter, and resting. This is a great talk to prepare for the holidays!
December 8th, 2023
Almost 12% of the US population has diabetes. While genetics may predispose us, diabetes can be prevented and put into remission. Learn about pre-diabetic care and tests to ask for .
November 15th, 2022
The placement of yourself in relation to the objects in your space affects your life in various ways. How you arrange & decorate your space matters. Learn five ways you can organize and enhance your home!
November 10th, 2022
When the body is already in a sympathetic state it can be difficult to close your eyes and breath. Try these open eye techniques and tricks to regulate your system and practice mindfulness.
October 27th, 2022
Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep. You can get better sleep when you keep a consistent bedtime and wake time, create nighttime and morning routines, and avoid blue lights before sleep. Check out more tips for a good nights sleep!
October 13th, 2022
In this last series with Lauran, learn how to manage your inner critic for high performance. She also encourages setting goals to operationalize your vision for your life.
September 29th, 2022
Sleep is at the top of the wellness pyramid and thought by most experts to be the most important aspect of wellness. Still, so many of us struggle to get enough sleep. Learn the science behind sleep and practical applications for getting quality sleep each night.
September 21st, 2022
Bees are one of the world's most important pollinators for food crops — each day we rely on bees and other pollinators. Get a live glimpse into their world (a hive) and learn how you can support these important creatures.
September 15th, 2022
Lauran introduces frameworks and tools that will empower you to live with confidence, integrity, and in connection with the people you care about. Exploring, defining, and living in alignment with your values.
September 7th, 2022
Meditation is a popular buzz word in today's society. It's mentioned in multiple podcasts, and referenced in almost every self-growth book. The benefits are numerous, but how does one begin a practice? What are the basics? Learn here.
August 16th, 2022
Part one provided the foundational building blocks to understanding the psychology of fulfillment. Now, Lauran dives into how to begin building a compelling vision for your life.
August 3rd, 2022
According to the dictionary humor is faculty of perceiving something to be comical or amusing. It’s beneficial medicine, but can be tricky at work due to boundaries. Learn how to find humor in the workplace.
July 19th, 2022
We can use nature’s energy to help heal us. Nature has its own rhythm. When we take the time to slow down, disconnect with our phones, and be in nature we feel the healing benefits of nature. Learn how to connect with nature.
July 13th, 2022
Feeling off-balance? Tired? Out of focus? Sometimes all it takes is a minute to breath, a quick tapping exercise, or a moment of gratitude to shift our focus and mood. Try all three in this interactive talk.
July 12th, 2022
How do we refocus our energy and attention on creating a rich personal and professional life? This 4-part series will explore the anatomy of fulfillment & how to take steps toward creating the life that you want.