INBOX
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Delivering the latest news to Henry County employees
November ‘16
The Wheels on the Bus Go ‘Round and ‘Round
Published by Henry County Communications Department & Henry County Board of Commissioners Editors Melissa Robinson Samantha Watson Graphic Designer Samantha Watson
Please contribute to the monthly employee newsletter! Email Communications Specialist, Samantha Watson at swatson@co.henry.ga.us. Contributions can include: original artwork, comics, pictures, announcements, classifieds or columns.
By Cheri Hobson-Matthews
Contributors Meredith Butler Cheri Hobson-Matthews Melissa Robinson Samantha Watson
Well, our Fill the Bus campaign is off to a rolling start thanks to our outstanding Henry County employees. This year, when the County Manager’s office partnered with Connecting Henry for the annual Community Cares Toy Shop, I was excited and encouraged on what we as Henry County could accomplish! So far, we’ve filled the bus with more than 2,000 toys, stuffed animals, games, jewelry and other cool and popular items. It is amazing what we, the employees of Henry County, have done with our efforts in creating, building out and decorating the toy shop and collecting toys for the children, and I am completely in awe of our wonderful employees. This year we are looking to serve more than 500 students within the Henry County School system and we are off to a great start, because of our employees. As you’ve all seen, the Bus is moving throughout the County and will make its final stop on December 5th, so there is still time for you to “Fill the Bus.”
Last year, the Community Cares Toy Shop made Christmas brighter for nearly 800 children in Henry County. Children who might not otherwise have anything for Christmas, were it not for the generous efforts of the Henry County community— churches, civic groups, non-profit organizations and individuals, all had a hand in making Christmas wishes come true. This year, we are adding Henry County employees to that list of benefactors in helping some of our most needy children and citizens. So, let’s continue to stuff the bus and make this another successful year. The Toy Shop will open on December 8th and employees will have another opportunity to participate, by volunteering in the Toy Shop. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the County Manager’s Office. Again, thank you all for your participation and volunteerism as we embark upon this wonderful Christmas season! Fill the Bus pictures on page 2
November ‘16
Strong with sam = Lower Back Stretches =
Knee pulls: Lie on your back with your legs extended and pull your right knee into your chest, without lifting your head or shoulders off the ground. Keep your feet flexed with your toes toward the sky. Repeat on the other side. Hamstring stretch: Lie on your back with your legs extended and raise your right leg into the air and grab the back of your calf with your hands, without lifting your head or shoulders off the ground. Lightly pull your leg forward and hold. Repeat on the other side. Thread the needle: Lie on your back with your feet on the ground, hip-width apart. Place your right ankle on top of your left knee then thread your right hand through your legs and grab the back of your left thigh with both hands. Pull your legs forward into a pretzel without raising your head or shoulders off the ground. Hold then repeat on the other side. Sphinx to Cobra: Lie on your stomach with your elbows propped up under your shoulders and pull your chest and head up off the floor and try to sit up as tall as you can. Hold this pose then gently push your elbows off the floor and place your hands under your shoulders and keep your head and chest pulled upward. Pigeon: In a plank position, pull your right flexed foot up to your left wrist, with your toes pointing forward and your right knee close to your right wrist. Your shin should be facing out. Gently press your weight down and lean forward, keeping your left leg straight and on the ground. Hold then repeat on the other side. Squat: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Keeping your heels on the ground, squat down, keeping your chest up until your bottom reaches the ground. Hold for five minutes. If your heels can’t stay on the floor, roll up a towel and lay it under your heels for support. Consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.
The Inbox
November Health Observances November is American Diabetes Month, Bladder Health Month, COPD Awareness Month, Diabetic Eye Disease Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, National Family Caregivers Month, National Healthy Skin Month, National Hospice Palliative Care Month and National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.
What to do after you learn your have Type 2 Diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association: • Change your diet; chose what, how much and when to eat with your doctor.
Tips for National Healthy Skin Month from the American Academy of Dermatology:
• • • • •
• Wash your face every day and after exercising, with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. • Examine your skin regularly for new or unusal spots, as well as anything changing or itching. Wear protectice clothing and a broad-spectrum, water-resistant, natural sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Consider using petroleum jelly or coconut oil to moisurize dry skin and nails. Prevent blisters and corns on your feet by making sure your shoes fit properly and wearing nylon or moisture-wicking socks. Eat a healthy diet to prevent breakouts and drink lots of water every day to purify your skin and flush out toxins in your body. Don’t forget about your lips! Moisturize your lips with a natural lip moizurizer containing SPF.
• Get active and live a healthy lifestyle. • Get your heart pumping with aerobic activity. • Lose unnecessary weight to improve your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. • Take medications that your doctor recommends. • Check your blood glucose levels regularly. • Get an emotional support system. • Learn as much as you can about diabetes.
Bladder health tips from the Urology Care Foundation: • Drink plenty of water; Strive for a gallon a day. • Cut down on caffeine and alcohol consumption as they can lead to heightened bladder activity and leakage. • Women should sit and not hover over the toilet. • Take your time when you go to the toilet so your bladder can empty completely; if you rush, you could eventually contract a bladder infection. • Foods containing caffeine, spice or acid can worsen incontinence. • Keep your pelvic floor muscles strong with pelvic floor muscle training. • Stop smoking - using tobacco is a major cause of bladder cancer. • FYI: it’s normal to go to the bathroom 4-8 times a day and no more than twice a night. • FYI: on average the bladder holds about two cups of urine (16 ounces).
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November ‘16
SAFETY FIRST Winter Weather Safety with LGRMS of ACCG & GMA
Congratulations to Deputy County Clerk, Consuelo Conner for winning the October readership trivia challenge! She answered the following questions right and won a wonderful “wicked” themed basket of goodies overflowing with candy, chocolates, a Halloween wine glass, Halloween decorations and a book of crossword puzzles.
1. How much money per year have Americans spent on Halloween candy for the last three years? ANSWER: $2 billion 2. Nationally, what were the top three most searched Halloween costumes on Google last year? ANSWER: 1. Harley Quinn 2. Star Wars 3. Superhero 3. What is the number one most hated Halloween candy? ANSWER: Candy corn
The Inbox
The weather outside is frightful, and if you find yourself out driving, it might not be so cozy. Winter can cause many weather-related accidents through limited or reduced visibility or traction, aggressive braking on a slick road, inability to judge safe speed for weather conditions, poor negotiation of a curve, failure to prepare vehicle or plan a route properly or failure to adapt to changing weather patterns. Proper planning, preparation and driving can result in successful completion of a trip. Check weather forecasts and possible construction areas along your route, chart fuel and meal stop locations and allow extra time for traffic delays. Compensate for poor traction by slowing down and making all movements gently. Double or triple your following distance and never tailgate. Approach bridges and overpasses cautiously, looking out for black ice which is likely to form first in shady spots, at intersections and under bridges and overpasses. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If you begin to skid, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral quickly then steer in the direction you want your vehicle to go. Before the rear wheels stop skidding, shift to drive and gently press the accelerator; do not slam on the brakes. Stay alert, turn on your lights, turn off the cruise control, check for ice around your car, don’t push your vehicle to do more than it can and always, always wear your seatbelt.
Making Us Proud Henry County Parks and Recreation Special Olympic Athlete, Michael Collins and Therapeutic Coordinator, Terry Nash have been chosen to represent Special Olympic Georgia in the Dream Ride Australia, an event that celebrates the achievements of Special Olympic Athletes. Collins and Nash will be attending the event on December 4 at the Sydney Motorsports Park in Australia. They were honored by the Board of Commissioners with Certificates of Congratulations at the November 15 Commssion meeting. Henry County Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant, Jamey Dixon was recognized by the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association with the Administrative Support Staff Award, which she accepted at the agency’s Annual Conference on November 8 in Athens, GA. She was also awarded a Certificate of Congratulations from the Board of Commissioners on November 15. Henry County Parks and Recreation Facilities Coordinator and Curator of the Veterans Museum, Jim Joyce was honored with the Outstanding Veteran of the Year Award by the Andrew McBride Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. He was also recognized by the Board of Commissioners with a Certificate of Congratulations that was presented at the November 15 meeting. HCPD Officers have accepted the No-Shave November challenge and have sworn off shaving for 30 days to raise awareness for cancer. Chief Nichols has waived the department’s grooming policy and has encouraged everyone to donate $50 to the NoShave November foundation and begin growing their beards! This is the second consecutive year that HCPD has participted and they hope to match last year’s donation, which totaled approximately $3,700. Photo courtesy of the Henry County Times.
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November ‘16
Office Notes
What is the name of the rover launched by NASA in 2011 to explore Mars? Which ocean trench is the deepest?
Farewell Reception • Please join us in wishing Chairman Tommy Smith and District I Commissioner Bo Moss farewell as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. The reception will take place on Tuesday, December 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Conference Room B of the County Administration Building at 140 Henry Parkway.
santa’s coming early • Santa Claus will be at the Administration Building on Wednesday, December 14 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Employees are invited to bring their children and grandchildren to have their photos taken!
leave donations • An annual leave donation request was submitted on November 11 and an employee-wide email was sent out asking for annual leave donations for an employee experiencing an approved, extreme hardship situation. Employees interested in donating time can do so by completing the donation form attached to the email or found on the HR intranet page. All donations must be submitted to and approved by the donor’s department head and then submitted to Angie Wilkerson or Doris Patterson in HR for processing. Refer to Article VII, Section IV of the Personnel Policy Manual if you have any questions. The Inbox
What 14th century Italian painted the Birth of Venus? In what year did Paul McCartney announce he was quitting the Beatles? What was the Roman name for the goddess Hecate?
In what year was the 4 minute mile first achieved and by who?
What is the capital city of Australia?
What book written in 1865 was the most widely read English-language work for children? Which planet is farthest from the sun? What is the name of Mickey Mouse’s dog? Answers to the triva questions are listed on the employee intranet on the Communications page.
ACORN, AUTUMN, BASTE, CASSEROLE, CORNUCOPIA, CRANBERRIES, DINNER, DRUMSTICK, FAMILY, FEAST, FOOTBALL, GOBBLE, GRATEFUL, HARVEST, HOLIDAY, HOME, LEFTOVERS, MAYFLOWER, NATIVE AMERICAN, NEW WORLD, PARADE, PECAN, PIE, PILGRIM, PLYMOUTH ROCK, PUMPKIN, ROAST, SERVE, SETTLERS, SQUANTO, STUFFING, THANKFUL, TRADITION, TURKEY, WISHBONE.
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