A few months ago, as an elected official in my hometown, I had the opportunity to attend an expo that featured goods, services and agencies that help people of all ages, and I picked up a fun looking hat. The color is a vibrant blue, and the logo was positive. It just says, “Be Well Illinois”.
Well, that hat ended up in a pile of other baseball caps that I store near the front door, in case of a sunny or rainy-day adventure, and I hardly gave it a thought. However, the other day, I decided to wear it, and my husband commented on how nice it looked on me. I realized that I didn’t know what I was advertising, and that got me curious. So, I started what I thought would be a quick online search for Be Well Illinois.
I discovered that BE WELL Illinois is a program developed through the State of Illinois designed to assist employers in improving workplace wellbeing through physical, mental, financial, and social health. Well, I am looking for ways to enjoy a retired life. I am, however, constantly busy and on the run to various community events, committee meetings, and interesting places. So, the idea still resonated with me, and I wanted to explore the site further. I learned then that it has much more in store.
BE WELL Illinois offers activities, education, and resources to create a healthy lifestyle through a webpage and Facebook page. This past Summer for example, they offered a “Walk Around Illinois” challenge involving tracking steps anywhere you walk! For serious walkers, they suggested downloading a Walker Tracker app on your phone. They coupled it with virtual tours of our state parks and landmarks.
I love discovering our local landmarks, parks and forests. So, the idea sounded great to me. While I didn’t try to join that challenge, it reminded me that there is so much to see and do close by, and fall offers terrific weather for sightseeing. Just reading signs on buildings, monuments, and streets can help you become curious about the history and story of the local area. There are wonderful sites across the state of Illinois just waiting to be discovered, and I often tell my friends and family that one of my favorite pastimes is being a tourist right here at home in my own hometown. Short casual walks in your own neighborhood can help you become healthier and release endorphins that make you happier.
Then I discovered that the Be Well Illinois website offers many other resources. There are links to webinars and articles with financial advice, nutritional information, exercise classes in the local areas, programs for youth, healthcare resources, and mental health resources. There is information specific to retirees, including online cooking demonstrations, and the latest information on inflammatory foods and disease prevention. There are specific programs for women and children too. Everything you could need is available with just a few quick clicks, including helping you find enough time and best routines for sleep! The exercise tab has help for individuals with high blood pressure, cancer, Parkinson’s, and other conditions. There’s even information and tips to help readers stay safe during the hot summer heat.
The website and Facebook page are well worth checking out. Be Well Illinois Is found on the Illinois Department of Central Management Services at cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployees/bewell.html.
This online adventure started by checking out a logo discovered at an Expo event. Curiosity enticed me to learn more. I discovered information and help that I didn’t know was out there waiting to be found. Adventures may be closer than you think. Never underestimate the chance to get up and out and visit a community Expo. Local senior centers, chamber expos and events, and community festivals all offer interesting opportunities for us. Those promotional items you find along the way may just lead to some fun conversations with people you meet, or maybe someone trying to sell you a service, but they also might lead you to important resources you need and adventures you’d like to pursue, if you just get a little bit curious.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer, whose career has included more than 10 years as a public relations professional, 22 years as a professional television and radio host, print journalist, and volunteer coordination professional, networking among non-profit social service agencies and service providers throughout the State of Illinois. She is a two-term elected alderman in the City of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.