Summer 2026
WELLNESS CONNECTION How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun Sunglasses Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the sensitive skin around your eyes from sun exposure. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side. Sunscreen Shade You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside–even when you’re in the shade. Clothing When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and skirts, which can provide protection from UV rays. If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. Some clothing is certified under international standards as offering UV protection.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters out both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. Don’t forget to apply a thick layer on all exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. Sunscreen works best when combined with other protective measures. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun. SPF Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which is a number that rates how well they filter out UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a broadspectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher.
Hat
Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
For the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker hat may offer more UV protection.
Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years. Its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen, or staying in the shade.
Summer 2026_Mt. San Jacinto Community College
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index. html#cdc_facts_stats_trends-how-to-protect-your-skinfrom-the-sun
Summer Swim Safety Even non-fatal drowning can result in long-term health problems and costly hospital stays. Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and other serious outcomes, including long-term disability. For every child under age 18 who dies from drowning, another seven receive emergency department care for non-fatal drowning. Nearly 40% of drownings treated in emergency departments require a hospital stay or transfer for further care. This is three times higher than the number of other unintentional injuries that require follow-up care. Pools and Natural Water Keeping children safe in and around water helps everyone relax and fully enjoy summer fun. By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce risks and create a safer environment for kids. Follow these key prevention tips to help protect children whenever they are near water. Water Safety Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, but over half of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson. Consider enrolling children in swimming lessons, and consider swim lessons for yourself to improve your skills and comfort in the water. It’s never too late to learn to swim, and the benefits increase as we age. Keep in mind that children who have had swimming lessons still need close, constant supervision when in or around water, even when a lifeguard is present. An adult should always be within arm’s length of a child who is in or near water. When supervising children, a responsible adult should avoid distracting activities like reading, using a phone, or consuming alcohol or drugs, because drowning happens quickly and quietly.
Home swimming pools need a four-sided fence at least four feet high that fully encloses the pool and separates it from the house. The fence should have a self-closing and self-latching gate. All toys that might attract a child should be removed from the pool when it is not in use. “Floaties,” armbands, or water wings do not prevent children from drowning and can easily slip off, especially when children jump into the water. Water wings can create a false sense of safety for both parents and children. A U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jacket provides better protection. About 40% of drowning deaths among children ages 5–14 occur in natural water. More than half of fatal and non-fatal drownings among people 15 years and older occur in natural or open water, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans. When in or around open or natural water–whether in a boat or in the water– children and adults are best protected by wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets that are well-fitted and fully fastened. Approximately 85% of people who drowned while boating in 2022 were not wearing a life jacket. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/summerswim-safety.html
Make Your Home Healthier • Cut down on dust. Vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter, if possible. Wet-mop floors and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to trap dust.
• Choose products with fewer added chemicals. Look for fragrance-free soaps, cleaners, and personal care products. Try to avoid products marketed as stainresistant or nonstick.
• Take off your shoes. Leave shoes at the door to avoid tracking pesticides, dirt, and other pollutants into your home.
• Check your drinking water. If you use a private well, have the water tested regularly. Use a certified water filter if testing shows contaminants.
• Prevent mold. Fix leaks, dry wet areas quickly, improve airflow, and clean any existing mold. • Improve indoor air. Open windows when possible to bring in fresh air. Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to reduce moisture and pollutants.
• Practice healthy habits. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help support overall health, even when environmental exposures occur. Source: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2026/06/creatinghealthier-home
WELLNESS NEWSLETTER National Grief Awareness Day: Finding Strength Through Support Take a moment to recognize National Grief Awareness Day on August 30. Grief is a natural response to loss, and everyone experiences it differently. By encouraging open conversations, we can help reduce stigma and remind one another that no one has to navigate grief alone. Taking care of your mental health during times of grief is important. Whether it’s talking with a trusted friend, seeking support from a counselor, joining a support group, or simply giving yourself grace, reaching out is a sign of strength. Your well-being matters. Take time to care for yourself, support those around you, and remember that healing looks different for everyone.
August 2026
Thriving Schools, Sponsored by Kaiser: Supporting Teachers and Staff Well-being When educators feel supported, it positively impacts staff retention, student attendance, and overall academic success. During this session, we will share no-cost tools and easy-to-implement resources that schools, district leaders, educators, and others can use to support teacher and staff well-being all year round. Let’s work together to build a culture of health where it matters most – at school. Join us for an engaging 30minute session to learn about Thriving Schools resources for the 2026-27 school year.
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Explore sessions designed to support your wellbeing, reduce stress, and give you practical tools for your day— both in and out of the classroom. All REEP members are welcome to participate— regardless of medical plan enrollment. The REEP Wellness program offers programs and resources to support your wellbeing. Many offerings are available to all REEP members, while others provide enhanced benefits for members enrolled in a REEP medical plan. Explore the May wellness offerings to find programs available to you. Please Note: Under IRS rules, all wellness program rewards—such as cash, gift cards, and other non‑medical incentives—are considered taxable income. (Source: IRS Publication 525)
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Monthly Health Observance
August Recipe Stuffed Summer Squash
Nutritional Information
Calories: 300 per Serving Fat: 3.44g per Serving
Protect Your Health: Stay Up to Date on Immunizations
Carbohydrates: 56.55g per Serving
August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month, a
Protein: 11.81g per Serving
time to highlight the important role vaccines play in protecting people of all ages from serious, preventable diseases. Vaccines help
Ingredients 2 medium summer squash
your immune system recognize and fight infections before they can make you sick, keeping you, your family, and your community healthier.
3 cups cooked brown rice 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 cup white beans, drained and rinsed 1 tablespoon fresh basil 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese Directions Wash hands with soap and water.
According to the CDC, vaccines are recommended throughout every stage of life - from infancy through older adulthood. Routine immunizations help prevent diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, and whooping cough. Your healthcare provider can help determine which vaccines are recommended based on your age, health conditions, occupation, and travel plans.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wash and cut both squash in half, lengthwise.
Why Staying Up to Date on Vaccines Matters:
Remove the large seeds.
Protects against serious and preventable diseases
Steam the squash, skin side down, in a small amount of water in
Helps reduce the spread of illness
a fry pan or skillet until slightly tender (but not mushy).
Safeguards vulnerable populations, including older adults and
Scoop out a good amount of pulp (1 cup), place in a bowl and
those with weakened immune systems
mix with other ingredients (brown rice through Parmesan
Support lifelong health and wellness
cheese). Place the squash shells in a baking dish.
Take a few minutes this month to review your immunization records
Stuff the squash with the stuffing mixture.
and schedule any recommended vaccines. Staying current on
Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
immunizations is a simple step that protects not only your health but
Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
also the health of those around you.
Source: https://myplate.food/recipes/stuffed-summer-squash
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-adults/index.html
The REEP Wellness program offers programs and resources to support your wellbeing. Many offerings are available to all REEP members, while others provide enhanced benefits for members enrolled in a REEP medical plan. Explore the May wellness offerings to find programs available to you. Please Note: Under IRS rules, all wellness program rewards—such as cash, gift cards, and other non‑medical incentives—are considered taxable income. (Source: IRS Publication 525)
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Alliances
Huddles cont.
Date
Title
Time
Date
Title
Time
8/4/2026
First Responder Alliance
8:00 AM
8/10/2026
Work Life Harmony for Parents
8:00 AM
8/6/2026
Women's Alliance
7:00 AM
8/11/2026
Improving Sleep
7:00 AM
8/12/2026
Men's Alliance
10:00 AM
8/11/2026
1:00 PM
8/13/2026
LGBTQIA+ Alliance
8:00 AM
Mindfulness 3: Mindfulness of Thoughts and Emotions
8/20/2026
Black Alliance
8:00 AM
8/14/2026
Creativity for Self-Care
10:00 AM
8/25/2026
Healthcare Worker Alliance
11:00 AM
8/18/2026
Finding Gratitude in Our Everyday Lives
10:00 AM
8/18/2026
Helping Your Kids Maintain and Understand the Importance of Friendships (9-17 yo)*
11:00 AM
8/19/2026
Navigating Social Anxiety
7:00 AM
8/19/2026
Tobacco and Nicotine Cessation and Relapse Prevention Support Huddle
10:00 AM
8/20/2026
Mood Management 1: Thoughts
12:00 PM
8/21/2026
Building Self-Compassion
8:00 AM
8/25/2026
Managing Loneliness
7:00 AM
8/25/2026
Meditation: Restore Your Balance
1:00 PM
8/27/2026
Mindfulness 2: Mindfulness of Breath and Body
9:00 AM
Huddles Date
Title
Time
8/3/2026
Menopause 101
10:00 AM
8/4/2026
Harvest Your Health: Fall Nutrition*
10:00 AM
8/5/2026
Back Care 101
10:00 AM
8/5/2026
Relaxation Techniques
3:00 AM
8/6/2026
Mood Management 2: Behaviors
11:00 AM
8/7/2026
From Trigger to Triumph
11:00 AM
8/7/2026
Mindfulness 1: Introduction to Mindfulness
8:00 AM
8/28/2026
Self-Care and Resiliency Building
11:00 AM
8/10/2026
Nutrition 101
2:00 PM
8/31/2026
Relaxation Techniques
10:00 AM
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Practices Date
Title
Time
8/3/2026
Mindfulness Brief Practice
9:00 AM
8/4/2026
Guided Imagery Practice
12:00 PM
8/7/2026
Guided Stretching Practice
7:00 AM
8/10/2026
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Practice
10:00 AM
Webinars
8/12/2026
Gratitude Brief Practice
8:00 AM
Date
Title
Time
8/14/2026
Posture Reset Practice
7:00 AM
8/3/2026
12:00 PM
8/18/2026
Guided Meditation Practice
7:00 AM
Teaching Your Kids How to Manage Money*
8/5/2026
11:00 AM
Embracing Kindness and Respect
11:00 AM
8/21/2026
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Practice
8/24/2026
Guided Imagery Practice
10:00 AM
8/11/2026
10 Strategies for Improving Your Finances
11:00 AM
8/26/2026
Guided Meditation Practice
10:00 AM
8/13/2026
Living Nicotine Free
10:00 AM
8/27/2026
Mindfulness Brief Practice
7:00 AM
8/17/2026
10:00 AM
8/28/2026
Guided Breathing Practice
10:00 AM
A Whole Health Lifestyle Approach to Maximize GLP-1 Medications
8/31/2026
Gratitude Brief Practice
7:00 AM
8/17/2026
Talking About Tough Subjects with Your Parent or Older Loved One*
9:00 AM
8/19/2026
Planning for “I Do”: Understanding the Legal Aspects of Marriage
11:00 AM
8/20/2026
Eldercare In-Home Support and Services
9:00 AM
8/24/2026
Coping with Grief and Loss
8:00 AM
8/26/2026
Managing Personal Finances
8:00 AM
8/28/2026
Overwhelm: Coping with Stress and Fear
8:00 AM
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