Free Wellness Classes Boost Health Awareness

Sneezing, sniffling, itchy eyes, runny nose: these symptoms affect us all when our allergies are acting up; but a free class recently helped County employees learn more about their allergies and how to manage them.

The County’s Employee Wellness Program puts together monthly “Lunch and Learn” programs that focus on one ailment or disease and management for it. February’s program was all about allergies.

“This is really good information,” Wellness Coordinator William Erese said. “It’s everyday stuff we all go through.”

County employees can sign up for the free events, hosted by Anthem Blue Cross or Kaiser, by signing into Learning Management System and searching for “Lunch and Learn.” Erese said there is no deadline to register and walk-ins are welcome.

According to the wellness coordinator, the class topics — and locations — vary from month to month, depending on interest and needs. Due to high interest in asthma and allergies, both January and February’s Lunch and Learn focused on just that: different kinds of allergens, a chemical breakdown of what happens during an allergy attack, how you can be tested for allergies, symptoms to look out for and types of treatment.

“I have asthma, so I wanted to come,” said HHSA employee Laura Diaz. “I learned new things and where I can find more information on my asthma.”

Attendees had various concerns, including eczema and cat allergies, all of which were discussed at the hour-long class.

“It’s nice to learn the process of how your body reacts to things,” said HHSA employee Nereyda Orlanschi.

The class was held at HHSA’s  Rosecrans facility, hosted by Anthem Blue Cross and taught by Dana Mann, M.P.H., M.C.H.E.S .

“Dana takes a complex issue and really simplifies it,” Erese said. “She makes you think about a lot of things you’d normally never think about.”

At the end of each class, a raffle is held with various wellness prizes, like a vegetable steamer or heavy-duty gym bag. Resources are also handed out for each attendee on the topic of the day.

Interested in learning as you lunch? The next class, which will cover bone health for women, will be held at noon on March 19 at the Housing and Community Development Building’s Career Center, located at 3989 Ruffin Road, 92123. Make sure to register at LMS and bring your own lunch.