Loyalty Pawn Employee Services Corner

We rarely think about breathing except when we have trouble doing so. That’s why every October is Healthy Lung Month. Numerous organizations have joined forces to educate the public about the importance of protecting our lungs against general neglect, bronchitis, mold, air pollution and smoking. The bottom line is that if we take care of our lungs, our lungs will take care of us.

Lung health has been a concern throughout human history and a phenomenon that has intrigued doctors, health workers and scientists. Diseases such as tuberculosis, the flu and many other airborne ailments have been around for a long time, looming over societies like a deadly blanket. Tuberculosis, or TB, has been among the most prominent lung diseases in history, with traces of it even being found in ancient Egyptian mummies. It was tuberculosis that prompted the start of the American Lung Association in 1904. More recently anti-smoking movements have joined in the healthy lung movement. Cigarette packaging warnings were established in 1966 and years of campaigning have successfully led to the change in perception of smoking among the American public, with Americans now realizing smoking is a major cause of cancer.

Lung disease affects a huge number of Americans. Around 10 million are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis each year, 25 million are believed to be living with asthma, and over 150,000 die from lung cancer annually. Our lungs are important and Healthy Lung Month is an opportunity to create awareness around healthy lifestyle choices.

Prevention is the best medicine and working to keep your lungs healthy is much more efficient than trying to repair them after something goes wrong. To keep your lungs healthy, do the following: ü Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke or environmental irritants. ü Eat foods rich in antioxidants ü Get vaccinations against airborne respiratory diseases like the flu, pneumonia, and of course COVID 19, to lower risk of getting sick. This, too, can help prevent lung infections and promote lung health. ü Exercise more frequently which can help your lungs function properly ü Improve indoor air quality. Use tools like indoor air filter and reduce pollutant like artificial fragrances, mold and dust.

Diaphragmatic breathing, or “belly breathing,” engages the diaphragm, which is supposed to do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to breathing. This technique is particularly helpful in people with COPD, as the diaphragm isn’t as effective in these individuals and could be strengthened. The technique is best used when feeling rested. If you have COPD, ask your doctor or respiratory therapist to show you how to use this exercise for best results.

According to the COPD Foundation, you should do the following to practice diaphragmatic breathing: ü Relax your shoulders and sit back or lie down. ü Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest. ü Inhale through your nose for two seconds, feeling the air move into your abdomen and ü feeling your stomach move out. Your stomach should move more than your chest does. ü Breathe out for two seconds through pursed lips while pressing on your abdomen. Repeat.

Recipe: Walnut-Rosemary Crusted Salmon

Servings: 4. Serving Size: 3 oz.

Calories: 222 | Fat: 12 g | Protein: 24 g | Carbs: 4 g | Fiber: 0 g | Sodium: 256 mg | Cholesterol: 62 mg

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

• 1/2 teaspoon honey

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

• 3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts

• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 (1 pound) skinless salmon fillet, fresh is always best, but frozen will work too

• Olive oil cooking spray

• Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Combine mustard, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, honey, salt and crushed red pepper in a small bowl. Combine panko, walnuts and oil in another small bowl.

3. Place salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mustard mixture over the fish and sprinkle with the panko mixture, pressing to adhere. Lightly coat with cooking spray.

4. Bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness.

5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired. Just for fun October Days…Have fun with these fun and kooky celebrations!

Oct. 4: International Ships-in-Bottles Day

Oct. 6: National Noodle Day

Oct. 16: National Fossil Day

Oct: 24–Nov. 11: World Origami Days

Oct. 25: Frankenstein Friday

The Full Hunter’s Moon

October’s full Moon, known as the Hunter’s Moon, arrives on Wednesday, October 20. Like September’s Harvest Moon, the Hunter’s Moon is closely tied to the autumnal equinox. October Meteor Showers. Also keep an eye out for the Draconid meteor shower in the late evening of October 9, and the Orionid meteor shower in the predawn hours of October 21–22.

401K-Loyalty Pawn Retirement $avings Program

Are you saving for retirement? Why not start today?

If you have completed 12 months of service with Loyalty Pawn, you’re eligible to participate and start putting away those pretax (or post tax Roth) dollars into your very own 401k account. To enroll, send me an email and I’ll help you get started. Also, for your “loyalty” “dedication” and “perseverance”, Loyalty Pawn contribute 3% of your gross wages into your 401k account an employer contribution weekly this is whether you defer pre/post tax dollars or not. Just another way of saying, “Thank YOU! We appreciate YOU”

Contact Employee Services at employeeservices@loyaltypawn.com Start saving for retirement’s tomorrow, today!

Federal employers and contractors are required to be fully vaccinated by 12/08/2021 or employers face noncompliance fines. And private employers with 100+ employees are required to mandate the vaccine for their workforces. Details by the OSHA ETS to be released soon.

While Loyalty Pawn is not required under either mandate as summarized above, if you’re considering the vax, here are some great resources.

https://www.saccounty.net/COVID-19/Pages/CoronavirusVaccine.aspx

-OR-https://dhs.saccounty.net/PUB/Pages/Communicable-Disease-Control/Vaccine-Registration-for-EligibleIndividuals-in-Sacramento-County.aspx The vax is FREE to anyone who wants it!

Additionally, California COVID Supplemental Sick Leave Pay is now expired. Need COVID related time off? Please call or email Loyalty Pawn’s Employee Services for resources and updates to help you keep you and your co-workers safe.

CDC now recommends that vaccinated individuals wear face coverings in indoor public settings in areas of substantial or high COVID-19 transmission (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fullyvaccinatedguidance.html) and effective July 30th, California Sacramento County Dept of Health now mandates all mask wearing for public places indoors regardless of vaccination status.

CDPH requires face coverings in specific indoor public settings and recommends that individuals wear face coverings in all other indoor public settings, regardless of their vaccination status. (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/guidancefor-face-coverings.aspx

Remember, if you need HR, Payroll, Benefits, or Family support, Loyalty Pawn’s Employee Services is only a phone call, text message, or email away, on demand, anytime! 916-752-2255 employeeservices@loyaltypawn.com