Truth or Myth: Everyone Should Take Daily Probiotics

Probiotics such as tomatoes, pills, and ginger are on a counter top

Myth: Everyone should take a probiotic supplement daily.  Truth: Probiotic supplementation may not be necessary for everyone.  A probiotic is defined as a microorganism that maintains or restores beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract when consumed (from food or a dietary supplement). 35,000 species of probiotic bacteria have been identified and each strain has a unique effect on the human … Read More

Leveraging Technology to Help Employees Understand Their Benefits

a woman on her laptop looking at technology

Is your district making the best out of your insurance benefits? Do your employees understand which healthcare benefits are needed for their family? Leveraging technology during open enrollment can connect the dots for employees in learning what benefits their employer offers and what the advantages of each can mean for them. With so much to look over, it may be … Read More

Meet Your Circadian Rhythm

A person looking at a clock in bed Circadian Rhythm

The rotation of the earth results in a 24-hour light and dark cycle. All life on this planet has adapted and/or evolved with the exposure to daylight and darkness for hundreds of millions of years. Many of us know the circadian rhythm is responsible for our diurnal habits (sleeping at night, and wakefulness during the day).  But the effect the … Read More

The Evolutionary Context of the Ketogenic Diet

A plate with salmon resting on top of greens ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet has gained significant traction in the news, on social media, and even documentary production.  With its rising popularity, it’s hard not to wonder if this might be the answer we have all been waiting for to settle the never-ending diet war.  The truth is, “dieting” is not an eating behavior that is natural to human evolution and … Read More

Valley Schools: Wellness AtoZ Employer

A person is on top of a mountain Wellness AtoZ employer

Congratulations to Valley Schools and the WellStyles Program! The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s initiative, Wellness AtoZ, making Arizona and Greater Phoenix a healthy living destination, has recognized the affordable health insurance consultant Valley Schools and workplace wellness program WellStyles as a Wellness AtoZ Employer! Valley Schools offers affordable healthcare and wellness consulting in Arizona is now on board at the … Read More

Group Training: Fancy Your Fitness

A small gymnasium with females doing group training

Why do people continue to spend money on group fitness exercise classes when they have the ability to do a similar workout for free in the comfort of their own home? If you have ever started a home workout then found yourself growing bored, you are not alone! You may fall into the category of people who benefit from a … Read More

What’s the Doctor got to do with it?

A stethoscope with a heart against it Relationship

Have you ever considered how much influence the relationship with your health care provider has on your health? When selecting a healthcare provider to work with, are there certain things you look for, or standards you have? Or is it merely, check the task box of things such as: they’re in network, the office is near me, and/or I can … Read More

Myth: Cleaning products are clean.

Truth: Commonly-used traditional cleaning products contain many harmful ingredients. You might be concerned about the toxins you come into contact with outside of your home, such as cigarette smoke, pollutants from nearby factories or the pesticides in food, but have you ever stopped to think about the chemicals and contaminants you are exposed to everyday in your household? An alarming … Read More

Written Determinations and Rationale for Cooperative Purchases at Arizona School Districts

A stack of coins on top of documents with pens surrounding it cooperative purchases

Last year’s legislative session included a law that requires school districts to provide rationale when choosing specific cooperative purchases. Based on that statute, the procurement rules require a written determination to include that rationale.  Districts are now required to provide a rationale when selecting vendors on a cooperative contract. This will be an additional step in your due diligence process. … Read More

Myth: Diet soda is better for you than regular soda

A fizzing glass of diet soda

Myth: Diet soda is better for you than regular soda. Truth: Replacing regular soda with diet soda may be more problematic. It’s safe to say that most of us have accepted that soda and other sugar-laden beverages do not have a place in our diet. Research shows that consistent consumption of food items that spike blood sugar, such as soda, … Read More