Get ready for the week with a little weekend prep. Prepare a few healthy snacks, tidy your kitchen, and lay out comfortable walking shoes and clothes where you'll see them. These small preparations remove barriers and make healthy choices feel almost automatic. aps.edu/wellness #buildin2026 #generationalhealth #thriftanditerate

Vegetable chili, hearty soups, baked sweet potatoes, roasted squash, and whole-grain casseroles are all examples of meals that provide warmth, flavor, and nutrition. Healthy eating isn't about avoiding comfort. It's about finding comfort in foods that help you feel your best. For more nutrition guidance, APS offers FREE health coaching! Check your options by visiting aps.edu/wellness #buildin2026 #generationalhealth #thriftanditerate

People want to know why costs are rising. One reason? Unnecessary ER visits or going to a facility that does not contract with your medical insurance provider (BCBS or PHP). Since they aren't contracted with your health plan, the facility charges more back to "the plan" (that's us). ➡️Now, of course, if you need emergency care, GO! But we find many people go to the ER when Urgent Care can handle it. Your urgency may not be an emergency. Review the list below to find the right level of care for your situation. Virtual care: *Colds & Flu *Rashes *Sore throats *Headaches *Fever *Allergies *Acne Urgent Care: *Fever & flu symptoms *Minor cuts, sprains, burns, rashes *Headaches *Lower back pain *Joint pain *Minor respiratory symptoms *UTI’s ER: If a situation seems life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. *Sudden numbness, weakness *Uncontrolled bleeding *Seizure or loss of consciousness *Shortness of breath *Chest pain *Head injury/major trauma *Severe cuts or burns *Overdose For more information on your benefits, virtual care services, and providers, go to aps.edu/benefits.

Happy magical morning elixir, Friday! ☕️

It's so simple yet one of the most underused benefits we offer. Early detection not only increases a person's survival rate for most cancers by 90%, but when cancer is caught early, it's less costly on all levels of our human well-being. And yet - over half of most cancers are diagnosed in later stages. Preventive cancer screenings are covered under your APS Medical Benefits. There is no cost. The only thing stopping you is awareness and time... Now you know so let's not keep the calendar and your well-being waiting - Schedule that cancer screen today! Check the box: ☑️mammogram screen (women 40-74) ☑️colorectal cancer screen (45-75+ - but this cancer is becoming much more prevalent in younger populations) ☑️prostate cancer screen (men 45/50+) ☑️cervical cancer screen (women 21+) ☑️skin cancer screen aps.edu/wellness #buildin2026 #generationalhealth #earlydetection

As the weekend approaches, ask yourself what would help you feel refreshed. Maybe it's an earlier bedtime, a walk outdoors, time with friends, or simply an afternoon with nothing scheduled. Rest works best when it's part of your routine, not just your recovery plan. #buildin2026 #generationalhealth #thriftanditerate

Sometimes your most productive decision is taking a brief break. Try a short walk around the block or even through your building to help clear your mind before returning to your next task. Is injury or pain keeping limiting your movment? APS offers Hinge Health a free physical therapy and exercise therapy solution. Learn more under "wellness benefits per health plan" at aps.edu/wellness. #buildin2026 #generationalhealth #thriftanditerate

It can feel impossible to set aside extra money right now. Paychecks are stretched thin. But when you know you'll have copays and other medical, dental, and vision expenses throughout the year, having that money available is a game-changer for peace of mind. You don't have to worry about putting that copay, or any extra medical expenses, on a credit card because you've already set money aside. FSA (flexible spending account) dollars are taken out pre-tax, lowering your taxable income and saving you even more. Our APS Open/Switch Enrollment window is closing Friday, Oct. 16. Learn more about how enrolling in the APS Benefits FSA can help you maximize your savings. aps.edu/open-enrollment #buildin2026 #generationalhealth

Rather than focusing on one imperfect day, think about the bigger picture. A healthy lifestyle is built through consistent choices over weeks, months, and years. One setback doesn't define your progress. aps.edu/wellness #buildin2026 #generationalhealth #thriftanditerate

Before the weekend begins, spend a few minutes without background noise or distractions. Sit outside, enjoy your morning coffee, or simply take a few deep breaths. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is create a little space for your thoughts.

October's cooler temperatures create the perfect opportunity to spend more time outside before winter arrives. Fresh air and movement can improve both physical and mental well-being. If pain, injury, strength or mobility issues are holding you back from Fall fun, APS offers Hinge Health! A physical therapy and exercise therapy program. Check it out under "wellness benefits per health plan." aps.edu/wellness #buildin2026 #generationalhealth

There are many great reasons to attend the APS Employee Wellness Fair! *In-person assistance with open/switch enrollment *Biometric screenings: blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, weight &BMI *Access to all APS Benefits medical vendors, including Life & LTD Insurance, NM ERB & Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan providers, ComPsych EAP, Hinge Health, Nusenda & more! *Vaccines (any insurance is accepted) *Mammograms (still some appointments available-click the link below) *Blood donor drive *Very cool local businesses with special offers for APS employees! *A mini-farmers market *LOTS of raffle prizes! aps.edu/open-enrollment #buildin2026 #generationalhealth

Spread the news & join us at the APS Employee Wellness Fair Wed. Oct. 7 & Thurs Oct. 8 from 2:30-6:00 pm at Berna Facio. aps.edu/open-enrollment

It can feel impossible to set aside extra money right now. Paychecks are stretched thin. But when you know you'll have copays and other dental and vision expenses throughout the year, having that money available is a game-changer for peace of mind. You don't have to worry about putting that copay, or any extra medical expenses, on a credit card because you've already set money aside. FSA (flexible spending account) dollars are taken out pre-tax, lowering your taxable income and saving you even more. Learn more about how enrolling in the APS Benefits FSA can help you maximize your savings. aps.edu/open-enrollment #buildin2026 #generationalhealth

This weekend, choose a local trail, park, or neighborhood you've been meaning to explore. Walking outdoors isn't just good for your body. Spending time in nature can also help reduce stress and improve your mood. aps.edu/wellness #buildin2026 #generationalhealth #thriftanditerate

The financial benefits of "benefits literacy" go a long way! When consumers understand how their employee and health insurance benefits work, they make fewer costly errors, saving anywhere from $143 to $7,000+ a year on healthcare expenses. A little information goes a long way. At the APS Employee Wellness Fair, you can talk with ALL APS Benefits providers - medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, ComPsych/EAP, APS voluntary retirement savings plans, NM ERB, and MORE - Don't let another year go by with unnecessary costs and money out the door that can be in the bank. ;) Join us Oct. 7 & 8, 2:30-6:00 pm at Berna Facio PD Center. More information at: aps.edu/open-enrollment #buildin2026 #generationalhealth #thriftanditerate #openenrollment #employeewellness

Visit a local market or grocery store this weekend and pick up one seasonal ingredient you've been meaning to try. Roasted vegetables, fresh fruit, and homemade soups are simple ways to celebrate the changing season. For more nutrition guidance, APS offers FREE health coaching! Check your resources at aps.edu/wellness #buildin2026 #generationalhealth #thriftanditerate

Influencing the trajectory of New Mexico population well-being with you and me. Engagement in the basics like open enrollment, conversations with providers, and preventive health screens is a catalyst that sparks change. Join us at the APS Employee Wellness Fair. Oct. 7-8 -6:00 pm at Berna Facio PD Center. aps.edu/wellness #buildin2026 #generationalhealth #thriftanditerate