If you work nights, early mornings, or rotating shifts, you already know good sleep hits different. Problem is, shift work can make it tricky to get enough. That’s because your schedule is basically arguing with biology. Your body runs on a circadian rhythm — an internal clock designed to sleep at night and stay alert during the day. When you work against that rhythm, sleep can feel shorter, lighter, and way easier to interrupt.  And because sleep is a big part of mental health (mood, stress tolerance, emotional regulation…all of it), disrupted sleep can crank up irritability, anxiety, and burnout.  At Pogo , we talk a lot about sleep because it’s one of the most overlooked tools for protecting your mental health, especially for shift workers in Pottawatomie County. Here’s the good news: even if you can’t control your schedule, you can control your sleep strategy. Here are some tips to try next time you’re hitting the hay. Why Shift Work Disrupts Sleep Your circadian rhythm is influenced by cues like light exposure and routine. There lies the problem. When you work overnight or rotate shifts, you’re often awake when your body expects sleep. For some people, this turns into Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) , a condition where people who work hours outside the “regular” 9-5 workday experience issues with going to sleep, staying asleep, and being excessively sleepy when you need to be awake.  According to the Cleveland Clinic , about 20% of the full-time U.S. workforce does some form of shift work, and SWSD may affect 10%–40% of people working nontraditional shifts. Shift Work and Mental Health Sleep loss leads to more than exhaustion. It can make you more reactive, less tolerant of stress, and more likely  to develop depression or anxiety. For shift workers, not getting enough healthy sleep can mean: Higher anxiety Mood swings Increased irritability Difficulty concentrating Emotional exhaustion When your sleep is inconsistent, your nervous system doesn’t fully reset. Protecting sleep is mental health infrastructure. Shift Work Sleep Tips You may not be able to change your schedule. But you can absolutely support your sleep quality. Here’s how. 1. Control Your Light Exposure (It Matters More Than You Think) Light is the strongest signal for your body’s natural clock. Finding ways to limit and control your exposure to it can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and restless rest. If you work night shift: Use bright light during your shift to stay alert Wear sunglasses on your drive home (yes, really) Keep your bedroom dark during daytime sleep Use blackout curtains or eye masks to block light Darkness tells your brain it’s time to produce melatonin — even if it’s 10 a.m. 2. Create a Consistent Sleep Window Research  shows irregular sleep timing increases circadian misalignment and fatigue, especially for rotating shift workers. Even if you’re getting “enough” hours, unpredictable timing can worsen mood and alertness. Predictability helps your body adapt. Instead of chasing perfect sleep, create an anchor window — a block of sleep you protect no matter what shift you’re on. For example, always sleep from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. after night shifts or protect 4–5 consistent hours daily, then add a nap before your next shift.  Harvard Health  recommends keeping your sleep and wake times as regular as possible — even on days off — to reduce the constant “jet lag” effect of shift work. And if you know a switch is coming, gradually shifting  your bedtime/wake time 1–2 hours per day ahead of the change can help you adjust. 3. Keep Your Room Cool and Quiet Daytime sleep is lighter and easier to disrupt, so it’s critical to set up your environment for success.  Support it by: Keeping your room between 60–68°F Making the room as dark as possible Using white noise or a fan Wearing earplugs and an eyemask Silencing your phone Posting a “Do Not Disturb” note on the door 4. Be Strategic With Caffeine Caffeine can be helpful during night shifts, but timing matters.  Sleep Foundation  recommends having caffeine at the beginning of your shift, using it in moderation, and avoiding it within 3–4 hours of when you plan to sleep. Caffeine can stay in your system for 6+ hours and delay sleep onset. And when you’re off shift? Skip it close to bedtime. 5. Eat Light Before Sleep If you’re hungry after your shift, choose something light and easy to digest, like yogurt, oatmeal, a banana with peanut butter, or a protein bar. Heavy meals before bed can disrupt sleep.  Also, avoid alcohol as a sleep aid. It may make you drowsy, but it fragments sleep later. 6. Protect the Transition Home After a night shift, your body is somehow wired and tired at the same time. Create a wind-down buffer by:  Avoiding stimulating conversations Dimming lights immediately when you get home Keeping your routine simple and repeatable Alerting your household to your sleep schedule Think: shower, snack, pajamas, dark room. Train your brain that this sequence means sleep. 7. Nap With Intention Naps can reduce sleep debt and boost alertness — if you keep them strategic. Short naps ( 10-20 minutes ) before a shift or on your break can boost alertness without causing deep-sleep grogginess. While longer naps may reduce sleep debt when you’re off the clock, avoid napping for too long, especially close your main sleep window or your shift. Also: sleep inertia  is real. That post-nap grogginess can last 15–30 minutes (and sometimes longer), so don’t schedule “drive home on the highway at 80 mph” as your immediate follow-up activity.  8. Communicate With Your Household Shift workers often struggle because the world operates on daytime norms. Let your family, roommates, or neighbors know your sleep window.  You could put your shift calendar on the fridge or send a text to your family or roommates.  Post it. Share it. Protect it. Your sleep deserves respect. What About Rotating Shifts? Rotating shifts are especially tough because your body never fully adapts. UCLA Health notes that random rotation is particularly hard on the body and that planning ahead (gradually shifting sleep time before a schedule change) can help.  If you rotate: Try to rotate forward (day → evening → night), which is easier for the body Maintain one consistent sleep anchor Prioritize dark, cool sleep environments Small stability helps in unstable schedules. Signs You Might Need Extra Support Your work schedule is hard. There’s no denying that. If you’re experiencing the following, it might be a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider. Chronic insomnia or trouble staying asleep Excessive sleepiness during shifts (especially if it's impacting your safety) Mood changes that feel unmanageable Falling asleep unintentionally Experts at the Cleveland Clinic  note providers often diagnose Shift Work Sleep Disorder when symptoms persist for at least three months, and they may use a sleep diary (often two weeks of notes) and sometimes additional testing to rule out other causes.  Need a Quick Reference? If you’re a shift worker and want these tips in one place, download Pogo’s free Shift Work Sleep Tips PDF here . Make it your lock screen. Stick it on your fridge. Put it up in the break room. Protecting your sleep is protecting your mental health. The Bottom Line for Shift Workers Shift work and sleep disruption are common, but burnout doesn’t have to be. Protecting your light exposure, caffeine intake, and sleep window protects your mental health. You don’t have to sleep at 10 p.m. to build better sleep habits. If you’re in Pottawatomie County, the Pottawatomie County Sleep Challenge  can help you pick up a few new healthy habits to add to your sleep routine. Prioritize your health and sign up here .

If you want better sleep, a consistent bedtime routine  can be a gamechanger. A strong sleep routine tells your brain the day is over and that rest is coming. Without that signal, your body stays in go-mode. The good news? You can train your brain to wind down. Here’s a guide from Pogo  on how to build a bedtime routine that helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and supports your mental health in the process. Keep a Consistent Bedtime and Wake Time  Your body runs on a circadian rhythm , an internal clock that thrives on consistency. Going to bed and waking up at wildly different times every day confuses that rhythm. Try choosing a realistic bedtime and wake-up time and sticking within 30–60 minutes of them, even on weekends. Set a “Wind Down Alarm” Most people set alarms to wake up. But you can also set a reminder to wind down. About 45–60 minutes before bed, set a reminder to start shutting down. When you get the alert, that’s your cue to put away high-stimulation tasks, lower the lights, and start your bedtime routine. Dim Lights and Put Away Screens Light exposure  is one of the biggest enemies of good sleep, especially bright blue light typical of overhead lights and screens. Blue light in the evening suppresses melatonin  — the hormone that makes you sleepy. Lowering lights and stepping away from screens helps your brain shift into night mode. Try: Turning off overhead lights Switching to warm lamps Reducing phone brightness Changing the color tint of your screens to red Turn Down the Thermostat Your core body temperature naturally drops as you prepare for sleep. A cooler room supports that biological process and improves sleep quality. Most sleep experts recommend keeping your bedroom between 60–68°F  for optimal sleep. Before you turn in for the day, lower the thermostat. Add cozy blankets as needed, but let your body cool down naturally. Nothing disrupts a good dream like a bad case of the night sweats. Have a Light Snack or Calming Drink Going to bed overly hungry can make it harder to fall asleep. If your belly is rumbling, a small, balanced snack or a calming drink (alcohol and caffeine-free!) can help. This is not the time for a large meal. Instead, go for something light and easy to digest, like: A banana with peanut butter A small bowl of oatmeal Yogurt A handful of nuts Warm milk Herbal tea (lavender, chamomile, lemon balm) In the evening, it’s a good idea to avoid drinks containing alcohol (like beer, cocktails, or wine) and caffeine (like coffee, sodas, energy drinks, or caffeinated teas). Alcohol may make you sleepy at first, but it disrupts sleep cycles  later in the night, and caffeine can keep your system awake  for hours, even if you drank it six hours  before. Journal to Clear Mental Clutter Racing thoughts are one of the biggest barriers to sleep. Journaling before bed can reduce rumination  and help you fall asleep faster.  Try writing out tomorrow’s top three tasks, making a to-do list, or thinking about what you're grateful for. Getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper clears your mind and sets up space for easier sleep. Listen to Calming Music or White Noise Silence isn’t always calming, especially if your brain fills it with worry. Soft instrumental music, brown noise, white noise, or nature sounds can help mask disruptive sounds and provide a steady auditory cue for sleep. White noise works by reducing environmental sound contrast, making sudden noises less likely to wake you. But keep it low and consistent. The goal is background calm, not a concert. Keep a Sleep Diary If you’re trying to improve your sleep habits, track them. A sleep diary  helps you identify patterns like: What time you went to bed How long it took to fall asleep Nighttime wake-ups Caffeine or alcohol intake Mood the next day You may notice patterns you didn’t expect, like worse sleep after late workouts or scrolling. Use these patterns to adjust your daily routine. A sleep diary can also be helpful if you decide to talk with a doctor about any sleep concerns. Protect the Routine The last hour of your day is not the time to solve the world’s problems. Or reorganize your garage. Or send a risky email. Or deep-dive into those group texts you’ve silenced. Setting gentle boundaries around your evening can be the difference between sleeping soundly and needing an extra cup of coffee in the morning. Safeguard your bedtime routine by: Avoiding starting big projects late. Your brain doesn’t recognize “just 20 minutes.” Starting something new — even something productive — keeps your brain alert and awake. Once your brain switches into problem-solving mode, it takes time to come back down. Avoiding intense emotional conversations right before bed. Hard talks matter…just not at 10:45 p.m. Emotional spikes — even positive ones — increase heart rate and stress hormones. Save the heavy conversations for daylight when your nervous system is better equipped to process them. Avoiding evening caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine blocks the hormones you need to feel sleepy. Alcohol may make you drowsy, but it fragments sleep and disrupts REM cycles  later in the night. Both interfere with the quality of sleep your brain needs to regulate mood and stress. Avoid doomscrolling. News , social media debates, and just one more TikTok all keep your brain alert. Bright light + emotional stimulation = delayed sleep onset. Protect the last hour of your day like your health depends on it. Because it does. Take the Pottawatomie County Sleep Challenge If you’re in Pottawatomie County, healthy bedtime routines are exactly what we’re practicing during the Pottawatomie County Sleep Challenge . From March 8-21, we’re building habits that make sleep easier and mental health stronger. Because sometimes the most powerful self-care is simply sleeping a little more soundly.

If falling asleep feels harder than it should, your brain might just need a clearer signal that the day is done. A consistent bedtime routine helps cue your nervous system to shift from go-mode to rest-mode. Sleep experts call this sleep hygiene  — small environmental and behavioral shifts that improve how quickly you fall asleep and how deeply you sleep. And better sleep isn’t just about feeling rested. Research consistently shows that sleep and mental health are deeply connected . Quality sleep supports mood regulation, lowers stress, improves focus, and strengthens emotional resilience. If you’re looking for simple sleep habits to help you fall asleep faster, you’ve come to the right place here at Pogo . 1. Change Into Pajamas It sounds obvious, but changing clothes is a powerful sleep cue. When you swap work clothes for pajamas, you’re telling your brain, “We’re off duty now.” Consistent cues like this are part of strong sleep hygiene.  Your core body temperature naturally drops as you fall asleep, so soft, breathable sleepwear that supports that cooling process is essential. Tight waistbands, scratchy fabrics, and heavy, hot materials can disrupt sleep quality. 2. Drink Something Calm (Not Caffeinated) Your favorite coffee, soda, or glass of iced tea might be what’s keeping you up at night.  Caffeine blocks adenosine , the chemical your brain builds up throughout the day to make you feel sleepy. Even caffeine consumed as long as six hours before bed can disrupt your sleep.  Instead, try something soothing and uncaffeinated, like:  Herbal tea (lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm are great options) Warm milk Tart cherry juice (naturally contains melatonin) Water  3. Brush Your Teeth Brushing your teeth does more than keep your pearly whites healthy. Repeating the same habit at the same time nightly strengthens your bedtime wind-down routine . That kind of predictability helps regulate your circadian rhythm — your body’s internal clock. When your brain recognizes the pattern, it starts preparing for sleep automatically. Bonus: you just might become your dentist’s favorite patient. 4. Dim the Lights Light is one of the strongest signals that affects your sleep-wake cycle. Bright and blue light exposure in the evening suppresses melatonin  — the hormone that tells your brain it’s time to sleep. About 30–60 minutes before bed: Turn off overhead lights (especially fluorescents and LEDs) Switch to warm, low-light lamps Reduce screen brightness Step away from TVs, phones, and tablets 5. Take a Warm Shower or Bath Research  shows that a warm shower or bath about 1–2 hours before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster. This is because your body naturally goes through a cool down process as it prepares for sleep. When you step out of warm water, your core temperature drops and reinforces that nighttime transition. A warm rinse also helps your muscles relax and reduces physical tension from the day. Plus, you’ll feel like a new person sliding into clean sheets. 6. Read a Book Reading is one of the best screen-free bedtime habits. It lowers stress and reduces mental stimulation compared to scrolling social media or watching TV. A physical book (preferably not a backlit tablet or eReader) keeps your mind gently engaged without flooding it with blue light. The key is keeping it calm. No true crime sagas. No midnight cliffhangers. No news doomscrolling. And absolutely no emails. 7. Practice Slow Breathing Breathing exercises for sleep work because they calm your nervous system. Slow breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system  — the body’s “rest and digest” state. This lowers heart rate, reduces cortisol (your stress hormone), and signals safety to your body. A few breathing exercises  you can try include: 4-7-8 breathing Box breathing Simple belly breathing Alternate nostril breathing Many guided routines can also be found on YouTube or popular meditation apps. 8. Get Cuddly Physical touch releases oxytocin , sometimes called the “bonding hormone.”  Oxytocin is powerful for sleep because it lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. Whether it’s cuddling a partner, hugging your kid, or petting your dog, safe physical connection can calm your brain and body before bed.  Feeling secure supports deeper, more restorative sleep. 9. Stretch Gently Gentle stretching before bed reduces muscle tension and helps your body unwind. That’s why slow, gentle movement before bed is part of many evidence-based  sleep hygiene practices.  Stretching it out before your head hits the pillow increases blood flow, reducing stiffness, and eases physical discomfort — all of which support better sleep quality. Think slow neck rolls. Toe touches. Child’s pose. Nothing intense. Just enough to tell your body it's done for the day. 10. Do Your Skincare Routine This isn’t about the products. It’s about the pattern. Consistency builds rhythm, and rhythmic routines build behavioral sleep cues. When you repeat the same sequence nightly, your brain learns what comes next and begins to anticipate sleep when that first face wash starts.  Feeling like a million bucks is just a bonus. 11. Use Calming Scents Scent can be a powerful tool  for sleep. Lavender in particular has been studied  for its calming effects and may improve sleep quality. Calming fragrances like clean linen, jasmine, or rose are also solid picks. Using the same scent consistently — like a pillow spray or candle — creates a conditioned sleep cue. Over time, your brain starts associating that smell with snooze time. 12. Fold Laundry (Yes, Really) It’s boring — and that’s the point. Repetitive, low-stakes tasks calm the mind and reduce cognitive stimulation. This helps shift your brain away from racing thoughts and high-alert thinking. Other screen-free options include: Knitting Coloring Wiping down counters Matching socks Sorting mail Remember, analog > algorithm at bedtime. 13. Journal If anxiety spikes at night, journaling can help. Mental clutter and nighttime worry are some of the biggest sleep disruptors.  Writing down your to-do list, grocery list, worries, or even gratitude notes can reduce nighttime overthinking. Research shows that offloading thoughts onto paper can shorten the time  it takes to fall asleep. 14. Do a Puzzle Screen-free hobbies are ideal before bed. Unlike scrolling on your phone, puzzles and other hands-on hobbies stimulate your brain just enough without flooding it with overstimulation or blue light.  Not into puzzles? Try crosswords, doodling, paint-by-number kits, embroidery, or flipping through a magazine. 15. Prep Tomorrow’s Outfit Your brain loves closure. So give it some!  Laying out tomorrow’s outfit reduces cognitive load and lowers morning stress. Fewer open loops = fewer racing thoughts. You can also: Pre-pack lunches Double check the weather Pack your gym bag Clear the sink Set out your coffee mug Write tomorrow’s top three tasks Future you will thank you. Why Sleep Habits Matter Healthy, restorative sleep depends on timing, cues, and consistency. Your body uses environmental signals — light, temperature, repetition, and behavior — to regulate melatonin and align your circadian rhythm. When your routine is chaotic, your brain stays alert. When your routine is predictable, your brain relaxes. And because sleep and mental health are connected, improving your sleep habits can help reduce stress, improve mood stability, and support emotional regulation. You don’t need all 15 habits. Start with 2–3. Even a small change can make a big difference. If you’re in Pottawatomie County, this is exactly what we’re practicing during the Pottawatomie County Sleep Challenge  — 14 days of simple, doable habits that help you sleep deeper and feel more like yourself. Because sometimes showing up for your mental health starts with going to bed.

In recognition of National Sleep Awareness Month, Pogo — in partnership with SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Shawnee, Shawnee Public Schools, and Pioneer Library System — is launching the Pottawatomie County Sleep Challenge , a free initiative designed to help residents build healthier sleep habits and improve overall wellbeing.  The challenge will run March 8–21, 2026 and is open to all residents of Pottawatomie County. Sleep plays a critical role in mental and physical health. Adequate sleep is associated with lower stress levels, decreased depression and anxiety symptoms, stronger immune function, improved cardiovascular health, hormonal regulation, and enhanced mood stability. Despite its importance, many people do not consistently get the quality or quantity of sleep needed for optimal health. “Sleep is a foundational component of mental health,” said Rebecca Damron, Pogo Mental Wellbeing Coalition co-chair. “By equipping residents with practical tools to improve sleep habits, we can make a meaningful impact on overall wellbeing in Pottawatomie County.” The Pottawatomie County Sleep Challenge supports priorities identified in Pottawatomie County’s Community Health Needs Assessment , particularly around mental health. Approximately 10,705 residents in the county are estimated to need mental health care. One in five survey respondents reported experiencing 11 or more poor mental health days in the past month, and 37% identified increasing access to mental health treatment as a top priority. Untreated mental health conditions are linked to higher healthcare costs, decreased workplace productivity, and reduced quality of life. Throughout the 14-day challenge, participants will focus on simple, evidence-based practices such as establishing consistent bedtime routines, incorporating daily movement, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake in the evening, and minimizing screen time before bed. “This challenge is a shared promise to care for ourselves and each other,” said Mike Dominguez, Assistant Superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools. “Let’s prioritize rest, support one another, and build a healthier, more resilient, and more connected community.” Participants can track their progress using the Wellbeing+ app or by downloading Pogo’s free printable sleep diary . Use of the app is not required to participate. Individuals who complete the challenge will be eligible for prize drawings , including a mattress courtesy of the challenge’s presenting sponsor, Mattress by Appointment. Use of the Wellbeing+ app is made possible through the generous support and continued partnership of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.  To encourage widespread participation, Pogo is also offering a free downloadable toolkit that includes posters, sleep diaries, and ready-to-share social media graphics for workplaces, schools, churches, and other community organizations. To register, download materials, or learn more, visit gopogo.org/sleepchallenge .

2025 Report Click the cover to view the report.

There’s no better time to focus on your wellbeing than the start of a new year. This January, we’re inviting our community to kick things off together with the Happy YOU Year Challenge in the Wellbeing+ app—a month-long experience designed to help you build healthy habits with intention, consistency, and connection. Throughout the challenge, participants will move along a virtual map, unlocking milestones as they complete simple, everyday actions that support wellbeing. From physical activity and time outdoors to social connection and personal reflection, each step is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward at your own pace. One of the highlights of the challenge is the “Stick to It” component, which encourages participants to choose one personal goal and practice it daily throughout January. Whether it’s moving more, taking time to unplug, or checking in with a friend, this daily commitment helps turn small actions into lasting habits. Along the way, you’ll find motivational quotes, opportunities for friendly competition through a leaderboard, and a sense of shared momentum as you take part alongside others across the community. Best of all, the Happy YOU Year Challenge is flexible, supportive, and designed for everyone, no matter where you’re starting from! Join us in making the start of 2026 a little brighter, healthier, and more connected. Let’s begin the year by showing up for ourselves, and for each other.

Now in its fourth year, the Worksite Well-Being Summit continues to bring together community leaders, employers, and wellness advocates who believe one simple truth: when employees are well, workplaces and communities thrive. This year’s summit featured powerful conversations around mental health, housing, food security, and leadership — showing that true well-being takes a whole-community approach. Together, we’re working toward our shared goal of making Pottawatomie County the Healthiest County. Here are some highlights and key takeaways from our inspiring speakers: 🧠 Mental Health at Work — Meg Cannon, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Meg reminded us that creating mentally healthy workplaces begins with safety and support. Be a safe space for your team. Understand your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and community resources. And most importantly: It’s okay to take care of yourself — and to allow others to take care of you. 🏡 Housing & Productivity — Amy Moon, Stride Mortgage Amy highlighted the strong link between housing stability and workforce productivity. When employees feel safe sharing personal challenges and have access to supportive programs, they’re more engaged, loyal, and productive. She encouraged employers to think creatively about employee incentives and resource programs that promote housing stability — because a secure home supports success at work. 🥗 Food Access and Workforce Health — Daniel Matthews, Our Community Market of Pottawatomie County Daniel reminded us that hunger isn’t always visible — sometimes it’s hidden in a cubicle or a classroom. He shared that hunger equates to roughly $60 billion in lost productivity each year and powerfully stated, “If they have food, they have hope. ”His message: food access is a workforce issue, and community-based solutions start close to home. 💪 Leading Well from the Top: From Knowing to Doing Something About It — Deja Hurst, DSH Coaching Deja challenged leaders to move from awareness to action in managing stress and well-being — both for themselves and their teams. Key lessons included: Manage yourself before managing others. Rethink the narrative of stress — it’s not a badge of honor. Model rest and balance out loud. Don’t just say you value wellness; show it. Build non-negotiables into your calendar for health, connection, and recovery. Practice micro-maintenance — small, consistent habits that prevent burnout. Create a culture of praise and psychological safety so teams feel valued daily. Her closing reminder hit home: We can’t let what’s been normalized become normal. Healthy leadership starts with leading by example. The Big Picture: The Worksite Well-Being Summit continues to grow each year, not just in attendance, but in impact. Together, we’re proving that wellness isn’t a workplace perk; it’s a foundation for stronger teams, organizations, and communities. By investing in mental health, housing, food access, and leadership, we’re taking bold steps toward our shared vision: making Pottawatomie County the Healthiest County.

The 2025 Worksite Well-Being Summit brought together community leaders, employers, and wellness champions from across Pottawatomie County to explore one big idea: healthy employees create stronger, more vibrant communities. Hosted at Oklahoma Baptist University, the day kicked off with an inspiring welcome from First Lady Jill Thomas, setting the tone for a powerful lineup of speakers and discussions. Morning Sessions: Connecting Health, Home, and Workplace Success Meg Cannon, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, shared practical strategies for supporting mental health in the workplace. Amy Moon of Stride Mortgage highlighted how housing stability directly influences workforce productivity and overall well-being. Daniel Matthews from Our Community Market of Pottawatomie County connected food access with business success and employee engagement. Together, these speakers reminded us that well-being extends far beyond the office—it’s about creating systems that help people thrive both at work and at home. Afternoon Highlights: Leading Well and Learning from Our Community The afternoon wrapped up with Deja Hurst from DSH Coaching, who challenged attendees to “Lead Well from the Top” by managing stress and modeling balance to promote healthier teams. A dynamic panel discussion brought local perspectives from across sectors: Polly Stone, Gordon Cooper Technology Center student Jared Cheatwood, OBU Graduate / Stuart & Clover, PLLC Lacey McCrary, BellaDerma Aesthetics & Wellness Chad Johnson, Shawnee Public Schools Dr. Kathy Laster, Avedis Foundation Their honest insights showed that workplace well-being takes collaboration, creativity, and community commitment. Keynote Energy: Go Win with Heady Coleman To close out the day, keynote speaker Heady Coleman delivered his infectious “Go Win” message, inspiring everyone to live, lead, and work with purpose. His energy sent attendees back to their workplaces ready to turn inspiration into action. Thank You to Our Partners A huge thank-you to: OBU Recreation and Wellness for hosting AARP Oklahoma for sponsoring lunch Alicja Carter, our amazing emcee, for keeping the energy high and the day on track And to every speaker, panelist, and attendee who made the first Worksite Well-Being Summit a success! Together, we’re proving that when workplaces prioritize wellness, everyone wins—employees, businesses, and the entire community.

What an incredible day we had at Pott Co Pedal Palooza 2025! Families, neighbors, and cyclists of all ages came together to celebrate biking, safety, and community fun right here in Pottawatomie County. From colorful bike decorating and free safety checks to engaging vendor booths and on-the-spot bike repairs, there was something for everyone. The kids’ bike parade lit up the streets with creativity and smiles, while parents enjoyed learning about local resources that make active living easier and safer. Pedal Palooza isn’t just about riding bikes, it’s about creating a healthier, more connected community. Events like these remind us that when we come together, we make it easier for everyone to live active, joyful lives. ✨ A huge thank you to our community partners, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event possible. Your support helps keep biking safe, fun, and accessible for all. 👉 Don’t forget to share your feedback through the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) survey so we can continue building a community where biking and walking are safe for everyone. We can’t wait to see you again at Pedal Palooza 2026!

Now Boarding: Groove Around the Globe 2025! ✈️🌍 This year’s challenge takes off October 1 and runs through November 14. Powered by Pogo and supported by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe alongside local community partners, the 2025 challenge promises to be bigger, better, and more rewarding than ever. The Groove Around The Globe Steps Challenge encourages participants to get active and stay healthy by logging their daily steps through the “Well-Being Plus” app. Teams can form, track their progress, and compete for exciting prizes, all while promoting wellness and community spirit! Special Incentives: • The first 75 registrants will receive a handheld rechargeable misting fan. • Prizes will be awarded to top participants and teams throughout the challenge. How to Participate: 1. Sign Up: Register your team through the Well-Being Plus app: https://bit.ly/groovearoundtheglobe 2. Form Teams: Gather your family, friends, or colleagues 2-10 people in each team. Compete against others or set your own active goals. 3. Get Moving: Track your steps daily from October 1 – November 14. Every step brings your team closer to victory. 4. Stay Connected: Engage with fellow participants, enjoy community-wide events, and celebrate milestones together. Community Support: This event is made possible by the incredible dedication of community partners including: • BancFirst • Shawnee Public Schools • First United Bank • Oklahoma Baptist University Recreation and Wellness Center • Mabee-Gerrer Museum • Shawnee Public Library System • Shawnee Family YMCA • Absentee Shawnee Tribe • Pogo Having trouble signing in? See our Frequently Asked Questions below or contact Suhaila Nease at suhaila@gopogo.org What fitness trackers and smartwatches can play? https://help.wb.rewardgateway.com/en/articles/9462569-what-fitness-trackers-and-smartwatches-can-play My device isn't listed. Can I still participate? https://help.wb.rewardgateway.com/en/articles/9462378-my-device-isn-t-listed-can-i-still-participate Connecting a Fitness Tracking Device https://help.wb.rewardgateway.com/en/collections/9672565-connecting-a-fitness-tracking-device How to create a team as a user https://help.wb.rewardgateway.com/en/articles/9456795-how-to-create-a-team-as-a-user How to join a team https://help.wb.rewardgateway.com/en/articles/9457888-how-to-join-a-team

September 1st-30th Pottawatomie Go in partnership with and Oklahoma Baptist University invite you to participate in Pogo Bingo! A fun and interactive way to embrace healthy habits and explore our community! How to Play: Complete all the activities listed on your bingo card. For each activity you complete, snap a photo of yourself participating for more entries! Share your photos by using #PogoBingo and follow us on insta at @go.pogo Complete for a chance to win 1 of 2 $100 DoorDash gift cards! Email info@gopogo.org once complete! If you're new to our community here are the links associated with each of the activities! Screen time break!

On Saturday, July 5th Shawnee Parks & Recreation held a Freedom Fest event at KidSpace Park. John Bobb-Semple reminded participants in the Freedom Fest kids' parade to check their helmets before he leads them around KidSpace Park. The First Annual Freedom Fest was hosted by Shawnee Parks and Recreation. They gave prizes for Most Patriotic, Most Enthusiastic and Most Creative. Thank you to our friends from Shawnee Parks and Rec for inviting us to participate! We love to see organizations value an active lifestyle and encouraging kiddos to have good, healthy habits early in life.