Getting Smart
Why higher education is a priority throughout SAHA.
By Henry A. Alvarez III
SAHA President and CEO
In July, the San Antonio Housing Authority Foundation gave 29 young people scholarships to attend higher education. This month, Human Resources is preparing a revamped tuition assistance program to reimburse SAHA employees for costs for approved college courses and certification programs. And in some of our departments, degrees or certification is a basic requirement for job seekers who want to work for SAHA.
If it seems like education is a big deal at SAHA, you’re right. We put a strong emphasis on higher education because we believe it is the secret to self-sufficiency for our clients, program success for SAHA, and fulfilling careers for our employees.
I don’t believe a degree or certification makes anyone an expert at his or her job. A degree doesn’t mean a job candidate is smarter than one without a diploma, or that a young person with a fresh bachelor’s degree is ready to take on the same roles as responsibilities as employees with more experience and less education.
But I do believe a degree or certification is proof the person whose name is on that piece of hard-earned paper is willing to work, study and do what is necessary to achieve a goal. A degree tells me a job candidate understands how important education is, and that they took the initiative to learn as much as they could before walking in for an interview.
Higher education is a building block, and people who pursue it understand they can build strong futures for themselves and their loved ones on that block.
SAHA needs foundations, as does San Antonio. Those 29 young people from our housing programs are ready to learn, and hopefully will return their community’s investment by giving back to their communities.
And SAHA will use all you learn to improve our programs, our policies and our future. We need people who have the heart and determination to keep learning. We believe in education, and are willing to help you reach your educational goals.
Wage and Compensation Update
Wage package one step closer to approval.
The SAHA Board of Commissioners HR & Operations committee approved the proposed compensation system during a meeting July 28. The plan will go before the Board of Commissioners for approval during the September 7 meeting. Click here to see the proposed pay and compensation package.
VIA Try Transit Week Corporate Challenge
VIA promotion offers free bus fare for a week to try mass transit.
With fuel prices hitting record highs, and traffic around San Antonio resembling game night outside the AT&T Center when the Mavericks are in town, VIA is offering an incentive to get you to consider mass transit.
VIA’s Try Transit Week Corporate Challenge, set for October 15-21, is designed to encourage commuters to ride the bus to and from work at least once a week. VIA will waive bus fare for employees who participate in the program. Each employee who rides during Try Transit Week is entered into a drawing for prizes, including gift certificates to local restaurants and hotels.
SAHA is considering becoming a corporate member in this program; so if you are interested in participating and getting free bus fare, please contact Human Resources at 477-6111.
Health and Wellness Fair
Think of it as a health "carnival," only with blood pressure cuffs instead of Tilt-A-Whirls.
SAHA will host a Health & Wellness Fair, September 12, 2006, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Office. SAHA invites all employees to use this opportunity to promote personal health and well-being. Vendors will offer services, including a blood drive, complimentary blood pressure checks, glucose and vision screenings, health assessments and information on glaucoma, weight management, and preventing diabetes and other heart diseases. Attending employees can register to win giveaways and door prizes.
August Wellness Tips
This month: Sleeping better, heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
In our ongoing effort to get you into the best health of your life, here are a few tips for dealing with heat, and an upcoming seminar on many people’s favorite subject: Sleep.
Tip #1: Exercise, hot weather can be a dangerous mix.
- Take precautions against heat-related illnesses and make your outdoor workout safer and more enjoyable.
- When the weather turns warm, it's great to be active outside. But when it gets really hot and humid, be careful.
- Exercising in the heat can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and the potentially deadly heatstroke.
HEAT EXHAUSTION/STROKE
Heat exhaustion is not uncommon when water is not sufficient. The body becomes dehydrated and salt-depleted, resulting in nausea, faintness, a weak, rapid pulse and/or cold and clammy skin. Treatment includes plenty of rest, liquid and salt tablets.
SUNSTROKE
Sunstroke may occur when the body is exposed to excessive sun. The body becomes overheated and provides too much blood to the circulatory system resulting in a flushed, hot face, rapid pulse, headache and/or dizziness. Treat sunstroke by resting in a cool area and applying and consuming cold liquid. Prevent sunstroke by wearing proper headgear – such as a SAHA-issued cap.
A few safeguards can help you avoid these problems. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) says drinking plenty of fluids, wearing the right clothes, and exercising at the right time of day are among the best ways to beat the heat.
DRINK UP!
You need to drink enough water, sports drinks or fruit juices before, during and after exercise—even if you don't feel thirsty. Fluids help your body perspire, which cools the skin and keeps body temperatures at a safe level. Avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
How much fluid is enough? ACSM says to aim for:
- 20 ounces of fluid two to three hours before exercise.
- 10 ounces of fluid 10 to 20 minutes before exercise.
- 10 ounces of fluid every 10 to 20 minutes during exercise.
- 20 ounces of fluid for every pound of weight lost during exercise.
If your urine is clear or pale, you're probably drinking enough fluids.
OTHER TIPS
The American Council on Exercise and other experts list these additional strategies to help you stay cool:
- Reduce your workout intensity, particularly the first few times you're in warmer temperatures. It usually takes 7 to 14 days to get acclimated.
- Take advantage of the coolest times of the day. Before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. is generally the best time for an outdoor workout.
- Don't overdress. Exposed skin cools faster than covered skin. Clothing should be lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting. A hat is a good idea.
- Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside to prevent a sunburn, which limits the body's ability to cool itself. Reapply according to the directions on the package.
- Keep track of the "heat index," the temperature your body feels when heat and humidity are combined. A heat index of 90 or higher can be dangerous. (For more information about the heat index, go to www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/heat.php.)
WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS
Symptoms of heat sickness include headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, cramps and nausea. If you develop these symptoms during or after exercise, rest in a cool place, take a cool shower or bath, and drink about half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. If symptoms last for more than an hour or get worse, get medical attention.
If you're with someone who shows signs of serious heat sickness, get help right away. Signs may include refusing water, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot skin with no sweating and a rapid pulse. While you're waiting for help to arrive, get the person into the shade and cool him or her down with a spray or sponge of cool water.
Tip #2: Losing your snoozin’.
If more than 47 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep deprivation, what are the chances you’re one of them? If you have any of the following symptoms, you might be part of a not-so-fun club:
- Poor memory
- Low energy
- Decreased mental abilities
- Fatigue/exhaustion
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Excessive snoring
- Choking sensation when sleeping
Dr. Clayton Clark, A Wellspring Health Coach and owner of Aloha Wellness, along with fellow Wellness Coach Dr. Spiro Ioannidis, will talk about sleep problems and how to handle them during a brown bag lunch seminar starting at 11:30 a.m., August 9, at SAHA’s Central Office and Westway Office.
Attendees can learn about causes of sleep deprivation, symptoms of sleep deprivation, dangers and related disorders, and steps to help you sleep better. All participants will also be eligible to win a door prize and will participate in a “sleep health” evaluation.
Mystery Employee
Can you guess who this is?
Here are some clues for this month’s Mystery Employee: He is sweet and friendly. During his free time, he likes to jog and has even run a few marathons. He loves steak and dislikes squash. He enjoys listening to Oldies music and loves to dance. He has taken race car driving lessons, and has traveled to many places around the world. His favorite TV show is "Curb Your Enthusiasm".
If you think you can identify this employee, e-mail sandy_patel@saha.org or call 477-6128. This Mystery Employee’s identity will be revealed in next month’s issue.
SAHA Profile: Pride in his work
Section 8 Housing Specialist Jonathan Sierra loves football, music and helping others.
Jonathan Sierra is proud to show off his passion for his favorite football team on his chest, like he does when he sports his University of Michigan sweatshirt or his Dallas Cowboys t-shirt. But the pride he feels for his team is nothing compared to the way he feels when someone recognizes him from his role at SAHA.
"It's a really great feeling when people outside work recognize you for the job you do here," Sierra, a Housing Assistance Specialist with SAHA's Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), said. "It makes me feel like I'm making a difference."
Sierra, 30, joined SAHA in March 2002, as a temporary leasing agent at Mission Park apartments. He joined Section 8 in October 2003.
He also attends San Antonio Board of Realtors where he's working on his real estate license. In the little spare time he has, Sierra is a self-proclaimed movie buff and enjoys music, electronic gadgets and sports.
