Cathy G. (left) and November

At VSP, we encourage our employees to make a difference in our communities. Cathy G. shares her personal experience volunteering as a  Big Sister to November.

What encouraged you to get involved in the Big Sister’s Program?
There were a few reasons. First, I had worked at the Sacramento Food Bank for a few years and wanted to broaden my volunteer experience. Second, at the time I was working at Eyefinity (another VSP Global company) and a co-worker mentioned her Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) experience and thought it might be a good fit for me.

Lastly, since I didn’t have siblings or children of my own I thought it would be a great way to get a glimpse into what that might have looked like. As it turns out, it’s been an amazing almost 9-year ride with my Little Sister November.

What has been the most meaningful experience with your Little Sister November?
How much time ya got? Each encounter with November is meaningful. It probably sounds corny, but it’s true. If I had to single out one it would have to be when she nominated me for Big Sis of 2011. She had to submit an essay about our match and what its meant to her through the years.

There was a BBBS fundraiser event, for which VSP was a sponsor, and the Big Sis and Big Bro nominees were invited to enjoy a disco party with dinner and silent auction in order to raise money for the organization so that kids can continue to be matched with mentors. November, her mom, and I headed out to the Radisson where the winners were to be announced. I had no clue that November and her mom already knew I won. In fact, I was joking around with November about “who I had to Tanya Harding” to get the award! I was trying to ease her nervousness by joking around not realizing that I was the only one in the dark about it all.

When the announcement was made we both went up on stage and she read the essay to the crowd. She’s such a good writer; I was so touched and humbled by her words. I sobbed like a baby thrilled that I made a bit of an impact in her life. I know she’s made an impact on mine, and I’ll cherish it forever.

How do you feel about her graduating out of the program?
I’m excited for her to turn 18 and move on to a new chapter of her life. As far as our match goes, it may have officially ended with BBBS but our relationship remains intact. Our time may not be as scheduled but the plan is to continue to see each other when possible and chat as we do today in between our visits.

What do you hope that your little sister has learned from your relationship?
My hope is she’s learned to keep an open mind and that people are mostly good. She’s strong enough to do the right thing, one good turn deserves another, and she’ll always have me to lean on.

Why should people get involved and become a Big sister or Big brother?
If there’s anyone out there that is remotely interested in becoming a “Big,” my hope is that our story will encourage them to take the next step. It’s been an amazing way to give back, you learn so much about yourself and get to guide someone through their life using your past and present experiences. Here’s the best way I can put it. This past summer, November asked me if I planned to get another “Little Sister.” My reply was, “No way, why would I want to mess with perfection?”

Grab some tissues and read November’s complete essay here.

Want to make a difference in a child’s life? Volunteer today! Check out Big Brothers Big Sisters.

I scooped up his hair just so I could see him.  Staring back at me was a swollen and red eyelid. “Hey!” I exclaimed, “What’s up with your eye?”   He told me he thought he got bit by a mosquito.

In my past career as an optician I had seen this type of angry eye before and knew it was something more than a bug bite. I was 99.9% sure it was a sty.  I quickly washed my hands and held up his eyelid to take a closer look. Gross! It looked like a pimple on the inside rim of his eyelid.

What causes a sty?

Sties are usually caused by obstructed oil glands in the eyelid and are infected by bacteria. Reasons include:

• Hormone changes
• Stress
• Outdated or infected cosmetics
• Hygiene

Symptoms

• Swelling of the eyelid
• A lump on the top of bottom of eyelid
• Pain
• Redness
• Crusting of the eyelid

Warm compresses several times a day are the most common treatment for most sties. Your optometrist may prescribe antibiotics or pain medicine depending on the situation. In some cases, the eye doctor may have lance the sty to help it heal faster. It is not recommended to squeeze the sty, as this can worsen the infection. Makeup and contacts can also spread infection during treatment.

I immediately set up an eye appointment with my VSP doctor. I wanted to make sure my assessment was correct, and if it was, my eye doctor would know how to treat it.

After our visit he prescribed the normal home remedies and gave us a prescription for some eye drops to help the process along. Within a couple days, he was good as new. The long hair is still there, but now he keeps it just above his eyes.

On Saturday, June 18, the VSP Black Heritage ERG participated in the 10th annual “Juneteenth Celebration” at William Land Park in Sacramento. This is the tenth year in a row it’s been held at the park and the third year that VSP has participated.

Juneteenth is an annual observance to memorialize when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865. This day is an opportunity for people to celebrate freedom and equal rights in the United States. Learn more about the holiday.

We hosted a number of visitors at the VSP Booth, with hourly sunglass drawings and a VSP bean bag toss for the kids. We took the opportunity to educate people about getting their eyes checked and to introduce people to VSP. Additionally, VSP donated 100 VSP gift certificates, valued at more than $38,000, to the event organizers to provide to qualified attendees. These are redeemable at a local VSP doctors office and provide a free comprehensive eye exam and glasses, if necessary.

It was a great way to reach out to the community, and make a difference in VSP’s home town. Check out these photos from the event:

Visitors at the VSP booth.

VSP employees who volunteered at the event.

Business Networking Mixer
VSP hosted the first Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mixer on February, 23, 2011. Over 100 guests attended the event and the energy in the room was contagious! The Chair of the Board, Fred Millar, presented our CIO, Jim McGrann, with an award of appreciation.

Members of the VSP Latino ERG and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President

Sacramento Hispanic Chamber Chairman Fred Millar and VSP Global CIO Jim McGrann

Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Gala
VSP is a sponsor of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Several members of VSP’s Latino ERG were present and cheering for VSP.  Mayor Kevin Johnson was also in attendance.

The guest speaker was Lieutenant Governor, Abel Maldonado. He shared with the audience his story of success and the supporting role the Chamber of Commerce has had.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Lee Anne is a member of VSP's Employee Communications team.

I was an optician for 12 years before joining VSP and I’ve heard many reasons for broken frames and lenses.  Here are a few of my favorites.

1. I think there’s something wrong with my glasses.

My patient stands before me, squinting through glasses that are clearly askew. I can tell right off that his glasses are missing a nose pad—no wait, make that both nose pads—and the arm that holds the nose pad, and I wonder how he was able to drive to the office.

Did you know that you can visit your VSP eye doctor to change out old nose pads for shiny new ones? Over time the natural oils in your skin can turn nose pads green. Pop in and give your frames a quick, much-needed refresh just by changing the nose pads.

2. My dog did it.

My patient hands her glasses over to me in a heap. A quick assessment and I know exactly what happened: accidental mangling. Was it the family dog scrounging for a midnight snack? A case of glasses gone wild that ended under the minivan’s rear tire? Or the infamous washing machine?

Whatever the cause, it’s clear my patient needs a little warranty refresher. Many VSP doctors carry a one-time “mangle” warranty. Remember to ask when picking up your new glasses.

3. A little duct tape does the trick.

Having just come back from vacation, a classic Do-It- Yourselfer (a.k.a. my patient) demonstrates that tape, or crazy glue, can fix just about anything. Or maybe it’s a safety pin, which would have been preferable, or a broken off toothpick just short enough to keep the temple in place but not long enough to pull it out. Sound familiar?

Remember, while on vacation you should always bring a copy of your prescription with you.  Just in case your prescription sunglasses get lost, the temples break off, or lenses fall out. And since some jobs are best left to a professional, you can contact any VSP doctor to help. Good thing they can be found all over the country.  Oh, and it might not hurt to stay away from the crazy glue!

Jeannette Whiteman and her mom.

In support of the American Diabetes Association’s upcoming Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes, Jeanette Whiteman from VSP’s Provider Services team, shares her mother’s journey with diabetes.

What was your first experience with diabetes?
I didn’t personally know of anyone who had diabetes until my mom was diagnosed in her fifties with Type 2 diabetes.

How has it affected you and your family?
My mom did not get her eyes examined yearly, so by the time she noticed changes in her vision, diabetic retinopathy had already begun. She became legally blind and later had to go on dialysis. Her way of life had drastically changed, and our family rallied together to adjust. Even though my mom went through some tough times, she remained positive, and tried to be as active as she could. She even learned to play the piano after she became blind!

If there was one thing you could share with people about diabetes, what would it be?
Since I have diabetes in my family history, I’m diligent about getting yearly medical and eye exams. I also try to eat healthy and stay fit. Anyone that is diagnosed with diabetes should take it seriously, and take appropriate steps to manage it. I’ve seen the effects it can have, but also know that you can live an active and healthy life with diabetes.

What does it mean to you to participate in this event?
I know so many people that have been affected by diabetes. It’s so prevalent now that I want to do whatever I can to raise awareness and funds to fight this disease. My mom passed away in 2004, but she would be happy to know that we are trying to help others that have been affected by diabetes.

I hope you’ll support diabetes research, education, and advocacy through the “Step Out” walk to fight diabetes in Sacramento on October 10, 2009. Join me and thousand others as we walk for the people fighting this disease.

Watch my personal testimonial from the 2009 VSP/ADA Sacramento Tour de Cure 24-hour Spin-A-Thon below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Editor’s Note: VSP is a National Strategic Partner of the American Diabetes Association. For information on diabetes and connections to eye health, please visit VSP’s Diabetes Discovery Center.

Treacy Elliott, right, is a member of VSP's Sales team. Also pictured is Treacy's wife, Gail.

In support of the American Diabetes Association’s upcoming Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes, Treacy Elliott from VSP’s Sales team, shares his beloved pet Mattie’s journey with diabetes.

On February 27, 2008 my wife and I had to say goodbye to a dear friend and companion of 12 years. Our dog Mattie lost her fight with canine diabetes. It was less than a year after we learned she had diabetes. During that time, we watched as this disease slowly transformed her from a vibrant senior citizen, to one that had difficulty standing up and walking. Through all this time, her heart remained strong and she fought to overcome the disabilities. My wife and I faithfully gave her insulin shots twice a day and after a while she just couldn’t fight anymore. We had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye, to our Mattie.

I hope you’ll support diabetes research, education, and advocacy through the “Step Out” walk to fight diabetes in Sacramento on October 10, 2009.

Not only are we walking for people who are affected by diabetes, were walking for all the pets that are fighting this disease as well.

Has diabetes touched your life through a pet?  Post a comment and tell us your story.

Editor’s Note: VSP is a National Strategic Partner of the American Diabetes Association. For information on diabetes and connections to eye health, please visit VSP’s Diabetes Discovery Center.

Lee Anne P. is a VSP Wellness Coordinator.

VSP has been following the Health Care Reform debate and is making sure vision is a part of that conversation.  Today, Rob Lynch, VSP’s CEO, was on Fox Business to state our position. Watch Rob and let us know what you think.

Lee Anne P. is a VSP Wellness Coordinator.

Companies are looking for ways to cut costs. One area that’s getting a lot of attention is the health of employees.

At VSP we have a GetFIT Program that has helped inspire employees to lose over 10,915 pounds!  The program started back in 2005 and encourages team participation and support. It helps to share your goals with a group, and facing your bad habits together is a great start.

We’re all trying to meet the demands of work, family and life. How can we possibly fit in exercise?

By the time we get home from work the last thing we want to do is exercise. It’s time for dinner, cleaning, school work with the kids, and maybe if we’re lucky some down time.

The reality is that as we get older the importance of exercise goes from a choice to a necessity. How do you want to face your golden years? Walking gingerly or running to meet all the possibilities?

It’s about making the time. Just as you meet those deadlines at work and make it to your child’s recital or soccer game, exercise should be a must do. It doesn’t have to be an hour in the gym; if you do it right a 30 min. workout is enough.

By bringing the GetFIT program to your workplace, you’ll have an opportunity to discuss what your pain points are,  and the best part is everyone is in the same boat.  They key is finding out what motivates you. Most of the members on my team would agree that their kids motivate them. They want to be that energetic parent who can do it all. So it’s time to get healthy, and exercise is a big part of that.

Need help getting started?

Check out our GetFIT resources. You can download log sheets, tips, and calculators for free!