HEALTH & WELLNESS:

How Did We Do In 2002?

Since the number of Facilities and Operations’ Heart Health Screenings were down in 2002, Greg Lambert coordinated and implemented a major campaign of exercise, health and fitness initiatives for the F&O workforce.

2002 Fall Fitness Challenge
The Second Annual Facilities & Operations 2002 Fall Fitness Challenge Contest was a great success. The program’s participation rate increased from 12 to 19 teams. Moreover, there were over 150 participants in this awesome 12-week program!

The top four teams were:

1st Place	“The Sweat Hogs”	6-week average minutes: 749.6
2nd Place	“The Toxic Glute Busters”	6-week average minutes: 596.8
3rd Place	“The Heart Attackers”	6-week average minutes: 586.2
4th Place	“Hearts and Soles”	6-week average minutes: 455.3

Move, Lose and Maintain
Currently we have 63 participants who weighed in for our Weight Maintenance Program. The rules of the program are to weigh-in, then, for 12 weeks you exercise at least 3 days per week for a minimum of 20 minutes. Keep a record of your exercise minutes and bring them with you when you weigh-out. The main objective of this program is to exercise, enforce a healthy diet and maintain your body weight within one pound. Successful participants will receive an incentive prize. Weigh-in dates were October 28, 29, 30 and November 1, 2002. Weigh-out dates will be held the week of January 27, 2003.

F & O MPower Fitness Assessments
Another exceptional program in 2002 was our M-Power Fitness Assessments Program. We had 51 participants, which doubled our numbers compared to participation in 2001. Physical tests that participants received included a 3-minute step test, sit-ups, lower body flexibility test, body mass index and resting heart rate test. Congratulations to those 51 brave souls who participated!

Influenza Vaccination Clinics
During the past 12 months, Greg Lambert has been collecting and analyzing disability slips data for Plant Operations employees. It is significant to note that the majority of sick time incidents were due to cold and flu-related illnesses.

Based on the high number of cold and flu-related occurrences, Greg initiated an aggressive campaign to promote the health benefits of and necessity for all F & O employees, specifically Plant Operations employees, to receive Free Flu Shots. A total of nine Flu Shot (Influenza) Clinics were set up. More importantly, the clinics accommodated all three of the shifts for Plant Operations’ employees.

Dyna-band and Swiss Ball Seminars
In order to provide creative ways for employees to begin or improve their exercise programs, Greg coordinated what turned out to be two of the most popular exercise seminars during November and December 2002, the Dyna-band and Swiss Ball seminars.

Dyna-bands are flexible, rubberized tubing that weigh mere ounces, have different resistances, and are a great complement or replacement for weight training. Also, the use of Dyna-bands will help to increase muscle tone and blood circulation.

Swiss Balls (Stability Balls) are one of today’s most versatile pieces of exercise equipment. Swiss balls are highly recommended by physical therapists and fitness professionals. This simple piece of equipment is ideal for strengthening and toning abdominals, back, chest, arms, thighs, legs and buttocks. Remember, just because the days are shorter and the weather is cold doesn’t mean you can’t exercise indoors. For more information on obtaining your own Dyna-band and/or Swiss Ball, contact Greg at Greg Lambert (get address) (72.44.48.122). You’ll be glad you did!

~ Greg Lambert
Health & Wellness Coordinator