Wellness Update
Submitted: 03/08/2006

Incentives & Fit Cards

We have had a 32% increase in the number of participants from this time last year. We now have 143 employees and family members participating in the awarding of incentives for working out and completing Fit Cards.  This compares to 109 at this time last year and only 55 in 2003.

Health & Fitness Challenge

We started this program on June 1, 2005 . In three months we had 19 participants. We have increased that number over eight months by 37% to 26 participants as of February 20, 2006 .

We are always looking for ways to involve more employees and family members in these programs. Our goal is to help employees and their families to live healthier lives. To this end have put together this more “holistic” approach to health & fitness. For example, “The Challenge” addresses ongoing issues such as weight loss, weight maintenance and reduction of body fat; turning mass to muscle. Participants also earn points for eating “right” meaning fruits, vegetables and whole grains, drinking water regularly, taking vitamins, increasing family activity (or watching less TV).

The program also addresses prevention issues such as health screenings that need to be done on a regular, periodic basis like annual physicals. Education is a component of this program through our Lunch & Learn sessions.

Lunch & Learn

We had monthly topics on a variety of topics such as;

• Skin Cancer & Heat related illnesses
• Cholesterol; the good, the bad and …
• Eat Your Vegetables!!! …and Fruits too.
• Heart Disease
• Think Your Drink! ...drink more water.
• Nutrition & Labeling
• Exercise and Weight Control

Speakers included Nancy Bizell, MD from OccMed, Sally McNeill, RD, LDN from N.C. State , and Tracey Leitner with the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center . This series will continue into 2006.

Disease Management – Diabetes and beyond

We have completed one year of this program and have had some positive results from the work of Dr. Jamie Jolly . We have had great feedback from participants and positive publicity for our program. We will miss Dr. Jolly as she has recently moved from Wingate University School of Pharmacy to pursue another opportunity. Her replacement will continue to meet with about 10-12 of our employees to help them manage their specific medical needs.

We anticipate moving next to cardiovascular disease/ hypertension (high blood pressure) problems as they can lead to health issues such as heart attacks or strokes. For example, we have placed a blood pressure machine similar to the one in Human Resources in the Police Department. In a short period of time, 5 officers have noted they have high blood pressure and are now on medication.

Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center

Now is the best time to join the Monroe Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC). It is a great way to keep you and your family fit. Our City Council has been generous and made it as painless as possible to join. The joining fee has been reduced by 75% and the monthly rate is reduced by 50% if you work out 13 times in a quarter, or roughly working out only once a week !!!

The Water Park will be opening soon for its third season in a few months. Join these wonderful facilities and enjoy all they have to offer you and your family members.