Well it is now February and those New Year’s resolutions may be fading into memory for many. Those of us working in the DCCCD have access to a support system to keep some of those resolutions rolling, though few enough take full advantage of the benefit. Wellness time matches personal time allotted for health and wellness with time released from an employee’s work schedule.
All full-time employees who participate in the yearly blood-test offered by the DCCCD or for those not working in the fall can use a test from their doctor; can take advantage of the other opportunities offered through the Wellness Program. The blood test must include a Chem Screen Panel, Coronary Risk Panel and a Complete Blood Count. Employees who participate are entitled to take a total of 1 ½ hours of work time each week (during working hours) to participate in wellness activities on or off campus, provided they match 1 ½ hours of personal time each week. Time for wellness activities must be cleared and documented with the employee’s immediate supervisor. Employees may participate in campus exercise or fitness classes free of charge, or they may use facilities at other campuses within the district on a space available basis.
At Brookhaven College, our motto focuses on success so focusing on one employee’s success story for a wellness program seems appropriate. Charles Purdy, tutor coordinator, has been using wellness for more than a year. After a blood test showed borderline health concerns with numbers he described as “not good” for his cholesterol and blood sugar, he decided that he needed to change. Mildred Kelley, college nurse and wellness coordinator, helped Charles work out a plan to get started.
He was part of a group that worked with Lynne Levesque, director of athletics, and Rodger Bennett, executive dean for physical education, athletics and nutrition, to see if there was a way to offer more hours in the school’s gym for employee use. Once they were able to work out times to use the gym, he and several others started playing basketball. Charles said that once he just started it all began to snowball from there.
Mildred had recommended changing his diet, and was able to give him hints and tips for better nutrition. Charles started adding more fruits and vegetables and having much less fast food. He said he tries to avoid anything that comes in a can or box. Charles says he still enjoys a plate of good cheese fries from time to time, but he also confesses to craving fruit now instead of candy.
The combination of having access here at work and not having to pay for a gym membership somewhere else have made it work for him. The change has taken a while, Charles said, and gradual steps and great support from his co-workers has also helped. In his year plus journey, Charles has lost more than 60 pounds and he says his doctor is thrilled with everything he has done and what it has meant for Charles’ improved health. With slow incremental changes, Charles has done a lot and he would recommend making small changes to start for anyone thinking about a plan for better health. Making smaller changes has made the changes do-able and sustainable for his continued success and wellness.
