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St. Lawrence Health Initiative details ways to maintain healthy behavior at work

Posted 9/2/11

By Karen Bage and Tracy Moody St. Lawrence Health Initiative Do you or your colleagues struggle with maintaining a healthy behavior? We at the Health Initiative know how easy it can be to get …

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St. Lawrence Health Initiative details ways to maintain healthy behavior at work

Posted

By Karen Bage and Tracy Moody
St. Lawrence Health Initiative

Do you or your colleagues struggle with maintaining a healthy behavior? We at the Health Initiative know how easy it can be to get sidetracked by chocolate and couches so we have instituted some policies and practices that make it easier for improving or maintaining our health. Can you do the same at your office?

• Lunch walks - Office dogs need walking! 11:30 rolls around and you can be sure to see some of the Health Initiative staff and dogs walking. Sure, there are plenty of days when some or many employees cannot make it a priority, but it is an opportunity that knocks frequently.

• Exercise equipment - Currently at the Health Initiative there is one exercise bike, one Nordic Track, one Wii Fit with several different programs, and one elliptical possibly coming soon. These are all located in our conference room. It is not out of the ordinary to see someone pedaling along during a staff meeting.

• Lactation Policy - did you know that the state has mandated all employers implement a breastfeeding policy at the workplace? Employers must make reasonable efforts to allow nursing mothers the time and space to express milk during their workday. The health initiative currently employs a nursing mother, and she has the time and space to express milk, lessening her stress and increasing her productivity.

• Healthy Meeting Guidelines - no donuts allowed! Employees bring fruit, veggies and the occasional sweet to meetings. Walking meetings are encouraged when possible, and sitting is NOT mandatory! Staff frequently stand, stretch, and move throughout meeting times.