Wellstar Awarded For "Pumping Up" Team Members

Sign up for the East Cobb Patch newsletter! ---

Staff Report

WellStar’s culture includes caring for the team members who care for the community. The Health System is setting an example for other businesses to do the same. Recently, WellStar was recognized as a Gold Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association for boosting the health of its team members.

“We are passionate about encouraging healthier lifestyles for the community and our team members,” said Cecelia Patellis, assistant vice president of WellStar Community Education &Outreach. “Our incentive-based programs motivate our team members to exercise, monitor their progress throughout the year and eat healthily every day at WellStar.”

WellStar promotes a proactive approach to team members’ overall health by providing comprehensive wellness programs and offers financial incentives for completing objectives like exercising regularly. Team members have access to programs throughout the year to kick start activity and keep themselves accountable, such as lunch and learns and health improvement challenges. Mini-markets that feature locally grown produce are available weekly to team members at several WellStar locations.. Additionally, WellStar offers on-site health screenings, flu vaccination clinics, nutrition consultations and educational events that focus on healthy behaviors..

The Fit-Friendly Worksites program is a catalyst for positive change. Worksites throughout the nation can be part of the initiative by making the health and wellness of their employees a priority. WellStar was recognized as a Gold Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life. initiative for:

· Offering employees physical activity support.

· Providing/increasing healthy eating options at the worksite.

· Promoting a wellness culture.

· Implementing at least nine criteria as outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.

“We are pleased to be recognized by the American Heart Association as a Fit-Friendly Worksite,” Patellis said. “Physical activity and employee wellness are important priorities here at WellStar and we encourage all of our team members to participate in our healthy lifestyle initiatives.”