VCHS Starts "Wellness Matters" Initiative for Employees

February 8, 2010

Valley County Health System has launched, with the support of the VCHS CEO and the approval of the Board of Trustees, a wellness initiative titled "Wellness Matters".

This program, developed for the VCHS employees, provides opportunities and support for behaviors that are conducive to good health and optimal wellbeing.  The CEO's Wellness Advisory Council was formed to assist with the Wellness Matters initiative which began with employees participating in a voluntary personal health assessment to determine current health status.

The components of the Wellness Matters initiative include programs directed at nutrition, weight management and exercise, along with monthly Brown Bag Lunch & Learn presentations.  The Lunch and Learns, which feature various presenters and are open to the public; are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month and employees and the community are invited to learn about various health topics.  The Wellness Matters program also offers the employees the benefit of an onsite wellness coach for supporting behavior changes.  

The picture of the CEO's Wellness Advisory Council was taken on Friday, February 5th, National Wear Red Day where all members wore red.  February is heart month and the CEO's Wellness Advisory Council has planned several fun activities for the employees during the month to increase their knowledge about living a healthy lifestyle and ways to minimize cardiovascular disease.

Council members include Cheryl Christenson, Linda Freeman, Tina Hrbek, Jill Lane, Jen McBride, Jane Meyer, Lea Miller, Viv Patrick, Danielle Proskocil, Larry Schrage, Sheri Schrage, Marcy Shafer, Johnathan Tomjack and Amy Vore

For more information, contact Sheri Schrage at 728-4213.