Mercy Health Center begins new wellness initiative

Mercy Health Center is embarking upon a new mission. The mission: a healthier workforce.

Twenty-three coworkers are participating in a wellness initiative pilot group to find out which methods work best to improve the short-term and long-term health of the Mercy team. The initiative will last for three months, and the participants are monitored through blood tests, weight loss, and well-being surveys.

The theory behind the madness is that improved health will reduce healthcare costs, unscheduled paid time off, use of emergency sick bank, unpaid time off, and workman's compensation. Through the initiative, the group also hopes to improve long-term health of all coworkers by providing health education and increasing wellness, diet and fitness services.

So far, the participants as a group have lost 83 pounds through six weeks.

"I'm thrilled to see such positive results on paper," Jeremiah Herman, director of the wellness initiative, said. "I would like to see even more improvement over the next six weeks as the weather improves and more opportunities for physical activity arise. We are currently involved with Walk Kansas and plan to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters 5K Walk/Run coming up on April 24."

"At first I was reluctant to sign up," Susan Jackson, Mercy employee, said. "But my coworkers and I convinced each other to all go for it. Now I don't think twice about going to Health for Life because I realize how much better exercise has made me feel. I sleep much better at night, and have more energy during the day. As healthcare employees, we are in a great position to set the example of healthier lifestyles, so this has been a great incentive to get on the right track."

The goal of the initiative isn't just to reduce weight; it's about improving the overall well-being of the participants.

"I am privileged to work in an environment that cares for the health of its employees as much as Mercy does," Monica Holder, Mercy employee, said. "Taking part in the Mercy Wellness Initiative has given me the opportunity to improve my well-being. My coworkers provide a tremendous amount of support and encouragement. This journey would be much more difficult without them."

Mercy hopes to see continued positive results from the wellness initiative and to expand the program throughout the community.

For more information about Mercy's wellness initiative, contact Herman at Health for Life at (620) 223-7073.