A city of Fayetteville employee changed his mind about a wellness program and changed his life.

Public Works Director Charles Stanley thought the 3-year-old program was a waste of time until he saw how it helped other city employees and decided to lead his staff by example.

Frank Niemeir/AJC (ENLARGE)

City employees Linda Stephens (left) and Bibi Alli take a lunchtime walk around the courthouse in Fayetteville.

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"I talked to them about department policies and procedures but not about weight management and health," the 26-year employee said.

In January, Stanley changed his eating habits — he cut out fried foods and cut back on bread — and started working out regularly. He went to the gym almost every day and walked on the treadmill or rode the elliptical or stationary bike.

By the end of the first quarter, Stanley dropped 23 pounds and won the city's wellness challenge. A $50 gift certificate was the prize, but Stanley said the biggest reward was getting the weight off and lowering his blood pressure.

"It's working for me, so it can work for somebody else," said Stanley, who plans to lose 65 pounds.

Each of the city's 152 employees, including the mayor and City Council members, is eligible to participate in the program that includes risk assessments, health screenings and one-on-one coaching. In addition to weight challenges, the program allows employees to earn credits for improving their health by quitting smoking or exercising. Employees can receive up to $200 for credits earned throughout the year.

"It's not even about the money," said accounting clerk Linda Stephens, who walks a mile and a half around the courthouse three days a week with her co-worker Bibi Alli. "I enjoy it, and I like taking a break."

Participation in the program doubled after the first year and now tops 75 percent, said Brenda Hall, human resources manager.

"The goal is to help employees be healthier, so their productivity will go up and they will be happier," she said.

WHO DESERVES A CARROT?

• Fortune 500 companies are not the only ones bringing people together to promote health and fitness. Neighborhood groups, offices, schools and churches also are finding ways to get people moving and to encourage a healthier lifestyle. In this regular feature, Better Health recognizes those organized efforts, large and small, that might inspire other groups to initiate their own programs. And we want to hear about them. Submit your Golden Carrot nominations to betterhealth@ajc.com.