Strong4Life
Program helps caretakers take care of themselves
Pulse editor
Sunday, September 21, 2008
In May, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta launched Strong4Life, an initiative to create a healthier work force. The program promotes fitness, nutrition education and company support.
“If we take care of our employees, then they can take care of our kids: Atlanta’s rapidly growing pediatric population,” said Linda Matzigkeit, senior vice president, human resources at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “At Children’s, we want to lead by example, providing programs and benefits that enable our employees to achieve their unique health goals.”
Photos by BARRY WILLIAMS / Special
Anita Adair, a team leader in volunteer services at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, goes over results of a health screening with another employee.
Julie Singleton (left) measures nurse Kimberly Enns’ blood pressure during a Strong4Life health screening at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
Employees of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston get health screenings as part of the Strong4Life program. Officials at Children’s have set a goal for its participating employees to lose 7,000 pounds collectively.
When the 12-week pilot program attracted 400 applicants for 150 spaces, the organization knew it was on the right track.
“We learned that if we gave employees choices, if we made activities and information accessible and fun, and if we provided encouragement, they would participate,” Matzigkeit said.
Children’s kicked off the program with a series of health fairs and a $75 incentive to encourage employees to complete a health profile that included various screenings.
Initially, radiology technologist Natasha Bosue wasn’t interested in attending the health fair, but the $75 translated into gas money, so she signed up.
A screening showed that her blood-sugar levels were high, and, because diabetes runs in Bosue’s family, she listened to her supervisor and went to see a doctor. After further tests, she was admitted to the hospital.
“[The doctor] said I could have a heart attack or stroke at any time, because my hemoglobin [level] was 4. The normal range starts at 11,” said Bosue, RTR, who works at Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta.
Bosue had been feeling tired, but attributed the fatigue to job stress. She also had experienced chest pains and constant headaches.
It turns out that Bosue’s problems were caused by a lack of blood to her heart and oxygen to her brain. She was given five units of blood and was treated for an ulcer.
“People are so busy these days that they don’t focus on their health. They don’t take the time to check out symptoms, even though they’re in the health field,” Bosue said. “The sad thing is that many of us know more about our patients’ health than we do our own.”
Could be ‘life-saving’
Now that she’s on medication, Bosue has more energy.
“I was dragging and seeing maybe four patients an hour. Now I can see seven or eight and walk them out the door,” she said.
Bosue is a believer in Strong4Life.
“I am behind this program 100 percent and think every employee needs to participate,” she said. “For many people, this program could be life-changing. For some, like me, it could be life-saving.”
Once employees complete an initial health profile, those who have multiple health risks or need more support to meet their health goals can sign up for You4Life, a personalized fitness and nutrition program.
For 23 weeks, small groups of employees at various CHOA sites take a nutrition class alternated with a physical fitness course taught by professionals.
“We’ll monitor their progress by taking measurements every four weeks and offer them ongoing support and coaching,” Matzigkeit said.
Shari Baker, manager of inpatient care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, signed up for YOU4Life with several colleagues. She’s learned how to cook healthier meals for her family and has toned her body with weight-training classes.
“I also signed up for Weight Watchers at Work,” said Baker, BSN, RN. “So far, I’m loving it and trying to get others to join. It’s great that a company is willing to extend itself that far to make you healthier.”
Stepping lighter
There’s a new attitude on Children’s campuses these days, Matzigkeit said. More employees are taking the stairs instead of elevators. Some are logging their steps with pedometers. Departments are more apt to celebrate special events with mini-massages with a therapist than with pizza and cake. There are healthier food choices in the cafeterias.
“The CEO (Donna W. Hyland) offered apples, oranges, water and snack bars at a town hall meeting recently,” Matzigkeit said.
Employees can sign up for various onsite exercise classes. Cara Murray, a social worker at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, participates in a cardio boot camp, a strength-training class and a Pilates class.
“It’s nice to have a variety, and I really like exercising before I go home,” said Murray, LMSW. “It’s really convenient and it’s free, which is a huge bonus.”
The staff’s goal is to lose 7,000 pounds and 500 inches by the end of December.
“Health care is our business, and we want to be role models for our patients and create a culture of wellness that helps employees improve their overall health,” Matzigkeit said.
Matzigkeit expects a dual return on the investment: healthier, happier and more productive employees and lowered health care costs for the organization.
“The feedback has been unbelievable,” Matzigkeit said. “Employees have been so grateful that, in these uncertain times, we are showing that we really appreciate them and want to take care of them.”