Parkland kicks off employee walking program

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Suzanne Laurent

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April 30, 2008

By Suzanne Laurent

DERRY — Wearing sneakers with their suits and scrubs, employees at Parkland Medical Center kicked off the hospital's walking program.

Led by CEO Anne Jamieson and other members of the administrative team, a group of nurses, environmental service aides and other personnel made the first half-mile loop around the hospital on April 22.

"We talked about beginning a walking program during one of our employee advisory committee meetings," Jamieson said. "Everyone thought it was a great idea."

Denise Tomasi, clinical coordinator for the cardiac rehabilitation department, came up with the logo for the program, "Walking . . . Make it A Habit," which is on the backs of T-shirts given to the 110 participants. There are 580 employees at Parkland.

In addition to the T-shirt, participants each received a nylon sack with a water bottle, wrist band, whistle, pedometer and a walking log.

"We are planning to come up with some incentive gifts for numbers of miles walked," Tomasi said.

Jamieson asked the head of facilities, Gary Bernard, to map out the walking route and have his staff paint blue signs with the hospital logo on the hot top of the road and parking lots around the hospital. One time around is a half-mile.

There is also a map for walking indoors in the case of inclement weather.

Diane McNealy, director of environmental services at the hospital, said she's asking members of her family to meet her three times a week when she gets out of work in the afternoon to take a walk around the course with her.

"People can walk in groups or individually and keep track of their miles in their log," Tomasi said.

After the inaugural walk, employees were treated to healthy snacks and beverages and had the opportunity for free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings.

Parkland was recently recognized by the American Heart Association as one of nine 2008 New Hampshire Fit-Friendly companies.

These employers have demonstrated their commitment to their employees' fitness by promoting a fitness-friendly workplace that provides walking routes; promotes walking programs, online newsletters and tracking tools to motivate employees; and allows staff to wear athletic shoes on designated "sneaker days."

The American Heart Association's Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Recognition program calls for employers to encourage workplace wellness and create a work environment conducive to physical activity, specifically walking.