The Clackamas print., April 19, 2017, Page 5, Image 5

‘Fun and Fit’ motivates staff
STAFF WELLNESS PROGRAM PROVIDES MEMBERS AN OUTLET TO PARTICIPATE IN GROUP EXERCISES
BY DOUG FRY
"W e w ant to create o pportun ities and events for
im p ro ving the overall h ealth and w ellness o f our
employees at C C C ,” so says the staff wellness m ission
statement.
Glackam as Co m m u nity College s ta ff and facu lty
are w orking hard to im prove th eir overall h ealth
and w ellness. The Fun and Fit health club is helping
em ployees at Clackam as live a h ealthier lifesty le.
Currently, the program is headed by health and physical
education instructor, Tracy Nelson, and student life and
“ We’re in the business o f serving
students a n d we w ant to be able
to serve our students as best we
can.”
- T r a c y Nelson
leadership coordinator, Michelle Baker.
Baker first got involved w ith the program as one of
the founders in 2007.
"I have an interest and passion for fitness and want
to share that with others,” said Baker.
As co-’coordinator, N elson knows this program is
som ething many people can get support in.
"W e just, felt that we needed to be offering more for
our staff at Clackam as in overall health and w ellness,”
said N elson. " I f you’re healthy you tend to be more
productive and feel better. W e’ re in the business of
serving students and we want to be able to serve our
students as best we can .”
The staff wellness program provides different outlets
for m em bers to add some fu n and exercise to their
day. Currently, the program has roughly 250 members
signed up. Therefore, they are receiving notifications
on upcom ing events, w eekly em ails and m ost o f all
motivation.
W ith anything new , there are o ften changes that
occur. In this case, they were in the right directioti in
the eyes of Nelson.
"W e have done a lot o f trial and error over the last
couple years,” said Nelson. “ We started out focusing
more on fitness and diets, we have really tried to move
towards holistic approach to health and wellness. ”
Responses from the staff about the program have
been nothing but positive. Training services coordinator
Teresa Robertson is one of many members who has had
a positive experience in the program.
' " I ’ve really enjoyed it,” said Robertson. "One of the
quarterly activities is when you get a team of coworkers
and track different things for points. For doing group
activities, we get extra points, so now we’re encouraging
each other and that’ s fu n .”
Baker added that she often hears reinforcement of
the program from other staff members,
“ It is great to hear back from staff about how this
helps them stay motivated even on their ow n,” said
Baker. "We know not everyone can attend events, but if
we can inspire people to make one more healthy choice
today, and again tomorrow, then we have done what we
set out to d o.”
The program is not only for the constantly active or
fitness nut, all skills and physical levels can participate
and enjoy them selves.
"There’ s a trainer that comes in and does a work out,
he’ s really good with modifications,” said Robertson. “ I
really appreciate that it doesn’t matter your ability or
your lim itations and everyone can participate.”
Robertson also added that the classes and scheduled
events are low pressure. M eaning, sta ff and faculty
that would like to attend can choose how involved they
would like it to be.
The program is able to provide personal training
consulting, access to nutritionists, cooking classes and
also off-cam pus events.
The program is backed by the college and there,are
opportunities to meet other staff that would not regularly
cross paths. A lso, prizes are offered each quarter for
the different challenges. It is an educational experience
and it provides information for members to learn more
about m aking choices for them selves.
Staff who want to get involved should em ail Baker
or Nelson.
photos contributed by Clackamas Fun and Fit
Left: Members of the staff wellness program join in group dance in the Community Center.
Rigth: Staff members line up to have their blood pressure checked.
6 Clackamas Print APRIL 19,2017 theclackamasprint.com