Stories

Help others learn what’s working:

Congratulations to those school districts who have already implemented a Wellness Program.  You are making a difference in the lives of staff in your school.  Any activity you have implemented in an effort to increase physical activity and encourage healthy eating and healthy living behaviors is considered a success!  Check out what some school districts have put into action.

Santiam Canyon

“S.W.E.A.T. – Santiam Wellness Exercise Activities and Training Program”

Santiam Canyon reports they purchased and installed exercise equipment and monitoring devices (scales and blood pressure cuffs). Participants were tested for blood work, weight and blood pressure.  Activity information was collected monthly and in addition, “healthy living tips” periodicals were distributed to each staff room.

Staff who worked out at least 3 times a week were eligible to take place in a drawing for a bathroom scale.  There were over 25 entries and the scales were awarded on the last day of school.

Work was also started this summer on a permanent walking trail for school staff.

Griffin Creek

“2B Fit + 2B Strong = 4 Ever Healthy”

Griffin Creek reports they have accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. Here’s an update on their

wellness program:

• Completed 5 sessions of ZUMBA, aerobic exercise routine inspired by Latin dance.
• Started Boot Camp, a workout program for weight loss, strength and endurance that will run through the end of the year.
• Thirty-one employees participated in “Wellness 2000” blood profile work ups. The results of the comprehensive blood profiles informed staff the potential for developing certain health problems.  Here are the results:

©      4 staff are at high risk for heart disease and stroke from high blood pressure;

©      6 staff are at high risk for heart disease and stroke from high cholesterol,

©      11 staff are at high risk for diabetes from elevated glucose,

©      3 staff are at severe risk for diabetes from elevated glucose.

Thirty-three staff member participated in a series of physical fitness testing, including strength, endurance, flexibility, electrical impedance, circumference measurements and skin fold caliper testing.  Participating employees have received confidential printouts with recommendations for improvement.  Staff members are also scheduling the first of four personal training sessions with an experienced coach to design an exercise and diet program for staff.  The group also purchased a new set of digital scales and a blood pressure cuff.  They also had a “Nutritious and Delicious” pot luck and have a growing library of health and nutrition books available for staff to check out.

One staff member said, “Informally, I have observed more conversation in the staff room regarding health and nutrition. Teachers of a similar age and weight are paring up together to walk and attend classes at the YMCA. Support and camaraderie is evident among staff and welcomed at this stressful time of year.”

“Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to participate in this life changing, purposeful activity.”

Cascade

“Let’s Start It Again”:

Cascade began their program with screening tests that included blood pressure, lipid panels, glucose and BMI testing.

One of the staff said, “I have had two employees thank me for having the testing because they said it may have saved their lives.”  They had no idea they had a severe health issue.

Other projects Cascade has undertaken are:

• Walking clubs were launched at three schools
• Kayaking
• Aqua-jogging (25 slots were filled 45 minutes after the enrollment email was sent )
• Golf 101
• Tennis 101
• Line dancing lessons
• Two Ultimate Frisbee Games
• Badminton Tournament

Share Your School Wellness Success Story!

Please share information on your successful wellness program that your school implemented. There is no limit to the number of success stories that your school can submit.

The information you provide will allow us to recognize and share your efforts to create a healthy school environment for staff and students. 

Photographs and other supporting documentation are welcomed and encouraged.

Please state the project title and list what the goals were along with a brief description of the project.  What challenges were faced? How did you overcome these challenges? How did you measure project progress|success? What were the evaluation results?

We’re Waiting To Hear From You

 Please email your success stories, photos and documentation to journey@oeachoice.com.

 Kelly Cormier    September 21, 2009J

My name is Kelly Cormier. I am a special education teacher at Griffin Creek Elementary School. During the 08’-09’ school year our school applied for and was awarded the OEA Wellness Grant. Through the grant I was able to take a better look at myself (both physically and mentally). I am married, work full time and have 3 boys ages 9, 11, and 17. My life was consumed with the chaos of life, sports, and being constantly on the go. What I found is I had let myself go within all of these things, making sure that everyone else was where they should be. Dinners became grab and go and my exercise became jumping into the car, driving or sitting in front of the TV. snacking. I had a reality check when the YMCA came in. My body fat and my weight were excessive and my numbers on the exercise activities were low. Throughout the school year, I was also going in to the doctor for blood pressure checks due to high blood pressure and discussing medication.

The grant provided us with 4 sessions with a personal trainer throughout the year and 2 months membership at the YMCA. I chose to take my membership during July and August (during my summer vacation). I met with my trainer shortly after the physical testing and knew I had to change my lifestyle. I have lost weight in the past but tend to gain it back in full force. My trainer gave an exercise regimen to do at home, until my membership in July became effective. We also discussed realistic goals and checked in with me, making me accountable. With the combination of working out at home and our weekly exercise class after school I lost 5 pounds. I also began watching what I ate and looking at labels. In July I met with my trainer again at the gym. She showed me how to use the machines and gave me a written workout regimen. During this time, my 9 and 11 year old began coming to gym with me and participating in Jr. Fitness while I worked out. They also took swim lessons for the first time and became great swimmers (better than me

During July and August, I lost 12 more pounds and I am now a member at the YMCA. To date I am about a half a pound away from losing 20 pounds and continue to work out 4-6 times a week. I feel much healthier and knock on wood have not been sick since June of last year. My doctor is extremely happy with my blood pressure as it is now where it should be for my age. I have made new discoveries in my closet, finding clothes that I have not been able to get into in quite some time. The Goodwill became richer as I donated my much larger clothes to them. I have learned taking care of myself is an inside job and I am responsible for my own actions. Each day I learn something new about myself and my capabilities. I may be a teacher but continue to be a student. Thank you for this opportunity to better myself and become a much healthier person. Only in this way am I able to teach my family a healthier way of life.