In the third month of the year, those New Year's resolutions can drop by the wayside. But for a group of 20 employees at the Fleet Planning and Delivery Section, healthy lifestyles is firmly back on the agenda thanks to a new competition that teaches a holistic way to health.
The 100 Day Health Challenge, which commenced on 30 January, is teaching participants the real way to make healthy changes to their lifestyles with tailored advice and support from corporate health provider, BodySmart.
Each participant began the Challenge with an initial health assessment, which consisted of measuring blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, diet and assessing lifestyle habits. They then set a goal for making healthy changes, ranging from losing weight and toning up, to giving up smoking and spending more time with family. With the insights gained from their initial health assessment, the participants are supported with weekly information sessions on nutrition, training and injury management. As well as weekly fruit deliveries to the office, the department participates in a joint exercise session conducted by a training consultant.
Course participant, Caragh McGuirk says that having team support to motivate you has been the key to making changes.
"I definitely have been exercising a lot more since the Challenge began. Just having that group support helps motivate you and guide your progress and having someone monitor your weight and measurement is a really good incentive," she said.
The 100 Day Challenge continues until May 9 2008. At the conclusion of the competition, three lucky winners with the best results will win lifestyle or sporting vouchers. For information on the structure of the Challenge, please contact the section HSE Superintendent, Brian Lee.
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