The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Worksite Wellness Coalition
The Madison County Rural Health Council convened employers from Madison County for the third Worksite Wellness Coalition meeting at Morrisville State College on Oct. 25.
This meeting continued to support the effort of addressing the Community Health Assessment NYS Prevention Agenda Priorities of a) improving the rate of Colorectal Cancer screening in adults 50-75 years old and b) improving the rate of healthy weight adults in Madison County through employee wellness programs.
Wendy Hunt, from Cancer Services of Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties, spoke about the importance of colorectal cancer screening for adults. The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable reports that with men and women combined, colorectal cancer is the secondmost common cause of cancer in the United States. It can be prevented through screening and early detection. Employers were encouraged to take the 80 Percent by 2018 Pledge for Colorectal Cancer Screening. For more information go to: nccrt.org/ what-we- do/80-percentby-2018/
Eric Faisst, director of the Madison County Department of Health, spoke to the group about the Healthy Workplaces in Madison County Profile. The overarching goal is to “create and sustain social and physical environments that are accessible; that support health, safety, and quality of life; and that promote health behaviors for individuals at each stage of life.” Visit the Madison County website at www. madisoncounty. ny. gov/ documentcenter/view/3061 to read the Healthy Workplaces in Madison County Profile.
Health and Wellness Consultant Pat Salzer, from Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield shared information on how to address and manage stress at home and in the workplace. The American Institute of Stress reports that 80 percent of workers feel job-related stress; nearly half say they need help in learning to manage it.
Kate Bryant, lifestyle coach and owner of Simply Mindful Wellness, shared the evidence-based program Active Living Every Day (ALED), which teaches participants the skills needed to become and stay physically active.
The meeting also recognized the awardees of a worksite wellness grant offered to employers in- volved in the Madison County Worksite Wellness Coalition. Morrisville State College, The ARC of Madison Cortland and Oneida Molded Plastics received grants in recognition of their innovative ideas to improve the health and wellness of their employees. Ideas included an under desk cycle, a chance to win a CSA share after completing wellness screenings and wellness lunches using the expertise of Morrisville State College faculty.
The next Madison County Worksite Coalition meeting will be held in spring 2018.
For more information on Active Living Every Day or to join efforts to improve the health of Madison County residents, contact Madison County Rural Health Council at (315) 400-7331 or henry.s@mcruralhealthcouncil.org.