HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-05-04
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REPORT
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Date:
General Purpose and Administration Committee
March 29, 2004 Resolution #:bfl-l "l'6:j-OIj
(Y1DA
Meeting:
Report #: CSD-05-04
File#:
By-law #:
Subject:
Durham Lives! Physical Activities - Corporate Wellness Program
Recommendations:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report CSD-05-04 be received for information;
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Reviewed bf;,. )z..e~_jU2._-t-....{7."L
Franklin Wu
Chief Administrative Officer
JPC/BT/EB/SM/jm
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REPORT NO.: CSD-05-04
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1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1 For the past two years, the Community Services Department has been involved
with the provincially funded, Durham Lives! Physical Activity working group. The
working group consists of representation from the Region of Durham Health
Department, Town of Ajax, City of Oshawa, City of Pickering, Town of Whitby, as
well as our own Municipality of Clarington. As an extension of our own fitness
services, the group's mandate is to provide an awareness of physical activity and
fitness as well as promote the opportunity for all to exercise in community
facilities.
1.2 I n response to the growing trend in health and well ness, one of Durham Lives!
initiatives this year is to focus on the development of Corporate Wellness
Programs for employers in all sectors. The purpose of the program is to raise
awareness among employers and employees, of the need for physical activities
and the services and programs offered in our own facilities. A Corporate
Wellness Program, through education and distribution of employee packages
enable the development of closer working relationships between all levels of staff.
As well as healthy lifestyles for the employee, benefits may also include increased
on-the-job productivity, reduced absenteeism and reduced stress that affect both
the employee and employer alike.
1.3 As a proactive initiative towards improving our own employees' health and
wellness, the Community Services Department is pleased to offer this program
and services to Municipal staff and Members of Council. Accordingly we are
announcing the third annual Courtice Fitness Training Facility Challenge
(Challenge '04) beginning April 5th, 2004.
1.4 In previous years (2002 and 2003), the fitness challenge has been open to all
fitness members. However, Challenge '04 is solely available to Municipal staff
and Members of Council as an employee wellness initiative. Staff and Council will
be provided with an opportunity and incentives to enjoy this unique fitness
challenge, in an effort to induce a long-term healthy and active lifestyle for all
participants.
1.5 Certified trainers at the Courtice Community Complex will follow participants
through a 12-week challenge dedicated to achieving individual fitness and
wellness goals.
2.0 COMMENTS
2.1 The challenge is open to all Municipal staff and Council with an active fitness
membership. Participants will enjoy a personal introduction to each fitness
component throughout the 12-week challenge. Group sessions (maximum of
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REPORT NO.: CSD-05-04
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three participants) will be held four times weekly to introduce both beginners and
intermediates to the scheduled components. Three personal training sessions will
otherwise be available each week for to those individuals whose schedules do not
coincide with the group sessions offered. The 12-week challenge involves a
progressive introduction to 3 fitness-training components. This progressive
approach will encourage participants to adopt a long-term commitment towards a
healthier lifestyle. The challenge focuses on individual training components
based on the following schedule:
a) Weeks 1 to 3 are dedicated physical assessment, goal setting and
building cardiovascular fitness
b) Weeks 4 to 7 involve the introduction of weight
c) Weeks 8 to 12 incorporate both strength and cardiovascular components
to develop a personal fitness program
2.2 As an additional incentive for participation, wellness and nutritional counselling will
be available. Throughout the challenge, designated personal trainers will be
available to provide this service.
2.3 To ensure that participant enthusiasm and success is maintained, each participant
will receive weekly email fitness tips. The tips will provide advice on exercise,
lifestyle management, nutrition and recipes.
2.4 Free 'Lunch and Learn' workshops will be held on March 31st at Town Hall, to
introduce Challenge '04 to interested Municipal staff and Council. The workshops
will provide details of the challenge, as well as create enthusiasm and motivation
for registration.
2.5 Opportunities for registration will follow the 'Lunch and Learn' workshops.
Registration will be available after March 31st through the Eazy Reg touchtone
system. A fee of $30 for each registrant will be charged to cover expenses of the
program.
2.6 Upon registration, each Municipal participant will receive his or her Challenge '04
incentive package. Included in the package will be the following:
. Certificate for 3 personal training or group training sessions
. Open invitation for basic wellness and nutrition guidance
. Journal for recording goals, food, exercise log etc.
. 'Walk this Way' record and erase board
. Health Canada brochures and guides
. Various product samples
. Detailed Fitness Challenge 2004 information and tools
2.7 Additional promotions for Challenge '04 will include in-house signage, the
municipality's intranet site, pay stub notices and internal facility bulletin boards.
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REPORT NO.: CSD-05-04
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3.0 Conclusion
3.1 In an effort to encourage long term lifestyle changes beyond the 12 week Fitness
Challenge, this year's challenge will be evaluated based on participants' individual
dedication to health and wellness. Evaluation will involve a weighted
consideration of blood pressure assessments, journal reviews and a point system
tally. To illustrate the importance of this wellness approach to evaluation, the
criteria is listed below:
. Blood pressure assessments at the beginning and end of the challenge
indicate measurable physical fitness improvements based on heart health
efficiency
. Journal reviews encourage participants to set and track personal goals,
workouts and improvements, but also reveal their dedication to the program
. Points awarded for each visit to the fitness facility promote a scheduled
workout plan for long term results
3.2 The top three most improved Municipal staff or Council members, in all areas of
evaluation, will win one of three large prizes available. Top prizes and various
smaller prize incentives will be announced during the 'Lunch and Learn' on March
31st, 2004.
3.3 In collaboration with the Durham Lives! Corporate Wellness initiative, the
Community Services Department of the Municipality of Clarington, encourages
our staff to get active and involved in Challenge '04!
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1c 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-5506
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