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Home My WebLink AboutCSD-05-04 , Clw:mgton 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; ~ Reviewed bf;,. )z..e~_jU2._-t-....{7."L Franklin Wu Chief Administrative Officer JPC/BT/EB/SM/jm 1004 REPORT NO.: CSD-05-04 PAGE 2 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 1005 REPORT NO.: CSD-05-04 PAGE 3 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. 1006 REPORT NO.: CSD-05-04 PAGE 4 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 1007