Worksite Wellness
HEAL Schuyler and Schuyler County Public Health Department can offer help with developing your worksite wellness program
Contact Schuyler County Public Health, Elizabeth Watson
Resources for Worksite Wellness Programs
More information on worksite wellness programs from
Contact Schuyler County Public Health, Elizabeth Watson
Resources for Worksite Wellness Programs
More information on worksite wellness programs from
Current News from Schuyler County's Worksite Wellness Programs
Press Releases for 2014
June 5, 2015
Schuyler Hospital’s 9th Annual Schuyler Steps Out Program Wraps Up with New Champion
Schuyler Hospital has wrapped up its ninth annual Schuyler Steps Out community walking challenge, with a new winner – the Rainbow Chasers Club, based in Watkins Glen.
The team has been a tough competitor in the program since 2011. This year, with 15 walkers, they totaled 13.5 million total steps over the course of the 8-week program. They averaged 16,166 steps per person per day. The “Rainbow Warriors” team increased their total team steps from 680 thousand in week one, to 1.1 million in week eight – overtaking first place in week 5 and not looking back.
Coming in second place was the Schuyler County Humane Society / Watkins Glen Veterinary Hospital Team – who made a final week jump from 4th to finish just behind the Rainbow Chasers. The 19-20 member team averaged 12,602 steps per person per day. However, they increased their steps from an average of 24,752 per person per day in week 7 to 28,955 per person per day in week 8 to finish in second!
Past multi-year champion Lakewood Vineyards finished – once again - in third place, after leading in weeks 1 and 2.
Still to be named - Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Most Improved Awards – to be nominated by their teams.
In all, participating teams tallied 209.9 million total steps, or over 104.9 thousand miles – the equivalent of 4.2 trips around the Earth. An average of 282 people from 15 teams participated in the 8-week program, developed to get people up and active in the late winter and early spring.
The program is sponsored by Schuyler Hospital, Walmart, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
For more information on the Schuyler Steps Out program, contact Michelle Benjamin, Director of Community Relations at (607) 210-1950 or go to www.schuylerhospital.org
June 16, 2015
Losing Weight, Giving Money and Receiving Rewards!
Watkins Glen, NY—Mental Health Services and Public Health participated in a weight loss challenge for 12 weeks sponsored by Public Health. The program was modelled after Schuyler Hospital weight loss challenge. A total of 88 lbs was lost by participants. 11 participants initially paid $20 to participate in the program. The participants then had to pay a penalty for each pound that was gained from the previous week. The money then was entered into a pot, which was divided in half at the end of the 12 weeks. One half, which totaled over $100 was given to a charity of the staff’s choice. The charity of choice was Spirt of Schuyler, which provides financial assistant for Schuyler County resident in time of emergency. The other half of the money pot was then divided among the top three contestants (percent loss) and the person who lost the most weight (pounds). The weight loss challenge was in response to the Community Health Improvement Plan which focus is on reducing obesity in Schuyler County. Schuyler Hospital paved the way for weight loss challenges locally.
Weight loss challenges can be a great incentive for contestants to lose weight at work. Although, the goal of the weight loss challenge was to motivate contestants to choose a lifestyle that they could live forever.
Not all weight loss treatments work the same for each person. Effective weight loss programs are not a one size fits all diet and should have individualized nutritional, exercise and behavioral components. Some components to look out for when choosing a weight loss program include.
June 5, 2015
Schuyler Hospital’s 9th Annual Schuyler Steps Out Program Wraps Up with New Champion
Schuyler Hospital has wrapped up its ninth annual Schuyler Steps Out community walking challenge, with a new winner – the Rainbow Chasers Club, based in Watkins Glen.
The team has been a tough competitor in the program since 2011. This year, with 15 walkers, they totaled 13.5 million total steps over the course of the 8-week program. They averaged 16,166 steps per person per day. The “Rainbow Warriors” team increased their total team steps from 680 thousand in week one, to 1.1 million in week eight – overtaking first place in week 5 and not looking back.
Coming in second place was the Schuyler County Humane Society / Watkins Glen Veterinary Hospital Team – who made a final week jump from 4th to finish just behind the Rainbow Chasers. The 19-20 member team averaged 12,602 steps per person per day. However, they increased their steps from an average of 24,752 per person per day in week 7 to 28,955 per person per day in week 8 to finish in second!
Past multi-year champion Lakewood Vineyards finished – once again - in third place, after leading in weeks 1 and 2.
Still to be named - Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Most Improved Awards – to be nominated by their teams.
In all, participating teams tallied 209.9 million total steps, or over 104.9 thousand miles – the equivalent of 4.2 trips around the Earth. An average of 282 people from 15 teams participated in the 8-week program, developed to get people up and active in the late winter and early spring.
The program is sponsored by Schuyler Hospital, Walmart, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
For more information on the Schuyler Steps Out program, contact Michelle Benjamin, Director of Community Relations at (607) 210-1950 or go to www.schuylerhospital.org
June 16, 2015
Losing Weight, Giving Money and Receiving Rewards!
Watkins Glen, NY—Mental Health Services and Public Health participated in a weight loss challenge for 12 weeks sponsored by Public Health. The program was modelled after Schuyler Hospital weight loss challenge. A total of 88 lbs was lost by participants. 11 participants initially paid $20 to participate in the program. The participants then had to pay a penalty for each pound that was gained from the previous week. The money then was entered into a pot, which was divided in half at the end of the 12 weeks. One half, which totaled over $100 was given to a charity of the staff’s choice. The charity of choice was Spirt of Schuyler, which provides financial assistant for Schuyler County resident in time of emergency. The other half of the money pot was then divided among the top three contestants (percent loss) and the person who lost the most weight (pounds). The weight loss challenge was in response to the Community Health Improvement Plan which focus is on reducing obesity in Schuyler County. Schuyler Hospital paved the way for weight loss challenges locally.
Weight loss challenges can be a great incentive for contestants to lose weight at work. Although, the goal of the weight loss challenge was to motivate contestants to choose a lifestyle that they could live forever.
Not all weight loss treatments work the same for each person. Effective weight loss programs are not a one size fits all diet and should have individualized nutritional, exercise and behavioral components. Some components to look out for when choosing a weight loss program include.
- Nutritional advice is provided by a physician or registered dietitian
- Exercise is encouraged by physical activity is promoted at a gradual, rather than at an injury-inducing rapid pace.
- Reasonable weight-loss is set at a pace of 3 lbs per week at most and the program does not promise or imply dramatic rapid weight loss as an outcome.
- The program does not require large sums of money at the start or make clients sign contract for expensive long term program with the option of at least partial refunds
- The program does not promote diets <800 kcl daily, and if the diet contain <1200 kcal daily they are supervised by a physician
- The program does not require the use or purchase of any products, supplements vitamins or injections
- The program does not make outlandish claims such as “You will only lose fat” or “We can target problem areas”
- The program has an established maintenance program available
- The program provides you with statistics the included the percentage of clients who drop out, the average percentage of weight loss, and the average weight loss sustained following completion of their maintenance program.
Press Releases for 2014
Schuyler Hospital's 8th Annual Schuyler Steps Out Program Wraps Up with Repeat Champion
Schuyler Hospital has wrapped up its eighth annual Schuyler Steps Out community walking challenge, with Advanced Family Chiropractic of Montour Falls winning the Champion title for the second year in a row.
The team, consisting of just 3 walkers (and runners), totaled 3.8 million total steps over the course of the 8-week program (300,000 more than 2013). They averaged 21,717 steps per day (500 steps per day over their 2013 average) for each team member. The "Good Vertebrations" team increased their total team steps from 302 thousand in week one, to 614 thousand in week eight – overtaking first place in Week 6.
Coming in second place – for the second year in a row - was Watkins Glen Walmart, who held onto first place for weeks 3 through 5 in the 8-week program! This competition
was tight, as Walmart averaged 21,563 steps per person per day for each team member (an increase of 855 steps each)!
Past multi-year champion Lakewood Vineyards finished in third place, after jumping out into the lead for the first two weeks. Lakewood averaged 18,375 steps per person per day. They increased their total team steps from 942,515 per week to 1,028,202 at the end of the 8 weeks – finishing with the highest 1-week total for team steps.
Nominated by their teammates, three Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards were presented to: Brandy, Jen, Loretta M. and Roxy of the Walmart team, Diana Kreutzer of the Humane Society of Schuyler County team, and Brian, Crystal and Jessica of the Seneca View SNF2 team. All increased their steps week to week over the course of the program, and motivated and encouraged others on their teams.
Also nominated by his team, the Schuyler Steps Out Most Improved Award went to William Vaughn-Russell of the Seneca View team. Vaughn-Russell lost over 40 pounds during the
program, increased his steps fairly regularly, and averaged 112,096 steps per week. He was consistent, dedicated, and is still walking!
In all, participating teams tallied 255 million total steps, or over 127 thousand miles – the equivalent of 5.1 trips around the Earth. An average of 383 people from 21 teams participated in the 8-week program, developed to get people up and active in the late winter and early spring.
The program is sponsored by Schuyler Hospital, Walmart, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
For more information on the Schuyler Steps Out program, contact Michelle Benjamin, Director of Community Relations at (607) 210-1950 or go to www.schuylerhospital.org
Eat Smart and Move More at The Arc
As part of its Eat Smart Move More program, The Arc of Schuyler’s Health and Wellness committee is partnering with local organizations and individuals to coordinate trainings and other opportunities that focus on nutrition and physical activity. The program engages people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive supports through The Arc and employees.
More information on ARC of Schuyler's Program
Schuyler Hospital's Free Community Walking Program Kicking Off for 8th Year. Schuyler Steps Out – the free community walking program presented by Schuyler Hospital – is back for its 8th year, kicking off early next month.
Open to anyone who works or lives in Schuyler County, the program kicks off on Friday, March 7, 2014, with an opening celebration and information session. New features are being added to the kick-off, including blood pressure checks and optional weigh-ins.
Teams must register with the hospital by February 21, 2014, and team representatives should plan to attend the opening celebration.
While many teams are workplace-based, service clubs, churches, and even scouts can form teams. All that's required is walking daily for 8 weeks, logging steps walked with pedometers (provided), and reporting to the Hospital weekly. At the end of the 8-week program, awards are given for most team steps, most valuable
"players," and most improved.
"We continue to sponsor this program because our participants tell us that it gets them moving more and – most importantly – some have lost weight, reduced use of medications, and seen some major changes in their overall health," said Michelle Benjamin, Executive Director of Community Relations for Schuyler Hospital. "We hope to foster healthy changes that are long-lasting, far beyond this 8-week program."
The 2014 program will run March 10-May 14, 2014.
In 2013, 389 walkers on23 teams logged 274 million total steps, or 12 thousand miles – the equivalent of 5.4 trips around the Earth.
Schuyler Steps Out is a partnership between Schuyler Hospital, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and Wal-Mart.
For more information, or to sign up your team, contact Community Relations Executive Director, Michelle Benjamin at (607) 210-1950, fax (607) 210-1951, or emailbenjaminm@schuylerhospital.org
Schuyler Hospital's 8th Annual Schuyler Steps Out Program Wraps Up with Repeat Champion
Schuyler Hospital has wrapped up its eighth annual Schuyler Steps Out community walking challenge, with Advanced Family Chiropractic of Montour Falls winning the Champion title for the second year in a row.
The team, consisting of just 3 walkers (and runners), totaled 3.8 million total steps over the course of the 8-week program (300,000 more than 2013). They averaged 21,717 steps per day (500 steps per day over their 2013 average) for each team member. The "Good Vertebrations" team increased their total team steps from 302 thousand in week one, to 614 thousand in week eight – overtaking first place in Week 6.
Coming in second place – for the second year in a row - was Watkins Glen Walmart, who held onto first place for weeks 3 through 5 in the 8-week program! This competition
was tight, as Walmart averaged 21,563 steps per person per day for each team member (an increase of 855 steps each)!
Past multi-year champion Lakewood Vineyards finished in third place, after jumping out into the lead for the first two weeks. Lakewood averaged 18,375 steps per person per day. They increased their total team steps from 942,515 per week to 1,028,202 at the end of the 8 weeks – finishing with the highest 1-week total for team steps.
Nominated by their teammates, three Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards were presented to: Brandy, Jen, Loretta M. and Roxy of the Walmart team, Diana Kreutzer of the Humane Society of Schuyler County team, and Brian, Crystal and Jessica of the Seneca View SNF2 team. All increased their steps week to week over the course of the program, and motivated and encouraged others on their teams.
Also nominated by his team, the Schuyler Steps Out Most Improved Award went to William Vaughn-Russell of the Seneca View team. Vaughn-Russell lost over 40 pounds during the
program, increased his steps fairly regularly, and averaged 112,096 steps per week. He was consistent, dedicated, and is still walking!
In all, participating teams tallied 255 million total steps, or over 127 thousand miles – the equivalent of 5.1 trips around the Earth. An average of 383 people from 21 teams participated in the 8-week program, developed to get people up and active in the late winter and early spring.
The program is sponsored by Schuyler Hospital, Walmart, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
For more information on the Schuyler Steps Out program, contact Michelle Benjamin, Director of Community Relations at (607) 210-1950 or go to www.schuylerhospital.org
Eat Smart and Move More at The Arc
As part of its Eat Smart Move More program, The Arc of Schuyler’s Health and Wellness committee is partnering with local organizations and individuals to coordinate trainings and other opportunities that focus on nutrition and physical activity. The program engages people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive supports through The Arc and employees.
More information on ARC of Schuyler's Program
Schuyler Hospital's Free Community Walking Program Kicking Off for 8th Year. Schuyler Steps Out – the free community walking program presented by Schuyler Hospital – is back for its 8th year, kicking off early next month.
Open to anyone who works or lives in Schuyler County, the program kicks off on Friday, March 7, 2014, with an opening celebration and information session. New features are being added to the kick-off, including blood pressure checks and optional weigh-ins.
Teams must register with the hospital by February 21, 2014, and team representatives should plan to attend the opening celebration.
While many teams are workplace-based, service clubs, churches, and even scouts can form teams. All that's required is walking daily for 8 weeks, logging steps walked with pedometers (provided), and reporting to the Hospital weekly. At the end of the 8-week program, awards are given for most team steps, most valuable
"players," and most improved.
"We continue to sponsor this program because our participants tell us that it gets them moving more and – most importantly – some have lost weight, reduced use of medications, and seen some major changes in their overall health," said Michelle Benjamin, Executive Director of Community Relations for Schuyler Hospital. "We hope to foster healthy changes that are long-lasting, far beyond this 8-week program."
The 2014 program will run March 10-May 14, 2014.
In 2013, 389 walkers on23 teams logged 274 million total steps, or 12 thousand miles – the equivalent of 5.4 trips around the Earth.
Schuyler Steps Out is a partnership between Schuyler Hospital, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and Wal-Mart.
For more information, or to sign up your team, contact Community Relations Executive Director, Michelle Benjamin at (607) 210-1950, fax (607) 210-1951, or emailbenjaminm@schuylerhospital.org
Press Releases for 2013 Schuyler Hospital- Biggest Loser
The Biggest loser competition started in the spring of 2013. It starts out with a commitment letter and preset rules for weigh in and the process of the Biggest Loser Challenge. Every Monday, there is an email sent out with the percentage results and motivation with tips on how to lose weight and stay healthy. The results are posted in a local posting area. Mentors from previous challenges are available to help newcomers. Several ideas are shared on how to lose weight and what might work best for the individual.
Some examples of ideas shared include the following:
The Biggest loser competition started in the spring of 2013. It starts out with a commitment letter and preset rules for weigh in and the process of the Biggest Loser Challenge. Every Monday, there is an email sent out with the percentage results and motivation with tips on how to lose weight and stay healthy. The results are posted in a local posting area. Mentors from previous challenges are available to help newcomers. Several ideas are shared on how to lose weight and what might work best for the individual.
Some examples of ideas shared include the following:
- food diary
- counting calories
- drinking plenty of water
- exercising with a group or individually
- useful apps for your phones
- support groups
- understanding the need to lose weight to stay healthy.